We had a fabulous time in Japan We had a fabulous time in Japan. Our guide, Carlos, was knowledgeable and patient with us every step of the way. The only downside were the hotels in Osaka and Tokyo. They were relatively far away from the city centers. Our bus driver in Osaka and Kyoto was excellent and we appreciated his service and abilities. All around, the trip was great and Carlos really helped take it to another level. Michael and Jean

Shady Business Practices I booked a trip with 3 others. 2 of my companions failed to send their passports on time. We were all canceled. Credit is worthless when the only thing it can be applied to is trips that cost 10-20 times what the original trip cost. There are disclaimers for everything they do- not responsible for emails that go to junk (and they use multiple addresses, so even though I mark them as safe, another comes through from somebody else.) I was the only one to receive correspondence. I was baited for months with "sold out" tags on similar discounted trips. They were working on coordinating more. Now, my $800 trip is $8000. And it's several thousand less at any other reputable agency. It was odd that the passports needed to be turned in 30 days before the final payment. It was odd that the people who didn't send their passports in weren't notified. We are stuck with credits that are worthless. Run.

Last minute travel itinerary and hotel… Last minute travel itinerary and hotel assignments which were not anywhere near the airports I booked because they never told me which was closer. Taxi prices for a 1 hr ride are killer! Hotels in cheaper areas but some had transportation nearby which is good because most days there was no included tour-another great expense to add. Lots of walking so bring comfortable shoes! Our guide Noriko was great-she helped us to navigate transportation and book independent outings. Final cost with all the add-ons was much more than original price. I will never book with them again.

Help UTO give your money back by filing a complaint with TICO. If you are one of the many people who had their China + something else trip cancelled for one of many reasons UTO gave, help UTO give your money back by filing a complaint with the agency Travel Industry Council of Ontario (as listed on bottom left of UTO's website in blue and green tico.ca). They have helped some people already and knows of this company's practice. Like many others, I had a trip to China & Thailand all paid for from a promotional sale. UTO cancelled it and does not offer refunds, only future travel credit. 3 months after filing a complaint, UTO reached out to me on where to send my refund.

UTO sold us trips that never happened and refused to rebook or refund UTO sold us a trip to China and Thailand and made us pay a year in advance. This was all post Covid but when China airfares went up they cancelled the trip. But they kept advertising it for new people. They would not rebook us but we could have a credit only. All other trips now are more than double any tour operators so we would have to pay an extra $6k. I wrote to the BBB several times and then have gotten so many negative reviews that we should start a class action suit! We lost $2k.