Toujours Travel

Toujours Travel, LLC operates as a specialized travel agency in University Park, Illinois, focusing on providing a highly personalized approach to trip planning. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar agencies, this business appears to function as a consultancy, requiring clients to engage directly for bespoke services rather than offering walk-in availability. This model can be advantageous for travelers seeking dedicated, one-on-one attention for their travel needs.

Professional Credentials and Specializations

A significant point of credibility for Toujours Travel is the professional certification of its owner, Richelle Howell. She holds a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from The Travel Institute and is also recognized as a Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). These credentials are not easily obtained and suggest a deep commitment to the travel industry and a high level of expertise, particularly in the cruise sector. For clients specifically looking for a cruise travel agent, the MCC certification is a strong indicator of specialized knowledge in cruise lines, ships, and itineraries, potentially leading to better-matched vacation packages.

The agency's services are clearly defined, centering on a few key areas:

• Cruises: Given the owner's MCC certification, this is presented as a primary area of expertise. The agency assists with planning and booking cruise vacations.
• Vacation Packages: This includes the arrangement of comprehensive travel plans, likely encompassing booking flights and hotels, transfers, and activities for various destinations.
• Group Travel: Toujours Travel also facilitates travel for groups, which could range from family reunions to special interest clubs. The logistics of group travel are often complex, so working with a dedicated agent can simplify the process significantly.
• Fundraising: In a unique offering, the agency provides fundraising opportunities through travel. This service allows organizations like schools or charities to earn money when their members book trips, presenting an innovative way to raise funds.

Client Experience and Feedback

The public feedback for Toujours Travel is extremely limited, which presents a challenge for prospective clients trying to assess the agency's track record. As of late 2025, there is only a single Google review available for the business. This five-star review, posted several years ago, praises the company for its "personalized service with attention to detail and good value," specifically mentioning a great experience booking cruises.

While this feedback is positive and aligns with the agency's stated focus on personalized service, the low volume of reviews makes it difficult to establish a pattern of customer satisfaction. Potential customers must weigh the strength of the owner's professional credentials against the lack of broad, independent client testimonials. The service model emphasizes direct communication, so initiating a conversation with the travel agent would be the best way to gauge if their approach is the right fit.

Operational Structure and Accessibility

Toujours Travel is located at 825 White Oak Lane in University Park, a residential address that confirms its operational model as a home-based or appointment-only consultancy. This structure can benefit clients by potentially leading to more flexible communication and lower overhead costs, which can translate to better value. However, it also means that travelers looking for a storefront to browse brochures or have a spontaneous chat will need to adjust their expectations. The agency's operating hours are quite generous, with long evening hours Monday through Thursday (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM) and availability on Sundays (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM), catering well to clients with traditional work schedules. The business is closed on Saturdays.

What to Consider Before Booking

When evaluating Toujours Travel for your travel planning services, there are clear advantages and points of consideration.

The Strong Points:

• Verified Expertise: The CTA and especially the MCC certifications are significant assets, assuring clients of a professional and knowledgeable agent, particularly for cruise vacations.
• Personalized Service: The business model is built around providing detailed, individual attention, which is ideal for those planning complex trips or wanting custom itineraries.
• Unique Fundraising Service: The fundraising travel option is a distinct feature not commonly offered by other agencies.
• Flexible Hours: Extensive weekday and Sunday hours make the agency highly accessible for consultations.

Points for Consideration:

• Lack of Public Reviews: The primary drawback is the near-total absence of a public review history. New clients have very little third-party feedback to rely on when making a decision.
• Non-Traditional Setup: As a consultancy without a physical storefront, all interactions will be remote or by appointment, which may not suit every traveler's preference.

In conclusion, Toujours Travel positions itself as a credible and specialized service for travelers who prioritize expert knowledge and a close working relationship with their travel agent. Its strengths are most apparent for those planning a cruise or seeking detailed, customized travel arrangements. However, the decision to use their services will largely depend on a client's comfort level with the limited public feedback and their preference for a modern, consultancy-based approach to travel planning.