I received a call a few days ago from a lady in Jupiter, FL saying that 'her' company, Travelbridge, had opened a new office in Austin and that I was invited to come see the office, pick up free courtesy travel ticket vouchers just for coming, etc. She said they would have snacks and there would be no obligation or pressure to buy anything - that they just wanted to introduce me to their extensive travel services and show me their facility. I agreed to go, full well knowing that there was a 'hook' of some kind. We arrived today at 2pm and waited in a room with other couples for about 15 minutes. There were no snacks of any kind. Finally we were called by a guy who gave us a brief tour of a 'hallway' and taken into a presentation room with small, round tables. Other couples were there, seated with a representative. Our representative asked many questions about our travel history and interests and took notes. Another guy then introduced himself and began a multi-media presentation.in the presentation, the price of $5995. Was presented and we were to await further details. All of the Travelbridge folks were friendly. After the presentation, our representative provided the details: we could - at anytime - buy the associate membership for $5995. And would get ONE associate membership card. We could travel for discount prices and provide travel to others for types of travel shown in a book that detailed a commission. We would share in the commission at 25%. Travel listed as 'net' would be available only for the listed member with the card (not including the spouse). And we would get 10 weeks of discount condo availability ($497/wk) to use within 5 years. BUT, if we joined today, we would get TWO associate cards and 50 weeks of discount condo availability to use anytime, and our share of commission would be 50%. The standard membership is not transferable - the 'TODAY' membership would be transferable. The program also involved a $395. Processing fee and an annual $150 membership fee. We did not bite, so another guy came to the table and tried again. He went through the same stuff. We again said no, so a third person - a lady came to the table. She claimed to be a member who had been successful arranging travel for others with the program, so "they hired me..." Before she was finished, she had reduced the price twice; first to $4995, then to $2495, with the only change in the program being fewer weeks of so-called discount condo availability. Thankfully, we did not sign up. I am usually diligent in researching these kinds of things BEFORE going to a presentation, but this time I didn't. But in any case, the deal - even if it were real - is not very good. Everything - literally everything - is subjective. No guarantees of low prices, travel availability, condo availability, or anything else. I guess they think that by being nice and VERY friendly, that folks will just TRUST THEM. Our "FREE" trip was to Orlando for two, for two nights and airfare. We did not get tickets or real vouvhers as promised, but rather a certificate from a third-party promotion company. We have to send $50 per person ($100) plus $85 for taxes, then after they receive the funds, they send an acknowledgement letter listing travel date ranges. No travel can occur within a week before or after any holiday. We have to choose three travel date preferences and they have to be at least three weeks apart. We would then be advised when our trip would occur. The hotel is not specified except that it is shown as 'standard' hotel accomodations somewhere in Orlando. Completely worthless. The hour and a half presentation was a waste too except that it was a somewhat interesting amusement. I do feel badly for those who will unfortunately buy into this program.
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