Disappointed in Cancellation process
I was set to go on the A & K Patagonia trip on 2/20/26. I found out that I had a herniated disc and had to have an epidural so that I could go on my trip. Unfortunately my health care provider could not fit me in until February, but still in time to go on the trip. I was able to get an earlier date in. January, but unfortunately, Kaiser (my provider) went on strike and told me that I couldn’t get in till the strike ends and my appointment won’t be until late March at the earliest. My pain management doctor tried to give me another type of epidural shortly before I was supposed to leave, but it didn’t work and due to my condition, he said I can’t travel anywhere for a month. My travel agent contacted A & K and thru her I asked for them to keep the money and I will book another time. I had her tell them that even if the price goes up, I will just pay more when I can go. She told me that A & K refused to let me book it for another time. Thus, they kept the money. Thus with extras, I was out $6,000 after my insurance paid the policy limits of $15,000. I am not pleased. I have been told by many people that they have had similar situations and the travel company always just keeps the $ and you can rebook at another time. I think this is bad customer service. They just said no. No explanation other than it is not their policy from what I’m told. I was able to get the epidural and was able to leave on March 5th for South America to do the rest of the planned trip in other parts of S.A. I am upset that I didn’t get any opportunity to reset the trip and save my $. It would have been a win win as I thought this would be a company that I would use in many places as they are solo travel friendly and I do several tours a year. I'm just disappointed in this company.