Going Places Travel

Operating in Anchorage, Alaska Travel Source, which also appears under the name Going Places Travel, presents a complex picture for potential clients. On one hand, it is lauded with overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighting exceptional, personalized service from dedicated agents. On the other hand, a serious complaint against one of the owners raises questions about consistency and accountability. For travelers weighing their options, understanding both sides of this agency's reputation is crucial.

The agency operates from its office at 1236 E 72nd Ave in Anchorage and is open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, remaining closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule suggests a focus on traditional business hours, which might be a consideration for clients who need assistance outside this window. The entrance is noted as being wheelchair accessible, ensuring access for all clients.

The Hallmark of Service: Agent Dedication and Expertise

The most compelling argument for using Alaska Travel Source comes from numerous client testimonials that speak to the incredible dedication of its staff. Agent Kelly Jo Rodriguez, in particular, is frequently mentioned as a standout professional. One detailed account describes her unwavering support for a family planning a large group cruise. Over a period of three years, from 2019 to 2023, the trip was repeatedly postponed due to the global pandemic, military orders, and other personal matters before finally being canceled. Throughout this entire ordeal, Kelly Jo is described as consistently professional, kind, knowledgeable, and helpful, never showing irritation. This demonstrates a profound capacity for managing complex cruise bookings and adapting to unforeseen circumstances, a critical skill for any top-tier travel agency.

This level of service isn't an isolated incident. Another client praised Kelly Jo for skillfully managing a convoluted travel schedule, providing numerous options, and being highly responsive. Her expertise in crafting customized itineraries is so valued that the client plans to continue using her services even after moving away from Alaska. This points to an agency that can build long-term relationships based on trust and results. The ability to handle complicated multi-city travel, both domestic and international, is another recurring theme. One customer noted that the agency saved them hours of frustrating online research by quickly arranging a complex trip, highlighting the immense value that professional travel consultants can provide.

The expertise extends beyond just logistics. A client who booked a solo trip to Ireland with an agent named Sally emphasized the value of the advice received, stating they were given "a gazillion tips" that made the journey smooth. This illustrates that the agents at Alaska Travel Source can act as genuine travel advisors, enriching the travel experience with practical knowledge and insights that go beyond a simple booking confirmation.

A Significant Point of Concern

Despite the glowing reviews for its agents, a significant red flag is raised in a review concerning one of the owners, Bill Beck. A former client posted a one-star review detailing a highly negative experience, alleging severe disorganization. The complaints included regularly sending information to incorrect email addresses and contacting the wrong people, which led to significant scheduling problems. Furthermore, the client suspected dishonesty regarding a dinner booking, claiming they were told it was unavailable only to successfully book it themselves on the same day.

Perhaps the most critical point of this negative feedback is the client’s frustration with the lack of recourse. Because the issues were with an owner of the company, there was no higher authority to appeal to for resolution. This is a valid and serious concern for any customer. While this specific review is several years old, the fact that it involves a principal of the company makes it relevant for prospective clients. It suggests a potential for inconsistency in service quality depending on which individual you work with. Research shows Bill Beck specializes in corporate and business travel, so clients in that sector may want to take particular note of this feedback.

Services and Specializations

Based on client experiences and its online presence, Alaska Travel Source appears well-equipped to handle a diverse range of travel needs. Their key strengths seem to lie in:

• Family Travel and Cruises: Proven ability to manage large group bookings and navigate the complexities of cruise line policies, especially during disruptions.
• Complex International and Domestic Itineraries: Expertise in piecing together multi-leg journeys that would be challenging for an individual to arrange online.
• Corporate Travel: One of the owners specifically lists corporate travel as a backbone of the agency, indicating a focus on serving business clients with potentially last-minute and complex needs.
• Adventure and Niche Travel: With agents specializing in destinations like Alaska and Bonaire, as well as activities like scuba diving, they offer specialized knowledge for unique vacation packages.

Final Assessment for the Traveler

Choosing Alaska Travel Source requires a careful consideration of its dual reputation. The agency is home to highly praised travel advisors like Kelly Jo Rodriguez, who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, successfully managing incredibly challenging travel plans with grace and professionalism. For those seeking help with complicated family travel, multi-destination trips, or specialized cruise bookings, the expertise within this agency could be invaluable.

However, the unresolved negative experience with an owner cannot be overlooked. It points to a potential for service lapses and a structural issue regarding customer complaint resolution. A potential customer might be best served by directly requesting to work with one of the highly-recommended agents mentioned in public reviews. It would also be wise to maintain clear, written communication and double-check all confirmations to mitigate the types of organizational issues described in the negative feedback. Ultimately, Alaska Travel Source has the proven potential to deliver exceptional results, but clients should proceed with an awareness of the potential for a varied experience.