Adventure Travel & Cruise Center

Adventure Travel & Cruise Center, operating from its base in Mesilla, New Mexico, presents itself as a long-standing institution in the travel planning industry. Established in 1978, this travel agency has built a reputation not on fleeting deals, but on deep, specialized knowledge, encapsulated in their motto, "We don't just go there, we know there." This philosophy underpins their service, which caters to travelers seeking meticulously planned, customized journeys rather than quick, off-the-shelf bookings. The agency has garnered significant local acclaim, including being named Best Agency by the Las Cruces Bulletin for 15 consecutive years and Best Small Business in New Mexico, reflecting a consistent level of client satisfaction.

Expertise in Complex and Custom Itineraries

The primary strength of Adventure Travel & Cruise Center lies in its proven ability to manage and execute complex, multi-destination trips. Client testimonials repeatedly celebrate the agency's skill in weaving together intricate travel components—multiple flights, train connections, private tours, and varied accommodations—into a seamless experience. One extensive account details a multi-week trip across South America, spanning Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina. The agency handled not only the primary flight arrangements but also curated specific, high-quality local experiences, such as a tango show in Buenos Aires, a mural walking tour, and a particularly well-regarded wine tasting tour. This level of detail demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond simple logistics to encompass the quality of the experience itself.

Similarly, another client praised the firm for crafting a 10-day family vacation through Alaska's interior, covering a route from Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Seward, Talkeetna, and Denali. The feedback emphasized that the agency was attentive to every stage of the process, from booking flights and hotels to all excursions, suggesting that the trip's success was directly attributable to the professional planning involved. This capacity for managing detailed custom trips makes the agency a strong candidate for those planning milestone vacations, such as a 20th-anniversary trip to Peru and Colombia, where the intricate logistics of visiting destinations like Machu Picchu were handled flawlessly.

The Personal Touch of Experienced Travel Consultants

A recurring theme in customer feedback is the highly personalized service delivered by the staff, particularly owner Wanda Mattiace. Described as knowledgeable, organized, helpful, and responsive, she is frequently credited as the architect behind these successful journeys. Her expertise is not just general; public profiles highlight specializations in destinations like Italy, Ireland, Australia, Costa Rica, and South Africa. Furthermore, her focus extends to specific travel styles, including luxury travel, arts and culture tours, and both small-ship and large-scale cruise planners. This depth is augmented by multilingual capabilities in Dutch, French, and Italian, providing an added layer of comfort and expertise for clients interested in European destinations.

While Mattiace is a prominent figure, the agency's strength is also in its team. Other staff members, such as Susan and Diana, each bring over 30 years of experience to the table. This collective century of experience across the team of travel consultants ensures that clients have access to a vast well of practical knowledge. The service is often described as having a "travel advocate" in your corner, a professional who not only plans the trip but also provides practical advice, such as recommending daily electrolytes for a demanding travel schedule, and remains accessible for support throughout the journey.

Points to Consider Before Engaging Their Services

While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, potential clients should be aware of the agency's business model and operational structure to ensure it aligns with their expectations. This is not a platform for bargain hunters or DIY planners who prefer to manage their own bookings online. Adventure Travel & Cruise Center is a full-service firm that provides professional expertise, and this service comes with associated fees and a specific process.

Fee Structure and Business Hours

The agency operates on a professional service model. To initiate the planning process, a $100 earnest deposit is required for all quotes. This deposit is subsequently applied to the final cost of the booking, essentially acting as a retainer for the research and work involved in crafting a custom itinerary. Additionally, for clients who only require assistance with booking airline tickets, the agency charges a service fee of $50 per ticket. This transparency is helpful, but clients accustomed to free online booking platforms should take note of these costs. They reflect the value placed on the travel agent's time and expertise.

Another practical consideration is the agency's operating hours. According to its Google Business Profile, the office is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends. However, its listing with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce suggests slightly different hours and notes that Saturday mornings may be available by appointment. This discrepancy means prospective clients who work traditional weekday hours may need to plan ahead and should call to confirm availability, especially for weekend consultations. This limited accessibility could be a drawback for those who prefer to handle their travel planning outside of standard business hours.

A Service for the Discerning Traveler

Ultimately, Adventure Travel & Cruise Center is best suited for travelers who place a high value on expertise, security, and personalization. The detailed praise for their handling of international travel and complex vacation packages indicates a clientele that wants to be free from the stress and uncertainty of managing their own logistics. They excel in crafting unique itineraries with reliable local tour operators, providing a level of curation that is difficult to replicate through independent online research.

The agency’s approach is hands-on and relationship-based. If you are looking to build a rapport with an experienced professional who will listen to your needs and meticulously plan your dream trip—whether it's adventure travel through South America or a cultural tour of Europe—this firm is structured to meet those needs. However, if your priority is finding the absolute lowest price or you enjoy the process of researching and booking each component of your trip yourself, their service model may not be the ideal fit. The choice depends on whether you view travel planning as a task to be completed or an experience to be curated.