Most Frequently Asked Questions:
Most Frequently Asked Coastal Travel Package Questions:
Q. How can Coastal Vacations offer these "complimentary stays" for just taxes & processing fees? Is there some kind of catch?
A. Ever since it’s inception, Coastal Vacations has been offering what are known as “incentive vacations.” These incentive stays are where the Coastal member only pays taxes and processing fees. The rest of the cost of the hotel room, suite, or condo resort stay is backed by the multi billion dollar time share industry. Here’s why resorts are willing to do this. They hope that the guest will agree to accept additional perks and incentives such as room or condo upgrades, additional free days, attraction tickets, or even cash in exchange for agreeing to attend a 90 minute tour of a luxury resort community. In essence, the Resort Development Companies are picking up the tab, knowing that one out 10 or so guests will agree to attend a tour. Now, in the case of Coastal members, the tours are optional, if the guest does not wish to take advantage of the additional perks. In most cases the actual cost of the stays typically run from $5 to $7 per night, which is a tremendous savings over the normal room cost.
Q. How much advance notice is required to be able to travel?
A. If you can plan 60 to 90 days or more in advance, you may choose to use one of your complimentary “taxes only” stays. These are typically for 3 to 5 days for 2 adults and 2 children. If you wish to travel in under 60 days, it would be best to use one of the 20 membership discount cards. You may access the directories or web sites and check under your desired City & State to locate a resort or condo, then call the toll free number to get a price with your membership discount. This can be done for “next day” travel, or anytime that you wish, for yourself, family, or friends.
Q. What quality of accommodations can I and my guests expect to enjoy?
A. When using the complimentary “taxes only” stays, you will usually be assigned a standard room at beautiful nationally known resorts, such as LaQuinta, Holiday Inn, Ramada, Comfort Suites, Howard Johnson's, etc. Remember, you can always upgrade to a larger room or suite, for a small surcharge if you wish. When using the 20 membership cards & directories, you may choose from a variety of options, which include fully furnished luxury condos, resorts, bed & breakfasts, private pool homes, and much more. Prices will depend on the time of year that you choose to travel, location, and how much notice you give. We even have a “burn week” list of last minute condo options for our members.
Q. Do the complimentary “taxes only” stays offer airfare?
A. Although the bonus stays do not include the airfare, the vendors will usually offer an airfare quote if you request one. If you would like to compare airfare costs, you can always call any of the vendors on the back of your Airfare Card for additional discount airfare. Generally airfare prices are best when purchased as far in advance as possible.
Q. What Cruise Lines can be used for a discount with the Coastal membership and how much money can a member expect to save?
A. By using your complimentary Carnival / Royal Caribbean Cruise, you may take advantage of a “taxes & processing fees only” cruise from several ports. The passenger’s only costs will include a $50 per person processing fee, and approximately $199 to $225 per person to cover Port Fees, Fuel Taxes, Departure Taxes, and such. Depending on the time of the year you choose to travel, and availability, you can save more than 50% off regular rates with this complimentary cruise. Another great option is using the Coastal Cruise Card. By calling any of the venders listed on the back of your card, you can get deep discount prices for virtually any cruise line you want, sailing out of all of the popular Ports of Departure around the US to the most desired destinations, such as The Caribbean, The Mediterranean, and even Alaska!
Q. How do the discounts work on the cruises and how can Coastal members enjoy an ocean cruise for just taxes & processing fees?
A. As we all know, cruise ships are on a strict schedule and must sail regardless of whether they are at full capacity or not. Passengers paying taxes & processing fees only for their cabins will also spend money onboard ship, in the bars, casinos, gift shops, and during shore excursions. Typically the amount of money spent by each passenger equals or exceeds the original cost of the cruise itself. Therefore, in order to benefit from the additional revenue, the Cruise Lines know that it is better to fill empty cabins for pennies on the dollar, rather than sail with empty cabins. Additionally, Cruise Lines have done studies and found that the majority of first time cruisers tend to continue to sail with the same Cruise Line on which they enjoyed their first voyage. This ensures repeat bookings at regular rates in the future, as well as great word of mouth advertising.
Q. When a Coastal member books a stay or a cruise will they receive a confirmation number and details on their travel just like they would with a regular travel agency?
A. Absolutely! In fact, every time Coastal members book any stay or cruise, they will be working with a licensed & bonded travel agent. This is actually better, because it is more reliable to work directly with the originating vendor, rather than to go through a typical travel agency. Coastal’s discount methods actually eliminate the “middle man” in most of the stays and cruises.
