URGENT pls HELP I think I was SCAMMED
Jun 7th, 2022 | 10:02 AM
#101
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,222
Likes: 12
My advice is to: get the $800 cancelled and refunded thru the credit card dispute.
Then backup, start over, and completely overhaul and simplify the plans for your trip. Then you wouldn't need a travel agent. But likely will have to compromise on where you go, ammenities you find at hotels, prices you pay.
Lilly the trip you describe is nothing I would want to plan or do even in the best of health on the best of days without heavy baggage. Do you actually have any tickets, hotel reservations? Do you at this point have anything paid for that is not refundable?
suze
Then backup, start over, and completely overhaul and simplify the plans for your trip. Then you wouldn't need a travel agent. But likely will have to compromise on where you go, ammenities you find at hotels, prices you pay.
Lilly the trip you describe is nothing I would want to plan or do even in the best of health on the best of days without heavy baggage. Do you actually have any tickets, hotel reservations? Do you at this point have anything paid for that is not refundable?
suze
Jun 7th, 2022 | 10:20 AM
#102
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
joto have tried AAA in my town, neighboring towns and all the way to other states. None are available, they want a week to get back to you due to high call volume, they don't even have appointments for 2 weeks. 
2 of our local offices closed and combined with one which makes it harder.
2 of our local offices closed and combined with one which makes it harder.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 10:28 AM
#103
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
suze
I disputed the charges (there is a current claim) BOA says they have to do research and will notify us when dispute research is confirmed. Idk what research they need to do, everything on this points to a scam, and I don't even have tickets with them. Lufthansa and Condor both did not have our names at all, even if they lied when I asked 5x are you sure you are with Lufthansa and they were actually a travel agency and "reserved" our tickets- - our names would be with the airlines.
Re Itinerary -- is it too complicated ? if so How do I simplify it ?
Is it too much given the medical issues and luggage and last minute planning ?
So far I have flights and Berlin hotel, a tentative for other hotels -
Need to find Hotels in Switzerland, Florence, train to Darmestadt and train to Florence and tours
if it's too much; how can I simplify it ?
p.s My Swiss family lives in Chexbres and hotels are tough there, also it's a bit further to other places - the other option is staying in Bern which seems more central but not sure if it's a relaxing place to stay.
I disputed the charges (there is a current claim) BOA says they have to do research and will notify us when dispute research is confirmed. Idk what research they need to do, everything on this points to a scam, and I don't even have tickets with them. Lufthansa and Condor both did not have our names at all, even if they lied when I asked 5x are you sure you are with Lufthansa and they were actually a travel agency and "reserved" our tickets- - our names would be with the airlines.
Re Itinerary -- is it too complicated ? if so How do I simplify it ?
- This is what I have so far -
- Toronto to Berlin - stay 2.5 days
- Train to Darmestadt - see family for 4 days
- Drive to Switzerland and stay for 5 days
- Train to Florence for 5 days
Is it too much given the medical issues and luggage and last minute planning ?
So far I have flights and Berlin hotel, a tentative for other hotels -
Need to find Hotels in Switzerland, Florence, train to Darmestadt and train to Florence and tours
if it's too much; how can I simplify it ?
p.s My Swiss family lives in Chexbres and hotels are tough there, also it's a bit further to other places - the other option is staying in Bern which seems more central but not sure if it's a relaxing place to stay.
Last edited by Lilly2016; Jun 7th, 2022 at 10:31 AM.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 12:07 PM
#104
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,236
Likes: 1
kleeblatt Oh it doesn't go through the Alps and the Lugano (sp?) area ?
Yes, we will have 2 big luggage and 2 carry ons (family stuff and medical supplies) - I can't walk fast.
Thank you so much for your input - Since you have experience would you please help me with these questions:
1. is there a place to store these luggages? obviously they don't fit on the top. There is usually a compartment to store your luggage at the beginning of the car. Bring a lock with you so you can lock your suitcase to the rack.
2. Could you elaborate on not saving time by flight ? because it says it's a 1 hour 15 min flight and I was told we would be at the airport an hour before for in Europe flights. You should be at the airport two hours + before your flight due to possible long lines. Then you have at least an hour between arrival time in Florence and your hotel so you aren't saving any time at all.)
Also no connections - If it makes it a less chaotic day or if the train would be a night mare with the luggage - it maybe better to fly. However, the cost is a ton more and we have seen pictures of trains in Switzerland and it looks like such a nice ride, but not sure these are the same trains. Additionally, I'm not sure if a fast train lets you really see anything . Just because a train is fast, it doesn't mean you won't see anything. Please see my previous message about views in the alps.
