Aventura Spa Palace

Hi Anna,

Thank you, thank you, thank you! The trip was AMAZING. EVERYTHING was perfect. We had a great time and look forward to going back there again in the future. The hotel was beautiful and extremely clean. The food was delicious, the drinks, were pretty good, and hospitality was impeccable. We did 2 spa days and their facilities were relaxing. We did the EXPLOR experience (not included in the resort credits, but worth every penny). We visited Tulum (Mayan ruin) which was HOT but very cool. The dolphin experience was nice and even got a chance to ride one.  Other than many great days by the pool or snorkeling, we loved every second of the trip. The steakhouse and the Asian restaurants were by far the best places to have dinner.

Thanks for steering us to the best vacation we ever had. It was truly an unforgettable experience!

Thanks again,
Jim

Alvarez Family visits Paws Up

Hi Patty
I just sent some pics from our amazing week in Montana !  You have outdone yourself again.
We enjoyed every moment at the Paws Up Resort. The house was incredible, rustic and so well appointed
that you could not “want” for a thing. We felt as though we were the only ones there, yet mysteriously they
managed housekeeping and turndown service each day without us ever seeing a staff member enter the house.
The owner of the resort was Nadine, and she was always visible at meals, checking to see that we were having a fantastic
time.The food was great and we laughed saying that everyone at the resort only knows one response to any question
you ask…” YES”. We went ballooning,  hiking,   white water kayaking ,  private horse riding and lessons with
the resort wranglers, ATV ing, watched a barrel racing event w barbeque and cocktails, and of course the cattle drive which was
a 3 1/2 hour mock drive of 50 head of cattle.
There was wildlife everywhere . An abundance of deer, bald eagles nested in the front , a bull moose made an appearance and there
was a mt lion on property but we missed him.
Most of all Patty, we relaxed and laughed. We had adventure and physical challenges for all, saw beautiful Montana, read books
at night by the fireplace. We all agreed that it was our best vacation yet, and it was because you had every detail
down for us before we left.
There are no words to express the gratitude for time spent with our girls and my brother, Jeff. Thank you for arranging our
trip, for the suggestion of Paws Up, and for working tirelessly to get our flights, car, reservations etc , all pulled together in
what, 3 weeks? You are the BEST.
Let me know if anyone ever has questions to take the same trip. I would be happy to help. BTW, we met people in the
“tents ” for glamping…it is beautiful but different. The resort also has many excursions for serious backcountry
fishing or hunting…crazy 11 hours into the deep woods on horses etc. They are now offering a 5 level whitewater
rafting Gorge” trip too, but u have to be very experienced and I believe half nuts. I know that on occasion you may have requests.

Thank you Pat
best regards
pam et al

Destination Wedding Secrets Wild Orchid

 

“Hi Patty,
I just wanted to reach out and let you know how AMAZING our time was at Secrets Wild Orchid!  We just loved it!  The staff was so congenial, the food was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, it was just perfect all around!  We had an amazing wedding and were so pleased with how everything turned out!  Thank you again for all of your help throughout this journey, we couldn’t have done it without you!  Sending some pictures along!”

Meghan Johnson

Dave & Karen

Jennifer Sammartino has been our travel expert for about 6 years, sending us on wonderful excursions such as Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Turkey and Greece to name a few. Jennifer makes reservations at hotels that are centrally located in each place we visit. We like to explore the cities on our own so location is very important to us, and they all have been excellent accommodations. She is extremely helpful in making suggestions for any side trips we should take and even giving us lots of info on the places we are visiting. Jennifer has a warm and friendly personality and we have recommended her highly to several friends who have already been to see her. We are looking forward to planning our next trip – to Hawaii, and with Jennifer’s expertise, we know it will be wonderful!

Ron Around the World

“Why should I plan my around-the-world (RTW) travel with Whirlaway Travel?” I asked upon meeting Patty. After we discussed my special travel needs, she suggested a “private jet”.  Within just a few minutes, I had a reservation on Smithsonian Journey’s RTW expedition, jointly sponsored by National Geographic.

As I learned more about my  adventure, the extensive itinerary of UNESCO World Heritage sites, my choices of tour options at each stop, accoutrements of private jet travel and much more, my anticipation grew.  Leaving the snow behind, we departed Washington, D.C.  in February. I admit my thoughts of continuous flights were daunting: 14 countries in 30 days, totaling 39,000 miles in 84 hours flying time.  My concerns were quickly dispelled. The variety of interesting activities ensured relaxing flights, arriving at our destinations with anticipation. Our 757 jet re-configured with ergonomically designed leather ’recliners’, informative lectures by world renown experts, super cuisine served by our two chefs in the flight crew were just few of the highlights.  By using smaller airports, customs, security, local transportation were all smoothly expedited.  I do not recall waiting even in one line nor carrying any heavy luggage.

