Premium Destinations

Located at 100 E Granada Blvd in Ormond Beach, Florida, Premium Destinations operates not as a conventional travel agency, but as a vacation membership club. This distinction is critical for any potential customer to understand from the outset. Instead of booking individual trips, clients are solicited to purchase a long-term membership that purportedly provides access to discounted travel opportunities. However, a deep dive into customer feedback and public records reveals a highly polarized experience, centered around an aggressive sales model and significant difficulties in utilizing the membership benefits as promised.

The business model, which is a distributorship for Global Connections Inc.'s "Global Discovery Vacations" travel club, relies on attracting potential members through aggressive marketing. Tactics reported by numerous individuals include unsolicited phone calls, mailers, and even direct approaches on the beach, all offering complimentary gifts or stays in exchange for attending a 90-minute sales presentation. It is during this presentation that the core of the company's controversy arises.

The High-Pressure Sales Environment

A recurring and dominant theme in customer complaints is the high-pressure sales environment. Multiple accounts describe a process where prospective buyers are pushed to make an immediate decision on a membership costing thousands of dollars. One former attendee noted that initial costs can range from $7,000 to $9,000, often presented with a "today only" discount to create a sense of urgency. This is supplemented by an annual fee, reported to be around $398, which is required to maintain the membership. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), which does not accredit Premium Destinations, has records of complaints that echo these experiences, citing high-pressure sales for a "wholesale vacation club membership" that ultimately failed to deliver on its promises.

Another significant point of contention is the lack of transparency and opportunity for due diligence. One review detailed how the cancellation period—a mere three days—is allegedly not mentioned during the sales pitch. Furthermore, potential buyers are reportedly not allowed to leave with the contract to review it at their own pace, a tactic that prevents consultation with legal or financial advisors. This creates a scenario where a substantial financial commitment is made under duress and without full comprehension of the fine print, where crucial policy information is located.

Membership Utility: A Tale of Two Experiences

Once a membership is purchased, the customer experience diverges sharply, though negative reports significantly outnumber the positive ones, contributing to the business's low overall rating.

The Positive Outlook

There are members who report satisfaction with their purchase. One positive review strongly defends the company, suggesting that negative feedback comes from individuals who were only interested in the free promotional gifts. This member describes their experience as "GREAT," praising the staff for being friendly, helpful, and thorough in their explanations. This perspective suggests that for customers who fully buy into the program and learn to navigate its systems, there is value to be found. The sentiment is that if one pays close attention and has the right expectations, the membership can lead to enjoyable vacations.

Widespread Reports of Dissatisfaction

Unfortunately, the bulk of available feedback paints a different picture. The most critical issue reported by dissatisfied members is the chronic lack of availability for desired vacation packages. Members claim that when they attempt to book trips, especially to popular destinations or during peak seasons, the promised deals are often "not available." Some have been told that reservations are required as far as nine months in advance, a level of inflexibility that does not suit many travelers' needs.

This isn't just an initial problem; it appears to be a persistent one. A long-term member shared that even after spending additional money to upgrade their membership—not once, but twice—the fundamental issue of poor inventory and availability remained. They described the program as a "terrible" and "very poor use of my money" for anyone who isn't retired with unlimited flexibility to plan far ahead for whatever destinations happen to be available. This experience directly contradicts the idea of a premium service offering a wide array of travel deals.

Complaints filed with the BBB reinforce these issues, with one member stating that after numerous attempts to book a vacation, they found nothing available or that the prices were the same as those on public websites like Kayak, leading them to believe it was a "high price scam." This undermines the core value proposition of the club, which is to provide access to travel at prices lower than what is available to the general public.

Customer Service and Company Policies

Beyond the sales tactics and booking issues, customer service has also been a source of frustration. Several individuals reported being treated rudely when they raised issues or decided not to purchase a membership. One prospective customer described an instance where, after being invited back for a second presentation, they were abruptly called and told they were not allowed to attend, even after explaining they were now seriously interested in purchasing. This inconsistency and poor communication have led to accusations that the company is dishonest and operates in bad faith.

The company's policies, particularly regarding cancellations and refunds, are also a major concern. The short three-day cancellation window, combined with the pressure to sign on the spot, leaves little recourse for those who have second thoughts. One of the most troubling accounts involves a member who is still receiving collection calls four years after their initial interaction, highlighting the company's aggressive and persistent follow-up, even in the face of profound customer dissatisfaction.

Final Considerations for Potential Customers

Premium Destinations is not a service for the casual traveler looking for simple travel planning or help with booking flights and hotels. It is a significant, long-term financial investment into a vacation club system that demands extreme flexibility and advance planning. While a small number of users report positive outcomes, the overwhelming weight of public feedback points to a business model fraught with high-pressure sales, a lack of transparency, and severe limitations on the usability of its core product.

Anyone considering their offer should proceed with extreme caution. It is essential to resist the "today only" pressure, demand to take the contract home for review, and independently verify the availability and cost of the types of trips you would want to take. The evidence suggests that the promised savings on all-inclusive resorts and cruise deals may not materialize, and the upfront cost is a substantial gamble. The business operates Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.