Kutrubes Travel
328 Tremont Street
Boston, Mass. 02116
I responded to an advertisement in International Travel News for a tour to Lebanon with a fixed departure date in April 2000.
It was soon apparent that the tour offered would not go as planned.
Independent travel was
suggested and that's when the problems started.
(See my discussion of
"Tour
of One")
As I mention in my write-up
of Kutrubes Travel I had difficulty in
getting
timely documentation.
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2000 2:57 PM Subject: Lebanon trip documentation
Hello Kathy:
I would like to know how you will transmit the flight ticket and other documentation for the Lebanon trip. My concern is that I will out of the country, April 1-8. Could you please arrange for the material to be received here before April 1. Thanks, Galen
Galen R. Frysinger Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA
From:
"Kathy Kutrubes"
Subject: Re: Lebanon trip documentation
Date: Friday, March 24, 2000 10:48 AM
Dear Galen, I have everything here including your ticket. I will get it out to you today. Sorry for the delay.
Kathy
Date: March 31, 2000 Subject: Lebanon trip documentation
Hello Kathy:
It is Friday, March 31, the mail has come but I have not received the tickets or documentation. Starting tomorrow I will be in Mexico for a week, with no way to accept any sent material. When I next get my US mail, on Monday, April 10, I am hoping that the tickets and documentation will be there. That is only two days before the scheduled departure on April 12.
Galen
Date: Monday, April 10, 2000 4:06 PM
Subject: Re: Lebanon trip documentation
Hello Kathy:
Got the tickets today. On the tour list you left off: April 15 Beiteddine and Deir El Kamar (full day tour) Please e-mail me a corrected copy
Galen
April 11,2000
Galen
I had a call from another gentleman who just returned from Lebanon. He did something similar to what you are doing. He called to tell me that everything worked but that he was not given much information about where he would meet tour, the time of pick up, etc. I had forgotten that they haven't had many tourists for so long they have forgotten what customer service is. Please call Denise in the morning after you arrive for explanation of how your trip will work for details. I will, of course, have explained to her in an e mail today she must contact you at the hotel and acquaint you with how things will work.
Kathy
Kutrubes Travel
After my visit to Lebanon
From: Galen
R. Frysinger
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2000 4:06 PM Subject:
Re: Lebanon trip documentation
Hello Kathy:
I can understand the other gentleman's concerns about the lack of information. I had the same problem.
Example # 1
As I arrived I quickly purchased my Visa stamp ($17) was shown directly to an agent who stamped my passport, wandered quickly through the baggage area, since I only had a carry on, went through customs and looked for my pickup contact. Several hotels were there, but no one from Saad Tours. Even though I had been the first one through, I waited almost an hour till all had come through and gone. One of the gals at the tourist desk spoke a bit of English, and tried the only contact you had given me without success. Finally I took a taxi to the Marble Tower. Next Morning a man called while I was at breakfast, scolding me for not waiting to meet him at the Visa counter. No other information given. So if there were to be special instructions, they should have been given to me. Why, if he was there, he did not come through Customs to find me, I don't know. I, of course, could not go back through Customs to find him.
I expect reimbursement for the $30 taxi ride.
Example # 2
The next afternoon (no contact from Denise at Saad) I waited for my tour. Nakhal tours picked up two people, but no one from Saad tours showed. Finally the receptionist called, and then a special pickup came to get me. It was Nakhal tours. Only later when I saw the tour voucher, was it clear that all my tours were booked with Nakhal. That was known since March 20 when they were booked. Someone should have informed me. I think that should have been you.
Galen
Galen R.
Frysinger
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA
Galen,
I sent your e mail message to Saadtours so they would know what is going on. I am sorry to learn you had difficulties and will send you a check as soon as I can get a chance. Other than that I hope you had a positive experience out of this.
Kathy
Kutrubes Travel
Second attempt
Her note in April (excerpt from above) and my E-mail in July 2000.
Galen:
I am sorry to learn you had difficulties and
will send you a check as soon as I can get a chance.
Kathy
Kathy:
It has been over two months since I have returned from Lebanon. I think you should have "get a chance" to send the Check for $30 by now.
Please send immediately!
Galen
Second Attempt was successful
Got reimbursement from
Kutrubes Travel on July 14, 2000
Return to