Q. I’d like some advice for getting a refund for a excursion to Morocco my spouse and I booked with Overseas Experience Vacation, which is based mostly in Boston. We originally scheduled for April 2020. OAT canceled the excursion in March 2020. At that time, OAT presented either a full refund or incentives to rebook the vacation or decide for other upcoming trips. We experienced until eventually May well 1 to make a decision.
But ahead of May well 1, we asked about a refund, and a representative advised us that it was no lengthier an alternative. OAT booked us on a potential trip alternatively.
I not long ago read through that Abroad Journey Travel was essential to honor my request for a refund under Massachusetts regulation. I contacted OAT late past yr and again questioned for a refund. A agent advised me that it would consider 30 to 90 days. I referred to as them in January, and a agent told me it would choose 30 to 90 business enterprise times. I have reviewed the Massachusetts Journey Seller law and observed that refunds should really be manufactured in 30 days.
OAT has been a excellent enterprise for the earlier two tours we have taken with them, but now I am anxious our $9,864 they agreed to refund will vanish. Any guidance or initiatives on your component are enormously appreciated.
SANDY HAIN, Palo Alto, Calif.
A. You are absolutely accurate that the Massachusetts Vacation Seller law (940 Mass. Reg. 15.06) needs a entire refund. And considering the fact that Overseas Adventure Journey is based mostly in Boston, it have to return your money. Its Could 1 deadline is irrelevant.
I’m working with a large amount of Overseas Adventure Journey scenarios at the moment. It appears the corporation strongly encouraged buyers to acknowledge a credit — possibly a little far too strongly. I suggest, it really should have at least waited until its individual deadline in advance of telling you that you experienced to just take the credit history.
I’ve mentioned this prior to, and I’ll say it yet again: If you can give your tour operator an opportunity to reschedule your vacation, you must. Organizations like OAT are battling amid a tricky pandemic. You outlined to me that your previous two OAT tours were being wonderful. What improved way to assure the corporation survives than providing it your company?
But you shouldn’t have to do that, and the state of Massachusetts agrees. So this is genuinely an open up-and-shut circumstance. You get a refund. Period.
If anyone else is getting a difficulty with having a refund from Abroad Journey Journey, the names, numbers, and e-mail addresses of its executives can be uncovered at www.elliott.org/company-contacts/grand-circle-journey/. I endorse sending a brief, polite e mail citing 940 Mass. Reg. 15.06 and requesting a refund inside of 30 days. If that does not function, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts attorney normal — or with me.
I contacted Abroad Adventure Travel on your behalf. It issued an fast refund.
Christopher Elliott is the main advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that allows people solve their problems. Elliott’s most recent e book is “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler” (Nationwide Geographic). Speak to him at elliott.org/assistance or [email protected].
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