cupid1

Michela, et. al

Okay, I AM laughing now, aloud!

Yes, I'm aware of Tx Decpetive trade act (the benefit of having so many lawyers as clients) and chose not to take this route only because I'm a big softy. I know now Better Half had no operational control but not if is still financially liable. He knows if it were anyone else I'd have referred it to a lawyer. Sure, it'd be great to be refunded or whatever, but not at the cost of making things harder for him and the kids at an already difficult time. She left the family but nothing's formalized.

I don't know that she's got the letter yet and I agree about notifying other organizations. Not sure how much else to do because of the sticky situation. Wish I'd known before, and let this also be a lesson. Suppose I may just have to actually ask him regarding liability and go from there.

Thanks again, y'all are great. Maybe there should be a "Most horrible traveling experience" thread...

toedtoes

While it's great that you are concerned about the "Better Half", he should be doing more for you than just sympathizing and saying he has no control. If he's still liable for the business, then he needs to make a stand against her - not every customer is going to be as understanding as you are (and, in truth, no one should have to accept that level of service for fear of "making things hard" on someone else).

This is also a good time to remind everyone that the small print in contracts may be standard boilerplate material, but that doesn't mean it's OK for the consumer. If you have any question about the details of a contract, question it in writing. Some companies will agree to void that portion of the contract... If they won't void or change it, then look elsewhere. Don't sign something that you don't agree with.

cupid1

toedtoes,
you make an excellent point.

And after speaking with someone today that I hadn't seen since the trip and hearing how upset they STILL were, I decided to go ahead and pursue this to the extent possible. They are doing the same from their end.

Thank you again, everyone.

skimom

cupid1 - I have used this very same woman several years ago and our trip was amazing! Unfortunately, I recommended her to friends who have been working with her for over a year on a "once in a lifetime" trip to Italy to take place in June '07. They just found out that none of their arrangements have been made, there are no existing hotel, dinner, tour, or transfer reservations and she will not return phone calls, deposits, etc. It has turned into a disaster and I am feeling somewhat responsible since I recommended her. I wonder if you could help us out and share any information you have regarding her circumstances and your legal proceedings. We cannot even find an address for her at this time. To compound our difficulties, we live in Michigan. Our Texas friends who originally recommended Tapestry Travel and who accompanied us on our trip years ago are helping us, but you seem to have much more up to date information. My Michigan friends are going to start legal proceedings in an attempt to recoup their monies, but any information would be a huge help. Thank you so much and I am so sorry that your trip was such a disappointment. I suspect that there is more going on with this woman than we know. It is very unfortunate because our trip in 1999 was truly a "once in a lifetime" experience.

SharonG

What a nightmare. I had to laugh at the title since I imagined what others did. I've only taken one tour, Collette Tours, to Ireland, as a favor to a friend. It was actually wonderful but I would never do it again. Too much time waiting for stragglers, no real feel for the place since we kept moving, feeling sick to death of being on the bus, food not great but okay and no real chance to experience local cuisine on your own. Not their fault, that's just part of the package and I've decided it is not for me.