PostCard Travel Planning
BackLocated in Tallahassee, PostCard Travel Planning is a travel agency operated by owners Amy and Dennis Post. According to their website, the agency was founded in 2015, born from the founders' personal passion for travel, particularly cruising. The business presents itself as a full-service agency, handling arrangements for land, air, and sea travel, with a stated focus on providing exceptional customer service. The agency holds several industry certifications, including being a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), holding an IATA accreditation, and possessing a Florida Seller of Travel Certificate. Their operational hours are notably extensive, running from early morning to late evening seven days a week, suggesting a high level of availability for client support.
The Positive Client Feedback
A significant portion of client feedback for PostCard Travel Planning is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a deep appreciation for the personalized and proactive service provided by Amy and Dennis. Multiple customers describe the service as going "above and beyond." A recurring theme is the agency's skill in managing cruise packages. One client detailed a seamless seven-day cruise experience with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), praising the impeccable service and spacious accommodations, which they felt were misrepresented on the cruise line's own website. This suggests the agency provides valuable insider knowledge that can enhance a trip.
Another key strength emphasized by clients is the agency's role as a dedicated travel advisor during unexpected disruptions. One detailed account explains how a trip to Ireland was jeopardized by an 11-hour flight delay due to weather, resulting in lost luggage and a missed hotel transfer. The client credits Amy with immediately tracking the bags, rerouting them to the correct destination, and arranging a new transfer before they had even landed. This level of crisis management turned a potential disaster into a successful vacation. Similarly, another couple praised the agency for their swift response when a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was damaged by a crane shortly before their honeymoon trip. Amy and Dennis reportedly met with them after hours to re-plan and secure a new booking, an outcome the clients believe would have been impossible without the agency's intervention.
Financial benefits are also noted. A long-term client, who previously booked directly with cruise lines, switched to PostCard Travel Planning and lauded them for their diligence. The client specifically mentioned an instance where Amy called them to lower the price of their booking after the cruise line offered a new promotion, demonstrating proactive efforts to secure the best value for their customers. This level of service fosters strong loyalty, with many clients stating they will not use any other travel consultant for their vacation planning.
A Significant Counterpoint
However, the agency's record is not without a very serious complaint that stands in stark contrast to the positive testimonials. One client reported an extremely negative experience with a trip to Greece planned by the agency. The customer alleges that instead of creating a custom itinerary, the agency simply purchased a pre-made package from a third-party company. This resulted in what was described as a "disaster," involving terrible flights and a hotel that was filthy and located in an undesirable part of town. The trip was so unsatisfactory that the client cut it short, leaving after only three days.
The most critical part of this complaint centers on the agency's response to the issue. According to the client, when they requested a refund for the disastrous trip, Amy Post allegedly deferred all responsibility, telling the client they needed to seek a refund directly from the third-party tour operator she had used. This refusal to take ownership of the failed travel product is a major point of concern for any potential customer. The client was disgusted by the experience and reported filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Public records from the BBB's website confirm that PostCard Travel Planning is not a BBB Accredited business. This incident raises critical questions about the agency's vetting process for its partners and its policies for handling situations where third-party services do not meet expectations.
Conclusion and Considerations for Travelers
For potential clients, PostCard Travel Planning presents a divided picture. On one hand, there is a clear pattern of highly satisfied customers, particularly those booking cruises, who feel they receive exceptional, personalized service and invaluable support, especially when travel plans go awry. The numerous positive accounts paint a picture of a dedicated and caring travel agency that builds strong, family-like relationships with its clients.
On the other hand, the single negative review is severe and points to a significant potential risk. The allegation of outsourcing to a low-quality third party and the subsequent refusal to manage the resolution process is a substantial red flag. It suggests that while the agency may excel at direct bookings and managing logistics, its process for curating and standing behind more complex customized trips involving external partners may be a weakness.
Travelers considering PostCard Travel Planning should weigh these factors carefully. For those primarily interested in cruise packages or trips where the agency has direct control and expertise, the evidence suggests a high likelihood of a positive and well-managed experience. However, for more complex international itineraries or potential all-inclusive vacations that might involve third-party tour operators, it would be prudent to have a direct conversation with the agency beforehand. Prospective clients should specifically inquire about the use of third-party packages, the vetting process for these partners, and the agency's policy regarding accountability and refunds if the services provided by these partners are substandard.
