“Travel By Jen” and “Jetset Vacations” might present themselves as separate entities, but be warned, they operate as the same company. While booking through Jetset Vacations may seem straightforward, and the initial transaction hassle-free, the reality of the vacation experience can be far from satisfactory, particularly if you’re considering Costa Rica. They are experts at taking your money, but not at providing the quality vacation or customer support you deserve.
A quick search for “Jetset Vacations” or “Travel By Jen” online reveals a pattern of complaints from travelers who felt misled and disappointed with their vacations. Our own experience booking a 7-day trip to Costa Rica, starting September 19th, 2012, sadly aligns with these negative reviews. Jetset Vacations fails to provide crucial details upfront, leading to unexpected challenges and expenses.
Hidden Costs and Car Rental Nightmares
One significant issue is the car rental. While a “standard” Adobe rental car is included in the package, be prepared for extra costs and potential safety concerns. Firstly, an automatic transmission is an additional expense. Secondly, to obtain full insurance coverage, which is highly recommended, you could face a steep charge of around $380 USD for a 7-day period, including a GPS, which is practically essential for navigating Costa Rica. It’s worth checking your credit card’s auto insurance coverage beforehand to potentially save on this cost. If you opt out of full coverage, a substantial $800 USD hold will be placed on your credit card, compared to $300 USD with full insurance.
A typical Costa Rican sunset, beautiful but marking the beginning of potentially challenging driving conditions.
Adding to the car rental woes, consider the arrival time. Flights often arrive between 10 am and 5 pm. By the time you collect your rental car and navigate the airport procedures, the sun will be setting around 6 pm. If your destination is further afield, like Arenal, brace yourself for a long and potentially dangerous drive in complete darkness. Our drive to Arenal, for example, was nearly 4 hours, with 75% of it spent ascending and descending winding mountain roads. Imagine navigating potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and dense fog that reduces visibility to mere meters, all in pitch black conditions. This is not the relaxing start to a vacation anyone anticipates.
Overcrowded Resorts and Local Immersion – Not as Advertised
The resort experience also deviated significantly from expectations. We found that the resorts, particularly Punta Leona near Jaco, were heavily populated by local Costa Rican families, especially on weekends. While cultural immersion can be enriching, the sheer volume of local guests, speaking only Spanish and utilizing all common areas, overwhelmed the facilities. Restaurants, pools, beaches, and beach chairs were consistently crowded, diminishing the experience for other guests who likely anticipated a more tranquil and exclusive vacation setting. It felt as though we were intruding on a local gathering rather than enjoying a resort experience we had paid for.
A busy beach scene, reflecting the potential overcrowding at resorts, especially during peak times and weekends.
Dismissive Customer Service and Unresolved Issues
Compounding these issues was the appalling customer service we received from Jetset Vacations. Upon returning, we emailed Jetset to express our concerns. The response from Robert Phillips was far from helpful. Instead of acknowledging our valid experiences or offering any form of compensation or apology, he attempted to gaslight us, essentially claiming our experiences were inaccurate or invalid. This dismissive and unhelpful approach to customer service was the final straw. As a result of our negative experience and the lack of resolution, we felt compelled to report Jetset Vacations to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Final Verdict: Proceed with Caution
Based on our firsthand experience and the multitude of online complaints, we strongly advise caution when considering booking a vacation through “Travel By Jen” or “Jetset Vacations,” especially for Costa Rica. While the initial prices may appear attractive, the hidden costs, logistical challenges, and subpar customer service can quickly turn your dream vacation into a stressful and disappointing experience. It’s crucial to be fully aware of these potential pitfalls before entrusting your travel plans to these companies. Consider researching alternative travel providers with a proven track record of customer satisfaction and transparent vacation packages.
