D & D Travel Services LLC

D & D Travel Services LLC is a Bloomfield, Connecticut-based travel agency that presents a distinct operational model. Established in 1993 and operated by Donna and Dennis Hubbs, the agency brings decades of experience to the table. However, one of the most immediate and defining characteristics potential clients will notice is its highly specific business hours: the agency operates exclusively on weekdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is closed on weekends. This schedule suggests a personalized, after-hours service, which could be a significant advantage for customers who work traditional business hours and prefer to handle their travel planning in the evening.

Services and Specializations

D & D Travel Services positions itself as a provider of personal expertise in a variety of travel sectors. The owners are certified Master Cruise Counselors, and Dennis Hubbs holds the title of Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), the highest credential from The Travel Institute. Their listed specializations are extensive and cater to popular vacation demands, including:

• Cruise deals on all major cruise lines.
• All-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Caribbean.
• Family travel, with a specific certification for Disney vacations.
• Custom itineraries for destinations such as Europe, Hawaii, and Australia.
• Escorted tours through partnerships with reputable tour operators.

The agency is accredited by IATAN (The International Airlines Travel Agent Network) and is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), which provides a layer of professional assurance. They also have a fee structure for certain services, such as a $100 upfront fee for fully customized itineraries and smaller service fees for lower-cost cruises, payable by cash or check only. It's important to note they do not handle air-only requests; booking flights and hotels must be part of a larger package.

The Positives: A Personalized, After-Hours Approach

For a certain type of traveler, D & D Travel Services offers a compelling proposition. The evening-only hours can be a major benefit for those unable to contact a travel consultant during a typical 9-to-5 workday. This structure implies direct access to the experienced owners, Donna and Dennis, rather than a call center or a less experienced agent. The agency's tagline, "Your Personal Travel Shopper," reinforces this hands-on, client-focused approach.

With over 30 years in the business and numerous certifications, the depth of knowledge, particularly in cruises and custom European tours, is a significant asset. The agency has also received local recognition, including a Business Leadership Circle Award from the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, suggesting a solid reputation within the community. The high, albeit limited, number of positive online ratings indicates that clients who have used their services have been largely satisfied.

Areas for Consideration

While the specialized hours can be a benefit, they are also the agency's most significant limitation. Clients who require assistance during the day, or those who face urgent issues while traveling in different time zones, may find the 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time window restrictive. The weekend closure further limits accessibility for planning or problem-solving.

Another point of caution for prospective clients is the agency's minimal and dated online presence. The official website is functional but basic, and the available customer reviews are few and several years old. While most ratings are positive, the lack of recent, detailed feedback makes it difficult for new customers to gauge the current quality of service and customer experience. In an era where many travelers rely on up-to-date testimonials, this sparse digital footprint could be a deterrent.

Finally, the policy of charging upfront, non-refundable fees for planning—and accepting them only by cash or check—may feel outdated to some customers accustomed to digital payments and more flexible booking terms.

Conclusion

D & D Travel Services LLC is a long-standing tour operator with deep expertise, particularly in cruises and customized international travel. Its unique after-hours business model is tailor-made for clients who need evening availability for their vacation planning. The ideal customer is likely someone in the Bloomfield area who values deep industry knowledge and direct communication with an experienced agent over modern digital conveniences and 24/7 accessibility. However, travelers who prefer daytime communication, rely on recent peer reviews, or need more flexible support should carefully consider whether the agency's restrictive hours and limited online presence meet their needs.