For a fee, a single room can be requested for the tour. We told to make sure we ate lunch after our tour, before rejoining the group to get on the bus. All travel needs to be departing prior to the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher expiration date. OH man! It can be used for all components of the tour booked through EF prior to departing on tour including the deposit, program price, the optional Global Travel Protection plan, optional excursions, optional extensions, and rooming supplements. I asked the front desk to remedy this, but it was never addressed, and we had to repeat the blind search for our rooms every time we went up. But when it comes to refunds, they quote rules and policies designed to make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a refund. ). Flexible, fee-free rebooking options Need to make new travel plans? COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher They are also putting about 4 kids in a room! So, no refund. When it became apparent on the second night that we werent going to be getting any traditional English food, my daughter and I made arrangements to go get dinner on our own, and pay for it out of pocket. In most cases, refunds can be issued electronically with the funds being sent directly back to your current account on file. While I could not find information about individual class pricing, I highly doubt that EF paid that much per person for us to spend an hour making tiramisu. Also, I want to upgrade my kids' flight on the way home - EF passes the responsibility to their "booking" agent in Switzerland or they say to call the airline. But learning seemed to take a back seat to just being in another country in most circumstances. The information provided typically includes the return deadline, eligible products, and the required documentation such as a proof of purchase. Out of that $550, $95 is the none refundable deposit but come on, the rest if ridiculous, especially when the cancellation request is made OVER A YEAR in advance. When we did get on the city bus, she told us we had to pay our own fares (the tour was to include ALL transportation), but then told us to NOT pay the fare, as we would never get caught, and even if we did, the fine would only $20. Hi! Im a wife, a mom, a crafter, a Disney fan, and a french fry connoisseur. Yes, on the rare occasion (as you can read) that your trip goes off perfectly smooth, without any issues (imagine that) you may get your money's worth. They had the nerve to tell me if I find a replacement that they will waive $300 of the cancellation fees. Vacation rental mistakes every family makes (but you shouldnt), This is how to fight a hotel billing error and win. Whenever I called and asked for a manager, I was told that non were available and that they would call me when they became available. Overall, unless an excursion is of special interest to you, I wouldnt recommend participating in them, simply because they seem overpriced. When he asked for these items at the front desk, he was told that we should have called earlier to request them since they were all locked up in a cabinet by the time we arrived at the hotel. If not for her, 30 of your kids would be sleeping in the airport for two nights in a row since their new flight to London has a huge 13 hour layover. how to get a full refund from ef tours Our Safety & Incident Response team is available 24/7 and we have a resource network of industry experts, healthcare professionals, and government personnel who liaise with local embassies, government authorities, and health providers. Trips are usually initially introduced about two years before the travel date so that participants can make smaller monthly payments to cover the cost of the trip. Her itinerary, booked through Expedia, included several airlines. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. used speakers for sale craigslist; pioneer woman carne guisada; how to get a full refund from ef tours; By . 44 days or less prior to departure: No refund will be issued. Fully Refundable Booking Period Feel good about your decision by enrolling in AutoPay or paying in full when you book your tour. It was over $8,300," Hignite said. Also told cancellation fee is now $400 not the $300 listed. Call 888-333-9756 to enroll, EF College Study In the meantime, I received notice that I would be required to attend a mandatory training evolution with the military and learned that the dates overlapped. Adults can expect to share a room with one other person. It will cover topics such as contacting EF Tours directly, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), disputing the charge with your credit card company, and seeking legal advice. EF Tours is definitely a budget tour company, and for the price, you do get a good experience. Required fields are marked *. She collected it before we left. We need to cancel due to medical and we were told we loose close to $800. This person is there to direct the group and handle any problems with logistics you may encounter along the way. By and large, our students respected this request and did not take advantage of the lowered drinking age to go and party it up. EF has the group leader/teacher set up deadlines for signing up to go on the trip, sometimes including small discounts to encourage enrollment. Tuesday 28 March . Do your trip make a suggestion about tips? Enroll online or call 800-766-2645, EF Explore America These tours are usually walking tours, but sometimes are bus tours, depending on the location. It includes time, money, convenience, and many other factors. