Bryn Meehan

Review of Overseas Travel

This is mostly about NOT going on a trip. I call...

This is mostly about NOT going on a trip. I called to find out when dates for 2019 Israel trips would be released and was told that my friend and I could put deposits down in advance of the date release to secure rtwo single spots. We did so immediately during that initial call. We were sent confirmation letters saying that we would receive emails telling us when we could call and finalize our trip. We were also told on the phone, that if would probably be in the next 48 hours. Our credit cards were charged. We both checked our email and texts frequently from that point onward. After business hours last night an OAT rep called my cell and left a message saying the dates had been released . I called the moment they opened this morning and were told they are full for singles during the first 27 days in May. We could go during Passover in April during the a packed Israeli vacation time. My friend was never contacted by phone or email. I never received the promised email. The person I spoke to this morning was polite but had no explanation for how this happened or what the possible purpose of having us reserve in advance as that did not secure us spots during the time frame we'd specified. It didn't even secure us notification the day they opened up.. I went on a trip to India with OAT a few years ago and was impressed by the leader and the intelligent itinerary. It was difficult being a solo traveler as the group was comprised of four friends, couples and a family of three adults traveling in single rooms. I resolved that if I went again with OAT, I'd go with a friend so I'd have companionship. I gave them two stars because the trip I went on had a lot of good things about it. I would give them 0 starts for administration. If you are considering a trip with them, it is good to know that by the time the catalogue actually comes out, many trips will be completely full.