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.

Beware Beware! I booked a trip to China in 2021 which was cancelled due to COVID. I was given a travel credit. Since that time, all trips (except one) are unavailable which the company informed me sold out the day after Thanksgiving. My travel credit will be expiring in September of 2022. They've refused to extend. I look once/week to rebook without success. None of the trips they advertise are available. The rest are ridiculously expensive. In short, this company will be stealing my $1400 since I am unable to rebook without any ramifications in the US since they're based in Canada. I've even tried every other destination - same thing. Trips are "Sold Out" and none of the advertised prices are available. Instead, the prices are insane.

Don't upgrade your room, decent experience, but... We did the marvelous Phuket Land Package in Nov '23. Communication was good from UTO and airport pick-up was no problem. DON'T UPGRADE your Hotel room! It was the same as the other couple that didn't!! Could've saved $400! Our hotel was changed just before we arrived. While the new hotel was fine, it was in an isolated area on a high traffic road, virtually nothing within walking distance. The guide who picked us up and did the city tour was contracted. She was fine. The (free) Old Phuket Tour was more of a high pressure sales event with Pearls, Cashews, and Gems. The boat tours were great, highly recommend. Hindsight, we probably could have coordinated this on our own with more research, chosen a better hotel location. We didn't hate our experience, no regrets, but wanted to give an honest review.

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.

Fantastic Customer Service I spoke with UTO employee, Ceci Chan. She was very professional and knowledgeable about UTO Vacation policies. I asked her my question and she immediately had an answer, and even better, it was one I really liked! Even if she had given me "bad news" I would have still given her 5 stars.