I have taken two tours (Israel and Italy) with World Pilgrim's Tours. The tours were fairly typical, with a lot of credit going to the tour guides and minister who led our groups.
However, you must be careful with Bitsie, who is not a person of truth. If you travel with this company, it is imperative that you buy travel insurance. Also,it would be wise for you to have Bitsie explain the cancellation policy (or perhaps I should say the creative way that Bitsie interprets the cancellation policy).
Two years ago, I was planning to travel to Greece with the company. I had paid all
of my money ($5,000 +) for the trip in May. However, I became sick in February, and it became clear to me that I would not be able to make the trip. I called in early March to cancel, which should have meant that I had to forfeit $1000, according to the guidelines of cancellation. I was happy to forfeit that amount. When I called, Bitsie told me that I should try to sell my spot. Further, she called the minister and told him of my situation; then she encouraged him to sell my spot. I awaited my refund, less the $1000.
In early May, a couple of weeks before departure, Bitsie called and TOLD ME that I
was better because she could hear it in my voice. I admitted I was a bit better, but
that I still was not able to make the trip. She said she was "adding me back to the
list." Again, I told her no.
Several months went by, and Bitsie began soliciting folks to go on another trip in 2012. Realizing that she had not returned my money, I asked for my refund which I was going to apply to the next trip. Finally, she sent me a check for $1000. When I questioned this and informed her that this was the cancellation fee that I owed her--not the refund I was due by cancelling two months in advance. If one reads the cancellation policy, the fee of $1000 per person is due if one cancels 45-59 days of departure; a fee of $2000 per person if one cancels 30-44 days; a fee of 100% of the tour cost if one cancels 29 days to day of departure, ACCORDING TO BITSIE'S LOGIC, A PERSON WHO CANCELS LATER WOULD GET MORE MONEY BACK1
When I realized that I was not going to be able to get my money back on my own,
I went to the minister to clear up this confusion with Bitsie, but she told him several lies (e.g., We had talked many times in the two months, and I had vacillated about going or not).
Several months of emails with negotiations, appeals to her integrity, and threats
were not successful. Finally, I realized that I did not have the stamina to continue
fighting this dishonest business person.
One last observation-- if Bitsie tells you that you are getting a free lunch, do not
believe it. She told my group that, and she ushered us in to a jewelry/gift store and locked the door while we "shopped." Our lunch was COLD pizza and HOT cokes.
behind us
The fact that this company advertises itself as a Christian tour group adds insult to
injury. I encourage you to be careful if you have any dealings with Bitsie. read more
