Andreasen Travel & Tours

Andreasen Travel & Tours, located at 15119 S Des Plaines St in Plainfield, Illinois, presents a complex picture for potential clients. On one hand, it's a local business with agents who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft detailed and stress-free vacations. On the other hand, a noticeable pattern of poor communication has left some would-be customers feeling ignored and ultimately taking significant business elsewhere. This duality defines the experience of working with this particular travel agency, making it essential for travelers to understand both its strengths and weaknesses before seeking their services.

Success Stories and Specialized Service

When the agency is on its game, the results can be exceptional. Several clients have praised the work of agent Ingrid Price, who appears to be a cornerstone of the business. One family's experience highlights her dedication; Ingrid was commended for going "above and beyond" to coordinate a vacation for family members located in both Illinois and Florida. This kind of multi-location coordination is a significant benefit for families looking to organize reunions or group trips, simplifying what can often be a logistical nightmare. The outcome was a vacation described as "stress-free," a testament to the value a skilled travel consultant can provide.

Another area where Andreasen Travel & Tours has proven its mettle is in arranging complex international trips. One detailed account describes a European trip where the agency handled everything from flights and car rentals to accommodations, all while building in the flexibility the travelers required. A particularly challenging request—finding a secure place in Geneva to store large suitcases for a week—was met with diligent research and successful execution. Ingrid reportedly contacted multiple businesses to ensure the storage was adequate and safe. Furthermore, when the clients needed to make changes mid-trip, the agency was responsive and helpful despite the time difference and the clients' reliance on Wi-Fi hotspots for communication. This level of support during a trip is a crucial aspect of customized travel planning and speaks volumes about their capability to manage intricate itineraries.

The agency also shows proficiency in planning popular family vacations. A client who booked a full Disney trip was very pleased with the service, noting that the agency assisted with booking all their fast passes and dinner reservations. This granular level of planning is what sets a dedicated agent apart from online booking engines, as it saves clients time and helps them navigate the often-overwhelming options at a destination like Disney. The client's endorsement of the Disney meal plan, based on the agency's recommendation, further illustrates how expert advice can lead to significant savings and a better overall experience.

A Pattern of Unanswered Inquiries

Despite these positive outcomes, a significant and recurring issue plagues the agency: a lack of follow-up. Multiple potential customers have shared nearly identical stories of disappointment. One individual, hoping to plan a trip for a family of nine, called to get information and provided their phone number and email. They were promised a call or email to explain the process but received nothing. Frustrated by the silence, this person contacted other agencies, received numerous responses, and ultimately booked their large family trip with a competitor. The review concludes with a poignant reminder that "the best advertisement is word of mouth," underscoring the damage that poor customer service can do to a local business.

This was not an isolated incident. Another prospective client visited the office to discuss a substantial family vacation. While the agent was described as "pleasant and informative" during the meeting, the promised follow-up call never came. This potential customer, who was looking to support a local Plainfield business, ended up booking a trip worth nearly $15,000 with another company. To compound the loss, they were also planning a destination wedding and a three-week honeymoon, representing a massive missed opportunity for Andreasen Travel & Tours. The review expresses deep disappointment in the lack of follow-through, a fundamental breakdown in the client-agent relationship. This failure to respond not only costs the agency immediate revenue but also damages its reputation within the community it aims to serve.

Services and Operations

Andreasen Travel & Tours operates as a full-service travel planning service, specializing in various types of getaways. Based on client experiences, their areas of expertise include:

• Family Vacations: Comprehensive planning for destinations like Disney World, including reservations and activity scheduling.
• European Tours: Handling complex, multi-country itineraries that require coordination of flights, ground transport, and lodging.
• Group Travel: Organizing trips for families or groups located in different geographical areas.
• Destination Weddings and Honeymoons: While they missed out on one opportunity, this is a listed specialty for travel agencies of this type.
• Cruise Bookings and All-Inclusive Resorts: These are standard offerings for most full-service travel agencies.

The business operates Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on weekends. This standard weekday schedule may be a drawback for potential clients who work traditional hours and would prefer to have consultations on weekends. The business is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which simply means it has not sought accreditation; the BBB notes it does not have sufficient information to issue a rating.

For potential customers, the decision to work with Andreasen Travel & Tours requires careful consideration. The agency clearly possesses the expertise to plan and execute wonderful, detailed, and even complex trips. The positive reviews are a testament to their ability to deliver high-quality vacation packages when they are engaged with a client. However, the consistent feedback regarding a lack of communication and follow-up is a major red flag. It suggests an operational inconsistency that could lead to frustration. A traveler considering this agency might need to be persistent and proactive in their communication to ensure their inquiry doesn't fall through the cracks. While the agency has the potential to create a "Memory of a Lifetime," it appears the first challenge is simply getting them to call you back.