Options Travel
BackOptions Travel, a family-owned company located in Mt Prospect, Illinois, presents itself as a significant player in the travel management sector. With a primary focus on corporate clients, the agency has built a reputation for handling complex logistical challenges for businesses, associations, and universities. However, it also offers services for leisure travelers, creating a dual identity that caters to different market segments. An analysis of its operations and customer feedback reveals a company with considerable strengths in its core business, alongside some confusing and concerning reports that warrant closer inspection.
A Specialist in Corporate Travel Management
The core strength of Options Travel lies in its robust corporate travel management services. According to industry reports, a substantial majority of its sales—around 88% to 91%—are derived from business travel, with a much smaller fraction coming from leisure. This specialization is evident in the feedback from its business clients. Business owners consistently praise the agency for taking the complex and time-consuming task of coordinating employee travel off their plates. One client noted that being a family business themselves, they felt that Options Travel treated them as a valued partner rather than just another number, highlighting the agency's commitment to high-quality, personalized customer service.
Another corporate client, whose company has used Options Travel for years, emphasized that the ability to rely on the agency for both initial travel coordination and last-minute, on-the-fly changes has been a "game changer." This level of responsiveness and reliability is critical in the fast-paced world of business, where travel plans can shift without warning. The agency's investment in technology, including enhanced client travel management portals and multiple online booking tools, further supports its efficiency in delivering these business travel solutions. With over three decades in business and a 98% client retention rate, the company demonstrates a proven track record in satisfying its corporate clientele.
Handling Complex Personal Vacations
While corporate services are its main focus, Options Travel also capably manages detailed personal trips. Customer experiences reflect an agency that excels in crafting intricate customized travel itineraries. For instance, one traveler planning a trip to Italy found that the agency handled every detail, from flights and train tickets to tours, all while ensuring they received the best possible deals. This client’s experience became even more telling when unforeseen circumstances required a complete change of plans from Italy to Mexico. Options Travel reportedly managed this transition seamlessly, canceling and rebooking everything as needed without adding stress to the traveler's experience.
Another positive account involved a trip to Costa Rica, where the agency managed not only the standard bookings like airfare and lodging but also assisted with the necessary documentation for entering and leaving the country. This demonstrates a thoroughness that goes beyond simple booking services, positioning them as knowledgeable international travel experts. These reviews suggest that for individuals seeking comprehensive travel planning for complex or multi-destination vacation packages, Options Travel provides significant value.
A Significant Point of Confusion: The Timeshare Exit Controversy
Despite the largely positive feedback in its primary areas of business, the agency's public profile is complicated by a severe one-star review that stands in stark contrast to the others. This review accuses the company of failing to deliver on a promise to get the client out of a timeshare contract within a year. The client claims that after 14 months, no progress had been made, calling the service a "trap."
This allegation is particularly jarring because timeshare exit services are a completely different and often controversial industry, separate from traditional travel agency work. Extensive research, including a review of the official Options Travel website, shows a company dedicated exclusively to corporate and leisure travel management. There is no mention of timeshare exit, cancellation, or resale services. Further investigation reveals a separate, Missouri-based company named "Options Travel Group" that has numerous BBB complaints and an "F" rating specifically for failing to deliver on timeshare exit promises. It is highly probable that the negative review intended for the Illinois-based Options Travel was a case of mistaken identity, confusing it with the similarly named entity in Missouri. While the review negatively impacts the Mt Prospect agency's overall rating, prospective clients should be aware of this crucial context.
Final Assessment
Ultimately, Options Travel stands out as a highly competent and reliable partner for corporate travel management. Its long history, high client retention rate, and glowing reviews from business owners underscore its expertise in this demanding field. For individuals, it appears to be a strong choice for planning detailed and complex personal trips where professional oversight is desired.
The primary drawback is the potential for confusion caused by a damaging, and likely misattributed, negative review. While this single review significantly skews its average rating, the evidence strongly suggests it pertains to another company. Potential customers, particularly those looking for robust business travel solutions or detailed vacation packages, will likely find the services praised by the majority of reviewers. It is advisable to contact them directly to discuss their service offerings to ensure they align perfectly with your travel needs.
