Going Places Travel Agency

Located at 215 E Main St in Georgetown, Kentucky, Going Places Travel Agency operates as a traditional, storefront travel agency, offering an in-person alternative to online booking engines. The agency maintains specific business hours, open to clients from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and closed on weekends. This schedule suggests a focus on clients who are able to conduct their travel planning during standard workdays. For accessibility, the entrance is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.

The agency has garnered a generally positive reputation, with an aggregate rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 30 reviews. A significant portion of this positive feedback centers on the expertise of its staff, particularly owner and agent Marti Lombardo, who has been in the travel business for over four decades. Clients consistently praise her for crafting detailed and seamless travel itineraries. Her specialties appear to be a major asset, with extensive experience in planning complex trips such as European tours, Hawaiian vacations, and cruises to various destinations, including Alaska, Italy, and the Greek Isles. This level of specialization positions the agency as a strong choice for travelers seeking expert knowledge for specific types of journeys.

Strengths and Areas of Expertise

Going Places Travel Agency excels in coordinating multifaceted trips where logistics can be overwhelming for the average person. Numerous client testimonials highlight the agency's proficiency in handling all aspects of a trip, from transfers and hotel bookings to excursions. This comprehensive service is particularly valuable for those planning family vacations or group travel. For instance, one family's trip to Cancun was described as completely worry-free, with every detail managed by the agency, allowing the travelers to simply enjoy their time. This end-to-end management is a core benefit of engaging a full-service travel agency.

The agency has also established a niche in romantic getaways, positioning itself as a specialist in Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. This focus is supported by client experiences that point to a high level of personalized service. In one notable case, a couple on an Alaskan cruise was surprised with flowers in their suite, a thoughtful gesture from the agency that added a personal touch to their trip. This attention to detail suggests that the agency can deliver elements of luxury travel and create memorable experiences beyond simple booking services. The ability to cater to different budgets is another frequently mentioned strength, indicating that the agents are adept at finding quality options across various price points.

Primary Services Offered:

• Cruise Planning: Extensive experience with both ocean and river cruises, covering popular destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: Proven success in arranging seamless vacation packages to destinations like Cancun, where all logistics are handled.
• Custom International Travel: In-depth knowledge of destinations such as Italy, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand allows for tailored and unique travel plans.
• Honeymoons and Romantic Travel: A stated specialty, with services designed to create special experiences for couples.

Potential Weaknesses and Client Considerations

Despite the largely positive feedback, prospective clients should be aware of some potential inconsistencies in the service provided. One detailed account from a customer planning a major cruise to Greece and Italy highlighted a significant disruption when their original agent left the company mid-planning. This required them to restart the process with a new agent, which can be a point of frustration and concern when planning a costly, once-in-a-lifetime trip. While staff turnover can happen in any business, it underscores a potential vulnerability in the client-agent relationship, which is often built on personal trust and rapport.

Another area for consideration is the post-travel customer service. The same client expressed disappointment over the lack of any follow-up from the agency after their trip concluded. For many travelers, especially those investing heavily in a vacation, a post-trip conversation to share feedback or simply to close the loop is an important part of the experience. Its absence can make the service feel more transactional than relational. This suggests that while the pre-trip and logistical planning are strong, the final phase of the customer journey may not always meet expectations.

Finally, the agency's limited operating hours—closed on weekends—could pose a challenge for individuals who work traditional 9-to-5 jobs and prefer to handle personal arrangements outside of business hours. This operational constraint may make it less convenient for some potential customers compared to online platforms or agencies with more flexible schedules.

Conclusion

Going Places Travel Agency stands out as a competent and experienced firm, particularly for those looking to book cruises, all-inclusive packages, or complex international trips. The deep knowledge of its seasoned agents, especially owner Marti Lombardo, is its greatest asset, providing clients with a sense of security and the promise of a well-organized journey. The agency is ideally suited for travelers who value expert input and prefer to delegate the logistical complexities of booking travel.

However, the experience may not be uniformly perfect. Potential clients should weigh the benefits of expert planning against the risks of service disruptions from staff changes and the possibility of impersonal post-trip communication. The weekday-only business hours are another practical factor to consider. For travelers whose needs align with the agency's core strengths and who can work within its operational framework, Going Places Travel Agency offers a valuable partnership in turning travel aspirations into reality.