My expectations had been exceeded:

  • Complimentary spending money in local currency
  • Wireless headphones to easily listen to local expert guides, allowing us to explore freely– the Taj Mahal, Giza’s Pyramids, the rose-red sandstone mountainsides in Petra, the Moai on Easter Island–each World Heritage site.
  • Our   amazing flight crew, anticipating every need
  • Each destination included local foods and cultural entertainment not available to other tourists
  • Outstanding lodging – including former Royal Palaces.

*   At each stop, we donated needed supplies to local orphanges, schools, hospitals, etc.

My expedition journal is over 130 pages; however, two of many  highlights were:

·      Several days in a t ented mobile camp in Tanzania, allowing   our safari to join  thousands of wildlife during their annual   migration across the  Serengeti plain.

·       The magnificent Siq passageway, a dramatic 1200 foot deep opening in bedrock, is the only access to Petra’s lost city, with 4-story buildingscarved into its rock walls.

Without my travel consultant Jen, my trip would not have been possible.  A successful RTW adventure requires special expertise and knowledge.  Booking my trip 7 months in advance, Jen continuously interacted with me and RTW sponsors to answer my many questions,  seamlessly resolving the inevitable challenges.  With 20 years as a travel consultant, Jen’s reputation for providing her clients with service above and beyond expectation is well earned:

  • By customizing my travel insurance, Jen saved me 50% versus standard rates.
  • Jen prepared a detailed summary for my extended tours in Europe, which was invaluable for me to manage the numerous tickets, vouchers, hotel reservations, etc.
  • Jen surprised me many times – such as securing a VIP ticket package for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new sequel “Love Never Dies” – only 3 days after opening in London. How about front row seating for dinner, show at Moulin Rouge in Paris?

By the way, Jen is arranging my next private jet RTW excursion in March 2011.

Joe & Rosemarie at Disney World

“Choose WhirlAway Travel to plan your next vacation.  You will not be disappointed!  Thanks to Patty Jefferis and her staff, all you need to do is relax and enjoy yourself on your next getaway and leave the planning to them.  Our family booked a Disney World Vacation with WhirlAway Travel in August 2010.  Patty took care of every detail after we discussed our preferences and interests.  Even with flawless planning, things can happen at the other end of the destination.  Our hotel room at the Polynesian did not meet the specifications as set forth by us and WhirlAway.  We put in a call to Patty who set things straight in Florida with the Disney Representative there.  We were more than satisfied with the outcome of this troubleshooting.  Our hotel room was upgraded with additional perks provided.  WhirlAway even sent us a basket of treats for our inconvenience.  How’s that for service?  We wouldn’t go anywhere else, but to WhirlAway for our family’s travel arrangements.  Trust in the best.  Plan your next trip with WhirlAway Travel.  You will be more than glad you did.

- Joe and Rosemarie B.

The Richard Family in London

“Dear Patty,
Wow!  London is fantastic!  We had a terrific trip and all of your help planning made it perfect!  It was quite an adventure for us all and we didn’t miss a thing…  Thank you so much!”

With Gratitude,
-  The Richard Family

The Gambles in Australia

“Dear Patty,
“Spectacular” best describes our vacation to Australia!  Wow – two amazing weeks visiting Melbourne, Sydney and Hamilton Island was truly a blessing.  Thanks for helping to make our dream a reality.  Your planning assistance, tour recommendations, and attention to detail REALLY made a difference!  Special thanks for helping us invest in memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

Sincerely,
-  The Gambles

John & Fran in Aruba

“Dear Patty,
We wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had in Aruba!  Everything was perfect!  The view from our room was breathtaking!  We checked into our room about 2:00 and were on the beach by 3:00!  Everyone was so friendly!  No wonder their license plates say “One Happy Island”.  The restaurants were awesome!  We went to the Sunset Grille at the Radisson for my birthday and the whole staff came out with our dessert and sang Happy Birthday to me.  I didn’t even care that it was my 60th.  Thanks Patty for everything you did!  Would you believe we took over 500 pictures?  We will be calling you to help us plan another trip.”

Thanks Again,
- John & Fran B.

The Kramers in Italy

“We just returned from  our 11 day trip to Italy and it was absolutely amazing!  Thank you.

Patty and the staff at Whirlaway Travel for planning  our family vacation abroad. I have to tell you that every detail was taken care of for us, from airline bookings, hotel choices and transportation to and from our various destinations. We had our package from you in hand, and really did not have to be concerned or think about a thing except having fun and relaxing.

The three tours/activities were perfect. We especially loved the Italian cooking class. The tour of Tuscany allowed just enough time in each village, and the guide was professional and informative.

The art gallery/museum outing was also perfect, because we had the middle of the afternoon free to explore on our own in between appointments.

This is our 3rd or 4th major family vacation planned by you, and each time i feel as though you have exceeded our expectations and  our trips just keep getting better and better!!

Costa Rica and our villa in Tuscany 4 years ago were incredible, but I think this was our best yet.

I would never have been able to arrange all of the many details, trains, private transport, inside tips on restaurants etc alone. We have another set of beautiful lifelong memories of sharing time  together as a family without a concern for the full 11 days.

I look forward to planning our next vacation with you….”

Best regards,
Pam and Angel, the Kramers
and Carly too