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. According to their website, EF claims to design tours to help educators teach, and so students can learn moreabout tolerance, other perspectives, and themselves.. When I called about a refund for the extension being taken off I was told by customer service "They make the cost even out." No one asked to go there, and most of us seemed annoyed that we were stopping. We were frequently told we could just grab a bite to eat at the train station or the airport, only to be left with minimal time and very limited options. Anyone was allowed to sign up for the trip. Visit the BBB website to find out how to submit a complaint. How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. In spite of these two disastrous group travel experiences with EF Tours, I LOVED organizing and leading tours to Europe. Four girls were placed in a room with one queen sized bed and two twin mattresses on the floor in London. The cancellation was due to a National Emergency not voluntary of the travelers. Edited: 11 years ago . We found that participants can sign up just about any time before the trip departs. What can we do with this company? For example, on our first full day of the trip, we visited the Tower of London. how to get a full refund from ef tours . Each meal came with water, but we were allowed to order additional drinks at our own expense if we choose to do so. Our tour guide didnt seem to have this mentality. Jose waited three months before contacting me. Vouchers are not redeemable for their full cash equivalent. Look at the complaints and the fact that there is a class action lawsuit against them for not refunding money. We also had the unfortunate luck of awful traffic. I find that unreasonable - they initially said another roommate, now I am finding 4 kids in a room. have zero control or influence on these trips. Travelers or their transferees can redeem the voucher for this available refund at any time prior to September 30, 2025. Tour participants are also given access to an EF Tours App, that just lists your daily itinerary for your trip. Breakfast and dinner every day were included in what we paid for our tour. Not by a long shot. He or she is super excited about all the cool things they get to do and is just begging you to let them go. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? For cancellations and refunds, call 1-800-USA-RAIL. General sale starts at 9am . While the London Eye excursion seemed to go well for those who went on it, it was over priced. In Paris our group had to travel by Metro clear across town for our dinner. Our guide that year was a young US college student who worked at a bookstore in downtown Rome. The trip total came to around $4,000. You might be able to work something out. Thats why weve enhanced our already top-tier, industry-leading coverage programs to provide even more choices, and to give travelers, families, and school communities the widest range of safe and flexible plans. Trips are usually initially introduced about two years before the travel date so that participants can make smaller monthly payments to cover the cost of the trip. The deduction of $565 includes items such as the non-refundable deposit and other non-refundable fees. crank up antenna tower for sale. I have traveled extensively with Expedia, always buy travel insurance, and am covered for any thing, from war to terrorism, to a pandemic. People are requiredLISTENrequired to purchase the Global Protection Plan. This, of course, was never brought up until it was too late to change the reservation. Now it wont refund my $3,606. I got in touch with Expedia, and it finally refunded her $437. Things started off poorly when our tour guide was an hour late to meet us at baggage claim and then our bus was over another hour late to pick us up at the airport. why is there a plague in thebes oedipus. How do I fix this $499 mistake? They make go in circles and have excuse after excuse. To make matters worse, EF Tours often refuses to issue refunds even after customers have submitted evidence of their dissatisfaction. By the first week I was already begging to go home and I kept hoping, thinking and praying that things would get better however they never did. we signed my son up for a trip to England , Paris, and Rome. Would I travel with EF Tours again? Our group was quite good about being on time to meet up locations with a couple of small exceptions that could not be helped. I just hope the tour goes well. They make zero effort to please traveller once fees paid. Email insurance@riskstrategiestravel.com. You dont always have to appeal to the government. Enroll online or call 800-766-2645, EF Go Ahead Tours For detailed information about the safety and coverage programs that apply to your tour, please choose your departure date below. Vouchers issued and redeemed by the original traveler may not be combined with future discounts, scholarships, or other special