(the photos are the confirmation email and my actual online account updated to note that a refund was due and the trip was in fact cancelled). They won't honor the agreement and refuse to refund our money. Special Offers | Overseas Adventure Travel In early November 2022 when we committed to this trip we bought the Allianz travel protection insurance policies and paid in full for the Base Adventure, Mediterranean Navigation, and Malta Pre-Trip Extension. Small groups of 20-25 travelers (average of 22)guaranteed. takes feedback from its customers very seriously. Ive said this before, and Ill say it again: If you can give your tour operator an opportunity to reschedule your trip, you should. Our notes indicate that you have been in contact with our customer service team subsequent to this review. New! It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. I was told an exception would be submitted and we'll hear back in a couple of days. In the summer time there are Friday music concerts on the deck of the museum. Bumped us off a small ship two weeks before travel. O.A.T. Land Adventures New! The Foundation is an entity of the Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $200 million since 1981. However, on April 10 the CDC issued a no sail order for cruise ships for 100 days. But then it changes its mind. We are sorry for your experience with us at the recent traveler event. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. At the time, the firm's Terms & Conditions plainly stated that we could cancel with only a $300 fee for a full refund.Along comes COVID19 and we decide that it is jut too dangerous to travel in September 2020 and we called their office to request our full refund minus the cancellation fee (this is in April of 2020 as whole European countries are closing their borders to international travelers, 5 months in advance of trip). I have traveled nine times with Overseas Adventure Travel. My experience was exactly as expressed by others ~ trip was canceled by OAT and I received an email with three options, the last one being a full refund in May. The company's line of business includes arranging and assembling tours for sale through travel agents. I was prepared to take a $600 penalty for cancelling my trip but then the O.A.T. 2020 was a total disaster! O.A.T. Two weeks later they changed their mind and said no refunds and booked us on a trip for May 2021 without even asking us. I have always enjoyed the trip itself and the tour leaders, but the ethics and trustworthiness of the company are very questionable. . How can I find out more about Overseas Adventure Travels financial stability? As you can see in reviews they put in writing people will get full refunds, then changed their minds and refused. Has anyone else had the experience with OAT that your invoice includes trip insurance that you said several times you did not want? A link has directed you to this review. Alternatively, you could have filed a case in small claims court, although you would have had to limit your . Thank you for your review. June 8, 2023 by Richard Connolly Overseas adventure travel has become a popular type of tourism in recent years. [as per the terms of agreement which we signed]. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Yet, that is exactly what they are trying to do. in 1993, the company's focus became educational and experiential excellence. Overseas Adventure Travel (Boston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. OAT made round trip travel arrangements from Virginia to Thailand. We encourage travelers to make their most of their international airfare and maximize their discoveries. However, it is always a good idea to research any travel company thoroughly before booking with them. I still stand by my review of recommending traveling with another company. When pressed through countless phone calls and letters it has reacted defensively and has made no effort to mollify this long-term traveler who by any definition would be considered a loyal customer. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. - NEW ZEALAND POST TRIP. Twelve days before our scheduled departure and during one of our last calls, an OAT travel rep told us that "even with an expedited processing request, not enough time remained for us to get our Algeria visas from PVS International before our departure." Sandy Hain, Palo Alto, California. If that doesnt work, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts attorney general or with me. Terms & Conditions explicitly state - Section 1, Number 8 subpart A - that refunds will be made within 30 DAYS. I along many others have filed complaints against O.A.T. Picture it. Customer service turned things around an made it appear this was company policy and they were doing me a favor by refunding my money after the stated date. We originally scheduled for April of 2020. New York City, New York. Sure glad we get along as this cabin gets smaller every hour! This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Like so many others, I had a trip planned for my husband and I (leaving April 21, 2020) for Japan. Sign in | Overseas Adventure Travel We're sorry to learn of your experience with us. takes its responsibilities to its customers very seriously - especially to loyal travelers such as yourself. Where's the $10,954 travel insurance check for my canceled Overseas Less than a month before the trip is scheduled to depart, the travelers are informed that there has been a mistake and the trip is actually over-booked. I checked these same reviews for Gate 1, the company I usually travel with! OAT tours are pricier than some other companies tours. We appreciate this detail in planning. takes its responsibilities to its customers very seriously. Updated: 08/15/2023. We like them because we believe they treat their guides well, they focus more than some tours on educational, culture, and there is always a local family experience included. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. They offer credit or refunds. The O.A.T. I would not go given that I could not get a room, yet, they called me several months later asking me to reconsider and they would give me a single room, because now they had availability (due to not filling their trip with couples).My trip to Indonesia was cancelled 3 wks. I called the company to request a full refund for our September Morocco tour just a few minutes ago. They recently cancelled my trip to Mongolia in August 2020 and sent an email saying I could have a full refund (see email that says I can get full refund). Points of Interest & Landmarks Libraries, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Seaport District / South Boston Waterfront. I received a confirmed reservation for my wife and I to attend the meeting at a local hotel. I recommend sending a brief, polite email citing 940 Mass. to cancel a trip that my wife and I had planned and PAID FOR IN FULL ($11,738.60) to Spain and Portugal leaving on October 13, 2020. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. We were assured we would receive a refund ($2,999.). OAT's actual tours are great but, in recent years, their administration and customer service have become difficult to work through. I would not trust them ever again or use them. Great reviews and REFUNDS honored!, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos New! I had travel insurance yet it has taken 5 months to get reimbursed for both of our tickets. After acquiring Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) We are taking immediate steps to address the issues you encountered and to improve our customer service. They rebooked me for 2021, billed me for the 2021 trip, and totally ignored my payments for the same trip scheduled for 2020.. This happened on an African trip. We no longer offer it. O.A.T. Had we not accepted in a timely manner, or if they hadn't extended the offer the situation may be different.Additionally, I had paid for travelers insurance (totaling 2800). He told us we must now decide whether to accept an OAT voucher for future trip(s) or seek reimbursement of our cancellation fee through our Allianz Travel Protection Plan. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Overseas Adventure Travel? Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance: Which One Do You Need for Your Next Trip? OBTW. Our associates strive to bring people off the beaten . 1.8 184 reviews. They advertise free supplemental rooms. So we can no longer go. However, you can always reach out to the company directly and ask about their financial status. OAT's Travel Passenger Agreement, which I had to electronically sign as having read and accepted in order to book our reservation in June, 2019, clearly states that, in the event that OAT cancels a trip, we are entitled to a refund if we so desire. Ethiopia: Cultural Discoveries in an Ancient Land New! DO NOT PLAN A TRIP with this company. An Overseas Adventure Travel representative said that the trip was going to be canceled. I called to explain the situation. I mentioned this to the representative and her response was "I am NOT a lawyer". I was told this would be OK. Overseas Adventure Travel 607 Reviews #154 of 451 things to do in Boston Traveler Resources, Visitor Centers 347 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210-1222 Save Review Highlights "Avoid Atlas Voyages " christinerd Houston, Texas "Wonderful Iceland trip once we got started on trip" The trip was fantastic. The change benefits OAT. 18 March 2023. Restaurants near Overseas Adventure Travel: Overseas Adventure Travel, Boston: Address, Phone Number, Overseas Adventure Travel Reviews: 3/5. may be having a cash flow problem but I am NOT their bank. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is a huge trip that required a great deal of planning and organization for us which now, even if we can go another time, doesn't seem like our entire group will be available to go together. THIS IS A LOAN SOLICITATION ONLY. Any advice or efforts on your part are greatly appreciated. That was it. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwideamong them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We take great pride in providing exceptional service to our customers, and it is clear we did not meet your expectations. Save. We value your privacy. ?When you call you can only speak to a customer service rep who simply says that "We've changed our policy." My husband and I have travelled with them for 10 years and have always loved everything about them. I still have the email which says I have a full refund coming to me so now I Need to go to a lawyer. Companies like OAT are struggling amid a difficult pandemic. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Since a purchase policy at the time of purchase is a "contract", subsequent change is illegal.I wish to hire a lawyer or join a class action lawsuit against this company. Adventure travel with OAT is a journey beyond the familiar, one that takes you into the very heart of a destinationto meet people where they work and live. My jury is out on whether we will travel with this company again. How to get a full refund from OAT for the trip they canceled because of COVID-19, Rescinded Refund for Trip Grand Circle Canceled. AnswerThePublic listens into autocomplete data from search engines like Google then quickly cranks out every useful phrase and question people are asking around overseas adventure travel on 01 Apr. I have traveled with this company before and was very pleased. From trekking through the jungles of South America to climbing mountains in Nepal, theres no shortage of exciting and adventurous destinations to choose from. When I called to inquire about my refund of $22,688. We ask for patience as we navigate the time-consuming process of dealing with traveler issues fairly and equitably in the midst of the current pandemic. Our records indicate that you have been in contact with our customer service team subsequentto this review. Unsubscribe easily. Mar 06, 2023 10min Plan your trip Travel tips Many people are afraid to take a little longer step, but come on! is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. Overseas adventure travel can be expensive, and its important to consider the financial implications before booking a trip. