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Flavors of Northern Italy

May 24 – June 1, 2024 (waitlist) June 21 - 29, 2024 (waitlist)

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords

With W&L President Will Dudley June 6 – 15, 2024 (waitlist)

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Land of the Ice Bears

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Western Europe's Historic Coastal Cities and Art Centers

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

January 22 - 29, 2025 (waitlist) Photo by Michael S. Nolan

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February 20 - March 8, 2025

Undiscovered Italy II

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Lee's Travel- Has anyone used this travel agency? - Air Travel Forum

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Lee's Travel- Has anyone used this travel agency?

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Has anyone used this travel agency?

The reviews for this company are mostly 1* and I received an e-mail after booking saying, "Your reservation is being processed, but is not yet confirmed."

They gave no indication of when this confirmation will arrive. Feeling a little worried about being scammed!

Has anyone used Lee's Travel in the past with good results?

WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY?!

So why didn't you again?!

You know that Skyscanner is just a search engine and these companies pay to be listed there, right? It's not like Skyscanner gives them a seal of approval or anything. I'm thinking of maybe starting Terri's Travel. I think it has a nice ring to it, and I could probably make some quick cash.

This lot? - https://secure.leestravel.com

They appear to be a legitimate full service travel agent based in London. They've been active for 40 years so that harks back to paper tickets and before the interweb thingy. They have an office in London (up by the end/start of the M1) and an 800 phone number. That doesn't necessarily mean they're any good but it doesn't point to them being shonky.

But, as the others have said, Y O Y O Y did you book with them and then ask questions? Yet another one that got it the wrong way round and let that magic word "cheap" turn their brain into a blancmange.

https://secure.leestravel.com/pages/profile-british-airways

Apparently, BA now fly Airbus 360. Thanks, Lee's Travel...

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

Nice Dionne. Registered with tripadvsor today and just had to come across this thread and have the urge to post ?!

So a first time poster had a good experience and chanced upon this thread yet posters with thousands of posts to their names are full of caution. Hmmmm....I wonder!

Beware of the single poster. I never use online only agencies. I do use Amex or Carlson or Valery Wilson where I can talk to a real travel agent for complicated itineraries.

We have Lee's sandwiches here. Pretty good bahn mi

Blancmange ? USBT. Have not heard that term in a long time -- :-) some fruit with it and it does not taste bad

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Get ready to make some memories on an excursion with Lamers Tour & Travel

Enjoy the freedom and absolute joy that travel can deliever, without the hassle and worry that comes with planning your journey. Sit back, relax, and let us do the driving. Our amazing tour directors and drivers take care of everything, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.

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Shebby Lee Tours: Journeys of exploration & discovery since 1978

We've specialized in tours of the Great American West since 1978 and invite you to unwind in the wide-open spaces we call home. The West isn't merely a rural and remote geographical location filled with vast, unrestricted beauty. It's where you can stand in awe at the foot of majestic, larger-than-life, mountain carvings, take a jeep ride among a herd of wild buffalo, or walk the cobbled streets of an Old West mining town where gold, guns, and grit were once a way of life. The West is where you can relax among wide-open spaces, take deep breaths of fresh air, and feel truly free.  

Join us out West this year.  You'll be amazed at what we have to offer! 

Do you have a travel group looking for an exciting western adventure?

If you have a pre-formed group, please visit our Pre-Formed Groups   page.   Whether you have an intimate group of 20+ passengers with a common background (Alumni Group, Student Group, Corporate Group, Senior Group, Family Reunion, etc.) or a larger, diverse group of 40+ passengers, you can have confidence that Shebby Lee Tours has the industry experience to provide your group with a customized tour of the Great American West that is specifically suited to them!

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North-East India

Endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks

North India

Explore best places to visit in Northern India, popular tourist attractions & customized holiday tour packages.

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South India Tour takes you to a world where you can enjoy the variety of lures having their own charm.

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"I recently planned a trip to Goa with Leela Tours and Travel, and I must say it was a fantastic experience. From the moment I contacted them, their team was attentive and professional. They understood my preferences and crafted a personalized itinerary that included all the activities I wanted to do. The accommodations were excellent, and the tours they arranged were truly immersive. I highly recommend Leela Tours and Travel for anyone looking for a memorable vacation."

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""I had the pleasure of booking a tour to the beautiful Himalayas with Leela Tours and Travel, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Their team was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me choose the perfect destinations for my trekking adventure. They took care of all the logistics, including transportation and accommodations, which made the trip hassle-free. The breathtaking views and the well-organized itinerary exceeded my expectations. Thank you, Leela Tours and Travel, for an unforgettable journey!."

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"I recently traveled to Jaipur with Leela Tours and Travel, and it was an incredible cultural experience. The team at Leela Tours and Travel went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my trip was taken care of. They arranged for a knowledgeable guide who provided fascinating insights into the city's history and architecture. The accommodations were comfortable, and the local activities they recommended allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Jaipur. I highly recommend Leela Tours and Travel for their exceptional service and attention to detail."

