"StormBringer" wrote in message
lkabouttravelling.com...
I just received a phone call from Geo Holiday Services today. They said I
won a free trip from some kind of contest. Did you ever use your prize for
Orlando Florida? Was that a scam or did you actually get a free trip
suffering from the crap you needed to hear. I just want to know if it was
worth wasting the 90 minutes to listen to their crap or if the free holiday
was just a scam as well.

I have received these offers and, as yet, have not taken advantage of them.
Be aware that even though the "lodging" might be complimentary (in exchange
for your 90 minutes, of course), there might be hidden charges. They may
legally be able to tack on "housekeeping" fees or "activity" fees which
could be $30- $50 or so.

Also, make certain that any thing they offer you is IN WRITING before
leaving. Make certain that you have a CONFIRMED RESERVATION number and a
written list of everything that is due to you after you complete the tour.
Don't just settle for "dinner for two" find out WHERE and the VALUE of the
dinner (call the restaurant to be sure). That way you don't end up with a
couple of Chicago Hot Dogs and Louie's place instead of the steak dinner you
are promised on the telephone.

I have worked for timeshare companies and they have a lot of leeway as to
what they can promise and what they actually deliver. Here in Branson I
have seen mailings sent out to prospective buyers with pictures of Andy
Williams, Bobby Vinton and other name acts with the statement that they
would receive "Tickets to a top Branson Show", when in fact, the tickets
that were received were to bottom-of-the-barrel no-name shows. Likewise,
they promise accommodations at one of "Branson's Finest" hotels which wasn't
necessarily true.

I have a cousin, on the other hand, who accepts these invitations on a
regular basis to Lake Tahoe and really enjoys it.

Just remember, if you aren't interested in the property, never udr money as
an excuse. Just say that you would never use it. It is the only objection
that they cannot overcome.

If you do go, let us know how it turns out.

SD