3. Lastly - to eliminate a connection to Florence and possible delays or cancelations - I was thinking of maybe hiring a transport to a train station that would be direct to Florence from another City or Country close by Switzerland but I could only find Milan (that's too far of a drive).
That's just crazy and VERY expensive.
Yes, we will have 2 big luggage and 2 carry ons (family stuff and medical supplies) - I can't walk fast.
Thank you so much for your input - Since you have experience would you please help me with these questions:
1. is there a place to store these luggages? obviously they don't fit on the top. There is usually a compartment to store your luggage at the beginning of the car. Bring a lock with you so you can lock your suitcase to the rack.
2. Could you elaborate on not saving time by flight ? because it says it's a 1 hour 15 min flight and I was told we would be at the airport an hour before for in Europe flights. You should be at the airport two hours + before your flight due to possible long lines. Then you have at least an hour between arrival time in Florence and your hotel so you aren't saving any time at all.)
Also no connections - If it makes it a less chaotic day or if the train would be a night mare with the luggage - it maybe better to fly. However, the cost is a ton more and we have seen pictures of trains in Switzerland and it looks like such a nice ride, but not sure these are the same trains. Additionally, I'm not sure if a fast train lets you really see anything . Just because a train is fast, it doesn't mean you won't see anything. Please see my previous message about views in the alps.
3. Lastly - to eliminate a connection to Florence and possible delays or cancelations - I was thinking of maybe hiring a transport to a train station that would be direct to Florence from another City or Country close by Switzerland but I could only find Milan (that's too far of a drive).
That's just crazy and VERY expensive.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 12:11 PM
#105
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,236
Likes: 1
Jun 7th, 2022 | 02:07 PM
#106
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,622
Likes: 0
My advice: Stop writing pointless stuff on Fodors. Start using conventional planning processes.
1. Where do I want to visit, which CityMaps2Go .
2. How will I get there.
3. Where will I stay.
Repeat for next city.
1. Where do I want to visit, which CityMaps2Go .
2. How will I get there.
3. Where will I stay.
Repeat for next city.
Last edited by Moderator1; Jun 7th, 2022 at 08:37 PM. Reason: deleted rude comment
Jun 7th, 2022 | 02:12 PM
#107
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
My personal opinion is that you omit the Italian leg of the trip and just enjoy Switzerland by doing day trips by using your rental car. However, if you insist on travelling to Italy with so much luggage, mobile issues, in the heat, and dealing with crowds, well then, good luck.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 02:27 PM
#108
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
@kleeblatt
Thank you sooo much this was so helpful and saved me a lot of time. Train it is!!! once I confirm hotels I will book the train depending on our start location.
Italy was the place my son and husband chose on this trip (history and food and that we may not be able to go to Europe for another 5 years).
They do not seem interested in Switzerland at all, mainly going to see family. However, I think it will be different once they are there; and you're right it would be much more relaxing vs crowds and heat in Italy. Also, our flights are booked from Florence. At this point I am sooo behind, that I feel like I should proceed with finalizing the rest of the itinerary asap, then once I am done - revisit making changes to the last part, if flights are possible.
Thank you sooo much this was so helpful and saved me a lot of time. Train it is!!! once I confirm hotels I will book the train depending on our start location.
Italy was the place my son and husband chose on this trip (history and food and that we may not be able to go to Europe for another 5 years).
They do not seem interested in Switzerland at all, mainly going to see family. However, I think it will be different once they are there; and you're right it would be much more relaxing vs crowds and heat in Italy. Also, our flights are booked from Florence. At this point I am sooo behind, that I feel like I should proceed with finalizing the rest of the itinerary asap, then once I am done - revisit making changes to the last part, if flights are possible.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 02:28 PM
#109
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,044
Likes: 50
Over three quite lengthy threads many people have suggested that sadly, Italy just doesn't work for them . . . mainly because of the heat, crowds, transport complications, mobility issues, poor health, over sized luggage, etc etc but it appears they are sticking to the original game plan so I honestly don't think we can convince them/her otherwise
Jun 7th, 2022 | 03:04 PM
#110
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
kleeblatt Thank you so much; very helpful. Train it is !!
Italy was chosen by my husband and son for this trip - mainly because of: history, food, and that we may not be able return to Europe for at least 5 years. I have mentioned suggestions on here: staying in Switzerland or going to Austria instead, but my husband likes to see Italy. They are not that interested in Switzerland, mainly going there for family. I'm sure things will be different once we are there. You are right about the heat and crowds in Italy, and I'm sure Switzerland (although crowded too) will be a lot more relaxing than Italy in July. Also the flights are out of Florence.
