WanaGetAway
BackWanaGetAway, located at 3816 Industry Blvd Suite 300 in Lakeland, Florida, presents itself not as a conventional travel agency, but as a members-only vacation club. This distinction is fundamental for any potential customer to understand. The business model is centered on providing members access to wholesale travel pricing, a concept that promises significant savings by eliminating the markups and commissions typically found on public booking platforms. The company is an affiliate of RCI, a major name in the vacation exchange industry, which lends it a degree of credibility and access to a vast network of travel products. This structure caters to a specific type of traveler: one who journeys frequently enough to justify a membership fee in exchange for ongoing discounts.
The Membership Model: How It Works
Unlike a traditional agency where services are rendered on a per-trip basis, WanaGetAway requires enrollment into one of its membership tiers, such as the '365' or 'Platinum' levels. These memberships unlock access to a portfolio of travel services, including deeply discounted condominium resort weeks, hotels, cruises, car rentals, flights, and activities. The core value proposition is straightforward: pay an upfront fee to save money in the long run. The company emphasizes an 'Instant Value' concept, suggesting that the benefits included with enrollment, such as complimentary vacation weeks, can often exceed the initial cost of joining. This approach is designed to give new members confidence that they are getting immediate returns on their investment. Furthermore, the club offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, providing a window for new clients to assess the platform's value for themselves.
Positive Aspects and User Experiences
For those who align with its model, WanaGetAway has garnered positive feedback, albeit from a very small pool of public reviewers. The existing reviews are rated a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, painting a picture of a service that delivers on its promises of value and savings. One member, Linda Vu, described her experience as "10/10," noting that the website was user-friendly for finding savings for her annual family vacation and that she was spending less overall. This points to a key strength: for repeat travelers, the cumulative savings can be substantial.
Another user, Bry Horsley, highlighted a specific product that offers excellent value: the resort certificates. These certificates provide access to week-long stays in condominium-style accommodations, often for a flat, low rate. The review noted this was the "best value" as long as the available destinations and dates aligned with their travel plans. This suggests that flexibility is key to maximizing the benefits. Testimonials on the company's website echo these sentiments, with one member claiming to have saved over $900 on an all-inclusive resort trip to Cancun, and another detailing two separate week-long condo stays for under $350 each. The appeal lies in accessing resort booking options at prices significantly lower than what's available to the general public.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While the potential for savings is clear, prospective customers must weigh several important factors. The most significant is the scarcity of independent, third-party reviews. A perfect rating is encouraging, but when based on only a handful of public comments, it doesn't provide the comprehensive picture that a larger volume of feedback would. This lack of broad public validation means potential members are relying more heavily on the company's own marketing and the limited testimonials available. While the business holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, it is not BBB accredited.
Another practical consideration is the business's operating hours. The office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, which could be an inconvenience for individuals who prefer to handle their holiday planning and speak with a travel consultant outside of the standard work week. While the online portal is accessible 24/7, those who require agent-assisted bookings will need to do so between Monday and Friday.
The membership model itself can be a double-edged sword. It's ideal for frequent travelers but may not be cost-effective for someone who only takes an occasional trip. The value of the membership is directly proportional to how often it is used. Individuals must honestly assess their travel habits to determine if the upfront cost will be offset by future savings on vacation packages and other travel services.
Understanding the Service: Not a Traditional Planner
It is crucial to differentiate WanaGetAway from tour operators or agencies that specialize in creating bespoke custom itineraries from scratch. The service is primarily a booking platform that provides access to discounted inventory. While agent assistance is available, their role is more focused on facilitating bookings within the club's system rather than acting as a personal travel planner. Customers are expected to do their own research and have a good idea of their desired destinations and dates. This is a platform for the self-directed traveler looking for affordable travel deals, not for someone seeking comprehensive, personalized trip curation.
The emphasis on products like 'Resort Weeks' and the membership structure aligns WanaGetAway with the vacation club industry, which sometimes carries a stigma associated with high-pressure sales tactics and timeshares. However, there is no current evidence or reviews to suggest that WanaGetAway engages in such practices. Their website promotes a simple, no-hassle process to join, pause, or cancel a membership, positioning themselves as a more modern and customer-friendly alternative. Ultimately, WanaGetAway offers a compelling proposition for the right customer. Frequent travelers, particularly those who enjoy resort-style vacations and are comfortable with a membership-based service, may find significant value and cost savings. The positive user feedback on its easy-to-use platform and high-value resort certificates is a strong endorsement. However, the limited number of reviews and the membership-fee model require careful consideration. It is a specialized tool for securing travel deals, best suited for those who will use it enough to make the investment worthwhile.
