RED FLAGS:
-annoying phone calls, to make sure you'll show up at the presentation
(already suggest desperation)
-no contact phone number or email address were given by sales agent
-World Wide travel agency phone numbers
(at least 5 different ones with various area codes) are never answered, you can only leave messages, but no one will return your calls
-at their physical address in Valencia, none of their sales rep has professional individual business cards or phone numbers to reach them should you have any questions (wouldn't you want to know the person who wants you to pay him right there and then 10K, at least his full name?)
-No list of professional web site, email address, brochure, or anything indicating there are legitimate
-No real people testimonials
-Upfront and multiple out of pocket fees are required for their "free gifts" suggesting lot of hassles
-Affiliates and third party providers are listed on their "gift of acknowledgment" which they want you to sign before receiving anything, releasing them of any liability.
IF you want to read our experience in their office read on...
We have received a phone offer of a free 7 days cruise from World Wide Travel plus a $300 dining card to be at their 90 min. presentation in Valencia at their spacious office on 25124 Springfield. We have been in several time share and luxury resort presentation internationally and I must say, all the foreign offers/gifts/perks we were initially offered, were honored, meaning they were valid, honest and hassle free, and did not require up front out of pocket expense, so we were looking for to this one as well.
We had to make reservation, provide valid ID and credit card and total minimum combined income for husband and wife had to be over 60K however proof of income was not required. After booking seats for the "show" we have received at least 3 phone calls to make sure we will be there and on time.
Upon arrival we had to fill out a registration form with basic information such as name, address, phone.We were offered coffee, tea, choc. Chip cookies etc...and looking around I saw a team of about 10 associates and a small corner designated for sales agents who were on the phone in progress to get new suckers in.
The upscale surrounding and great travel photos reminded me to other companies overseas, so we were at this point not concerned yet. Power point presentation by Bob (without front tooth) was mediocre and in the room which seats about 80 we were only 4 guests.
Since we are world travelers, and most of the destination prices were presented did not strike me as "amazing deals" I asked Bob for Tahiti for example how much discount he could give us on air fare alone, and he was hesitant at first, but then he explained national air fares cannot be discounted as it's regulated by government. Never mind Tahiti is a foreign land, so I did not get my answer.
For me, this was already a deal-breaker as air fares are the most expensive parts of travel, especially if you live in Los Angeles. From LA. to the Caribbean's or to Europe it's always cost more than booking from the east coast. We finished the presentation and on the last page Bob advertised which he is convinced is the deal of the century... to be a part of their WorldWide travel club for a bargain price of 10K. + $300 annual mbrshp. Fee.
Hahahha....In this economy with the average price points were presented, are you kitting me? Yes they were, bc. when we were escorted to the table that price quickly dropped to 3K. by a pushy Italian guy, as his last offer. We had fun, exhausting THEM, and of course they did not make a SALE.
So we were sent to the last guy who supposed to give us the free gift. There were tons of paper to sign, of course they were out of the brochure of the 7 day cruise, - they're promised it will be sent to us via mail- in the meantime we received a bunch of liability form with little or no information other than we do understand and acknowledge all the terms and regulations of a 2 night hotel stay with airfare within the US but: first you have to send in Registration fee: $15 + cost to redeem 2 nt. Hotel+air $33/night + to cover taxes and fees another $33 and finally a refundable "reservation guarantee $50 deposit fee". Plus add $20 more for weekends and for children bla...bla...bla...these are the small prints.
Timelines:
Send in your registration fee with registered mail. Then wait for their reply and then send another fee, then wait for availability list, than make your reservation, than pay more fees...
Do all that song and dance while their slogan is that they are a "full service" travel agency and their commitment to you is take out the hassle of planning a vacations. Overall...they reminded me to Wall Street thugs.
World Wide Travel....get a life! read more