Q. Will the vendor / travel agent be able to assist me with other travel needs?
A. Absolutely! Coastal’s vendors are all qualified travel agents fully capable of answering any questions you may have. They also can pass along helpful hints, make arrangements for extra nights, extra guests, upgrade accommodations, arrange group tours, book rental cars at your destination, and assist you with any other travel needs you may have. After you receive the glossy brochure for your travel, there will be a toll free number for you to call for any additional information or pricing depending upon your specific needs.
Q. Since this is a "Lifetime Membership" are there any other costs or renewal fees each year?
A. This is a great question because of the benefits with the Coastal Membership renewal option. In order to keep all of the contact numbers, and vendor information current, the shipping and fulfillment center sends out an optional renewal notice one year from the date of your purchase. You may choose to renew all 20 membership cards & directories, for only $89.95, which is only $4.50 for each new card. This enables Coastal’s members to always have current information and phone numbers for all of their travel needs, because there are almost always several additions and changes each year. However, if you choose not to renew, or forget to renew for several months, you may send in your renewal application at anytime. Your renewal for the following year starts when the shipping center receives your application. With the complimentary stays, there is no expiration date, until you have activated a travel voucher. When the glossy brochure arrives, you then have one year to 18 months to select a date and enjoy your stay.
Q. Can a Coastal member give away any of the 30 bonus vacations?
A. That actually is one of the great features about having access to an unlimited supply of complimentary stays. You can give away any of the 30 bonus vacations, as well as order more of any stays from the vacation list included in your membership. They can be used for wedding gifts, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and much, much more.
Q. What other ways could a member take advantage of the discounts in the Coastal Membership?
A. Many non-profit organizations use the bonus stays for fund raising activities such as kid’s athletic clubs, Fire Stations, Fraternal Order of Police, Churches, Rotary Club, American Legion, private schools, and many charities. These groups typically sell raffle tickets for around $5 each, and offer a variety of 3 or 4 of the complimentary stays as prizes. Many non-profit groups have raised as much as $2,000 to $3,000 on each event. It gets even better. In addition to the bonus stays and cruises working well for various fund raisers, the entire membership of the non-profit organization can benefit from using the bonus stays and the discount membership cards & directories for planning their own personal family vacations and cruises. Not only do the non-profit organizations love the Membership, but even corporations and companies benefit from the Coastal Package, because they are always looking for ideas to promote their own services and products and increase their sales. Most customers love to travel, and they appreciate the opportunity to enjoy discounted weekend getaways and cruises. Many companies use the Coastal Membership including mobile home parks and dealers, mortgage companies, car dealerships, beauty & tanning salons, catering services, limousine rentals, and several small retail shops. The options are unlimited. In addition, not only do the bonus stays make great customer incentives, but they make great employee incentives as well. Many companies like to award their employees for outstanding service, sales achievements, retention bonuses, and retirement gifts.
Q. Is it possible to save enough on a week long vacation or cruise to pay for the entire cost of the Coastal Package?
A. Memberships of any type offer the greatest savings to those members who make the most use of the membership. One of the greatest advantages with your Coastal package is that it can be used for yourself, family and friends, and you can even will the membership to your heirs if you are so inclined. Typically, just a week long condo stay or cruise can easily save a member more than the $1,295 cost of the Level 1 Membership Package. Coastal has many members who have saved well in excess of the cost of the package on their very first trip.
Q. What are my chances of traveling on the dates I have selected?
A. As in most travel, selecting dates 30 days or more in advance helps ensure availability. During Holiday seasons it is best to book up to 6 months in advance if possible. The exception to this is our condo stays, where under 30 day options - known as “burn weeks” offer the deepest discount and last minute availability. Coastal has several options for condos with several different vendors. One of them has a web site just for Coastal members, that usually offers 3 to 5 pages of locations all around the USA. If you have the flexibility of traveling on the spur of the moment, occasionally outstanding deals are available, especially with your cruise card. This is due to Cruise Lines having cancellations at the last minute.
Q. Can we get more than one set of cards & directories?
A. Yes. An extra set of cards & directories is only an additional $49.95. An extra set comes in very handy in situations where several individuals will have access to the Coastal Membership, such as in large families, and groups or organizations. Q. Can we let friends & relatives use our cards & directories? A. Yes. You can either assist them with booking their accommodations, or they can use your cards & directories and book their own hotel or condo stays.
