Patterson Travel Company

Located at 2295 Essington Road in Joliet, Illinois, Patterson Travel Company operates as a local travel agency offering personalized services for a variety of travel needs. With weekday hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, it positions itself as a traditional, accessible option for residents seeking face-to-face travel planning assistance. The business presents a mixed profile based on customer feedback and its public presence, showcasing both the potential benefits of a dedicated agent and significant pitfalls that prospective clients should consider.

The Promise of Personalized Service

For travelers weary of impersonal online booking engines, Patterson Travel Company offers the expertise of seasoned professionals. The agency states it is a full-service provider, specializing in vacation planning, destination weddings, and both cruise and international travel. This suggests a broad capability, from crafting detailed honeymoon packages to organizing complex international travel itineraries. A key strength highlighted by the company is the experience of its staff, noting that its agents have been with the company for over a decade and are well-traveled themselves. This level of experience can be invaluable for clients looking for insightful recommendations and smoothly executed trips.

Positive, albeit older, customer reviews reinforce this perception. One client specifically praised the staff, naming employees Chris and Corina as "awesome," which points to a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where personal connections are made. This kind of rapport is often a deciding factor for customers choosing a local travel consultant over a large, anonymous website. The agency’s physical, wheelchair-accessible office further facilitates this direct interaction, providing a comfortable space for detailed consultations about family vacations or elaborate cruises.

Significant Customer Service Concerns

Despite the appeal of personalized service, a significant and highly detailed negative review raises serious questions about the agency's business practices, particularly concerning cancellations and refunds. One past client recounted a deeply frustrating experience involving a trip booked for two families. When both parties needed to cancel months before their departure, they encountered major issues with their deposit refund.

According to the review, the agency initially attributed the no-refund policy to the tour operator, Apple Vacations. However, upon contacting Apple Vacations directly, the client was allegedly informed that the refund policy was, in fact, set by Patterson Travel Company and that a refund would have been possible if booked directly with the operator. This discrepancy in information is a major red flag for any consumer. The situation reportedly escalated when the agency promised a partial refund but, six months later, the funds had still not been returned. The client claims the agency then deflected responsibility, blaming the client's credit card company, which had no record of a pending refund. This account paints a picture of dishonesty and a lack of accountability, leading the reviewer to strongly advise others to avoid the agency.

This single, detailed account is supported by other low ratings, which, while lacking specific comments, contribute to a pattern of mixed customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile for Patterson Travel Company indicates that it is not an accredited business. The BBB states it does not have sufficient information to even issue a rating for the company, which can be a point of concern for consumers who rely on BBB accreditation as a benchmark for trustworthiness and ethical business practices.

What to Expect When Booking

Patterson Travel Company positions itself as an expert in creating custom travel experiences. Their stated specializations include:

• Vacation Packages: Assembling flights, accommodations, and activities.
• Destination Weddings: Coordinating complex arrangements for wedding parties abroad.
• Cruises: Offering expertise on various cruise lines and itineraries.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: A popular option often booked through partners like Apple Vacations.

Given the conflicting reports, potential clients should approach any booking services with a strategy of due diligence. The negative feedback centers on a lack of transparency and follow-through with financial policies. Therefore, it is crucial for anyone considering using their services to take proactive steps to protect their investment.

Recommendations for Prospective Clients

If you are considering working with Patterson Travel Company, it is highly recommended to get every detail of your agreement in writing. Specifically, request a clear, written copy of the cancellation and refund policy before paying any deposit. Ask direct questions, such as:

• What are the specific cancellation deadlines for a partial or full refund?
• Are these policies yours or those of the ultimate travel provider (e.g., the cruise line, airline, or resort)?
• Under what circumstances would a refund not be issued?

By securing these details in writing, you create a clear record of the terms, which can be invaluable in the event of a dispute. While the personalized touch of experienced travel advisors is a valuable asset, it must be paired with transparent and fair business practices. The available information suggests that while positive experiences are possible, the risk of significant financial and logistical problems, particularly with cancellations, cannot be overlooked.