Simply Travel

Simply Travel, an established travel agency located in Shakopee, Minnesota, has been operational for over two decades, positioning itself as a resource for personalized travel services. With a business history dating back to 1996, it has cultivated a base of long-term, repeat clients while also attracting new travelers seeking expertly crafted vacations. The agency presents a complex picture; it is lauded for its detailed planning and agent expertise, yet it has also received criticism regarding its handling of logistical complications and customer service during challenging situations. An in-depth look at its operations reveals a service that can be highly beneficial for some travelers but may require caution from others.

The Hallmark of Service: Agent-Driven Expertise

A significant portion of positive feedback for Simply Travel centers on the personalized attention and deep knowledge of its agents, particularly Andrea Dessler and owner Lisa Phillips. Clients repeatedly describe their interactions with these agents as the cornerstone of their positive experiences. For instance, travelers planning complex trips, such as a multi-country European honeymoon, have praised Andrea for her ability to provide excellent recommendations, maintain timely communication, and ultimately assemble an itinerary that exceeded expectations. This level of service is especially valuable for those unfamiliar with their destinations, as the agent's input helps shape a more coherent and enjoyable trip. The agency's stated goal is to remove the stress from trip planning, allowing customers to focus on the experience itself.

This hands-on approach extends to various types of travel. For family vacations, clients have noted that agents like Andrea invest time in understanding a family's specific interests and needs, patiently answering numerous questions to tailor the perfect trip. This bespoke process includes managing everything from accommodations and transfers to unique local excursions. Furthermore, the agency demonstrates proactive management, such as keeping clients informed about airline updates, which adds a layer of reassurance that is often missing when booking independently. This comprehensive service is a key reason many clients choose to work with a professional travel agent.

Long-Term Reliability and Crisis Management

The loyalty of Simply Travel's clientele is a testament to its consistency over the years. Some customers have been using the agency since 2004, relying on agents like Lisa for both meticulously planned advance bookings and spontaneous, last-minute getaways. This long-standing relationship implies a high level of trust and satisfaction. One of the most critical functions of a travel agency is to provide support when things go wrong, and there is evidence that Simply Travel has succeeded in this area. One long-term client specifically mentioned an instance where Lisa helped resolve a missed flight, a stressful situation where having a dedicated agent is invaluable. This capability to manage unforeseen problems is a powerful argument for using their services over online booking platforms.

Points of Contention: A Critical Perspective

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, a notable critique raises significant concerns. A past client shared a highly negative experience, advising against using the agency for those who are not travel-savvy or prepared to scrutinize every detail of their itinerary. The core of the complaint involved flights booked with what was described as an insufficient connection time for re-entry into the country—a logistical oversight that can derail an entire trip. This specific example highlights a potential gap in the agency's planning process.

Beyond the logistical error, the more serious allegation was the agency's response to the issue. The client reported that instead of taking accountability, the agency shifted blame to the customer or the airport and communicated in a manner described as belittling and rude. This account suggests that while the planning phase may feel supportive, the problem-resolution process can be adversarial. For potential customers, this raises a crucial question about the level of support they can expect if their trip encounters difficulties. It underscores the importance of client diligence in reviewing all travel documents and confirming that every aspect of the proposed customized itineraries aligns with their expectations and comfort level, particularly regarding flight layovers and transfers.

Specializations and Service Offerings

Simply Travel's expertise is not generalized; they market specific strengths in popular vacation types. Their website and agent profiles indicate a strong focus on creating ideal honeymoon packages, planning destination weddings, and booking all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. This specialization means their agents likely have deep knowledge of specific properties, tour operators, and local logistics in these areas. The agency is also an Earmarked Agency for Disney, signifying a high volume of Disney-related bookings and specialized knowledge in planning those specific types of vacations.

For those who prefer to do their own research but want the backing of an agency, Simply Travel offers an online booking portal on their website. This hybrid model allows clients the convenience of 24/7 booking with the assurance that an agent is available to assist with any issues that may arise. The business also appears to handle group travel and has affiliations, such as being an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency, which can provide access to a broader network of resources and deals. While not a primary focus in reviews, the agency also mentions services for corporate travel, offering solutions tailored to business needs.

Final Assessment for the Prospective Traveler

In conclusion, Simply Travel in Shakopee presents as a highly capable and experienced travel agency with a strong track record of satisfying clients through personalized service and expert planning. The positive experiences, particularly with agents Andrea Dessler and Lisa Phillips, showcase a team that can craft memorable and seamless vacation packages, from romantic getaways to complex family trips. The loyalty of their long-term customers speaks volumes about their reliability.

However, prospective clients should not ignore the serious concerns raised in negative feedback. The allegations of poor communication and lack of accountability during a crisis suggest that the client experience can be inconsistent. Therefore, the ideal customer for Simply Travel may be someone who values the initial expert planning and destination knowledge but is also prepared to be a proactive partner in the process. This means carefully reviewing every detail of a proposed itinerary, asking clarifying questions, and understanding the terms and conditions before making a final payment. By doing so, travelers can better leverage the agency's strengths while mitigating potential risks.