Como Rose Travel

Based in St. Paul, Como Rose Travel operates as a full-service travel agency, offering a personalized approach to planning both vacation and business trips. Having been in business for over 40 years, the agency, led by figures like Dave Swedlund and owner Marsha Boie, has built a long-standing presence in the Minnesota travel scene. It positions itself as an alternative to do-it-yourself online booking, emphasizing the value of expert assistance. The services listed by the company are extensive, covering domestic and international air tickets, a wide variety of cruises from large ships to river boats, escorted tours across the globe, and comprehensive vacation packages that bundle airfare, hotels, and resorts. However, customer experiences paint a picture of a service with significant strengths but also notable weaknesses that prospective clients should consider.

The Strong Suit: Expertise in Crisis and Complex Situations

One of the most compelling arguments for using a travel consultant like Como Rose Travel comes from clients who have faced unexpected disruptions. In one instance, a traveler credits the agency, specifically Dave Swedlund, for skillfully navigating the complex fine print and policies of a major tour company during flooding in Spain. While the tour company itself did not cancel, the agency's intervention allowed the clients to assess the situation, understand the implications, and ultimately cancel their plans. This highlights a critical benefit of using an experienced agent: advocacy and support when travel plans go awry. In these moments, having a professional to manage the bureaucracy of cancellations and changes can be invaluable, a service that is often absent when booking directly online.

This sentiment is echoed by repeat customers who praise the agency for being well-informed and providing sound, reliable advice. These long-term clients feel that the agency consistently acts in their best interest, fostering a sense of trust and reliability. For travelers who prioritize having a knowledgeable partner in their corner, especially for complex itineraries or travel to unfamiliar destinations, this level of service is a primary draw. The agency’s ability to handle tour packages and liaise with operators like Avanti suggests a solid network and understanding of the travel industry's inner workings.

Points of Concern: Communication and Accessibility

Despite the positive feedback regarding expertise, there are significant concerns about communication and follow-through. One client reported a frustrating experience where their specific needs were not adequately addressed, suggesting a failure to listen or ask clarifying questions during the initial travel planning phase. This breakdown in communication led to a critical issue: the client never received their travel documents. When they attempted to resolve the problem, they found the agency was closed and inaccessible.

This forced the client to conduct their own research and contact the tour provider directly to secure the necessary paperwork. This scenario undermines the core value proposition of a travel agency, which is to simplify the process and reduce stress for the traveler. For any potential customer, the reliability of receiving essential documents like tickets and itineraries is non-negotiable. The incident raises questions about the agency's internal processes for document delivery and follow-up, as well as its availability for urgent, last-minute issues. While an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau suggests a generally positive business history, this specific feedback points to a critical operational vulnerability.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Travel Style

Como Rose Travel appears to operate on a more traditional, personalized model, which can be a double-edged sword. The deep knowledge and crisis-management skills of an agent like Dave Swedlund are clear assets. This approach is ideal for travelers who want to hand off the intricate details of planning customized travel and value having an expert to call during an emergency. The agency's experience with group travel, from family getaways to book clubs, also indicates a capacity for coordinating multi-traveler logistics.

However, the reported communication lapses and accessibility problems suggest it may not be the best fit for travelers who expect proactive updates and digital-first service. The agency’s limited online presence, without a modern, detailed website showcasing specific specialties like cruise bookings or sample itineraries for all-inclusive resorts, requires clients to rely heavily on phone calls or in-person visits for information. Potential clients should be prepared to be proactive in their communication, confirming that all details of their needs have been understood and establishing clear expectations for receiving documents and pre-trip updates. It would be prudent to inquire about their standard operating hours and what level of support is available for after-hours emergencies before committing to their services for booking flights and hotels.

Final Assessment

Ultimately, Como Rose Travel presents a classic trade-off. Clients gain access to decades of experience and what can be exceptional, personalized support, particularly when unforeseen events disrupt travel. Repeat customers attest to a high level of satisfaction built on trust and expert travel advice. On the other hand, there is a documented risk of inconsistent communication and potential difficulties with accessibility, which can lead to significant pre-travel stress. For those considering this St. Paul travel agency, the best course of action is to have a thorough initial consultation. This allows you to gauge their communication style, ask specific questions about their processes for handling documents and emergencies, and determine if their personalized, hands-on approach aligns with your own travel planning preferences and expectations.