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Lee Tour And Travels - Taxi Services Jaisalme is, one of the leading Jaisalmer car rental service providers has a variety of cars for you that match your budget as well as cover all car rental needs for your family and friends. You have great choices to opt up a car according to your need, budget, and members with you. We have a top quality of cars that are available 24*7 at your service.

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Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

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Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

$3,299 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, $2,299 pp* $2,499 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites.

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The Meandering Traveler

A Travel Blog with Travel Tips and Interesting Facts

Travel Advisor Spotlight! Pavlus Travel’s Lee Alvarez Specializes in Luxury Cruises & Tours

Professional travel advisor Lee Alvarez, a 16-year Pavlus Travel veteran, is shown at Versailles near Paris, one of her favorite destinations.

When travelers who’ve returned from a premium/luxury tour or cruise can’t wait to tell their professional travel advisor. Lee Alvarez , about their vacation experience, the 16-year Pavlus Travel veteran from Albuquerque, NM, takes pride in knowing that she’s helped deliver the perfect getaway or trip of a lifetime.

“It’s a truly rewarding feeling,” she says.

“The conversation often ends with my customers saying, ‘We handed out your business cards,’” says Alvarez. She happily views that as a testament to her top-notch service and the high quality of the vacation arrangements.

Today, Alvarez specializes in assisting travelers with finding the perfect premium/luxury cruise or tour that matches their vacation style, personality, budget and dreams.

She’s a top seller of Tauck , Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises , and also books many vacations on Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn , and other cruise and tour brands.

From Finance to Travel 

Previously, Alvarez worked in the financial industry for nine years as a loan officer and annuities branch manager. She also received her insurance certification. “I did it all,” she adds.

But when the financial markets experienced a downturn in the 2000s, things became tough in the banking industry. That prompted her to seek a new career. So, travel proved the perfect career path.

Since becoming a personal travel planner, she’s never looked back. Guests can rest assured that Alvarez knows all the top premium/luxury travel brands inside and out. So, she’ll design expert arrangements based on that strong foundation of industry knowledge.

She’s also backed by the Pavlus Travel team in providing excellent customer service to her clients.

The Meandering Traveler asked her what she specifically likes about some of the brands she sells. What are benefits for guests? Alvarez provides a bit of insight for our readers.

Alvarez’s Perspective on Top Travel Brands

“Hands down,  Tauck is both seamless and a top-quality vacation experience for any guest,” Alvarez believes: “Personally, I will be on my seventh Tauck tour this coming July.”

Alvarez points to how Tauck both satisfies and exceeds customer expectations for multiple generations of guests. Having previously traveled on Tauck trips with her parents and also her daughter, she emphasizes: “We all agree it is the best.”

As for pure luxury cruise lines, “ Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the all-inclusive way to cruise with one price upfront,” she stresses. She also says that after Regent, “ Oceania Cruises is a good choice when considering the price points.”

What if her clients are seeking the best suites on a large ship. Then, she often suggests that they consider either Celebrity Cruises  or  Norwegian Cruise Line . Check out The Meandering Traveler’s recent blogs about the new Celebrity Beyond and Norwegian Prima .

In addition, she books many active, mature, upscale travelers on Seabourn , as they appreciate the ultra-luxury service. Seabourn also offers the Ventures program — with kayaking, hiking and an expedition-style team — on several ships. Plus, the line has launched its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture .

And with   Princess Cruises , Alvarez says the draw is the price, the appeal for multigenerational, solo and group travel – such as groups of friends or family members. And the Princess ships themselves are easy to navigate, she adds.

Top 2023 Trips Selected by Alvarez

For 2023 or 2024 , The Meandering Traveler asked Alvarez what three specific trips would she personally love to take and why? She did us one better. “I’m actually taking three trips in 2023,” she tells us.

Here’s the scoop about her upcoming trips, and if you’re interested in one of these itineraries as well, contact Pavlus Travel .

“ Antarctica Express-Fly the Drake ” with Quark Expeditions

“What can I say? This offers adventure, expeditions, penguins, the polar plunge, you name it,” Alvarez emphasizes. “This is a good suggestion for travelers with a dream of Antarctica but fearing the rough waters of the Drake Passage, as an air flight takes you over that stretch of ocean directly to Prince George’s Island in the South Shetland Islands. And presto, you’re in Antarctica.”

At press time, the starting price of this expedition ( click the headline link above to see the complete Quark itinerary ) was $10,332 per person, double occupancy. For Pavlus’ customers booking through the agency , though, Alvarez says an additional 8 percent discount is available.

“ Kenya and Tanzania ” with Tauck

  Alvarez previously visited  South Africa with Tauck. She reports that taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain delivered the most spectacular views she’d ever seen.

That said, her only regret was not doing the South Africa tour back-to-back with Kenya and Tanzania . “So, this has been on my Top Five for five years. I can’t wait to experience East Africa — the people, cultures, agriculture, Big 5 animals, games drive and so on.”

At press time, this 13-day land tour ( click the headline link above to see the day-to-day Tauck itinerary ) was priced at $11,790 per person, double occupancy. If you’re interested in this tour, definitely contact Pavlus Travel as a special amenity is provided with this booking.

