Reviews

S. Daniel

One of the hardest phone calls I have had to make as a professional educator came on March 12, 2020 when we made the decision to cancel the WRHS senior-junior trip to NYC scheduled for the end of the month due to COVID-19. Given the situation, all I could tell parents at that time was that the trip was not happening: we did not know if it was a postponement, or if there was even a possibility of a refund.

I have made mistakes as an educator—and, with a few years left before retirement, plan to make a few more—but never had I faced the possibility of losing thousands of dollars for WRHS parents.

Already, we were hearing nightmare stories from other travel groups who got little to nothing back. Of course, the NYC tourism industry prepares for contingencies, educational travel agencies prepare for contingencies, even the airlines were prepared for some contingencies–I guess–and we as teachers who want our students to experience travel prepare for everything we can think of, but no one had prepared for this.

Except maybe for TK Tours and our travel agent, Lisa Doria.

From the beginning, Lisa showed what I thought at the time was maybe an overly optimistic confidence that she was going to be able to get us all our money back. In fact, I couldn’t believe we were understanding her correctly. Some businesses were closed, others were stonewalling or hard-balling, but once or twice a week we would get an update from Lisa on the progress she had made and what she was currently working on. She even forwarded us emails showing her battles with various customer service representatives. Before she had gotten the first nickel back, she already told us not to turn in our last payment, a substantial portion of the total cost of the trip.

Today, we learned that she had won every battle, that we were getting a total refund.

What she did for us goes so far beyond mere professionalism. Even major corporations, presumably with reserve assets, were passing the costs of the shutdown on to their customers. TK Tours and Lisa Doria made a principled decision not to profit from what had happened.

I should not be surprised. We switched to TK Tours in 2010, and everything they have done with us, year after year, from planning to organizing, from putting together affordable packages to handling emergencies, has always shown this same level of excellence. Lisa always got us the best at a reasonable cost.

I don’t know if this is a plug for an excellent educational travel agency or a thank you to a friend or a reminder for anyone who needs it that such people and such businesses still exist.

Let it be all that: Please consider TK Tours for your educational travel needs; good people and good businesses do exist; and thank you, Lisa, for everything you did for us and for WRHS!

~S. Daniel
GA, High School Teacher

J. Herraez

Thank you TK Tours for organizing a FANTASTIC trip for our high school to NYC in March! We had the best tour guide two years in a row, Kim J. Lonzo, who was AMAZING! You put everything into our itinerary that we asked for and even if we didn’t get to everything, Kim showed us other neat things that made our trip to NYC unforgettable! The restaurants were great, the Knicks game was the BEST and our hotel was very convenient for us. Thank you, Lisa, for personalizing our trip and showing up to have dinner with us! That is the sign of true commitment to your clients because I felt as if you were family to me when I met you! Thanks again for taking the time to meet us and organize this trip for us! Can’t wait to work with you again in the future!

~ J. Herraez
NY, Spanish Teacher, AFS Adviser

S. Thomas

I have only good things to say about TK Tours. The guide was very professional and knowledgeable, and wonderful with our students. Our tour manager was really in tune with things that kids liked, and very patient. Everyone was happy with the trip. The security guards were also very good. It was a great experience overall.

French Canada 5th & 6th Grade Tour

~ S. Thomas
MD, ELA French Teacher

C. Step

As a classroom teacher of over 25 years, I have taken school groups around the country countless times. When I want to plan a trip for my students I work with TK Tours, Inc. for several reasons. They listen to the needs of my students, the itinerary I want to fit in and offer me exciting options to make the trip all the more memorable. They have an eye for detail and they match us with some of the best tour guides and drivers in the tourism business. Most importantly, they check and recheck each detail to make our experience seamless. I encourage anyone who wishes to travel with their students, whether large or small group size, to call TK Tours. I will travel with no other company!

~ C. Step
 VT, High School Teacher

A. Bone

After working with other tour companies and experiencing inadequate customer service and tours, it is a refreshing pleasure to work with Lisa and TK Tours each year to plan our school’s senior trip. They are not only the epitome of a knowledgeable professional but passionate about their work and dedication to providing the ultimate travel experience. TK Tours prides itself on going beyond just business and creates a personal adventure for students filled with knowledgeable, flexible, and interesting guides and drivers. With TK Tours you’re never just a client, you’re a beloved friend traveling with someone who has your best interest and your back.

~ A.Bone
GA, High School Teacher

M. Hazzard

I give my highest recommendation for TK Tours as a tour organizer. I have been working with Lisa Doria, who now owns TK Tours, for the past 14 years and I would not have another company organize my tour, not only great attention to all details but nothing less than perfection is acceptable. They have great foresight into all aspects regarding a tour. They offer great suggestions to enhance a trip as well. Most of all they are extremely personable and easy to work with. When I call it’s always `how are you`, `how is your family` and then how can I help you. TK Tours is the best!

~ M. Hazzard
Ohio, Teacher

J. Reichard

TK Tours Inc. has been my number one choice when booking educational tours for the last six years. They are client-friendly, efficient, professional, and well organized when creating a trip. The trips for my students are not only affordable; it is enjoyable and memorable as well!

Our high school enjoyed the Boston Tour and they met all of our needs.  We are looking forward to many more years of educational trips to come with TK Tours!

~ J. Reichard
PA, Social Studies Teacher

C. Casey

I have been using TK Tours Inc, for many years. The company is professional, understanding, co-operative, flexible and knows what students will enjoy. TK Tours makes the perfect combination of education and fun. Not only do they design tours that meet our needs and price, but they also work with us to make our tour the best trip for my students. Each year I take my 8th graders on a class trip.   It is always amazing. TK Tours puts us together with fantastic tour guides who really show us unique things about the city we are visiting. If budget is an issue, they take the time to find us great deals that we could work with but that would not sacrifice a wonderful trip! I highly recommend TK Tours for exciting, educational school trips… You will not be disappointed!

~ C. Casey
MA- Teacher

J. Doria

We use TK Tours as our preferred provider for all ski groups coming to Bromley Sun Lodge from the New York metro area. The attention to detail and hands-on service provided has created great experiences for the groups that TK Tours brings to Vermont.

~ J. Doria
VT