On 5/16/22 I enrolled in Bienvenidos a Colombia program via a phone call to RS representative Norman.My program was starting 10/2/22. I also gave him a $500 deposit and bought the AON insurance for $449. He never mentioned that deposit of $500 was nonrefundable even if you transferred to another program. Today 5/23/22 ( one week later and outside of the 67days prior to the start of my trip which you state ) I attempted to transfer to another program and cancel the prior trip. At that time, he informed me that my $500 deposit was nonrefundable. I did enroll in another program starting 9/22/22 and had to pay another deposit of $250 plus another insurance charge of $449. Why are some deposits nontransferable? This early (six months in advance of the trip) as nothing was charged by RS - no airfare and you only pulled hotel space from your allotment. This is a huge amount of money from a retired person. I have been calling all day today and even placed my number on your call back list. I have been on many RS trips and never had a problem but now I see what others have stated. RS always asks for donations but won't help with problems
All the details should be on the registration email you received when you first signed up on 5/16/2022. Check those dates to ensure there was no mistake made. I'm thinking you canceled and then decided to transfer to another program at which time it was too late. All deposits are transferable if done so within the parameters stated on your confirmation. Keep calling and hopefully you get this resolved to your satisfaction.
thanks for your reply. I called RS and attempted to transfer my deposit with the understanding that I was within the time limit (outside of 67days from start of trip). The RS agent then told me that the deposit of $500 was RS fee for transfer at moment of booking. He was even surprised and had to check with his supervisor. At that time he cancelled the prior trip and rebooked me. I am now trying to reclaim the money from the insurance. I will purchase new insurance for the new trip. In any case, I lose $500. Lesson learned, read the SMALL print. Don't trust a verbal exchange. Another funny thing...RS sent me a cancellation notice "We Have Canceled Your Enrollment". Spelled with one "l". So much for the "educational" aspect. We know RS is really a travel/tour agency and really educational for tax purposes (theirs).