incentives if the same discounts, scholarships, or other special incentives existed on the original tour. So they offered vouchers that were only good for up to 18 monthsUP TO 18 MONTHS! If you pay by credit card, you should receive a refund to that credit card. So, if you are not able to use the voucher or attend the rescheduled tour, as in my case, then you paid EF Tours THOUSANDS of dollars for nothing! As a result, the plaintiffs and thousands of others have suffered "direct and consequential financial damage . This company is a fraud and steals money from families. The Global Travel Protection Plus plan provides a refund of the Program Price (minus the cost of the plan and other non-refundable fees) if your child needs to cancel their tour up to 24 hours prior to departure for any reason. The tour dates are as follows: Thursday 23 March - Manchester, AO Arena. I was super excited to go experience 6 countries however from day one everything seemed to go wrong. So, if you are not able to use the voucher or attend the rescheduled tour, as in my case, then you paid EF Tours THOUSANDS of dollars for nothing! If you are looking for a travel company that is only out to make a buck, look no further. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD ON AN EF TRIP!! Seriously, that was suppose to be the best part?!?!?! Be sure to document all communication with EF Tours so that you can refer back to it if necessary. I was told by the EF Tours representative that he could room with boys from other schools or upgrade (at an additional $90 per night!) During our trip there were extra excursions offered in any city we stayed in more than one night. She did make sure we were always wary of our passports and where we were keeping them during our travels. Hursh can still be heard on the buses as well as the Magical Express. Before our trip, our group leader did make sure to advise us about pickpocketing and theft at major tourist sites in Europe, and advised us to be prepared. Four boys were also booked in a room in London with only a king sized bed! I am not canceling the trip, but yet I am the one. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. I feel I paid twice as much as the tour was worth with the lack of amenities and accommodations that were promised by EF as those that were . And pay attention.. For ten of the eleven nights of our trip, we were provided with clean, safe accommodations that lived up to what the EF Tours website told us to expect. HOW CAN THIS BE LEGAL??? how to get a full refund from ef tours. If you want a quality tour experience, with a reliable professional tour company, I wholeheartedly recommend that you contact TSA Tours. These added stops almost always involved additional costs as well, which we were not informed of before leaving for our trip. This is exactly the type of honest review I am searching for as I consider enrolling my son in a 9 day tour of Japan next summer, and also go myself. Although it did seem that everywhere we went in Italy, anyone who was gluten free or dairy free was served watermelon for dessert. All I know to do is make this issue public. I could honestly go on for 10 pages about the terrible food and the fact that you will only be given warm milk, cereal, coffee and last night's rolls for breakfast every day! I really did expect to spend some quality time at these major historic sites. Has anybody seen anyone of color working in their offices? Full list of UK dates. We were served in a huge warehouse, with 20 other large tour groups. Thank you for your honesty! Half staying for exchange program arrived to our destination early. Transfer to a comparable tour. You might not know all the answers, but you've got a friend in us! I am a retired college Professor of Art. Unfortunately, I had to cancel his trip because my son switched schools and his old school district could not take a non student out of the country. When we reached Italy, things changed a bit. It took me to every floor and A) the offices are gorgeous! Anyways, we were told the new trip was "similar/almost identical" to the one we had signed up for, but there would be no extension to Paris and it would be 2 days shorter. I've been paying off a trip to Ireland/England from EF Tours for Girl Scouts for about a year. How to get tickets. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Countless study abroad trips have been canceled due to COVID-19, leaving many families out thousands of dollars. Read 131 . Does anyone have experience with this type of thing? EF Tours is a travel company that specializes in international tours for students. The bus driver was a surly Dutch man, who was gruff and impossible. Tour participants may also choose to upgrade the insurance for the tour. They also promise to have the lowest price on the market for this type of travel. We did not get to select from a menu and were all served the same thing each night, with the exception of those who had special dietary needs. