In previous articles I have warned travelers about bogus travel agents. They are relative wanna be's in a professional world. Of those organizations promising you a travel agent are YTB, Traverus and Rovia.
These organizations ask one for an upfront fee to join a club promising amongst many things free or discounted travel. Also they promise people a "great rich quick" business. Nice, but it doesn't work. Especially since many cruise lines, tour operators and resorts will not accept reservations from these "organizations."
Today California has now sanctioned YTB (Your Travel Biz). They have been barred from issuing travel "credentials" in California and also must pay restitution and penalties in the amount of 1million dollars.
According to California state Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr, "the agreement will "stop the deceptive marketing of [YTB's] largely unprofitable travel Web sites and prohibiting the company from charging consumers nearly $500 to recruit others into its endless chain scheme. YTB falsely promised customers they could get rich quick by selling travel online. In reality, customers were reeled into an elaborate pyramid scheme and most never earned a dime. Today's settlement ends YTB's pyramid scheme by arming consumers with hard facts and eliminating the need to sign up for this largely unprofitable Web site." This information was printed as breaking news in Travel Trade Magazine, May 14, 2009.
So, please, when planning you vacation, ask for credentials. Make sure your travel agency is associated with ASTA and IATA, the leaders of the travel industry association. Go to
ASTA.ORG, plug in the name of the agency. If the name it not there, beware....run, don't walk. You will be able to find an agent near you who is qualified to help you.
Protect your travel investment! Make sure you have happy travel memories!
Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
www.atravelspecialist.com
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com
Proud Members of ASTA/CLIA/IATA
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