August, 1999

Andrew Shecktor

Have you heard of a company called "World Connections Travel?" I have, and my experience was not one the average person would want to have!

World Connections Travel is a travel company that offers what I call "lifetime vacations." Actually, they purchased, and offer as bait, one of the largest sleaze bag vacation share companies. They bring you in by offering three "free vacations" and other neat stuff. Once you are in – you are stuck! The cost of the vacations is over $15,000.00 – and they won’t let you leave or give you your "free vacations" unless you buy the package (or unless you’re a heart-less bastard like me.)

I calculated the long term cost of their package versus investing $15,000.00 myself and just buying my own vacations. In the long run, you loose over $50,000.00 – even if you buy your vacations at retail!

Their sales people did their best to sell me the package. In the end, not only did I win, I got my free vacations without buying anything, and with really pissing off the sales manager! I made a point of dropping a number of hundred dollar bills in front of the sales manager, and pulling out ALL of my credit cards as well. This made it even more fun when I told them to "pound sand where the sun don’t shine."

They did their best to reel me in – but I was better. Not only that – they told me I could come back at my convenience and get the same deal (which they initially told me HAD to be purchased the same day!) Not only that, but the entire package price had dropped to $7000.00 by the time I was walking out the door (almost a shame to let it go for that price!)

Why not buy into a vacation or time-share package? It’s simple – they usually end up costing you more than they are worth. Also, how many people REALLY want to go to the SAME vacation spot year after year? Think long and hard before you commit to any one of these types of programs. If you are not REALLY tough and hard-nosed, DON’T GO TO THE FREE PRESENTATIONS! The stuff they give away is garbage, and the salespeople are unethical, sleazy bastards! They are REALLY well trained at pick-pocketing the unsuspecting consumer.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Here is a complaint that was sent along to us regarding these folks:

name: D. J.
city: 20706
Date: 07/04/2000

I have a problem with World Connections Travel aka Med Resorts International.I have had this membership and I use that term loosely, for a couple of years and have YET to able to use it. Every year they send correspondence regarding membershipe dues and the company that collects the dues is adept at calling when they have not received payment, but they do nothing at all about ensuring that the "MEMBERS" get the services promised. I viewed a story on channel 9 news in the Washington metroploitan area about this company and quickly called to check it out and was told that the story was not true. I spoke with someone about being reimbursed snce I had not been able to get the services that I am paying for. Almost like closkwork, they call each month and leave ridiculous messages on my phone abot the payment In most instances,my payment is in the mail but takes forever to reach them. They even call about new promotions and still have not addressed the issue of money given for NO SERVICE. It is extremely frustrating to know that someone has been so damn dishonest and really could give a hoot about how they are robbing you. PLEASE DO NOT PATRONIZE ANY ADVERTISEMENTS FROM MED RESORTS INTERNATIONAL OR WORLD CONNECTIONS TRAVEL. tHEY ARE THE SAME UNSCRUPULOUS AGENCY AND NEED TO HAVE A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST THEM FOR SEVERAL BILLIONS OF DOLLARS......

I HAVE A MAJOR CONCERN WITH A COMPANY CALLED "OUTDOOR WORLD" AKA RESORTS USA. I PURCHASED A MEMBERSHIP WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP THAT I COULD SUPPOSEDLY PASS ON TO MY CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN. I BECAME ILL AND HAD SOME FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND COULD NOT KEEP UP MY PAYMENTS. a REPRESENTATIVE CAME TO MY HOME AND SUPPOSEDLY WAS EXTENDING MY CONTRACT SO THAT THE PAYMENTS WOULD BE MORE AFFORDABLE. lITTLE DID i KNOW THAT i WAS BEING DOWNGRADED TO A TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP. I WAS PAYING $93.86 PER MONTH SINCE AROUND 1993 AND IN 2000 WAS INFORMED THAT MY MEMBERSHIP WAS ABOUT TO EXPIRE. SHAME ON YOU OUTDOOR WORLD. kEPP IN MIND THAT THEY NEVER HAVE ACCOMODATIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS BUT CONTINUALLY SOLICIT YOU WITH TONS OF MAIL AND PHONE CALLS FOR PAYMENTS. THEY EVEN SEND YOU STUFF FOR PAYING MEMBERSHIPE DUES WHICH IS A FARCE TO PAY SINCE I HAVE NOT HAD A VACATION IN ???? YEARS. SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THESE CROOKS AND LOCK ALL OF THEM IN THE SAME PEN WITH CONVICTED KILLERS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO REGARD FOR HUMAN DECENCY.