RE Parade sweeps policy

I recently posted I won the 1000 places to see before you die. We were very excited and picked Korea. Lady from Parade was great, but travel agent recommended by Koean Tourism Soiety - not so much. Didn't return email, so I called. It sounded like a home - answered just "hello" and I could barely understand. When I finally got someone I could understand she told me that I would have to pay $400 plus taxes for the trip and $10 a day re tour. I could understand the latter but I have never had to pay any taxes on a win (other than income taxes) and I have won several trips. I checked the rules and it read and it excludes "federal, state and local taxes". I took that to mean my fs&l taxes. The gal from Parade is checking on it. Has anyone had this experience with Parade or any other sponsor? TIA

Think I paid entry/exit tax in New Zealand...but it was minimal. and not daily thing.

On our recent trip to the Dominican Republic we had to pay some sort of entrance fee (tax) into the country. It was a win. I think sometimes there are fees/taxes for entering other countries that aren't paid by the company offering the sweep.

I have had to pay airfare and hotel taxes up front before for a trip win to Mexico, ended up being around $300. Good luck to you, hope you end up having a great trip!

I won a trip on Jeopardy and since the winning took place in California, I had to pay California state income tax on it before I could claim the prize. Guess a lot of folks win in Cali, go back home, and do not pay the Cali sales tax. Perhaps it is something like that.

Just get it clarified to your satisfaction before you pay anything.

thanks for the input - I guess I was surprised because over the years I have won at least 5 trips and never had to pay anything other than my own income taxes. My husband says he is willing to pay it to go, so guess we will