Q. What is the difference in the Complimentary Carnival/Royal Caribbean Cruise and the "Cruise & Stay" for $6.95?
A. With the complimentary Carnival or Royal Caribbean Cruise, you sleep onboard ship for the duration of the 4 day 3 night or 5 day 4 night ocean going cruise. With the "Cruise & Stays", you spend the day sailing from Florida to the Bahamas and sleep at a resort for the duration of your stay, after which you spend another 6 hours sailing back to Florida.
Q. Are there any "hidden costs" when a member books a complimentary taxes only stay?
A. No. Be sure to read the terms & conditions for each vacation. You are only responsible for taxes, processing fees, & gratuities for the complimentary bonus stays.
Q. How can I find a vendor to contact in order to get a list of condos currently available?
A. There are several condo options in the Coastal Membership. The first option is to go to the directories and look for condo listings in the area you desire. Another method is to use the website from your Hotel Access Card for monthly listings of condos and burn week specials. You may also go to the back of your condo card and call the toll free numbers for additional options.
Q. Who can I contact in the Coastal Membership for the best airfare?
A. The Airfare card has toll free numbers on the back to call for airfare quotes. In some cases, the member will also be given a website to check for airfares when they call in to these numbers. Also, almost all of the vendors in the Coastal Package offer airfares. The key is to book as early as possible and combine airfares with a stay from the same vendor. Internet airfares have become extremely competitive. In most cases, Coastal’s vendors will be in the same price range as the major airfare providers over the Internet. The primary advantage to booking airfares through Coastal vendors is for convenience and time savings.
Q. How will I know what Hotel or Resort I will be staying at when I book a complimentary stay?
A. When you receive the glossy activated vacation brochure, there will be a toll free number for customer service. You may call that number to inquire about details concerning your accommodations. Generally, accommodations will be in 4 to 5 star hotels & resorts such as Ramada, LaQuinta, Howard Johnsons, Comfort Suites, etc.
Q. How do I activate the Coastal Vacations Member cards? Its says to mail application to activate card...Can I use them now and where? Locally?
A. In your travel package you will find a Membership Activation Form. You will need to fill out this form with your information and then send it in (to the shipping center -- address is on Membership Form) along with a $25 money order (for shipping & handling. You will receive your whole set of 20 membership cards with their accompanying Directories within 5-10 business days.
Q. Can I extend complimentary stays (bonus vacations)?
A. YES. The complimentary vacations are for 3days/2nights or 8days/7nights. If you want to extend those they will charge you a nominal fee. These companies are motivated (and paid) to fill the rooms. They will offer you good deals to ensure that you stay longer.
Q. Is this the best vacation deal for a customer or are there hundreds of competitors?
A. The travel industry is very competitive and there are a number of other companies that offer discount travel & vacation memberships, like we do... What sets us apart is that we are an Association of Professionals and not a company. We do not have the overhead that a standard company has and therefore can afford to market this package for $1295. This EXACT same package is also sold by other resort companies for $2500-$4000. This package has been on the market for over 20years. We, Coastal have been marketing it for 10 years now.
Q. I saw on the European vacation package that France and Italy are not included. Do you have packages for these countries?
A. Yes, we have international stays in France and Italy. They are week long complimentary stays where we are required to pay the taxes only (approx $20./night). These vacations cost us $20 to order...
Q. Is travel by air or rail included in vacation packages? Sometimes half the fun is getting there as they say... I am a railroad enthusiast, are there Amtrak packages also?
A. With our "Travel Card" we get an additional 10-20% savings on AIRFARES... The Board of Directors of Coastal Vacations are currently looking to implement a "Rail Discount Card" card, they are planning to have it in place by the end of this year...
Q. How many vacation packages does Coastal offer?
A. Coastal Vacations offers three different vacation packages. "The Level 1 - Resort Vacation Package" for $1295. "The Premier Combo - International Vacation Package" (Level 1 & Level 2) for $3995 (save $800) and "The Platinum Package - Universal Vacation Package" (Level 1, 2 and 3) for $11,000 (savings of $1295)
Q. How do you compare prices without ordering a condo vacation first?
A. As a member of Coastal, our Condo stays are typically $19/night per person. On average, we pay about $300 per week (for 2 people) for a condo stay. The best way to compare is to get the regular price of the condo first and then compare that to the $300 per week that we as Coastal members pay. We are saving about $1000 per week on condo stays around the US, Canada, Mexico , the Caribbean & worldwide.
Q. Do I get to go on the Coastal complimentary 4day, 3night Carnival cruise in Level II?
A. As a Level 2 member, you can take an UNLIMITED AMOUNT of 4 day/3night Carnival Cruises. You should have ONE already activated in your package. You can order more using your International Vacations Membership card, and Order Form, which is also included in your Level 2 package.
