Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  When we signed up, they made it sound like such an amazing deal so we went ahead and did it! We've been paying on it for 2 years (no biggy!) but now that we are ready to travel, we aren't able to use it like we were told. Everything in their contract is B.S. other than the fact that they'll continue collecting money from us. We have tried reaching out to them about this, but nothing has ever been resolved. I have no problem spending money on something worth while. but these people are just stealing everyone's money!

  Business Response

  Date: 05/18/2023

  Thank you for your recent letter in regards to Ms. *******, and the opportunity to reply to her complaint.
  Ms. ******* *** ****** ********** (co-applicant) were invited to view an informational presentation on May 21, 2021 about the Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) travel club membership titled Global Discovery Vacations (GDV). At that time Ms. ******* *** *** ********** purchased their GDV membership.
  Unfortunately, Ms. ********* complaint does not state what type of travel they are trying to book. Where they are trying to book. Finally when they are trying to travel and how much notice they provided. I did check her membership and the last time the membership was accessed on the website was January 2, 2023.
  The GDV Membership provides a variety of travel services. One benefit is condominium vacations. Members can book short notice condominiums, called expressways from a list of condominiums that are available on the member's only website. Members can plan ahead and book condominiums further out online, but also have the option of submitting requests. The map below shows the variety destinations that are available. If a condominium is not available in the destination or the time frame the member is traveling, members can take advantage of a variety of the travel services including cruises, tours, and hotels.
  
  Currently Ms. ******* *** *** ***********s account is delinquent. In October of 2021, the member discussed on chat with a GDV Representative that they were experiencing some financial issues.
  Again without knowing the type of travel Ms. ******* is trying to book, and when and where she is trying to travel, it is difficult to answer her concerns. I would invite Ms. ******* to contact me directly at (**** ******** and I would be happy to review her membership, go over the benefits, and help her book a vacation. If Ms. ******* is actually still experiencing financial issues that she discussed in October, she can also call me and I can see what options she would have available with her account.
  Thank you in advance for your time, if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at (**** ********. I am in the office from 8:30 A.M., until 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday, Central Standard Time.
  Sincerely
   
  **** *****
  ******** ** ********** **************
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/06/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid off my membership in full, Global connections came back 6 months later charging my account. I called them to dispute the issue, and they would not refund me and told me I wasn't finished paying it off.
  They were very unprofessional about the matter and hung up on me.
  The charge is $59 from GVI on my statement.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/12/2023

  BBB Representative:
  Thank you for your recent letter in regards to *** *****, and the opportunity to reply to her complaint.
  I was able to talk with *** ***** on April 11. During our conversation I explained the error that happened on her account, and we discussed an amicable resolution. We look forward to helping *** ***** with her next vacation soon.
  Thank you in advance for your time, if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at ***** ********. I am in the office from 8:30 A.M.  until 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday, Central Standard Time.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/07/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In 2013-2014, our mother, ***** ********, purchased a membership with GDV during a trip to Daytona Beach, FL. At that time, GDV assured her that at her death, family would be able to enjoy her membership indefinitely. There was no mention of a process having to be completed before her death in order for this transfer to occur. Our mother was killed suddenly in 2016. After her death, my brother and I were able to log into her account and utilize her membership. However, before renewing the following year, we called to inform them of the need to transfer over the membership. We were told that the membership could not be transferred because she did not fulfill the proper steps before her death. After much negotiation, my brother and I purchased a membership to share - only because our mom enjoyed her membership so much. In 2017-2018, we purchased a membership for 6K (ID: ****** ). We have both enjoyed several vacations but had more underwhelming experiences, to say the least. I have contacted BBB previously regarding a condo full of roaches. Another time, my brother met with someone to rectify a situation regarding cleanliness. Even so, this past summer, I reserved a condo for my family. The condo was sold and GDV never succeeded in rebooking something comparable. On the current platform, our membership is essentially useless. We have been told these issues can be fixed with the upgraded platform that will only cost $15k. During contract signing, nothing was stated about “platform upgrades”. We were promised that the only cost increases we would incur were weekly rate increases up to x% and yearly fees up to x%. My brother met with an agent unsuccessfully in Clearwater, FL to try to resolve this issue. Considering this was not a part of our contact and we have already purchased an additional membership that should not have been necessary had GDV kept their word, we would appreciate GDV honoring their own contract and word by allowing us to access the platform.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/15/2023

  Please see attached:

  The business attempted to make contact with the complainant 2 times after receipt of this complaint. The business left messages with both attempts.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/19/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I joined Global Discovery Vacation on 3/10/22. I paid 400.00 dollars down and I pay 151.00 a month. I called on 1/11/2023 to make reservations for a condominium around universal studios in California. when I called to make the reservations I spoke with ****** ****** at global discovery‘s vacation she informed me there was nothing available in condos I asked her to look at hotels. ****** looked for a hotel found one said it was $230 a night when I looked at the hotels website it was 120 dollars a night. She was charging me $100 more than the hotel. I feel like I have been scammed saying I can’t get a hotel or a condo two months out. I am paying a lot of money monthly and to be told nothing available this is supposed to be a worldwide company and they can’t get me a condo two months out in California.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/06/2023

