Agenzia Italia Travel

Located on the second floor at 60-89 Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, New York, Agenzia Italia Travel is a business that presents a multifaceted and somewhat contradictory profile to potential customers. Claiming over 40 years of experience, the company operates as a full-service travel agency, but client feedback indicates it also functions as a hub for other critical services, including notary public and immigration law assistance. This diverse offering can be a significant convenience, but a deep dive into customer experiences reveals a starkly divided reputation across these different departments, warranting careful consideration from anyone looking to engage their services.

Travel and Vacation Planning Services

As its name suggests, the core of Agenzia Italia Travel's business is centered on planning and booking trips. Their website highlights a range of services, including cruises, escorted tours, honeymoon and destination wedding packages, and car rentals, with a particular emphasis on travel to Italy. The agency promotes partnerships with well-known tour operators like Globus, Trafalgar, and Collette Vacations, suggesting access to a wide array of established vacation packages. A recent 5-star review reinforces this, with a client stating the agency was "Very attentive to your travel needs." This comment suggests a positive, personalized experience is possible and that the travel consultants are capable of meeting client expectations.

However, this positive account is overshadowed by a much older, yet incredibly detailed, 1-star review that raises serious concerns about the agency's practices. This past client alleges significant issues with hidden fees, describing a situation where they felt "robbed blind." The review details a complete breakdown in customer service after payment was made, recounting a frustrating scenario where the agency and the airline allegedly passed responsibility back and forth regarding a refund. The customer claims their calls went unanswered for weeks and that they later discovered several unauthorized charges on their credit card bill. While this review is over a decade old, its severity and detail present a cautionary tale for prospective clients. It highlights the absolute necessity of requesting a clear, itemized breakdown of all costs, fees, and taxes before committing to any flight booking or travel package. Understanding the agency's policies on changes, cancellations, and refunds is paramount.

Ancillary Services: A Point of Major Concern

Beyond travel, Agenzia Italia Travel offers other professional services, and it is here that the most consistent and troubling feedback emerges. Multiple reviews focus on negative experiences with the notary public services provided by an individual named Camillo Asaro.

The Notary Public Controversy

Several customers have lodged serious complaints regarding the notary services at this location. A recurring allegation is the overcharging for signatures. Two separate reviews, written years apart, claim they were charged $5 per signature. This is a significant discrepancy, as the fee set by New York State for a notary public is explicitly capped at $2.00 per signature for administering an oath or taking an acknowledgment. One reviewer mentioned being forced to pay in cash and was then denied a receipt, which is a major red flag for any professional transaction, especially when needed for business expense purposes. The same reviewer considered filing a formal complaint with the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services.

Beyond the financial concerns, the level of professionalism described is also alarming. One client described the notary as "extremely rude," claiming that after making an error on a document and scribbling on it, he threw the client's ID back at them. Such behavior is far from the professional standard expected for services that deal with official and often sensitive documents. These consistent complaints suggest a pattern of unprofessional conduct and pricing irregularities that potential customers seeking notary services should be extremely wary of.

A Glimmer of Positivity in Legal Services

In stark contrast to the notary issues, there is a positive mention of another professional operating from the same address. One 4-star review specifically recommends a lawyer, Thomas Wright, for immigration services. The reviewer expresses satisfaction with their experience, suggesting that this aspect of the business may be a reliable and positive resource for those navigating the complexities of immigration law. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between the different services offered at this location; a negative experience with one department does not necessarily reflect on all of them.

Final Assessment for Potential Clients

Agenzia Italia Travel is a business of contrasts. On one hand, it purports to be an experienced international travel specialist with the ability to craft attentive, personalized trips. On the other, it is burdened by severe historical complaints about its travel service transparency and multiple, credible reports of unprofessionalism and overcharging in its notary division.

For those considering using them for customized trips or cruise booking, the key is due diligence. Engage with their travel consultants, ask pointed questions about all potential fees, and get everything in writing. The lack of recent, detailed reviews makes it difficult to ascertain if the serious issues from the past have been resolved. For customers in need of notary services, the consistent negative feedback regarding pricing and conduct is a significant deterrent. It would be prudent to confirm the cost upfront and be aware of the legal fee limit in New York. The positive mention of their associated immigration lawyer provides a hopeful note, suggesting that quality professional help can indeed be found at this address.

The agency operates weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on weekends. Given the mixed feedback, potential clients should approach with a clear understanding of their needs and a healthy dose of caution, verifying all details before making a financial commitment.