Q. How can all this value in a vacation package cost only $295 - $500.00 wholesale?
A. First, you have to understand how the Vacation & Travel Industry works. The price of a resort stay, cruise, or an airline ticket depends entirely upon projected capacities and vacancy rates. A resort rarely achieves 100% capacity and empty rooms cost them money. Resorts will reduce the room rates and create special packages to attract guests to their resorts because people will always spend money on restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and casinos. Second, the vacation and travel industry depends on (more than most industries) on repeat business and referrals. They know that if you absolutely love your experience with them, not only will you come back again, but you will also tell all of your friends and family how great your experience was! Who hasn't shared family vacation photos with friends and family upon returning from a trip? Another factor is that Coastal purchases in huge quantities.
Q. Are these vacations genuine?
A. Absolutely genuine! Resorts as well as marketing companies have been selling similar vacation packages for 25 years and generally selling them at much higher prices. Nearly all hotels, resorts, cruise lines, etc. have vacancies on an ongoing basis. They find that participating in Vacation Package Programs is a viable form of "advertising" to bring in guests who obviously then spend money in their restaurants, bars, shops, etc. Today many savvy travelers us promotional packages such as this for their vacations, saving thousands of dollars each year.
Q. Are there expiration dates on the various offers?
A. Your first two free vacation certificates that come with your package are good for one year. All the other complimentary vacations are good for one year after the date you mail in the voucher to activate that particular vacation. The 18 travel discount membership cards can be renewed as a group for only $89.95 per year (annual renewal of the membership cards is optional). The annual renewal is less than $5.00 per card with more to be added! Many regular cardholders pay from $50 to $199 a year to renew a single card. None of our clients take 25 plus vacations with 5 cruises each year. By activating each vacation when you're ready, you can take every vacation at your leisure. And your 25 plus bonus vacations are still valid even if you choose not to renew the membership cards (the remainder of your package is good for an unlimited duration of time or until all its contents are used).
Q. Are the individual vacations and airline discount coupons transferable?
A. YES!! Rarely you will find "Transferable" as an option in the travel industry. But we've got you covered! Most families simply do not have the time to take advantage of the wide array of great vacations in this package. So why not use the ones you want and share the rest with family and friends? The membership cards (issued in your name) are not transferable.
Q. How far in advance must we make our reservations?
A. Plan ahead as you would for any major vacation, choosing several preferred time periods. Through your club membership you will have access to "shorter notice" trips (if they are not sold out) at huge discounts for cruises, vacations and condos worldwide.
Q. Are there any restrictions on when we can travel?
A. Generally speaking, the vacation packages will not be available during the heaviest peak seasons and during the major holidays. Some providers might ask you to submit three choices as to when you want to travel - and they'll nearly always accommodate you. With so many available destinations, you should be able to travel almost anytime you wish.
Q. With such great bargains can I resell some of these individual vacations?
A. No. These are promotional vacations and are not to be individually resold. But you can give them away to others. You might even donate a vacation to a nonprofit organization or school raffle. If you own a business, reward your best employees. Or use some of the vacations as incentives to increase sales of big-ticket items.
Q. Will I need to go through a sales pitch to get a free cruise?
A. No. No crazy sales pitch! All you need to do is submit a request for your preferred dates and you will be notified as to which one of your preferred dates is available.
Q. What if I use all of the contents in the package?
A. Each year with the optional renewal of your membership cards you are offered the opportunity to restock the contents of your package. Choosing this option would allow you to restock your package and renew your membership cards for only $185. In addition, as a qualified Director you can purchase additional new packages for as low as $200 each, as often as you want!
Q. How do I know this isn't a scam and shut down tomorrow?
A. All of the companies that you will be representing in this package are some of the most respected and ethical companies in the vacation and travel industry. Many of the companies that you will be representing with this package have been doing business for the past 15 to 25 plus years (depending on the company). We welcome anyone to check out each of the companies we represent and see for yourself the long-term track record filled with excellent customer service and integrity.
Some of our long-term travel partners include:
Carnival Cruise Lines, 27 years in business
Quest International, 19 years in business
Alamo Car Rental, 28 years in business
Adventure Outdoor Resorts, 11 years in business
Pro Travel Solutions, 33 years in business
Exchange Systems Plus, 13 years in business
Transmedia Dining and Entertainment, 18 years in business
Access Development Corporation, 18 years in business
Hotel-At-Half Price (ITC-30), 27 years in business
