Mary johnson
Largo,#2General Comment
Tue, October 05, 2010
Dear Mr. Berko: Our investment club of 14 members attended a seminar by All Points Accommodations, and we were impressed by there travel presentation and especially the low prices on the attractive condominium resorts around the country. This wasnt the usual dog and pony show, and we were surprised to find the presentation so professionally done. Nine couples would like to become members of the All Points Club, but you know the old saying, when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Several investment club members think this is a scam and pointed out negative comments on the internet. It seems that most of these so-called vacation Travel Clubs are scams. So before we commit, we would appreciate your help again, just in case we are missing something. It looks so good, and we hope you come back with good news for us. Sincerely, JL: Columbus, OH
Dear JL: Yes, I recall the Sirius Radio scam that you were fortunate to avoid, and I appreciate your Investment Clubs donation to the American Cancer Society for my advice. But you should know that Travel Clubs (the black cats of the travel industry) are above my pay grade, and I dont know enough about these types of businesses to give expert advice. However, I will answer your question for two reasons. (1) Ive received inquiries from other cities about All Points Accommodations and (2) When I was guest speaker at two fund raisers in Columbus, I was fortunate to dine with several of your gracious Investment Club members; one of whom is a scratch golfer. First, it is important to know when things sound too good to be true, that sometimes they are not. And next, just because black cats have a reputation for being evil, it doesnt mean that all black cats are evil. Now as many readers know, I enjoy writing about scalawags, drifters, and con-artists, while slicing and dicing them for all to see. Fortunately, I know several couples who are members of the All Points Accommodations Travel Club, and both are happy as hogs on ice. Oh yes, theres some negative stuff on the Internet, but as a psychologist told me some years ago, give me three sentences written by any Pope, and I can find an evil intent. And most of those complaints derive from members expecting a Taj Mahal experience at Ford prices, and that isnt going to happen. If you follow the Club rules, which are plain as the nose on your face, you can enjoy a fantastic variety of locations and amenities. All Points offers condo rentals in Florida, Hawaii, and many European countries. They provide discount airline tickets, cruises, and even some interesting rail passes that can be quite romantic; and the prices are compelling. Yeah, they will goof every once in a while (heck even Mother Theresa goofed a couple of times), but show them the goof, and they will ungoof it for you with alacrity. This is a very good way to vacation for lots of folks. Prices are reasonable, theres great flexibility in your vacation plans, and while accommodations may not be 5-Star Ritz quality, they are certainly high-class 4-Star, and the pictures you take home will do you proud. One couple who has used All Points for about 6 years told me, Most folks get what they pay for, but All Points gives us more. They may not be good as gold, but they are certainly as good as silver; and I think that says it all.