Written by Stacy J.

 

"We had put off a big trip primarily because every time we started planning, we became overwhelmed by the process.  A few Google searches and - bam! - you've spent 5 hours online, you're down a deep rabbit hole and you're no closer to making a decision than you were when you started.  Every hotel on TripAdvisor has a horrible review for every good one.  But when a friend recommended that we use a travel agent I realized this trip may actually happen.   

When I think of travel agencies, my brain jumps back to the 1980's and I picture a cramped office filled with revolving metal racks stocked with glossy brochures with Swiss Alps and Cruise Ships on the cover so I hadn't even considered the option, but I was ready for help.  Several people recommended Pique Travel Design, so I set up a call with them.  The first thing you should know about them is that they are passionate travelers, and their goal is to create the best experience possible for you.  In one short 30 minute call, I told them where we wanted to go, what types of things my family generally likes to do, what our general budget was and when we wanted to travel. They kept in touch over a couple weeks via email, bouncing some ideas off of me, and then we had a subsequent call to review a trip itinerary.  After the elation wore off (this trip was actually going to happen!) I kicked myself for not discovering Pique sooner.  

My husband and I met with our designer at Pique's offices and reviewed a well-organized traveler book that had been personalized for us, that contained printed agendas, information on transfers (all rides to and from our flights and train ride were set up in advance with courteous safe drivers), pre-paid "jump the line" passes (this literally saved us HOURS of waiting) and even restaurant suggestions based on that day's whereabouts. 

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We were traveling with our 3 kids (ages 16, 13, 10) and to have all of the guesswork taken out of where to stay (they personally vouch for each location and our hotels were top notch), and what to do, let us focus our time on each other and the experience.  We had one glitch in that we didn't make our tour time due to some travel delays, but we made a call to Pique's offices and they took care of everything and rebooked our tour. 

 

It felt like such a personal experience and it felt like we had VIP treatment from start to finish (Pique even was kind enough to have a plate of delicious cakes and treat delivered to our room upon check-in).  We will be using Pique again and I recommend them to everyone!"