Planning a vacation should be exciting and stress-free, but unfortunately, my experience with Travel By Jen, also known as Jet Set Vacations, was far from it. If you’re considering using their services, I strongly urge you to read this review first and weigh the potential pitfalls against the promises they advertise. My experience highlighted significant issues with transparency, leading to unexpected costs, wasted time, and considerable stress.
Hidden Costs and Misleading Information
One of the primary issues I encountered with Travel By Jen was the lack of clear and upfront information regarding crucial travel details. This included inaccurate travel time estimations and a failure to properly inform me about car upgrade necessities for my destination. For example, I was given an unrealistic driving time to Arenal, Costa Rica. What was presented as a simple 2.5-hour drive turned into an almost 4-hour journey in complete darkness on winding mountain roads, conditions that were never disclosed beforehand. This lack of transparency about the terrain and actual driving conditions was not only inconvenient but also raised safety concerns.
Furthermore, the issue of car upgrades was brushed aside until it became a necessity, adding unexpected costs to my trip. It felt as though crucial information that would directly impact my budget and travel experience was deliberately withheld. This lack of disclosure made it seem as though the aim was to present the most appealing upfront price, only to burden travelers with additional expenses later on.
Hotel Security Concerns
Beyond travel logistics, safety is paramount when choosing accommodations. Regrettably, an “upgraded” hotel booked through Travel By Jen raised significant security alarms. In an alarming incident, I was able to gain entry into my ground floor balcony room simply by removing a window and reaching through to unlock the balcony door from the outside after misplacing my key card. This incident starkly exposed a major security vulnerability, making me question the safety standards of the hotels recommended and booked by this agency. While fortunate that nothing was stolen during my stay, the ease of unauthorized entry was deeply concerning and unacceptable for a supposedly reputable travel service.
Customer Service and Accountability: Excuses, Not Solutions
When issues arose, the customer service experience with Travel By Jen was equally disappointing. Instead of offering solutions or taking responsibility, their representative, Robert, engaged in lengthy email exchanges that felt more like disputes than attempts to resolve my concerns. Detailed information about the problems I faced was met with justifications and attempts to minimize the agency’s role in the mishaps. Phrases like “Driving to Arenal takes me 2 and a half hours…I have been there 12 times” felt dismissive of my actual experience and the difficulties encountered.
The entire communication process seemed geared towards gathering information to refine their sales tactics for future clients rather than genuinely addressing my complaints. Despite the significant inconveniences and safety concerns, there was no offer of apology or compensation. The promise of attempting to get compensation felt hollow and insincere, further adding to the overall negative impression.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
Based on my personal experience, I cannot recommend Travel By Jen (Jet Set Vacations). While their advertisements may appear attractive and budget-friendly, the reality of hidden information, potential safety compromises, and inadequate customer service can lead to a stressful and costly travel experience. It is crucial for travelers to be fully informed and to feel secure in their bookings. My advice is to exercise extreme caution and consider alternative travel agencies with a proven track record of transparency, customer care, and a genuine commitment to ensuring a positive and safe travel experience. For a more detailed account of my experience, you can refer to my post on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-…osta_Rica.html. Hopefully, sharing this experience will help other travelers avoid similar pitfalls.
