Dehoney Travel, Inc.

Dehoney Travel, Inc., located in New Albany, Indiana, is a travel agency with a significant history, having operated for over 60 years. This extensive experience has allowed the company to carve out a distinct niche, particularly in organizing detailed group excursions and faith-based travel. While it garners substantial praise for its specialized services, prospective clients should also consider feedback regarding accommodation consistency and customer service when issues arise.

Areas of Strength and Expertise

The overwhelming consensus from long-term clients points to Dehoney Travel's exceptional ability in crafting and executing group travel packages. The agency has built a formidable reputation, especially within religious communities, for its expertly managed Christian tours to destinations like Israel and Jordan. Customers on these trips frequently describe their experiences as meticulously planned, with one traveler noting their journey had "no glitches" and that "every detail--down to the tiniest ones--was taken care of."

Key to this success are the tour guides and staff, who are consistently described as professional, knowledgeable, and personable. This level of service is crucial for complex escorted tours, ensuring travelers feel supported and informed. The agency's ability to handle custom itineraries and individual travel variations before departure is also a frequently cited positive, showcasing a flexible and client-focused approach to planning.

Further reinforcing its credibility, Dehoney Travel holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been an accredited business since 1984, with no formal complaints filed in recent years. This suggests a long-standing commitment to trustworthy practices.

Specialized Travel Offerings

• Faith-Based Tourism: This is the cornerstone of Dehoney's reputation. For over 58 years, they have been a recognized operator of biblical and Holy Land tours.
• Group and Study Tours: The agency plans trips for alumni associations, academic institutions, and other organizations, offering customized cultural and historical journeys.
• Leisure and Family Travel: Beyond its primary niche, Dehoney also arranges cruises, family vacations, and other leisure vacation packages.

Points of Concern for Travelers

Despite a strong history of positive feedback, a recent and pointedly negative review raises important considerations. A client reported booking a trip to Australia where a hotel advertised in the brochure as a 4-star property was, in their estimation, a 1-star establishment. The most significant part of this complaint was the agency's alleged response of "oh well sorry," which the customer found wholly unacceptable.

This incident highlights a potential vulnerability in the agency's process, specifically concerning the vetting of accommodations for certain types of international travel and its protocol for resolving post-trip complaints. While a multitude of positive experiences suggests this may not be a widespread issue, it serves as a critical reminder for travelers. It underscores the importance of independently verifying key details of a travel itinerary, such as hotel ratings and recent reviews, before finalizing payment.

Conclusion

Dehoney Travel, Inc. stands out as a highly experienced and often-praised full-service travel agency, particularly for those interested in structured group or faith-based tourism. Its decades of operation and A+ BBB rating speak to a generally reliable and professional service. The agency excels in meticulous planning and providing knowledgeable support for complex tours. However, potential customers should balance this strong reputation against recent feedback concerning accommodation accuracy and complaint resolution. For any traveler, but especially those booking individual or non-specialty packages, taking the extra step to research and confirm the specifics of their trip is a prudent course of action.