At this point, I'm so far behind that I am trying to keep moving forward and pull it all together and finalize the logistics Asap, instead of restarting. If I can pull off what I started to please everybody in my family.. fine, if not, I will have to see how much we lose by changing flights back home and finding a different driving location (they would not want to spend more than the 6 days in Switzerland).
Italy was chosen by my husband and son for this trip - mainly because of: history, food, and that we may not be able return to Europe for at least 5 years. I have mentioned suggestions on here: staying in Switzerland or going to Austria instead, but my husband likes to see Italy. They are not that interested in Switzerland, mainly going there for family. I'm sure things will be different once we are there. You are right about the heat and crowds in Italy, and I'm sure Switzerland (although crowded too) will be a lot more relaxing than Italy in July. Also the flights are out of Florence.
At this point, I'm so far behind that I am trying to keep moving forward and pull it all together and finalize the logistics Asap, instead of restarting. If I can pull off what I started to please everybody in my family.. fine, if not, I will have to see how much we lose by changing flights back home and finding a different driving location (they would not want to spend more than the 6 days in Switzerland).
Jun 7th, 2022 | 03:24 PM
#111
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
thursdaysd and janisj
I know,
Italy was chosen by my husband and son for this trip - mainly because of: history, food, and that we may not be able return to Europe for at least 5 years. I have mentioned suggestions on here: staying in Switzerland or going to Austria instead, but my husband likes to see Italy. They are not that interested in Switzerland, mainly going there for family. I'm sure things will be different once we are there. You are all right about the heat and crowds in Italy, and I'm sure Switzerland (although crowded too) will be a lot more relaxing than Italy in July. Also the flights are out of Florence.
At this point, I'm so far behind that I am trying to keep moving forward and pull it all together and finalize the logistics Asap, instead of restarting. If I can pull off what I started to please everybody in my family.. fine, if not, I will have to see how much we lose by changing flights back home and finding a different driving location (they would not want to spend more than the 6 days in Switzerland).
I know,
Italy was chosen by my husband and son for this trip - mainly because of: history, food, and that we may not be able return to Europe for at least 5 years. I have mentioned suggestions on here: staying in Switzerland or going to Austria instead, but my husband likes to see Italy. They are not that interested in Switzerland, mainly going there for family. I'm sure things will be different once we are there. You are all right about the heat and crowds in Italy, and I'm sure Switzerland (although crowded too) will be a lot more relaxing than Italy in July. Also the flights are out of Florence.
At this point, I'm so far behind that I am trying to keep moving forward and pull it all together and finalize the logistics Asap, instead of restarting. If I can pull off what I started to please everybody in my family.. fine, if not, I will have to see how much we lose by changing flights back home and finding a different driving location (they would not want to spend more than the 6 days in Switzerland).
Jun 7th, 2022 | 03:53 PM
#112
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 0
Your husband and son want Italy but won’t help plan. Either turn the planning over to them for that leg or skip it.
iy all sounds complicated and stressful, not my idea of a vacation.
iy all sounds complicated and stressful, not my idea of a vacation.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 05:00 PM
#113
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,222
Likes: 12
if it's too much; how can I simplify it ?
Forget Italy. If your son wants to go there, then split up... you go to Switzerland, they go to Italy. Let them arrange that part themselves.
Forget Berlin. Why are you including it?
Fly into an airport in Switzerland. Take the train to see your relatives. Fly home from an airport in Switzerland.
Voila!
Forget Italy. If your son wants to go there, then split up... you go to Switzerland, they go to Italy. Let them arrange that part themselves.
Forget Berlin. Why are you including it?
Fly into an airport in Switzerland. Take the train to see your relatives. Fly home from an airport in Switzerland.
Voila!
Jun 7th, 2022 | 05:02 PM
#114
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,222
Likes: 12
and I'm sure Switzerland (although crowded too) will be a lot more relaxing than Italy in July.
Not when it is the Montreux Jazz Festival and you are trying to stay there at the last minute without a reservation.
Not when it is the Montreux Jazz Festival and you are trying to stay there at the last minute without a reservation.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 05:10 PM
#115
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,222
Likes: 12
Or do it the other way... forget about visiting your relatives in Switzerland and just plan a trip to Italy. Go to Venice & Florence or Florence & Rome... flying into one and out of the other. Don't rent a car. Use the trains. Another idea that would be a lot easier to arrange.
Jun 7th, 2022 | 06:14 PM
#117
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
To those of you that helped me maneuver this scam and to proceed afterwards- Thank you so much.
I will take your advice in checking to see if I can change flights and simplify this trip.
I'm done with this issue and moving on. No need to post anything else ! I actually wish I could delete the whole thread.
I will take your advice in checking to see if I can change flights and simplify this trip.
I'm done with this issue and moving on. No need to post anything else ! I actually wish I could delete the whole thread.
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