“British Isles” with Princess Cruises

Alvarez also plans to cruise with her daughter roundtrip from London on a Princess Cruises’ 10-day “British Isles” itinerary. In 2022, Alvarez cruised with Princess to Alaska with a high school reunion group of friends.

The group had so much fun that while onboard they booked this itinerary on  Regal Princess.  “So, off we go to visit London, then Ireland and Scotland,” notes Alvarez. “I am looking forward to Guernsey and all the castles.”

Princess has several itineraries in the British Isles area ( click the headline link above to see options ). Then contact Pavlus Travel and ask about its 8 percent discounted price on a Princess British Isles cruise.

Alvarez’s Favorite Destinations

It’s always insightful to see what favorite destinations across the globe an expert travel advisor loves. Here are three of Alvarez’s favorites:

Australia:  The country “Down Under” definitely has “amazing people and land,” she notes. “Uluru ( see photo above ) is not to be missed.” An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Alvarez previously headed out on a Harley Davidson motorcycle around the Uluru/Ayers Rock area.

“The ride and learning about the sacred land were life changing,” she stresses, noting that the arrangements for the motorcycle rental were made by Abercrombie & Kent.

Paris, France:  “This is always our stopover place if we get a chance,” Alvarez explains. “We love staying in the 7 th  Arrondissement area right along the river.”

Florence, Italy:  Simply put, she says: “Wow! I could live there.”

Personal Vacation Style 

Everyone has his or her own vacation style, notes Alvarez. So, she takes great pride in helping match her customers with what works best for their “vacation personality” and desires. For some travelers, for example, a themed cruise may dovetail well with their personal interests.

When it comes to Alvarez’s personal vacation style on land, “I like to spend two or three nights in each city with nice hotels, morning touring, afternoons at leisure and great meals,” she says.

A veteran of 20-plus cruises, she freely admits to becoming laid back -– sometimes too much so — on a cruise but also acknowledges that’s “sometimes that’s what’s needed!”

Personally, she likes Regent Seven Seas for cruises: “ I was able to sail with them to Alaska and the bar was set high.”

As a cruise destination, Alaska is tops in her view, but she’s also enjoyed cruising to Mexico, the Caribbean and elsewhere.

So, what’s Alvarez’s bucket list moving forward?

“After my 2023 trips, my bucket list is next focused on Asia – specifically Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand,” she reveals. For those considering a cruise to Asia, The Meandering Traveler just published a blog about three Asian Seabourn cruises we’d love to take!

In Alvarez’s free time, she and her husband enjoy taking their four very active, large dogs in the family’s RV to surrounding lakes and mountain areas within New Mexico. “We love our state,” she says proudly. “We’re also state and national park pass holders and travel in our RV year-round. We truly enjoy the winter for RVing.”

More Travel Advisor Insight

In assisting her customers with their vacation planning, Alvarez does her best to cover all the details – not just with the cruise or tour booking, but with other facets of the trip as well.

“For example, when our customer has a certain tour or cruise booked and they want to stay abroad to visit family or friends in another country, we’ll assist with trains, hotels, transfers and internal air flights,” she explains.

As travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, increasingly, Alvarez’s customers are going on vacation and heading to airports. “Flying was once a ‘fun’ component, but times have changed,” Alvarez acknowledges.

“When flights are delayed or luggage is lost, remain calm and have patience with air issues,” she advises her customers. “Go with the flow. Take a deep breath. Remember that your vacation will be fabulous when you get there.”

For more travel tips, check out  The Meandering Traveler’s   blog earlier this month .

Holiday Plans and Customer Assistance

This month, Alvarez says she’ll celebrate the holidays with her two children, ages 22 and 26, the family’s four 80-to-100-pound dogs and “a husband who thinks that he is Clark Griswold during any holiday. Our house is always lit up with decorations.”

As for her New Year’s resolution? “I have a personal goal to stand up on my paddleboard that I got at the end of this summer,” she quips. “It’s hard!”

Alvarez is fun, professional, experienced at her job and easy to chat with. She’s just one of the many skilled, professional travel advisors at Pavlus Travel who are ready to answer questions and assist both existing and new customers.

Important Information from Pavlus Travel

• If anything tweaks your interest in this blog and you’d like to talk about a future vacation, please DO call us at   800-528-9300.
• Definitely, if you have questions about specific pricing, brochures, savings, itineraries, dates of travel, accommodations, accessible options and so on, please contact us. Again, call us at 800-528-9300 or visit and “live chat” at  Pavlus Travel’s official agency Web site.

Note to Readers: Please do not use the reply section of this site to ask questions about potential vacation options. Instead, call the number above or visit the Pavlus Travel website. This blog site offers “basic, general information” about travel; it’s not designed to provide specific pricing nor is it staffed by travel advisors. Any personal views expressed reflect the anecdotal perspective of the author — simply one opinion by a frequent traveler. The views expressed in the blog above should not substitute in any way for use of a professional travel advisor. 

Shelby Steudle

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