Planning a vacation should be an exciting experience, but choosing the wrong travel agency can turn your dream trip into a nightmare. If you’re considering booking with Exoticca, it’s crucial to do your research and read Exoticca Travel Reviews before making a decision. My personal experience, along with that of friends, has led me to strongly advise against using Exoticca for your travel needs.
Initially drawn in by Exoticca’s Eastern European tour offering for January 2023, my husband and I attempted to contact their customer service in November 2022 with a simple question. Despite numerous attempts over a week, reaching anyone proved impossible. This lack of responsiveness immediately raised red flags. If getting in touch with them before handing over our money was this difficult, what would happen if we needed assistance during the trip itself? This poor communication prompted us to reconsider our booking and request a refund. Exoticca’s initial offer to refund only half the trip cost, while retaining an additional $300, was unacceptable. Fortunately, our credit card company intervened, and we successfully disputed the charge and recovered our funds.
This initial negative experience led me to delve deeper into exoticca travel reviews online, and what I found was concerning. Wishfully, we hoped our friends, who were also booked on the same Eastern European tour, would have a better experience. Sadly, their trip confirmed our worst fears. Despite proceeding with the tour, they returned deeply disappointed. They reported subpar hotels and unengaging tours. Furthermore, the logistical arrangements were shockingly inadequate, especially for mature travelers. They were expected to haul their luggage from the hotel to the train station – a considerable distance over icy sidewalks, resulting in one friend falling.
The problems continued at the train station. Exoticca had provided them with incorrect, student train tickets instead of adult fares, forcing them to pay an additional $72 each out of pocket. Adding insult to injury, these travelers, aged 60 to 78, with pre-existing physical conditions like recent shoulder and back surgeries, were expected to lift their heavy luggage into overhead compartments on the train.
Upon their return, their feedback was clear and unequivocal: they regretted booking with Exoticca and would never use their services again. Their experience, combined with my own pre-trip customer service issues and the overwhelming number of negative exoticca travel reviews available online, leads to a strong recommendation: avoid Exoticca. There are numerous reputable travel agencies that prioritize customer service and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Don’t risk your hard-earned money and precious vacation time on a company with such a questionable track record. Choose a travel agency that values its customers and provides reliable support throughout your journey.
