Travel Rewards FAQ
“I booked a trip to Denver, CO. with travel agent Jennifer Maynard. She really helped me get the best deals possible on airfare and hotel. She was great with the travel details and specifications of the promotional vacation. Jennifer is knowledgeable, responsive, reassuring and polite! She got in contact with me right away after paying my registration. When I would call her with questions or concerns she’d respond, as well as through E-mail. Jennifer made my first time booking a flight easy and hassle free for my family and I. Thank you!!!”
Christabel V.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
All Rewards
How are you able to offer these rewards?
Our product and travel partners have excess inventory. We help them move inventory and fill empty rooms.
How do I claim the rewards?
VS Insider Membership: You’ll receive an email notification with login information after registration.
Other rewards: Vacation Steal or a partner will provide a physical certificate in-person or a digital one via email. Each certificate contains a unique code to enter at the provided redemption website. The site provides redemption instructions and displays full details, including fees and terms and conditions.
Is there a cost to receive the rewards?
VS Insider Membership: No. Your membership is provided with no obligation or cost.
Other rewards: Yes. There is a processing fee to cover redemption, shipping if applicable, taxes, and fees. These fees are shown on the reward certificate.
Do the rewards expire?
VS Insider Membership: No. Your membership is ready to use and does not expire.
Other rewards: See Travel Rewards below.
Travel Rewards
How can you provide expensive travel rewards?
Vacation Steal features 2 million properties, including cruises. We work with them to help fill empty rooms and cabins. They lose money when they go empty. Destinations have fixed expenses they still have to pay, such as land, buildings, ship, staff, entertainment, food and beverage, etc. Cruises in particular pay for 1,000-2,000 employees on a typical sailing. 40% of their revenues come from non-cabin sales (specialty restaurants, drinks, shops, spa, casino, wifi, excursions, etc.). So it’s critical for resorts and cruise ships to fill rooms, even with non-paying guests.
Do I have to attend a resort tour, timeshare presentation, or sales meeting?
Absolutely not. Resorts may offer a tour in exchange for an excursion or other inducement. But you are under no obligation to accept. Are tours, timeshare presentations, or sales meetings required. No.
How are travel rewards fulfilled?
After activating the vacation certificate you will receive a reservation registration form that you can access online with your certificate ID and email address. Follow the instructions to register with the travel agency to start planning your vacation. Some vacations may also be booked online.
When do travel rewards expire?
Activate Now - Travel Later. The following terms apply to all rewards unless stated otherwise on the reward certificate or provided information. You must redeem your reward within 30 days. You have up to 24 months to plan and complete your travel. You must book your travel at least 30 days before travel. But you should book as soon as possible to ensure the best choice of inventory.
You mentioned a processing fee. Are there any other travel costs?
Airfare and airport shuttles are not included unless specified. If your resort or hotel is not all-inclusive, you’ll need to pay for food and drinks on their property or in town. Cruises are mostly - but not fully - all-inclusive. You are responsible for travel reward taxes and fees, which are listed in the certificate or Rewards page. Resorts may have municipal or other special fees, such as environmental fees, that must be paid directly to them on check-in.
Are there blackout periods? … Can I choose my travel dates, destination, and hotel or cruise ship? … Can I upgrade my travel?
Each reward is different. Check your certificate and redemption info. Most awards do not have formal blackout periods. Resorts and cruises have limited availability around holiday and high seasons. If available, they may be able to be booked but require an upgrade fee. Your travel agent will report what is available for your desired travel and can quote upgrade options for balconies, suites, peak season dates, etc.
Vacations, benefits, and fees are subject to change without notice.