Great Destinations Inc.
BackBased in Lake Forest, California, Great Destinations Inc. operates as a travel agency offering membership to a vacation club. The company's proposition revolves around providing access to affordable travel options for its members. However, a deep dive into customer feedback and public records reveals a significant disconnect between the company's promises and the experiences of many of its clients. With an exceptionally low overall rating based on numerous reviews, a pattern of serious concerns emerges that any potential customer should carefully consider before engaging with this firm.
The Business Model: A Closer Look at the Offering
Great Destinations Inc. markets itself as an exclusive club providing members with superior travel deals compared to what is available to the general public. The entry point for most customers is an invitation to a "seminar" or "presentation," often incentivized with the promise of a free gift, such as a cruise or airline tickets. During these 90-minute-plus sessions, sales representatives present the benefits of membership, which ostensibly include access to a wide portfolio of resorts and discounted vacation packages. The model is similar to that of a timeshare, although the company may avoid that specific terminology. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), where the company is not accredited, explicitly categorizes their business as "Vacation Timeshare". This classification is critical, as the timeshare industry is widely known for specific sales tactics and long-term financial commitments that are not always transparent.
The Sales Presentation: A High-Pressure Environment
A recurring and dominant theme in customer complaints is the nature of the sales presentations. Multiple clients have described the atmosphere as intensely pressuring. One former attendee detailed an experience with "more salespeople than we could keep track of trying to sell us a vacation package," comparing them to "vultures circling their prey." This sentiment is echoed by others who felt they needed to make a purchase simply to be allowed to leave the room. Reports indicate that the initial 90-minute presentation is often followed by an extended, high-stakes negotiation. One couple noted that after the presentation, it took an additional 45 minutes of firm refusal just to communicate that they needed time to think, not even to issue a final "no." This tactic of discouraging deliberation is a significant red flag, as any legitimate financial decision, especially one involving thousands of dollars, should allow for due diligence and research.
Financial Implications: Unpacking the True Cost
The financial commitment required for a Great Destinations Inc. membership appears to be a major source of regret for many buyers. The upfront costs are substantial, with one customer citing a $5,000 fee to join the club. This initial investment is further compounded by annual maintenance fees, reported to be around $200 per year, which clients claim can increase over time. The core issue raised by dissatisfied members is that the promised savings are illusory. Several individuals have stated that they can find and book the exact same trips on their own for thousands of dollars less than the prices offered through the club. One reviewer bluntly advised others to use mainstream travel websites instead, calling the membership "legal robbery." Further complicating the financial picture are concerns about the contracts themselves. A client reported that upon reviewing their paperwork at home, they discovered two different interest rates listed, creating confusion about the true terms of their agreement. They also alleged that crucial details like interest rates and maintenance fees were not explained during the signing process, highlighting a severe lack of transparency.
The "Free" Incentives: A Deceptive Gateway
The promotional gifts used to lure potential customers into presentations are another area of significant complaint. The "free" cruise, a commonly offered incentive, is frequently described as anything but free. One family calculated that to use their supposedly complimentary cruise, they would have to pay approximately $1,000 in taxes and fees. This figure did not include the necessary airfare or the cost of upgrading their room to accommodate their children, making the "deal" far less attractive than advertised. Another couple's plans for a 10-year anniversary trip were ruined when they discovered their cruise voucher had an expiration date buried in the fine print, which they had missed. This practice suggests that these incentives are not genuine rewards but rather carefully designed tools to get people into a high-pressure sales environment, with terms and conditions that diminish their value significantly.
Product Quality and Customer Service Failures
Beyond the problematic sales process and questionable financials, customers have also expressed deep dissatisfaction with the quality of the service itself. A primary complaint is that the resorts and travel options available through the club do not live up to the promises made during the presentation. One long-term member, who joined in 2006, noted that the quality of available resorts was not as advertised and that maintenance fees continually increased without a corresponding improvement in service. This indicates a potential bait-and-switch, where the portfolio of all-inclusive resorts and luxury destinations showcased during the sales pitch is not representative of what is actually accessible to members.
When issues arise, the post-sale support appears to be severely lacking. The same long-term member mentioned sending numerous letters to the corporate office to resolve issues, only to receive zero response. This lack of communication is also evident in complaints filed with the BBB, where customers report that their requests to cancel or inquire about their accounts are met with resistance and silence. This suggests a business focus that is heavily skewed towards acquisition, with little to no infrastructure or willingness to support existing clients or address their grievances.
Final Assessment for Prospective Travelers
In the field of holiday planning and travel services, trust and transparency are paramount. The information available for Great Destinations Inc. paints a troubling picture that stands in stark contrast to these values. The overwhelming consistency of negative reviews points to a systemic business model built on high-pressure sales, misleading financial promises, and a product that fails to deliver on its core value proposition. While the idea of a vacation club with exclusive travel deals is appealing, the evidence strongly suggests that this particular organization does not provide a reliable or cost-effective path to achieving those travel goals.
- Be Wary of High-Pressure Sales: Any reputable travel consultant should provide ample time and information for you to make a considered decision. The refusal to allow potential clients to "sleep on it" is a major warning sign.
- Scrutinize the True Costs: Before signing any contract, demand a clear and complete breakdown of all costs, including upfront fees, annual dues, potential fee increases, and interest rates. Compare the club's prices with those on public booking sites.
- Deconstruct the "Free" Offers: Understand that promotional gifts are marketing tools. Read all the fine print for hidden fees, taxes, and restrictive expiration dates before placing any value on them.
Ultimately, individuals considering Great Destinations Inc. should proceed with extreme caution. The volume of negative experiences suggests that the financial and emotional cost of membership is likely to far outweigh any perceived benefits. Independent booking travel remains a more transparent and, according to former members, a more affordable method for planning your journeys.
