Based in Cranston, Rhode Island, Annie's Escapes Custom Travel Planning positions itself as a specialized service for creating personalized travel experiences. The business, operated by Ann Petronio, has cultivated a reputation primarily through repeat and referral clients, focusing on warm-weather destinations, cruises, and significant life events. An important development for prospective clients to note is that the business has also rebranded or is dually known as Shared Adventures Travel, a name change that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic to reflect a renewed focus, though the core team and services remain. This travel agency emphasizes a hands-on, consultative approach, working with customers across the country via phone and email.

Client Experiences and Service Highlights

The majority of client feedback paints a picture of a highly competent and dedicated travel planner. Ann is frequently described as knowledgeable, incredibly responsive to calls and emails, and genuinely passionate about her work. Many clients have entrusted her with critical travel events, including complex destination weddings and detailed honeymoon planning. These positive accounts highlight a key value proposition: the ability to remove stress from the planning process. Customers repeatedly mention feeling that every detail was managed, from initial booking to final travel arrangements, allowing them to relax. This is particularly evident in testimonials from clients who booked multi-part international trips and cruises, where logistics can be challenging.

Further strengthening its positive profile, the agency excels in providing support and valuable guidance. Several reviews point to Ann's skill in navigating the complexities of travel insurance, calming the nerves of anxious travelers, and offering insider knowledge of destinations. One client specifically appreciated the assistance received when an airline canceled a connecting flight, a situation that can be difficult for individuals to resolve on their own. This level of service suggests that the agency provides value beyond simple booking transactions, acting as a true travel consultant and advocate for its clients throughout their journey.

Areas of Concern and Negative Feedback

However, no business profile is complete without examining its criticisms. A significant, though very dated, negative review from over a decade ago raises serious concerns that potential customers should consider. This detailed account describes a disastrous experience at a recommended resort in the Dominican Republic, citing issues like poor food quality, maintenance problems including broken furniture, and an ant infestation. The core of the complaint was not just the poor quality of the resort, but the perceived unprofessional and "cold hearted" handling of the situation by the agent. The client alleged that the agent prioritized her commission over client satisfaction and was unhelpful in securing a refund from the hotel.

This incident, while isolated and from many years ago, touches upon a critical aspect of using a travel agent: trust in their recommendations and reliance on their support when things go wrong. The review suggests a complete failure on both fronts in that specific case. For a potential customer, this raises valid questions about the vetting process for recommended properties and the agency's policies for dispute resolution. While the overwhelming majority of more recent reviews are glowing, this historical complaint remains a part of the agency's public record and highlights a potential risk inherent in delegating travel decisions.

Specializations and Overall Assessment

Annie's Escapes, now also known as Shared Adventures Travel, specializes in customized travel for couples, families, and groups. Their focus is clearly on celebratory and leisure travel, with particular expertise in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, European itineraries, and various types of cruise bookings. The business appears to be a strong choice for those who feel overwhelmed by travel logistics or are planning a trip of a lifetime where professional coordination is paramount. The numerous positive reviews from repeat clients underscore a consistent level of satisfaction over many years.

Ultimately, a prospective client must weigh the substantial positive feedback against the serious allegations from the past. The evidence suggests a long-standing business that generally provides excellent, detailed, and supportive service. The rebranding to Shared Adventures Travel may signal a fresh chapter, and its continued success and positive reviews on platforms like WeddingWire suggest it has built a reliable reputation. The prudent approach for a new customer would be to engage in a detailed conversation with the agency, clearly outlining expectations for resort quality, and seeking clarity on how the agency handles unforeseen problems or unsatisfactory experiences at a destination. This due diligence is advisable when selecting any provider of vacation packages.