Advice needed before I accept.

M

mommiemjh

New member
I got the GREAT news that I won the Woman's Day Beaches getaway from July. It's worth $3,000 but after inquiring I've been told it's only 3 nights. By the time I pay taxes, get passports, and pay for airline tickets, it doesn't sound to me like it's too exciting. I was THRILLED until I added up how much it would cost and after checking around, I can get 3 nights for only just over $400 per night. The original winner turned them down and I'm wondering how far down on the list I am. Does anyone think I really should accept this? It's pricey!!
 
As far as taxes go, they are based on the fair market value of the prize not the retail value. If you can find sufficient evidence of lower prices for a similar trip you may be able to declare the lower price as fair market value. Check with your tax proffessional. Good luck! :wave:
 
YOU HAVE TO PAY YOUR OWN AIRFARE? WHAT KIND OF PRIZE IS THAT? SOUNDS LIKE A DISCOUNTED TRAVEL PACKAGE. I GET THOSE ALL THE TIME, FREE TRIP/CRUISE, ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PAY ALL THE EXPENSES, SO THIS IS NOT FREE, OR A PRIZE. ON THE OTHER HAND, IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE TAXES, EXPENSES, FOOD, ETC. AND THE OVERALL MONEY IS CHEAPER THAN YOU COULD GET IT ANYWHERE ELSE, THEN YOU GET A DISCOUNTED TRIP, AND WHY NOT?
 
Here it is........

WomansDay.Com - Beaches Resort Giveaway
One lucky family of four will win a Luxury Included® Family Vacation to any of the four Beaches Resorts located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica. Beaches resorts; (Approximate retail value: $3,000);
Restrictions : 18+ US,DC | Hits : 5600 | Added : 07-01-08 | Expired : 08-29-2008 | Rules

Entry Category : Daily
 
The only Trips I accept are the all expense paid ones, tax's on 3 grand isn't that much, but that depends on your income. Good-luck to you what ever you decide. :laughing:
 
It sounds like it covers airfare and a trip to a Beaches... Beaches is an all inclusive resort, so for airfare, three nights and four days, all inclusive - heck ya it would be worth it to me. But I guess it's how much you love to travel and if you want to stay in a very nice resort like Beaches or a lower quality place.

Congrats anyway....what a great win!! I would be swinging from the chandelier if I won that :cheers: :cheers:

Angie
 
:sunny: This is something you have to decide for yourself. I won one similiar to this. We just used it as our annual vacation, stayed 3 nights at a luxury resort and then 4 nights at a more economical resort. It was fantastic. Beaches is a great all inclusive. If you turn it down, I hope they call me!! Congratulations on your win!
 
well ... advice ... hmmm

1. You are NEVER going to get 3 nights for 4 people at an all-inclusive resort for $400/night. Per Person that is about right. Double that is about the least for 4. Which equals $2,400 +/- for the 3 nights. (of course I haven't read the restrictions)

Actual 30% off rates:

Description: BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS Turquoise Deluxe Double Room 4 Persons over age 15

Located on the first floor of the East and West wings of the main building. This room is fully tiled and features mahogany double beds with a single sleep chair. It has a large full bath and a patio. Cribs and roll aways can be accommodated.

Average Daily Promotional Rate (Land Only)

Mar 24 $1,173.20
Mar 25 $1,173.20
Mar 26 $1,173.20

Total Price For 3 Nights: $3,519.60
Click to expand...
Description: BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS Turquoise Deluxe Double Room 2 Persons over age 15 / 2 persons under 15.
Located on the first floor of the East and West wings of the main building. This room is fully tiled and features mahogany double beds with a single sleep chair. It has a large full bath and a patio. Cribs and roll aways can be accommodated.

Average Daily Promotional Rate (Land Only)

Mar 24 $947.80
Mar 25 $947.80
Mar 26 $947.80

Total Price For 3 Nights: $2,843.40
Click to expand...

2. The cost of flights vary and are, it seems, extra. but if the Turks and Caico are someplace you have always wanted to go: then that is really a moot point. If you are on the east coast you might be looking at $250.00 RT per person for adults. $600 from the west coast. If there are children: MUCH less. If airfare is included it is a steal! But of course you didn't say who, when or whatever else, so I can't tell you what airfare would be.

3. Ergo: Airfare is nothing compared to the cost of this accomodation.

4. It doesn't matter tax-wise what "some other place" is charging. What matters is what it costs there. (Despite what others here may tell you.) This is a "service" not a 'Cabbage Patch Doll'.

5. Why the heck did you enter it if you didn't want to win it?????? (ie: go there) This is one of my favorite gripes ... but I''ll spare you ... today. :crazytongue:

6. You are nuts for not wanting to go. (Nothing personal) :)

7. If you turn it down .... have them call me next!!!! I entered this and definately would go!

8. See the bold print of my signature below. :whistle:
 
Most of the Woman's Day contests I've ever seen are "no transportation" I can't remember the last one that included transportation
 
If it were me, I'd only be able to accept if I had the means to purchase plane tickets. Then again, unless I'm able to drive to the destination, I only enter sweeps that provide transportation.

If you go, enjoy! If not, I'm sorry you couldn't accept the trip and hope for better wins in the near future for you.
 
Some more details....I really can't go until June and I did indeed find online rates that were $550 per night - I doubt they'd put us up in the best room. I would have thought "family vacation" is more than 3 nights. Airfare is proving to be the challenge for me - we would fly from Pittsburgh and I can't find anything to Provenciales for about less that about $450 (this morning for June flights it was $740 on Delta. It also seems to take forever to get there. Your ideas have been great! Any suggestions on a cheap airline to Jamaica or Provenciales. This place really does look awesome and I really don't want to say no!!!
 
I had to turn a trip to Jamaica down last year because of a similar situation and it was hard. It was for beaches too, but it was through another sweep. They gave plane tickets but it was such a low grade that it was basically like we would be on stand-by. We just couldn't take that chance. When I went to AAA and showed them the paperwork they said there was only one flight and it would be difficult to get on. The other piece of info she gave me was that in most cases the airfaire for the Sandals resorts was more expensive that it would be to just get a different package, because she tried to help me with that too. It was really hard to give it up, but sometimes that's what you have to do, and if that is what you decide to do, you at least know that you always have the next big win around the corner, right?! :crazytongue:
 
Whatever advice we give could be right or naturally, could be wrong. It seems you have done your homework as to expenses. Now, it is up to you what you feel your budget can allow. Whatever you decision, GOOD LUCK!
 
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