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Please contact us atrequest@oattravel.com so that we may review your situation. Three weeks later we received our settlement from OAT - a limited time voucher, not a refund check as we were told (?). I'm not sure that all credit cards work the same way, but it's worth a try. Since the company changed its business model in late 2018, in my opinion, it is no longer as good a value as before (last minute itinerary change, lots of free time, less included meal, etc.). I contacted OAT late last year and again asked for a refund. The Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos New! I verified the refund was in process multiple times (5), though the processing time it would take started out at 7-10 days, then 2-3 weeks, then 1-2 months, then 2-3 months, then "several more weeks" due to how busy they were. OAT's Travel Passenger Agreement, which I had to electronically sign as having read and accepted in order to book our reservation in June, 2019, clearly states that, in the event that OAT cancels a trip, we are entitled to a refund if we so desire. Relying on 940 Mass. Based on the conversation, October 8, we decided to go ahead and book it. Please contact us at request@oattravel.com so that we may review your situation. Original Review: Consumer Affairs Review of Overseas Adventure Travel. My experience was exactly as expressed by others ~ trip was canceled by OAT and I received an email with three options, the last one being a full refund in May. They canceled due to corona! What restaurants are near Overseas Adventure Travel? Unsubscribe easily. Cancelled a while ago, they held back $300 per person. OAT's ships are in Europe and Abroad but if they follow the U.S. CDC guidelines none of their small ship adventures should rightly depart until after the 100 day order. Please contact us atrequest@oattravel.com so that we may review your situation. Travel Trouble: A $30K Overseas Adventure Travel refund goes awol Why not two weeks earlier so my wife and I could be sailing aboard the M/V Corinthian and we could thank Gail of Laguna Beach in person for leading the way for two positive outcomes to the same OAT-based problem. We still haven't received a call back from an OAT Travel supervisor or anyone else at OAT who might be interested in helping us negotiate through this unfortunate, but demonstrably resolvable, situation. I had reservation for Peru/Amazon in March 23, 2023. We ask for patience as we navigate the time-consuming process of dealing with traveler issues fairly and equitably in the midst of the current pandemic. takes feedback from its customers very seriously. People are looking to get out of their comfort zones, explore new places, and challenge themselves physically and mentally. They have lost us after traveling with them 7 previous times. Is there a fitness center? But before May 1, we asked about a refund, and a representative told us that was no longer an option. Yes. I had received a couple of emails from Allianz saying that my insurance was being refunded, and I need to get it back via OAT. Today I called O.A.T. A: Youre absolutely correct that the Massachusetts Travel Seller law (940 Mass. The final straw was signing up for a Costa Rica trip for June 2020 and being offered a full refund to get me to sign up in case of cancellation. It started off badly when no one met us at Heathrow Airport and the local Viking telephone numbers were non working numbers. Cancellations | FAQ | Overseas Adventure Travel OAT has been a fantastic company for the past two tours we have taken with them, but now I am worried our $9,864 they agreed to refund will disappear. After Overseas Adventure Travel cancels Sandy Hains Morocco tour, it offers a credit. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial . At this time I do not want to make travel plans to Morocco or anywhere else. With the BBB in Massachusetts - I hope this issue can be resolved at this level. Slippery slope - Review of Overseas Adventure Travel, Boston, MA However, I would highly recommend choosing a different company with more integrity and higher standards. Is it safe to book travel with Overseas Adventure Travel? Are there PCs available for use by passengers? Ive made several requests to OAT, requesting an extension of the credit expiration date to the end of 2024. If you are already an adventurer by nature why not go a little more adventurous? Recommended experiences in and around Boston, Piers & Boardwalks, Historic Walking Areas. For OAT to renege on their CONTRACT agreement of a refund to me is unethical. Can Overseas Adventure Travel change its mind about giving me a refund In our case, because we had been offered and we HAD ACCEPTED a full refund, it is totally illegal for them to change the conditions. These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. So, select something from among our other offerings. This is an expensive trip. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. During the trip, travelers are prioritized in order of most traveled with OAT. Less meals were included and more free time implemented, another cost saving measure for OAT. So, select something from among our other offerings. My experience was exactly as expressed by others ~ trip was canceled by OAT and I received an email with three options, the last one being a full refund in May. They had already cancelled January and February trip. If this is not illegal, it should be. Similarly, when we were within several weeks of our 4 March 23 departure, we had not received the OAT visa packet which contained all the information and forms for us to submit to PVS International for the visas required for the two Algeria stopovers. Our longest phone calls, sometimes lasting an hour or more, come while their travel department puts together complicated flight itineraries. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. We sent a down payment, then after consideration the next day, decided to cancel. O.A.T. But they are rebuilding with highly trained and dedicated employees. I recently read that Overseas Adventure Travel was required to honor my request for a refund under Massachusetts law. 15.06, I filed online complaints with the Better Business Bureau on April 8 and the Massachusetts Attorney General on April 13. OverseasAdvTravel, Manager at Overseas Adventure Travel, responded to this review. In November 22 we booked on the same OAT Valletta to Barcelona trip Gail and her travel mate are on and hopefully enjoying right now. YES they're agencies with a heart. Read our, I have traveled nine times with Overseas Adventure Travel. They keep stalling on cancellations for June trying to get people with deposits to pick other trips down the road. