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What travelers are saying

"Wonderful, we really liked it."

What travelers are saying

"Wonderful, we really liked it."

What travelers are saying

"I don't typically write reviews about any enterprise, as I consider their perspective and the challenges they face. However, my recent experience with Star Tours UK has compelled me to write my first review, due to the gravity and helplessness I felt in the situation. I recently experienced an appalling and highly unethical service from Star Tours UK, that I feel compelled to share, in the hope that potential customers will avoid falling victim to their dubious practices. On March 22, 2024, I booked the Panoramic Europe 5-day trip with Star Tours for myself and my family, scheduled for departure on May 13, 2024 (Invoice No: 338341, Booking Reference: 158599/ ALIM). I paid an advance of £765 (approx. ₹78,000) for the trip (enclosing invoice). Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to cancel my booking immediately after making it. This cancellation was made well months in advance of the trip's departure date, yet to my dismay, Star Tours refused to refund even a single penny of my payment. This treatment is especially egregious considering my longstanding relationship with Star Tours. Over the years, I have been a loyal customer, having taken their Scotland trip thrice, and my relatives and colleagues have also frequently availed their services. Despite this loyalty, Star Tours showed no consideration or goodwill in handling my situation. What makes this situation even worse is that their own cancellation policy states that cancellation charges begin at 25% of the total holiday cost only if notice is given 28 days before departure. Since my cancellation was made well months in advance, there should have been no charge at all. Their refusal to refund my advance payment is not only unfair but also indicative of their deeply unethical business practices. Star Tours should have considered my request for a refund given the significant notice provided and my history as a loyal customer. Their complete lack of flexibility and empathy is shocking. Furthermore, when I inquired about the refund over the phone, their customer service was negligent and dismissive, showing no intention of assisting me or understanding my predicament. It is also worth noting that friends, relatives, and colleagues who had to cancel similar trips with other travel companies have promptly received their refunds. These companies demonstrated genuine customer-friendly policies and understood the importance of treating their clients with fairness and respect. This stark contrast only highlights the unethical nature of Star Tours’ practices. I strongly urge potential customers to reconsider booking with Star Tours. Their lack of integrity, disregard for customer loyalty, and unethical behavior are appalling. At any time, you could find yourself in a similar situation, facing unexpected circumstances, and you deserve a travel company that values its customers and operates with transparency and fairness. Look for genuine, customer-friendly tours and avoid Star Tours at all costs. Regards, Mahitosh Satish (Contact- +91 7907608813)"

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

What travelers are saying

"Until Covid clears, I would steer clear of Backroads. We were partially through their June 2020 Costa Rica tour when a guest tested Covid positive. She and her husband were isolated. The rest of the group were offered wimpy masks. Nobody was offered Covid testing daily and masks were not required of the guests or staff. The guides kept repeating "not in the CDC guidelines." Our group of six decided that the Backroads response was inadequate so returned home mid-excursion. The hotel and food was excellent, but the provided bikes were inadequate. The front derailleurs were poorly adjusted, and most of the riders had the chains come off during the first ride. Hikes or bike rides were conducted in downpours. Disappointed for charging such a premium price."

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I were on the Smithsonian Journeys Splendors of Australia and New Zealand between April 13 and May 2, 2018. Smithsonian is rated by this site as Luxury travel. However, Smithsonian "farms out" the logistics for their trip to Odysseys Unlimited. Odysseys booked within country air travel with the lowest cost air carriers. Flights were cancelled from Ayers Rock to Sydney and from Queenstown New Zealand to Rotorua. Another flight was significantly delayed so that we did not arrive at our Christchurch destination until 2:00 am, making for a really tired next day. Odysseys Unlimited compensated us $400 per person for missing a day in Sydney and paid for an excursion in Auckland for missing Rotorua. This was wholly inadequate, given that these were highlights of the trip. In addition, our tour guide was rude to several people on the trip. If Smithsonian Journeys is truly a luxury travel outfit, as we had believed, then they would not be farming out travel logistics to such a chinch company as Odysseys Unlimited. We will think twice about traveling with Smithsonian again, and so should others."

What travelers are saying

"Guides went out of their way to be helpful, fun and engaging. The itinerary included numerous fascinating cultural exchanges and experiences. Accommodations were lovely with lots of character and charm. Meals were delicious, too. Cuba faces many challenges but we returned home with great appreciation and respect for the courageous Cuban people and their rich culture."

What travelers are saying

"I have traveled three different times with Pilgrim Tours and give them my highest recommendation. While each trip was unique in its experiences and purpose, they were consistent in quality and value for my travel dollar. As a solo traveler, I have always felt safe and welcome in my tour groups. The guides are expert at managing the logistics and ensuring the itinerary is met and adjustments that are inevitable appear seamless to the clients. The guides are very knowledgeable and able to communicate clearly the historical, cultural, and Biblical significance of the sites visited, as appropriate. I came home from these trips with a wealth of knowledge, a bond of friendship with my fellow travelers, and a deep sense of gratitude to God for the blessings we received as we explored new places. Do not hesitate to travel with Pilgrim Tours on any of their offerings. My most recent trip to Egypt in January, 2025 was incredible!"