  SEE ATTACHED: the Complainant requested a Condo in California on Jan 19th, for a date of March 20th. In the members guide, it shows that the consumer must make a reservation 120 days in advance during high travel season.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/11/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Did car rental through Global discovery in September 2022, only to find out at **** desk in Denver that was 3rd party. Was billed $ 442.64 and would pay taxes and fees at rental car facility. Checked in at **** and was told was only $394.24 as received; Difference of $48.40. I have contacted **** and global discovery and my credit card put dispute in place. Now the company is saying they are mytravel.support. Still no refund of $48.40.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/19/2023

  Per the email attached;

  The complainant and the business spoke over the Phone on Jan 17th. The membership and the car rental issue were discussed. The complainants issues were resolver to her satisfaction.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/02/2023

  ** ******* ****** ** ******** **** ***** ********* **** ********** ** *** ********** *********  ** *** ***** *** *** ****** ** ****** ******* ****
  
  ****** ******** *******
  
  * **** ******** *** ******** **** ** *** ******** ** ********* ** ********* ** ********* *** find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ***** ******

  NOTE:   this was not against Global per se, but Alliance a third party who contracted with Global.   It was resolved.   It was a long and confusing process because no one could help initially due to Alliance reservations.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/10/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My wife and I purchased a Global Vacations Membership in February of 2021. We paid the amount in full and received 2 stars. We were informed that had one year to purchases additional stars for $1,000 a piece. After that the price would increase.
  
  We were given a free week long condo stay for taking part in the presentation. The offer was provided and it was a great stay in Palm Springs.
  
  In July 2022, my wife received a call from a Global Discovery agent regarding wanting to talk with us to make sure we were getting the most out of the program.
  
  The "benefits" meeting was actually to inform us that Global had changed the structure of their membership program and they were no longer offering additional stars for the tier we are on. This significantly reduced the value of the program since the cost of the annual membership is only being divided by one trip. We were planning to purchase 2 additional stars before the end of the year so that we could divide the annual fee by multiple trips, thus reducing the cost per trip.
  
  Additionally, the initial sales person who did the presentation isn't even an employee of Global. This we learned during the "benefits" meeting.
  
  This company provides condo stays but they change the rules of the game at will and significantly reduce the value of your membership without notice. Like others have mentioned if you want to keep your current benefits you better be ready to pay THOUSANDS of additional dollars to do so.
  
  Additionally, while the membership fee won't increase by more than whatever percentage they promise per year. The number of stars required will increase, which ultimately drains the value of your membership.
  
  I was really excited to use this program with my family for the rest of my life. Now I'm just bitter and feel duped.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/17/2023

  RE: **** *******
  Complaint: ********
  BBB Representative:
  Thank you for
  your recent letter in regards to *** *******, and the opportunity to reply to his complaint.
  I had the opportunity to talk with *** ******* today. We discussed his current membership, the new membership, and the differences between them. *** ******* stated he would call me back once he decides what the best option for him and his family.
  Thank you in advance for your time, if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at ***** ********* I am in the office from 8:30 A.M., until 4:30 P.M
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/18/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  **** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/03/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Around May, 2022, my wife and I were on vacation using our membership from Global Discovery Vacations in TN. We were invited to Gatlinburg to attend a session where we'd learn more about possibly updating and improving our membership and capabilities. While attending, my wife and I were extremely explicit with our vacation demands and current potential and requirements. In particular, we made sure to let the salesman know that we had to use several "AirBnB" locations separate from our Global Discovery Vacations membership simply due to the poor "inventory" availability of GDV's properties. We also expressed how dissatisfied we were with the conditions of many of the rental condo's we had stayed in during the years of 2020-2022.
  
  During the session we were told that we could find AirBnB properties in areas where GDV's inventory was not to be found and could use our stars to help pay down the cost. This would open up a world of additional opportunities for small vacations still in driving distance. However, this is not true of GDV's function and as we've learned now 6-months into our "upgrade", the inventory is the same, no new benefits are found by upgrading, and we are still limited in our vacation offerings specific to our vacation demands, clearly laid out before the salesman and manager. Upgrading via a $6,000 price-tag with NOTHING to show for it now (or as the salesman said today, 1/3/2023, just wait a little longer!) seriously, wait for what I spent money on and was promised 6-months ago for! I don't think so. Now I'm being left on the phone with Corporate for more than 96 minutes with no call back. When I ask for a manager they transfer me to a voicemail to someone (**** today) who never gets back to me, and the salesman is apologetic but says "you are basically stuck and there's nothing he can do". "Kind of like, sorry, but it is what it is."
  My wife & I would like to be refunded and reverted back to our happy membership status, and nothing more.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/19/2023

  Per the attached Email;

  The complainant and the business spoke over the phone regarding the complaint and membership issues. Several options were discussed. The business and the complainant have reached a satisfactory resolution.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/19/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. **** was very professional and listened to our needs as active members. I appreciate ****, his approach and resolution, and look to have this matter closed. 