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Buyers beware! I got my refund thru the credit card company. We no longer offer it. We notified our program director that we would not accept such a room going forward and our rooms did improve, but we remained last for everything. OAT's actual tours are great but, in recent years, their administration and customer service have become difficult to work through. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Gary Walla Walla, WA Reviewed July 31, 2023 Customer Service Staff We had booked a safari with OAT for November 2022. Please accept our apologies for your experience with us. Then. My wife and I weren't nearly as fortunate as Gail of Laguna Beach. Updated on 04/23/2023: Mid-day 27 March we were notified by Allianz Global Assistance that our two travel protection claims had been approved for the refund amounts we requested. She advised us to wait for notification of this, because when the company cancels a trip, the customer is . Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Trip was $4,339. Adventure travel is a popular niche in the tourism industry, and its not hard to see why. Research your destination and determine the average cost of travel, accommodations, and activities. While the company tells us that they have invested in additional customer service representatives, it doesnt appear that they have yet resolved their ability to provide responsive client service. If anyone else is having a problem with getting a refund from Overseas Adventure Travel, I list the names, numbers and email addresses of its executives on my consumer advocacy website, Elliott.org. We ask for patience as we navigate the time-consuming process of dealing with traveler issues fairly and equitably in the midst of the current pandemic. I had booked and paid in full for a trip to Morocco for this past April with OAT. Booked a tour to Vietnam. Frustrated and disappointed, we went ahead and contacted PVS International directly. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. We know that the current pandemic is a trying situation, and we ask for patience while we work towards addressing each traveler's unique circumstances. Overseas Adventure Travel - Wikipedia O.A.T. I'm disappointed and surprised. HORRIBLE, BEWARE, BANKRUPTCY? - Review of Overseas Adventure Travel While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly impacted the travel industry as a whole, Overseas Adventure Travel appears to be weathering the storm. This issue has not been resolved and we are expecting more information soon, but I expect there to be recognition that we have been incredibly inconvenienced and disappointed by this turn of events and feel we should be compensated for more than simply the cost of the trip, especially if we can no longer go at all. On every trip we wonder out loud with our fellow travelers how OAT can consistently find such dedicated and professional guides. It is unfortunate that what started out as such a great company decades ago, has declined so much and become so untrustworthy. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. I told them on Feb 22nd of the flight details and they canceled the trip on Feb 23rd but did not tell us. I called back and this other reception was rude. But you always get professional empathetic tour guides. However, the company has a strong reputation in the industry and has a long track record of providing safe and enjoyable travel experiences for their clients. It's now 7 weeks later and haven't seen a credit.My tour in the mean time was cancelled and I had to rebook for a tour over a year away. Was told again 5-7 business days I would have a credit on my credit card. Adventure Travel with O.A.T. | Overseas Adventure Travel - The Leader The company representative offered us travel vouchers instead for any OAT booking in 2021 or 2022, without penalty, PLUS $500 credit for use of trip costs at that time.I thought this sounded kind of desperate on their part, so I said no, I wanted a full refund minus the $300/person cancellation fee. Traveler Resources, Visitor Centers. We asked for a refund over the phone for our deposit on March 20. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. They just decided to take it.The tour got canc. I am so disappointed in this company. Of couse, they didn't have the nerve to send that email to travellers. Overseas Adventure Travel - Company Profile and News Home Warranty disclosure for New Jersey Residents: The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer. 15.06 and requesting a refund within 30 days. For example, a trip to Antarctica. The Allianz rep verified the dollar amounts and said to contact OAT for the details of how and when we would receive the payment. We strive to provide exceptional service to our travelers, and we apologize for not meeting your expectations. We found out when we called about our next trip. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It seems the company strongly encouraged customers to accept a credit maybe a little too strongly. I had a stroke in Jan 18 2023. The Aegean Islands, Athens & Istanbul Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia & Montenegro French & Italian Rivieras: Marseille, Corsica, Elba & Rome Enhanced! As usual, our tour guide who was with us for the entire tour and 4 local guides were outstanding. We spoke on the phone and they followed up with a written confirmation via email. 2. I cannot imagine that OAT did not receive any refund from the trip that was cancelled from their own vendors given their years in the industry. In March, prior to March 23rd, I asked for a refund ($9799) for the canceled Japan trip. Reg. Small Ship Adventures New! Buyer beware. If anyone has suggestions on how to obtain a refund please email :shorelady416@gmail.com. This was a last resort to attempt getting a refund, and it worked! Reg. Around March 28, they changed their policy and will not give me a refund, only a voucher for a later date.
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