Odyssey Travel

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Odyssey Travel has established itself as a notable player in the regional travel agency landscape. With over two decades of experience, this agency positions itself as a full-service provider, catering to a range of travel needs from family reunions to European tours. The business holds a long-standing A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, an accreditation it has maintained since 1999, suggesting a consistent commitment to trustworthy service. Client feedback is overwhelmingly positive, painting a picture of a dedicated and highly competent operation, particularly centered around its experienced agents.

The Core Strengths: Personalized and Expert Service

The defining characteristic of Odyssey Travel, as reflected in numerous customer accounts, is its deeply personal and attentive service. Travelers consistently single out specific agents, such as Shawnee Johns and owner Valerie Holmes, for their exceptional support. This isn't a faceless online portal; it is a relationship-based service where agents invest time to understand and meet client needs. For instance, one client planning a multi-destination trip to Ireland and Scotland praised their agent's quick responses to a multitude of questions and the professional, timely manner in which trip modifications were handled. This level of responsiveness, even extending to holidays, highlights a work ethic that goes beyond standard business hours.

This personalized approach is particularly beneficial for those new to complex travel. One review from a self-described "first-timer" on a large-scale trip noted how agents were instrumental in preparing them, answering all their questions and making them feel confident. This hands-on support is a significant advantage over do-it-yourself online booking, where first-time travelers are often left to navigate a sea of options and complex logistics alone. The agency effectively serves as a crucial resource for those needing expert trip planning services.

Expertise Across Diverse Travel Styles

The team at Odyssey Travel demonstrates a broad and valuable range of expertise. Their portfolio of planned trips is varied, covering everything from family vacations in Cancun to elaborate Alaskan cruises and detailed European itineraries. This versatility ensures they can cater to a wide demographic of travelers.

• International Travel: The successful planning of trips to Ireland and Scotland indicates a strong capability in managing multi-country custom itineraries. This involves coordinating flights, accommodations, and ground transport across different regions, a task that can be daunting for individuals to manage.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: For clients seeking relaxation, the agency has proven expertise in booking trips to destinations like Cancun. A family trip was described as a "wonderful experience," with the agent handling all arrangements to create a memorable vacation. This showcases their ability to identify quality all-inclusive resorts that meet a family's specific needs and budget.
• Cruise Booking: Planning a cruise involves more than just picking a destination. Agents at Odyssey Travel have been commended for their skill in handling the entire cruise booking process, from cabin selection to airline tickets, ensuring everything goes smoothly. In one notable case, an agent proactively secured a lower rate for a client after a promotion was announced, demonstrating a commitment to providing value that automated booking sites cannot replicate.

The owner, Valerie Holmes, brings 35 years of experience to the agency, with specializations in destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as travel types such as destination weddings and adventure travel. Her extensive personal travel—having visited 6 of 7 continents—provides a foundation of firsthand knowledge that she uses to offer clients personal recommendations and match them with the right properties and experiences.

Potential Considerations and Drawbacks

Despite the glowing reviews, potential clients should be aware of certain operational aspects that might not suit everyone's preferences. These are not so much flaws as they are characteristics of a traditional, service-focused travel agency model.

Limited Operating Hours

The agency's physical office operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. While their website mentions that Saturday and evening hours are available by appointment, this structure may pose a challenge for individuals with rigid 9-to-5 work schedules who prefer to discuss travel plans during evenings or weekends. This contrasts sharply with online travel platforms that are accessible 24/7. Prospective customers must be prepared to schedule consultations during these specific windows or make special arrangements.

A Traditional, High-Touch Model

The agency's strength lies in its agent-client relationships. The process appears to be highly consultative, involving phone calls and emails to tailor the perfect trip. While this is ideal for those seeking a personalized experience, it may be less appealing to the tech-savvy traveler who prefers the autonomy and immediacy of online booking engines. The business model emphasizes human expertise over algorithmic suggestions, which is a significant benefit for complex trips but might feel slower for those looking to book a simple flight or hotel quickly.

Boutique Agency Feel

The consistent praise for a few key agents suggests a smaller, more intimate team. This fosters strong, personal connections and accountability. However, travelers accustomed to large, multinational agencies with vast, specialized departments for every niche of travel might find the scope more focused. This is a classic trade-off: the comprehensive but impersonal nature of a large corporation versus the dedicated but potentially less expansive resources of a boutique firm. For most travelers, especially those planning leisure or family vacations, the boutique approach offered by Odyssey Travel appears to be a significant advantage.

Who is Odyssey Travel Best For?

Based on its service model and client feedback, Odyssey Travel is an excellent choice for several types of travelers:

• First-Time International Travelers: Anyone feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a major trip will find immense value in the step-by-step support provided by an experienced travel agent.
• Families and Groups: Coordinating travel for multiple people is complex. The agency specializes in family and group travel, ensuring that all details, from accommodations to activities, are handled seamlessly.
• Busy Professionals: Individuals who lack the time to research and book complex itineraries can delegate the entire process, confident that a professional is managing the details and securing good value.
• Travelers Seeking a Curated Experience: Anyone looking for more than a cookie-cutter vacation will benefit from the agents' deep knowledge and ability to create custom itineraries and provide personal recommendations for destinations, resorts, and tours.

In conclusion, Odyssey Travel stands out in the Lincoln area as a highly reputable and client-focused travel agency. Its strengths are rooted in the deep expertise of its staff, a commitment to personalized service, and a proven ability to manage a wide variety of travel types. While its traditional business hours and high-touch service model may not be for everyone, those who value a professional partnership in planning their travels will likely find the experience to be exceptional.