Blue Ribbon Travel Levittown

Located at 2890 Hempstead Tpke in Levittown, New York, Blue Ribbon Travel presents a complex picture for prospective clients. Established in 1975, this travel agency has positioned itself as a creator of luxury, curated vacations across the globe. They emphasize a personalized approach, leveraging a global network to craft unique trips. However, customer feedback reveals a starkly divided reality, where experiences range from the trip of a lifetime to deeply problematic encounters, suggesting that a client's journey is heavily influenced by the specific travel consultant they work with.

The Potential for Excellence

On one hand, Blue Ribbon Travel demonstrates a clear capability for orchestrating complex and highly successful international travel. Numerous clients report exceptional service and meticulously planned itineraries. For instance, one traveler recounted a trip to Africa planned by agent Kristine that exceeded all expectations. The journey was praised for its flawless organization, including seamless airport transfers and knowledgeable guides, which provided a sense of safety and efficiency. This experience was described as the "trip of a lifetime," indicating the agency's potential to deliver truly memorable vacation packages.

Another glowing review highlights the agency, and Kristine specifically, for planning the "best honeymoon" imaginable. This client praised both Kristine and another agent, Ellen, for their extensive experience and ability to create an unforgettable trip catered precisely to their needs. Similarly, agent Ellen is independently commended for being wonderful to work with, diligently answering questions and assisting with planning. These positive accounts paint a picture of a highly competent agency that, at its best, provides attentive service and expertly executed customized tours.

Significant Customer Service Concerns

Conversely, a significant volume of detailed, negative feedback raises serious concerns. The same agent at the center of the highest praise, Kristine, is also the subject of severe criticism. One of the most troubling accounts comes from a couple who used the agency for their 21-day honeymoon to Italy and Greece. They described their experience with Kristine as rude, unprofessional, and entirely unaccommodating, reporting major issues in all six cities they visited.

The list of grievances from this single trip is extensive and alarming:

• Poor Itinerary Planning: They were allegedly advised that one day in Athens was sufficient for seven major sites, a recommendation that proved entirely inadequate and rushed.
• Booking Errors: The agent reportedly booked twin beds for their honeymoon, forcing the couple to pay for upgrades themselves at multiple hotels.
• Communication Failures: A critical failure involved the agent not relaying a severe feather allergy to the hotels, despite repeated assurances that it had been handled. One hotel explicitly confirmed they never received the information.
• Substandard Services: Promised "luxury" private transfers materialized as city taxis with rude drivers, and in one instance, a transfer failed to show up at all.
• Unprofessional Conduct: When the couple requested to cancel a return transfer with a company they had a bad experience with, the agent allegedly became combative, refused, and then ceased communication altogether.

This sentiment is echoed by another client who labeled their interaction as the "worst experience" they've ever had with a travel agency. They also described agent Kristine as rude and difficult, citing an unwillingness to assist with a simple flight change. The client reported being constantly interrupted and talked over, and when they attempted to get help from another agent in Kristine's absence, they were put on hold for an extended period and told to call back later. This suggests a potential systemic issue with client support when the primary agent is unavailable.

An Agency of Contradictions

The stark contrast in feedback makes Blue Ribbon Travel an enigma. It is an agency that markets itself as a provider of luxury travel and has clients who will attest to receiving just that. Their website speaks of a holistic service that organizes every aspect of a dream vacation. Yet, the negative reviews point to fundamental breakdowns in service, professionalism, and attention to detail. The recurring theme in the complaints is a perceived lack of client advocacy, with one reviewer stating, "It was clear her loyalties are with her travel services company, not her clients."

What Potential Customers Should Know

For those considering Blue Ribbon Travel for their honeymoon planning or a significant vacation, the decision requires careful consideration. The evidence suggests the agency possesses the resources and expertise, through its network of tour operators and suppliers, to plan exceptional trips. However, the risk of a negative experience appears to be substantial and directly tied to the assigned agent's conduct.

The business operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday, with shorter hours on Friday (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and is closed on weekends. This schedule may be inconvenient for clients who need to communicate outside of standard business hours. Given the polarized reviews, prospective clients would be wise to be proactive. It may be beneficial to request a specific agent with consistently positive feedback, such as Ellen, or to have a very detailed preliminary consultation to gauge the communication style and attentiveness of the agent you are assigned. Clearly outlining expectations, confirming every detail in writing, and ensuring all special requests (like allergies) have been explicitly confirmed by the end-suppliers (hotels, transfer companies) is highly advisable.