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? I decided to give them on more try, as they promised a better experience..my bad. EF Tours was contacted today also and there response was they aren't responsible for the insurance company. Meals on the tour ran the gamut from weird to stellar, but overall were not to bad. The country is bordered to the north by Myanmar and . If requested after enrollment and up to 130 days before departure, the fee is $195. - Get inspired with the latest travel guides, tips, and stories from our team. But why cant I get a refund? Dinners are are pre-arranged with a preset menu by EF at local restaurants. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? COVID-19 Future Travel Vouchers that were issued to travelers whose original tour was scheduled to depart on or after February 24, 2020 may be redeemed for travel departing on or before September 30, 2025. It was an equally devastating experience. Once I realized that time would be much more limited at every destination than I expected it to be, the trip went much more smoothly. Though not quite as refined as the Hiltons, and a little slap-shot with the furniture, we found this place to be clean and welcoming. On the rare occasion when this requirement is not fulfilled, participants are given one or more of the following options: 1. We enjoyed a truly magical and unexpected sunset under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Stories like hers repeat themselves every hour of every day. Things took a turn for the worse on our last night of the tour, when we stayed at Hotel La Pergola in Rome. On May 1st I lost my job and we immediately contacted Ef Tours to cancel. Whatever you need, we'll handle it. I cant guarantee this Ive advocated many cases where a company promised a refund in writing but it can help. Hi, I recently made a deposit to my bank of 12,400. Outside of Heidelberg we stayed in a gymnasium dormitory (German high school) that was out for the summer. It seemed cool at the time however most countries either had the shops and food places shut down early or be completely closed due to the big games. Before we get into that, it must be said that EF Tours operate fully independently of the local school district, and are not endorsed or supported by them whatsoever. (Love to travel? Would I go on another EF Tour? ?we were then offered a tour of a castle which was supposedly a make up gift from ef tours for the bus situation however, once we got there we only had about 45 mins- an hour to tour the entire castle. Yes, even though quarantine is a covered reason for a full refund, EF Tours CHARGED members $$ a significant amount of money thus negating a full refund. We found that that number was not quite accurate for us, especially if we ever wanted to stray from the planned meals that EF Tours had set up for us. Lunches were always a gamble. Check with the hotel for your options. Airlines and other travel companies make it so easy for money to flow their way. It really did take a lot of pressure off to just let someone else do all that work. * (Smithsonian Student Travel repeat travelers will receive a A money grab. There is a $95 non-refundable deposit + $300 cancellation fee (totals to around $400). Four students are continuously placed in rooms meant for two people. This company is a complete scam. This hotel was a bit older than the Hiltons wed stayed in, but it was clean, spacious, and comfortable. The next group dinner was at a Polish restaurant where the group was served a fried chicken patty and french fries. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Why is no one investigating them for fraudulent business practices, deceptive practices, false advertisement, etc, etc, etc?? We were quoted a price and told the insurance was a great thing to have because with it you could cancel up to 24 hrs before the trip for a full refund minus the cost of insurance. May 9, 2 Only the EF Go Ahead Tours allow alcohol for adult travelers. I had to also pay $500.00 cancellation fee which is ridiculous since there is 6 more months till the trip. 824. But use a credit card, and you have the full force of federal law (the Fair Credit Billing Act) and your credit cards resolution department in your corner. She and her husband, Jerard, had to pay $437 for new tickets. Dont let months pass by without letting the company know that your money is still missing. The EF Go Ahead Tours app supports and connects our global community. Its been eight months. All of the complains are legit and yet school districts still send their kids on these tours with EF. While it wasnt quite as comfortable as some of the other places wed stayed, it was completely acceptable and had a spectacular view of the Gulf of Naples from the rooftop terrace. Check out our directory. We had to accept them. If EF Tours still refuses to issue a full refund, the next step is to contact your credit card company. Parents understand why CPS canceled the trips. Electric Bike Thumb Throttle 12-84v LED Display Voltmeter & ON OFF Kil torquetech.co.uk. The brochure promised that participants would be surrounded by the people, the language, the food, and the way of life of the destinations on our itinerary. Here's my EFTours experience: 1.I have been on 3 EFTours and have another planned for next summer. Each was wonderfully successful! We were late to our tours in London, Florence, and the Vatican. I did purchase it actually! I had some incredible experiences in some amazing locations with my only daughter, and I wouldnt trade that for the world. All transportation