It is quite a common occurrence in many holiday resorts, and Benidorm is no exception. Generally tourists are approached in the street, often outside their hotels by a rep offering a "free trip" and shown a brochure showing all the destinations which they offer - these are normally referred to as "blanket trips". Most only go as it is free and they get to see something different but I wonder how many are aware of the "obligation". Some offer fabulous destinations such as Calpe, Guadalest and Font´s Algar - but is it worth it?
But as everyone knows, there is no such thing as a "free lunch" and you are told by the rep when booking, that you will be "invited to a short presentation of our fabulous products". In the old days these trips were referred to as "blanket trips" as they did try and sell you blankets and bedding products, but now they offer a multitude of items - most of which you probably don´t need! Some of the presentations are short at around 30 minutes but I have heard of instances where they are over an hour and a half!
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| "Free" juicing trip in Benidorm series 2! |
The local police have launched an inspection campaign on buses operating in the town after finding two cases in which the buses did not have the required licenses and paperwork from Generalitat to be operating. But more worryingly in my opinion is that the buses did not have the necessary bus liability insurance - meaning that in an accident the passengers would not be covered. They also discovered some instances where the reps did not have an employment contract and were working in the black ie. cash in hand and so not paying any taxes or social security contributions.
Many travel agents have been campaigning for years for there to be a crackdown on this type of "unfair competition". In recent years they have lost up to 80% of their business to non-regulated operators who do not have the necessary permits. This is much the same as the illegal taxi drivers who do airport runs for cash. I am certainly not insinuating that all the free trips on offer in Benidorm are not legal - but how on earth can you tell!
It seems a coincidence - or does it, that a new Chief of Police for Benidorm was announced last month and in his speech he emphasized his desire to crackdown on crime and illegal activity in the town! Next the potato men and beggars with puppies - lets hope!
Comments
Keep up the great work! You understand, many people are looking round for this information, you could
help them greatly.
I booked a trip with pal promotions in my hotel sol pelicanos we had a briliant day out in guadalest we didn't buy any thing and we were not under any pressure. These free blanket trips are well worth goi.g if you are on a budget and bored of walking about benidorm all the time.
We also went on the blanket factory trip and thought we were going to se how they are made but it was a big con speaking to other guests who had been on the same trip it seems when you get there they are at lunch. Any one going to benidorm I would book with pal
Well, my seventh trip to Benidorm in 2005, and thanks to some very informative information, Julie and I finally went on a Blanket Trip, a Green one actually, so that we could go to the animal sanctuary.
We set off, and our courier was very good at her job. By the time we reached our first stop, I had learnt that if I took neat Aloe Vera every morning, and used the ointment, I would never again suffer any ageing or illness - (although I did notice that it hadn't helped her with her celulite! she should have worn a longer skirt)! So, our first stop was a shop that sold - Aloe Vera - oh, and chocolate and wine as well.
Our next port of call was a shop that sold designer products at "I don't believe it" prices. Actually, I needed an all round outer garment, and I did buy a very nice "Next" jacket for 15E, (with a genuine ticket saying £39.99). I was very pleased with my purchase, even though when I got home I discovered that one arm was longer than the other two - no, I don't mean it, that's just a joke I heard in Benidorm!
Then we moved on to what the trip is really about - bedding. I enjoyed my free glass of Lager, and unknowingly ended up as a model. I have to say, the mattress was sublime, I could quite happily have fallen asleep. I learnt more about dust mites and yellow staines on pillows than I did at school! Although I was impressed, I decided that the amount of dust mites in my bed is nothing compared to the amount I have slept with in previous years, so I will keep my £999 for something else.
We then went to Guadalest, a beautiful village in the mountains, where we visited a very interesting museum and had something to eat.
Finally, the animal sanctuary. I can see why some people would say that it was not a perfect environment, (a little like the old fashioned zoo in some ways). However, one must bear in mind that many of these animals have been rescued from extremely inhospitable circumstances.
When we were sat on the coach, ready for our journey home, someone was missing. An eccentric elderly lady had disappeared! Julie and I had noticed some very excited noises coming from the ape enclosure, so our imaginations were working overtime! She did turn up eventually, bless her, and off we went.
I arrived back at the hotel with a lovely bite on my leg - I had no Aloe Vera, so I made do with some anti-biotic cream, which did the trick.
A good day out - "Been there, done it, and got the jacket for 15E"