Apr 02, 2025 09:17 PM
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Hey friends, today Im going to tell you about my Goa trip, which started as a fun family vacation but turned into a big headache.
Let me explain everything step by step.
The Start: Booking Online and Expectations
Like most people these days, I planned my Goa trip online. I checked a few websites and picked "Travel Triangle" because it seemed organized. I thought it was a travel agency that gives quotes from different tour operators so we can choose the best one. I got three quotes from Travel Triangle, and I went with a package from "Bindaas Trip" handled by a guy named Kunal. It was a 3-night, 4-day Goa tour with two pickups and drops since two families were traveling together.
I gave them all the details clearlymy arrival time at the station(6 AM), departure time from the airport, and that we were 6 adults and 3 kids. Based on this, they planned an Ertiga car for us and gave us a hotel voucher. The voucher had the check-in date but no time. Since Id told them Id arrive at 6 AM, I assumed check-in would be arranged accordingly. The itinerary said pickup at 6 AM, hotel check-in, a cruise in the evening, sightseeing for two days, and then checkout and airport drop on the last day.
First Problem: Hotel Check-In Trouble
The train was on time, and we reached the station at 6 AM. The taxi driver was there, and we got to the hotel by 6:30 AM. But at the reception, they said check-in time was 12 PM and no rooms were available yet. I had three elderly people with me(80, 70, and 65 years old), and this was a shock. I called Kunal, but he didnt pick up. I tried 10 timesno answer. I asked the reception to call the agency. They spoke to someone who said they werent told to reserve a room early.
I took the phone and asked why my calls werent being answered. The guy said he wasnt Kunal but his coworker and that wed have to wait. I told him Id given all the details earlier, but he apologized and said hed arrange something in 5-10 minutes, then hung up. Ten minutes later, no call back. By 7:30 AM, we were still waiting in the lobby. I called Travel Triangles Urfi Javed(who gave me the quotes), but she didnt answer either. No one from Bindaas Trip or Travel Triangle picked up any calls.
Finally, the hotel said theyd give us rooms if someone checked out, but checkout time was 11 AM. We decided the two elderly people would rest on the lobby sofa, and the rest of us went to the market. We rented a scooter, visited the beach, and returned by 11 AM. By then, some guests had checked out, and we got our three rooms.
Second Issue: Extra Mattress Confusion
After getting the rooms, we were tired and wanted to rest. The voucher said three bedrooms with extra mattresses, but the hotel said they didnt have any. I called Kunal and his boss Sahilno response. Finally, at 2 PM, a senior person from Travel Triangle, Harshit, answered. I explained everything, and soon one mattress arrived at the hotel. But when I asked about the second one, Kunal said theyd only planned for one because kids could sleep on the beds. I pointed out the voucher said extra mattresses, but he insisted it meant just one. We had no choice but to manage with one mattress.
Third Trouble: Cruise and Sightseeing Drama
At 4 PM, I called the cruise guy, and he confirmed a 7 PM pickup. The cruise went fine. But at 9:30 PM, Kunal called me for the first time, apologizing that he was busy on Sunday. Then he said wed need two vehicles for sightseeing the next day since 9 people wouldnt fit in an Ertiga. He demanded an extra 7000 rupees. I said Id given all the details upfront, and this was their mistake. He refused to arrange it without the money.
The next morning at 10 AM, I called again. He said no vehicles would come unless I paid extra. I told him to cancel the sightseeing and refund 3000 rupees. He said 3000 rupees wouldnt cover two vehicles. We argued, and I hung up. I called the Travel Triangle lady, and finally, two vehicles showed up. Sightseeing went okay, but that evening, Kunal asked for 3000 rupees again. I refused, saying it was their fault. He started begging, saying his salary would be cut. I told him to send one vehicle the next day, and Id pay 2000 rupees at the end of the trip.
Last Day: Drop-Off Stress
On the third day, we had vehicle issues again, but managed with one Ertiga. On the fourth day, we had two drops6 people to Mumbai airport and 2 to Dabolim airport. I asked Kunal for the drivers numbers, but he demanded 2000 rupees first. I didnt trust him, so I arranged a backup with a local taxi agency. Eventually, I sent the 2000 rupees, and Kunal set up a call with both drivers. The next morning, both vehicles arrived on time and dropped us off at the airports. The trip finally ended.
Conclusion and Tips
This trip was a nightmare for me. Bindaas Trip and Travel Triangles carelessness, poor communication, and irresponsibility ruined everything. Im sure they didnt make any profit either. Heres my advice:
1. Confirm Check-In Time: Make sure the hotel voucher mentions the check-in time, and confirm it directly with the hotel.
2. Clarify Extra Mattresses: Be clear about how many mattresses youll get.
3. Check Taxi Details: Get the taxi operators number and talk to them directly. Ensure theyre polite and reliable.
4. Have a Backup Plan: Always keep an alternative ready.
This experience taught me to be extra careful with online bookings. If you have any tips, feel free to share them in the comments. Thanks!
