Excel Travel

Based in Long Branch, New Jersey, Excel Travel has established a formidable reputation, evidenced by a consistent stream of perfect 5-star ratings from its clientele. Owned and operated by Ted and Joanna Friedli, this travel agency distinguishes itself not as a simple booking engine, but as a full-service consultancy. The praise is frequently directed at Ted, who clients describe as a deeply knowledgeable and intuitive travel consultant. The agency's core strength appears to lie in its highly personalized approach, crafting detailed and thoughtful trips that align closely with a traveler's specific style, needs, and budget.

Personalized Planning and Deep Expertise

A recurring theme in customer feedback is the agency's proficiency in managing complex travel arrangements. This includes organizing family vacations for large groups, such as a party of ten with multiple children, and curating multi-country European tours through destinations like Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. Clients repeatedly note that the experiences planned by Excel Travel exceeded their expectations. This is attributed to the team's ability to provide insider knowledge that elevates a standard trip into something more memorable. Examples include recommendations for specific scenic driving routes in the Florida Keys, advice on the best local restaurants, and strategic timing for visiting popular attractions to avoid crowds.

Furthermore, the agency has a knack for securing value-added perks, such as premium room locations at resorts, which clients feel they would not have obtained on their own. This attention to detail demonstrates a level of service that goes beyond just handling logistics. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, the agency is noted for finding unique, locally-owned hotels that offer excellent service, rather than defaulting to large, impersonal chains. This showcases their versatility in creating custom itineraries for various travel preferences.

Client Trust and Problem-Solving

The longevity of Excel Travel's client relationships is a significant indicator of its quality. Many reviews come from repeat customers who have used the service for five, ten, or even more years. Some clients explicitly state they have transitioned from being avid do-it-yourself travel planners to exclusively using Excel Travel, citing the immense value and expertise the team provides. This long-term loyalty is built on a foundation of trust and reliability.

A critical aspect highlighted by customers is the agency's responsiveness, particularly when unexpected issues arise. One family recounted how the team managed unforeseen changes to their itinerary with speed and efficiency, ensuring the trip remained seamless and on budget. This level of support is a crucial differentiator from online booking platforms, offering travelers peace of mind knowing a real person is available to assist them. Excel Travel guarantees 24/7 emergency service, answered directly by a human, which is a significant asset in today's automated world.

Recognitions and Specializations

Excel Travel's expertise is backed by numerous industry recognitions. The agency has been honored with Travel Impressions' "Best of the Best" award every year since 1996, a distinction given to the top 0.5% of U.S. agencies. They are also recognized as a Switzerland Specialist, a Gold Level Agency with Expedia, and have been "earmarked" by the Disney Travel Company, an award granted to only the top 1% of agencies in the country. This suggests a high level of proficiency in planning Disney-related vacation packages. Their status as a GI Agent for Karisma Resorts further underscores their specialization in all-inclusive resorts and potentially luxury travel.

Points to Consider

While the public feedback for Excel Travel is overwhelmingly positive, it's important for potential customers to understand the agency's service model.

• A Unanimously Positive Reputation: The complete absence of negative or even neutral reviews is remarkable and speaks to a high level of client satisfaction. However, travelers who rely on a mix of opinions to make decisions will find only uniform praise, which can make it difficult to gauge potential drawbacks.
• Consultative vs. Transactional: The agency's strength is its hands-on, consultative process. This is ideal for planning significant, complex, or high-value trips where expert guidance is paramount. For travelers looking to quickly book a simple flight or a single hotel night, the in-depth approach might be more involved than necessary compared to a self-service website.
• Business Model: Operating from an office in Long Branch rather than a traditional retail storefront, Excel Travel's business appears to be built primarily on client relationships, referrals, and appointments, rather than walk-in traffic. This is a common and effective model for a specialized travel specialist but is a different experience from a street-level agency.

In conclusion, Excel Travel positions itself as a premier partner for those who value expertise, detailed planning, and personalized service when booking travel. Its flawless track record, particularly in arranging complex group travel, family trips, and European journeys, makes it a compelling choice. The consistent and personal praise for its owner, Ted Friedli, suggests a business where the principal is deeply involved, ensuring a high standard of quality and client satisfaction across the board.