Going Places Travel

Located at 191 E Swanson Ave Ste 102, Going Places Travel is a full-service travel agency in Wasilla, Alaska, operating standard weekday hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on weekends. As part of a larger network with offices in California and a new location in Anchorage, this agency positions itself as a significant player in the Alaskan travel market, handling everything from local bush travel to complex international trips. The company's website states a specialization in Leisure Travel, Group & Incentive Travel, Luxury & Experiential Travel, and Specialized Corporate Travel. However, customer experiences paint a deeply divided picture, suggesting that a traveler's outcome may depend heavily on the specific agent and circumstances of their booking.

Highlights of Service: Expertise in Complex Itineraries

On the positive side, several clients report outstanding service, particularly from a travel consultant named Joni. One detailed account highlights her ability to manage a complicated booking to Hawaii for a large, multi-generational family. This task involved juggling multiple companion coupons, various mileage accounts, and differing itineraries—a logistical challenge that she reportedly handled with excellence, responsiveness, and efficiency. The client also noted that Joni secured a rental van at a price better than what they could find through their usual vendors, demonstrating a tangible value-add. This points to a significant strength in family vacation planning and managing intricate custom itineraries.

This high level of service in complex situations is echoed by another client who relied on Joni for two separate international flights. Most notably, when a family emergency arose just two days before their honeymoon, she was able to adjust their flights on extremely short notice. This level of crisis management is a critical service that many travelers seek from a professional travel agency. The agent's ability to remain friendly, prompt, and professional under pressure left a lasting positive impression. Another satisfied customer, though providing fewer details, described their experience as quick and easy, with all their needs met correctly. These positive reviews suggest that the agency, at its best, possesses skilled agents capable of delivering exceptional results and support, especially for multifaceted group travel and urgent international arrangements.

It is worth noting that some reviews refer to "ABC Travel Time," and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) page for Going Places Travel also lists this name, indicating a business connection or a former name. This suggests that the positive experiences under the ABC name are directly relevant to the current operation.

Significant Service Failures and Organizational Issues

Conversely, a number of highly concerning negative reviews suggest a severe inconsistency in service quality. One of the most serious reports comes from an elderly client who alleges she was left stranded alone in Los Angeles for three days due to a "faulty schedule" planned by the Wasilla office. This error allegedly cost her over $1,000 in unexpected hotel and living expenses and caused immense mental anxiety, disrupting subsequent flights and bookings for a long-anticipated family visit to New Zealand. The most troubling part of her account is the alleged response from the agency's owner, Kevin, and another employee, Renee. She claims they refused to accept any responsibility for the mistake and would not discuss the matter further, showing a complete lack of empathy. This report raises significant questions about the agency's accountability and procedures for rectifying critical errors.

Another client review points to systemic disorganization during a trip planned by an agent named Nancy. While describing the agent as "very nice," the client reports that the trip itself was poorly managed. The group nearly missed their flight, arranged buses failed to show up, and planned tours were either canceled or delayed. This experience highlights potential weaknesses in the agency's logistical coordination and communication with third-party tour operators and transportation providers. Such failures can undermine the entire purpose of using a travel agency, which is to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. These accounts stand in stark contrast to the praise for Joni's meticulous planning, indicating a potential lack of standardized processes or quality control across the entire team.

Analysis for Prospective Clients

For anyone considering Going Places Travel for their booking services, the available information presents a clear dilemma. The agency is part of a larger, award-winning network—Travel Leaders recognized Going Places Travel with an "Agency of Excellence Award" for being in the top 1% of its 5,000 members—and is clearly capable of executing highly successful, complex trips. The positive experiences, particularly with agent Joni, showcase a high degree of competence in managing everything from cruise bookings to multi-leg international flights.

However, the negative reports are not minor complaints; they are accounts of major travel disruptions with significant financial and emotional costs, compounded by a reported failure in customer service recovery from management. The allegation of being stranded and the report of comprehensive logistical breakdowns are serious red flags. This suggests that while the agency has star performers, it may also have significant vulnerabilities in its processes or staff that can lead to catastrophic failures for a client's journey.

Potential customers should proceed with a measured approach. It would be prudent to be an active participant in the planning process. Request detailed, written itineraries and confirmations for all flights, accommodations, and transfers. Before finalizing payment, verify booking numbers directly with airlines and hotels. Given the disparity in experiences with different agents, it may be beneficial to inquire specifically about working with a consultant who specializes in your type of trip, and perhaps even reference the positive feedback found in public reviews. For complex or high-stakes travel, such as a honeymoon or a multi-country tour, asking pointed questions about contingency plans and emergency support protocols is essential. The agency's physical office in Wasilla is wheelchair accessible and maintains typical weekday business hours for those who prefer in-person consultations.