MyExcursions.com

MyExcursions.com operates as a highly specialized travel agency, positioning itself not as a general booking service, but as a creator of bespoke travel experiences. Founded in 2005 by Tim and Dinora Harwood, the company leverages decades of industry experience to offer a service that is consistently described by its clients as meticulous, responsive, and deeply personal. While registered as a business in Tulsa, Oklahoma, its operational reach is global, a fact substantiated by a vast portfolio of glowing reviews from clients who have journeyed to Europe, Asia, and beyond. The agency has garnered a perfect 5-star rating across numerous reviews, indicating a remarkably high level of client satisfaction.

The Foundation of Expertise

A significant factor in the company's success is the extensive background of its founder, Tim Harwood. His career began in 1986, where he worked as a Shore Excursion Manager on cruise ships, including for notable lines like Royal Viking Line and Sea Goddess. This shipboard experience was followed by a corporate role heading the entire Shore Excursion Department for Silversea Cruises. This deep, hands-on knowledge of the cruise industry, specifically in the realm of port activities, forms the bedrock of the agency's core competency. It provides an insider's perspective on crafting shore excursions that genuinely enhance a destination visit, often surpassing the standard offerings from cruise lines themselves. Co-founder Dinora Harwood complements this with over 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, and logistics, ensuring that the complex backend of international travel planning is managed with precision.

The Strengths: A Deep Dive into Positive Experiences

The defining characteristic of MyExcursions.com is its commitment to creating private, custom, and exclusive travel programs. The name itself is derived from a focus on the individual client—the "My" in MyExcursions. This philosophy is evident in nearly every client testimonial, which frequently praise the ability to tailor trips to specific interests and needs.

• Truly Customized Travel: Clients consistently report that the agency excels at building itineraries from the ground up. One user detailed a customized tour of Bali, noting that the agent, Tim, was patient and effective in handling several tweaks to the plan and even resolved a logistical issue that arose during the trip. This highlights a key service for those seeking unique vacation packages rather than pre-set options.
• High-Quality Global Network: The quality of a trip often hinges on the local guides and drivers. MyExcursions.com appears to have cultivated a network of exceptional local partners. Reviews celebrate specific guides by name, such as Luisa in Rome, described as incredibly knowledgeable, and Elisa in Valencia, who enriched a walking tour with deep historical context, including the city's Jewish history. In Canada, guides Terry and Kenan were praised for taking clients to "off the beaten path" locations and skillfully avoiding the large tour bus crowds. This demonstrates a superior level of destination management services.
• Exceptional Problem-Solving and Support: Perhaps the most compelling testament to their service involves a large group of 61 people on a Scandinavian cruise. The group leader recounted how, when a port of call was canceled due to bad weather and threw the schedule off for two days, Tim was able to completely reschedule multiple tours in the next destination. He communicated updates via text, email, and phone calls to ensure the information was received. In another instance, when two group members were missed for an airport pickup, a call to Tim at 4 a.m. resulted in an immediate resolution. This level of accessibility and crisis management is a crucial, though rare, attribute in travel planning services.
• Versatility in Clientele: The agency demonstrates proficiency in handling a wide range of travel needs. They have successfully organized intricate trips for large affinity groups, such as the aforementioned 61-person party, while also providing intimate, personalized tours for couples and small families. This flexibility makes them a viable option for everything from a honeymoon to a complex multi-generational trip, positioning them as a versatile group travel specialist.

Points for Consideration

While the client feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a thorough analysis reveals certain aspects of the business model that potential customers should consider. These are not necessarily flaws, but rather characteristics that may suit some travelers better than others.

Operational Model and Accessibility

MyExcursions.com is a high-touch, boutique agency, meaning interaction is primarily through direct communication with the owners via phone or email. There is no automated online booking engine for those who prefer to browse and book instantly. This model ensures a high degree of personalization but may be less appealing to travelers accustomed to the immediacy of large booking platforms. The company's official hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. While emergencies are clearly handled outside these hours, initial planning and inquiries would need to happen during standard business days. Furthermore, their website's contact page has a notice advising users to email directly as the contact form was not working, which could be a minor inconvenience for first-time inquiries.

Business Presence and Identity

The company is legally registered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but uses a (954) area code phone number, which is associated with Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is likely a legacy of Tim Harwood's long career in the Florida-centric cruise industry. While this has no bearing on the quality of service, it could cause momentary confusion for a potential client looking for a strictly local Tulsa agency. The business operates without a traditional public-facing office, aligning with a modern, personalized service model rather than a walk-in retail agency.

Niche Specialization

The agency’s core strength is in complex, multi-faceted international travel and curated private tours. They are experts in arranging pre- and post-cruise packages, themed tours focusing on interests like food or history, and all the logistical components like private transfers and VIP airport services. However, they may not be the most direct choice for a traveler looking to simply book a standard flight or a simple, all-inclusive resort stay. Their value is most apparent for those seeking a highly-planned and supported journey. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, the company is listed under Fort Lauderdale, is not accredited, and is unrated due to a lack of sufficient information. This is a neutral data point, as many small, specialized businesses do not pursue accreditation, but it is information that some consumers seek.

Conclusion: Who is MyExcursions.com For?

MyExcursions.com is a premier tour operator for the discerning traveler who values expertise, personalization, and robust support. It is ideally suited for individuals, families, and groups planning cruise-related travel, complex multi-destination trips, or those who wish to experience a location through exclusive, private arrangements. The proven ability to manage large groups and solve unexpected problems makes them a particularly strong choice for group leaders. While it may lack the instant booking convenience of larger websites, it compensates with direct access to an experienced owner who personally oversees the planning process from start to finish. For travelers who see vacation planning as a collaborative process and value a relationship with their travel professional, MyExcursions.com presents a compelling and highly-rated option.