Adventure Travel
BackLocated within Hartell Hall on Fort Sill, Adventure Travel operates as the official Leisure Travel Services office for the base, a part of the Army's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program. This positions it as a specialized travel agency primarily serving active duty and retired military personnel, DoD civilians, and their families. The agency's core function is to facilitate leisure travel, offering everything from discounted theme park tickets to comprehensive vacation packages. Operating on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it provides a convenient, on-post resource for the military community's travel needs.
The Customer Service Spectrum: From Acclaim to Discontent
Feedback for Adventure Travel presents a mixed but generally positive picture, holding an aggregate rating of 4.4 stars from 20 reviews. Customer experiences appear to be highly dependent on the specific interaction and the agent involved. Numerous clients have lauded the agency for its exceptional service, which has translated into stress-free and successful vacations. For instance, agent Stacey Kidder has been recognized for making the process of traveling for a son's graduation from 1,700 miles away "easy and stress free." This particular review highlighted her knowledge and supportive, down-to-earth approach, rating the service as "A+++". This is a crucial service, as planning travel for military events like graduations can be fraught with anxiety and logistical challenges.
Another agent, Kay Taylor, also receives high praise in multiple reviews. One client credited her with the success of their La Jolla vacation, noting her solid assistance, quick response times, and valuable recommendations that helped shape their trip. Another customer planning a Disneyworld trip described the staff as "very helpful," stating they covered every detail and ensured the family knew what to expect. This same client was also pleased with the cost savings, noting their trip was "significantly less expensive" than booking independently. This highlights a key value proposition for any travel agent: the ability to simplify complex planning and secure better pricing.
An Inconsistent Experience
However, the feedback is not uniformly positive, and this inconsistency is a significant factor for potential customers to consider. The same agent who received glowing recommendations, Kay Taylor, was also the subject of a highly critical one-star review. This client, attempting to book a trip to Cancun for the first time, described the experience as "terrible." The review details an unwelcoming attitude, a lack of proactive information, and a failure to address specific requests, such as finding cheaper dates or confirming kid-friendly accommodations. The interaction was so unproductive that the clients ultimately walked out without booking. This starkly contrasting feedback suggests that the quality of service can fluctuate, and a client's experience may vary significantly from one day to the next, or from one person to the next.
Services Tailored for the Military Community
As an official MWR facility, Adventure Travel's offerings are specifically geared towards its unique client base. A major draw is their access to exclusive military discounts on a wide array of attractions and travel products. They are a key provider of military-discounted tickets for major theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios in both Orlando and California, and SeaWorld. This service alone provides substantial value and convenience, saving military families the hassle of verifying their status through various online portals.
Beyond tickets, the agency provides full-service customized travel planning. Their scope includes:
- Cruise Deals: Assisting clients in finding and booking cruises, a popular vacation choice.
- All-Inclusive Resorts: Planning stays at resorts, particularly in destinations like Cancun, as indicated by client reviews.
- Family Vacations: Specializing in complex family trips like the multi-faceted Disneyworld packages.
- Event-Specific Travel: A demonstrated capability in handling logistics for important family events, such as attending graduations at Fort Sill.
The agency also manages bookings for the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA), handling reservations for its cabins and RV spots, further integrating it into the Fort Sill community's recreational life. Their affiliation with fortsilltravel.com and adv-travel.com provides online resources, though the in-person consultation remains a primary component of their service.
Final Considerations for Potential Clients
For the Fort Sill community, Adventure Travel presents a compelling option. Its on-base location is undeniably convenient, and its specialization in military discounts for tickets and vacation packages can lead to significant savings and simplified planning. The positive testimonials speak to a high ceiling for service quality, where knowledgeable agents create seamless and memorable travel experiences. Many clients have found the staff to be patient, accommodating, and thorough, successfully navigating even uncertain travel plans.
However, prospective customers should be aware of the reported inconsistencies in service. The negative feedback, though less frequent, points to potential lapses in customer engagement and attentiveness. To ensure a positive outcome, it would be prudent for clients to approach their consultation with clear expectations and a list of specific questions regarding budget, amenities, and itinerary details. Being a proactive participant in the planning process can help bridge any communication gaps. Ultimately, Adventure Travel remains a valuable and highly utilized resource, but the quality of the journey from initial consultation to final booking may depend on the specific circumstances of the interaction.