arrangements are made by EF Tours, including flights, buses, trains, etc. He refused to take us anywhere on our free time. They are in trouble financially and that is ok with me!!! 29 Jun, 2022 . If you wanted a refund, there was a fee. Has anybody been to the office of EF? If you booked a trip like this as an adult, you would scream from the rooftops for a refund but since these are kids, apparently EF doesn't have to listen because there will be another crop of unsuspecting students waiting to go next year. Two meals a day are included in the cost of a trip with EF Tours. These Terms and Conditions apply to any COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher (COVID-19 Voucher) issued by EF Educational Tours (EF) in connection with EF tours scheduled to depart after February 24, 2020 (and EF tours traveling to China after January 28, 2020) through September 30, 2022. In Rome, it was a tiramisu cooking class. We also found that we frequently needed to buy water to stay hydrated in the high temperatures of Italy during the summer, and at most of the locations we visited, water was marked up quite a bit. The first was in 2018. Kinda defeats the whole concept of insurance. Were always here to help. The brochure also claimed that students could earn educational credit while on tour, and that all tours feature experiential learning activities.. Note that this is a salesperson who will try to sway you into "changing your destination, adjusting dates or setting up a new payment plan to make paying for your trip easier" according to their help center. It was quite nice not to have to worry about any of that. I was so angry but nothing was done about it. You may wish to spend time at your destinations before or after the scheduled tour. They could fully refund if you find someone to take your spot and let them know, Yeah I'll have to talk to the leader of it and see if she knows anyone, but it isn't likely. Students and parents can then sign up directly through the EF Tours website, and submit all payments directly to the company. The Versailles excursion seemed overpriced as well. Grabovsky and the proposed Class are represented by William McGrane and Matthew Sepuya of McGrane PC and Michael J. Hassen of RealLaw APC. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Now I've fought this as much as I could. Technics in Management Transfer inverness animal clinic. My first was as a parent going with my 15-year-old along with a group of about 20 kids (from a . Explain the situation and why you are requesting a full refund. Call 800-992-1892 to enroll. Angry demands for a refund and threats to take a company to court almost always backfire. The company may refer your case to its legal department, where it could linger for weeks or months. The front desk did not seem to care and we were told no one was available to come clean the bathrooms. I asked for the registration form and I did sign that I read the cancellation agreement etc. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. Now that Chicago Public Schools has cancelled all domestic and international trips due to the coronavirus pandemic, she wants her $4,100 back, but EF Tours refuses to issue refunds. If you have general questions about your enrollment in the travel . Most of the time we had no idea where we were headed when we were walking to different locations. Local 1-317-582-2658 or Toll-free 1-866-887-7148. We are currently preparing to issue the refund you recently requested. We had a wonderful group of kids who took their personal safety pretty seriously, and didnt take unnecessary risks that would put them in jeopardy. I went on my trip June 11, 2014-June 25, 2014. A most unsatisfactory and life changing (m for the worse) experience. I didn't think sharing was a big deal until I found out that he's expected to share a ben with a complete stranger. A COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher cannot be divided into multiple accounts, unless the traveler applies the voucher to a future tour and the voucher amount is higher than the price of the new tour. Our lead teacher did this as well. They even bragged later about being the first one's out on the street), the food SUCKED, and the time spent on the buses was more time spent in the actual locations. Where is it? And that wasn't even a full guarantee of a full refund. Those options were usually something like a burger, pizza or a cold sandwich. Settling with a debit card, a check or even a wire transfer means the money is gone. I always like to start my reviews by reminding you that I was not compensated in any way to write this post. Thailand (/ t a l n d,-l n d / TY-land, -lnd), historically known as Siam (/ s a m, s a m /) and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi), with a population of almost 70 million. Although student were allowed to go out on their own during our free time, they were asked to go in groups of three or four and were left in pretty safe areas to spend their free time. We were assured that the stop there would only last 30 minutes, but it ended up taking three times that, leaving us only an hour and a half to visit the Louvre before we had to be back on the bus to catch a flight to Italy.
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