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Best Travel Agencies In Chicago

Travel agencies still play a vital role in today's plugged-in world. Certainly, tech savvy travelers can find basic airline information and accommodation suggestions online. But they may not be aware of the best place to stay, how to divide the time they have among nearby sights or find all available discounts. And, unless they already have a specific destination in mind, they likely don't know about equal or even better destinations that would fit their time and budget. Voila, enter the travel agency. Before heading out of town, up the trip a notch by consulting with one of these five fine Chicago area agencies.
Classic Travel Services
(Photo Credit: Classic Travel Services's Facebook)

Classic Travel Services
703 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 362-3910
www.goclassic.biz

Locally-owned by Rockford-based Camelot World Travel, Classic Travel in Libertyville has been helping vacationers zero in on the perfect getaway for more than 30 years.Their website is a good place to start for ideas and travel resources. However, their agents help you by finding the best deals and the right lodging to suit your needs. They are also good at suggesting side trips you hadn't considered.

Windy City Travel
1357 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 951-0710
www.windycitytravel.com 

Windy City Travel agents understand when people want to try something different. Just looking at the agency's Adventurous Getaway ideas is enough to bring back dreams inspired by Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Having been in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood for more than 30 years, they have catered to a wide range of travel dreams from exotic honeymoons to romantic B and Bs. They also have great ideas for kids-friendly state-side and island adventures and girls' spa getaways.

African Horizons
2730 Lincoln Lane
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-1137
www.africanhorizons.com

When itching to see lions, tigers and elephants in the wild and some of Africa's amazing scenery, best plan is to find a travel agency that specializes in such trips. African Horizons customizes its safaris and African tours to meet travelers' accommodation desires, physical stamina and timeframe. In addition, agents know the places to go for the best flora and fauna experience whether in South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya or Tanzania, to name just a few of the continent's top requested destinations.

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Cruise Holidays
980 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-7447
www.chicagomagmile.cruiseholidays.com

A vacation by boat, whether it is a cruise on European rivers, a trip geared to singles or gays or sailing the Caribbean, is a niche filled by Cruise Holidays on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. No question that all-services travel agencies book cruises. However, the advantage of talking with agents at Cruise Holidays is that they are familiar with the whole range of offerings. Although individually owned, the agency belongs to cruise networks to stay abreast of deals, changes in cruise lines' amenities and new itineraries. The agents are used to working with all size groups, such as corporate outings and family reunions.

Starship Travel
310 W. Northwest Highway
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 394-1155
www.starshiptravel.com

According to Starship Travel owner Linda Schreiber, someone is always walking into the office asking if she has been to Israel, Africa or wherever. She says the answer is always yes. Indeed, the agency motto is "We know what we sell because we have been there." Knowing their customers' destinations first-hand is part of the reason the agency has stayed in business for nearly 30 years, even though the internet has slid several agencies off the yellow pages. Another reason is that Starship has built a reputation for reliability and high ethics so that many of its clients are repeat customers and referrals. The agency does both organized tours such as Funjet Vacations and customized trips.

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Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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