We tried several times to cash in on our "Free Accommodations" but never were able to make a Plan A reservation. We sent in our Vacation Certificate form, along with $23.95 to cover room taxes.

We tried requesting two nights in Palm Springs, doing our best to meet all the requirements. We provided 60 days notice prior to our 1st choice date. We arranged for a Monday arrival date. We did not schedule during a Plan A blackout period, which is one week before, during, or after a holiday.

We were advised that none of our dates were accepted under Plan A.

Now, we could get in under Plan-B, which is not the Free Accommodations. We were contacted by a travel agent and offered the chance to book rooms at $179/night. We declined that offer (by the way, I went on the internet and could book rooms at the same Palm Springs resort for $169/night.)

We then were offered a chance to stay at another resort, the "Palm Canyon Resort & Spa" for a total of $110 for a 3 night stay. But we had to listen to a 2-hour timeshare presentation.

Notice that the Vacation Certificate we were offered specifically says "It's not a scam or connected to any timeshare presentation or any other kind of sales pitch..."

While making these decisions on the phone, I asked the travel agent how I could get a Plan A vacation in Palm Springs. I was told that we would need to book a vacation during the months of June thru August (when Palm Springs is well over 100 degrees during the day), and the accommodations would be in a "Motel 6".

Well, we booked the $110 trip, almost bought the timeshare after a 5-hour talk with the salesperson; and vowed never to use these Vacation Certificates again.

Beware, beware, beware: getting the free Plan A vacations is nearly impossible!