Trip to Japan June with Exoticca

go_goon_show

I am sure this question must have been asked before, but I have been back about 15 pages and cannot find the identical question.
In June we are due to go to Japan, and have a package booked with Exoticca.I know that they have their detractors, but we have travelled with them previously and had a wonderful time. I am not however liking the Trustpilot comments I am seeing at present regards their refund policy. They make no move until approx 3 days prior to the holiday date, and then send an email. It looks as though they sometimes offer less than the full payment, splitting off the flight element. It was booked as a package, and they are members of ATOL and ABTA. If one gets over that hurdle, it is said by some that they then offer a credit note, not the full ABTA version first. Again, complain and you get the ABTA RCN.

Now, we have paid over £4k, and we would prefer to get the cash back, especially as heaven only knows when one can safely travel again, and we are not getting any younger. We do hold Nationwide Flex Travel Insurance, who are covering for COVID, and we paid by credit card, Tesco.

Question then is, when the time comes, let's assume that FCO says no go, or Japan no entrance. If then Exoticca only offer an RCN, what are our options. Do we / can we claim off the credit card, section 75, as the company cannot provide the service we paid for. Or, do we claim off the insurance. Do we contact ABTA? Basically, itis really in what order do we proceed, so as not to prejudice our case.

Thank you.

Life__Goes__On

If it's a no go, then you are due a cash refund for everything and that should be within 14 days.
If you are finding Exoticca impossible to deal with, then tell Tesco you want a Chargeback for as you haven't got what you paid for.
With a Chargeback they can contest it,  but I can't see on what grounds as you are legally due a refund.
Insurances companies seem to be telling people the the travel company should be refunding them (true) so you might find it hard work.

missile

I have similar issue. Booked to travel to China on June 03rd. I have been contacting Exoticca and if and when cancelled, they tell me they will only give a voucher for part of the value.

go_goon_show

Missile....do they explain that at all? Is it excluding the air fare maybe. It is a package holiday, and as such they cannot split it. Shall we keep in touch, compare notes on how things progress? Happy if you want to PM me.

missile

No explanation, just this >>>
Currently, the voucher is for 70% of the total sum paid to Exoticca.

Life__Goes__On

They must by now know the legal rules, but have decided to disregard them, in the hope that the customer just accepts their offer.
Sadly they do this as there will be people who don't know their rights.
I feel there are little difference between this and the scammers you here of.