  Currently, we have sent back the letter attached acknowledging the resolution and the refund is still pending. At this time, I am ready to accept the response and await the complete resolution (refund received and membership status updated) to be fully satisfied. 

  Upon receipt, I would definitely want to ensure anyone reading this resolution sees a completely positive and professional resolution and should not mar inquirers as to the value of Global Discovery Vacations. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/27/2022

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In July 2022 I received a call for a free vacation from one of the reps at this company. It was a free flight and tickets to disneyworld for my family (5 people total- 2 adults and 3 kids) I accepted and was told that in order to receive the vacation, I needed to attend a virtual meeting and then that would be sent out.
  After sitting through the presentation we signed up for a vacation package that will alst a lifetime but had a balance to pay in order to get the package. My husband and I were told that we could put a deposit down and then the rest they would deduct monthly. The balance was 3900 and we would pay 119 per month until it was paid off. This amount has been deducted from my debit card every month since then so I never questioned anything. To our suprise, we received a statement in the amil from the company stating to $3900 balance but also listed was an APR of 19.800%. The total amount that will be paid including APR is said to be 5520.79.
  THat is an additional 1620.79 that we were never made aware of. The APR was never disclosed or the fact that there would be any APR to begin with. I would like help resolving this. I have written the company to reach out to me but they have been closed when I try to call. Please help. I was told this is a violation of the Truth in Lending Act and not sure how to proceed.
  
  Account number: *********** ***

  Business Response

  Date: 01/10/2023

  Attached is the response from the business.

  The business is waiting for the consumer to speak with her husband and come to a decision. The consumer is supposed to call the business to come to an agreement on what to do with the account.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/09/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  For the first 5 year of our membership, we were able to get the vacation locations we were promised when we purchased our membership (Hawaii, San Diego, Mexico etc). Then they disappeared and we were told we would need to upgrade, spending $2,400 extra to upgrade to the top level membership to see the same properties we had before as well as numerous additional properties. We paid the $2,400 and could now book most of the properties we went to under the original plan. Now, actually for the last couple of years, these same properties have all disappeared again. Today I found out whey. Global now wants additional $$ Thousands more to see them again. When we bought and when we upgraded the salesperson said this would allow us to go to Hawaii every year, to the best resorts in Mexico, etc. This upgrade would get us the best vacations for the "rest of our lives". But now, we see no Hawaii properties, and none of the good San Diego or Mexico properties. This is Bait and switch, or just plain fraud. They are unethical criminals. Don't waste your money. Use **** or *** *** instead.
  If anyone starts a class action lawsuit, contact me.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/14/2022

  Consumer has booked and travelled on nineteen vacations in the eleven years he has been a member, and he will continue to be able to take advantage of his membership benefits. However, consumer is more than welcome to contact me directly and I will be happy to review his membership benefits with him, and discuss any new membership opportunities that are available to him.

  See attached.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/11/2022

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Saturday September 24, 2022 I attended the 90 minute **** meeting. Was pressured for over an hour following the meeting to sign on an offer that would be rescinded if I didn’t decide right then and there. I ended up agreeing to the offer and was told I needed to provide a $250 down payment and sign paperwork that day for the offer to be valid. A few days after the **** meeting I went on a family trip. GCI was aware. Apparently they called and left voicemails while on the trip. I do not return or listen to voicemails while on vacation. It is now Oct. 11, 2022 and I received a text 8pm MST that they will be processing my down payment tomorrow. I responded and refused to authorize this transaction. The person texting said “I’m just admin” and that the down payment was already processed although the initial text read differently. I feel completely mislead by this company. Another issue, in the **** meeting they show you 4-5 star resorts that seem breathtaking. When you go on to their website the options are far from fabulous. The rentals are outdated. What they show in the presentation does not match what you will be getting as a “member”. All I was told was that “*****” would be calling to sort this issue. My understanding is that I have two days to change my mind after providing a deposit. They did not take my deposit out of my account on 09/24. They want to take it out now 16+ days later after they said I needed to provide it on that day in order the get the discounted rate. Until my confidence has been restored in this business I want this prior agreement to be deemed invalid and I want this hard pull to be taken off of my credit report!

  Business Response

  Date: 10/18/2022

  see attached

  Consumers membership was declined and caneled within the three day cancelation period. No other action is required by consumer, unless he wants to purchase a membership. If so, he is more than welcome to contact me directly.