Real experiences from real travelers
"- Hi Pat! I've had a wonderful time in Jamaica at Secrets Wild Orchids in Montego Bay. I'm due to leave tomorrow, 2/3 but looks like flight cancellations are going to happen because of the winter storm. Do you have a moment to discuss options? Yes, (weather) mostly very good. We had rain Sunday though part of the day Monday but it wasn't bad. It's beautiful here. I've decided I must do this again. Hopefully next year. Home! I will definitely do a trip like this again!!!! Thank you! (after a long winter weather and air cancellations from Jamaica)
Jamaica Kathy D (Ohio) January 2022"
— Kathy D Xenia Ohio
"I have cell service now. I'm in Roatan. Had a terrific beach day!! Went snorkeling. Others are still on horseback excursion. No horseback for me. I weigh too much-otherwise I would. I did go snorkeling. Loved the ruins. Weather perfect. Not too hot. Yesterday at Harvest Cays was delightful. We had a luxury Villa. Tuesday Mayan ruins was a long day for me. Sal and I cancelled for Friday and will lounge in the ship."
— Kathy D (Xenia Ohio)
"I bought refrigerator magnets as souvenirs at almost every stop and already have them up on the frig. Bratislava. My favorite guide was here. She told her story of living under communism and when it fell in 1989. Krems Abby Wine tasting was my favorite! So much fun. The owner supplies 250,000 bottles of Austrian wine to Viking. Vienna. Way too much to see here. We want to go back and stay for a week. If you're asked by other clients about the river cruises, I can tell you we were thrilled. The service was so good. Food was incredible. We met really great people on the boat and learned about all their travels. I met a lady who had done a 4 month world cruise! Viking met us at the airport when we arrived and escorted us to the airport check-in when we left. We never had to worry about where we'd be or whether we'd get lost or left behind. For us, we were thankful for the relaxed Covid policies. It seemed to be "don't ask, don't tell" on the boat. They seem to be treating Covid as endemic - always there, but not shutting things down for it. Many folks had sniffles and coughs and it didn't slow us down. I tested positive today, but it feels like a cold, just sinus drainage."
— Kathy D (Xenia Ohio)
"Patricia Aiken has booked several trips for me over the last 10 years, including complicated international trips. Her expertise, knowledge and professionalism makes her a joy to work with; I heartily recommend her to anyone planning to travel."
— Susanne S (Corvallis OR)
"I feel so fortunate to have worked with Pat Aitken. She is a fabulous travel advisor! Pat helped me with some rather complicated travel arrangements that I could not have made without her. She gave me a lot of great advice and helped me through every step of my trip. Pat is extremely experienced, knowledgable, she is a great communicator and so very kind and patient. Any questions I had (and there were many) she answered immediately and in my best interest. I would highly recommend Pat Aitken for any and all of your travel needs. Thank you Pat, you’re THE BEST! Carol"
— Carol F. (Brookings, OR)
Name: Carol Thompson
Review: Overseas - Southern Africa (Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe) The itinerary and the timing were extraordinary, because of business circumstances in Southern Africa. Arrival had to be exact and departure two months later, needed to be the opposite, meaning open-ended. Pat listened carefully, posed pertinent questions from her knowledge of the travel industry and worked diligently over days to find the tickets, confirm the tickets and yes, change the tickets. Her knowledge of the industry avoided mistakes I would have made, even though I've been going to Southern Africa since 1977. Her expertise helped me make choices about comfort, safety, and timings. As important, she was extremely patient as what I needed changed; she adapted. In short, Pat made it possible for me to arrive in Eswatini as I need to for my work and continue on to Zimbabwe. Her diligence and expertise made the last-minute trip possible. If anything, her fees are too low for the value one receives. Thank you, Pat!
Carol 9/13/2026 (Bozeman MT)
This is from my client on 10/7/2026 - followingher successful conference:
The African Union Seed Summit ends today. All my transport was on time, even early. No lost luggage.
My Zimbabwe colleagues did meet up in the local lodge in Eswatini and we have spent three days at the conference. Last night we were included in a banquet given by the King of the Swazi...lasting many courses, much dancing and praise singing; he gave speech affirming the importance of indigenous seeds. That gesture is not small...in going in that direction.
Tomorrow I fly back to Johannesburg for weekend with one of my families, on to Harare on Monday. Thank you! It's been easy. carol
"The Skip the line Vatican worked great. Really good Coliseum/ Pantheon tour! We loved the Hop on hop off. We couldn't get tickets for Borgese museum- should have booked couple of days earlier. We enjoyed the park, though. We like hotel Oxford on our week pre-stay- they had a great little restaurant. We did cruise excursions of Pompeii/ Sorrento and cinque terre and they were excellent. Took a double decker bus tour of Ajaccio and a tram tour of Canne. Wished we had done a cruise excursion to Monto Carlo/ Monaco. Very nice. Loved the car service both ways with Roberto’s. It really was a perfect trip thanks to you!! Yes!! It was a zoo! (About Vatican and crowds) We'll use you next time!"
— Janet B (Florida)
"Grand European with Viking November 2023 We have done all our international travel arrangements through our long time Travel Advisor, Pat Aitken. When COVID hit we had to cancel 3 trips scheduled for Europe river cruises (2020). We got all our money back either as cash or vouchers and Pat made it happen. She has been working with Viking Cruises for almost 13 years, previously with AAA for almost 7 years until Covid, and other contractors as well for many years. She is very educated and well traveled--particularly in Europe; as well as the Caribbean, making our Viking cruise to West Indies most enjoyable with her suggestions as she has been to many places on that route as well. When you are on your trip she checks in to make sure the reservations worked. If you have plane schedule delays and problems just text her and she will make necessary changes. It is like having a conscience Mom in the travel industry. For an older guy who sort of understands computers this is very comforting. I am pleased Pat is available to make my travel reservations."
— Russ & Nancy McK (Jakcsonville OR)
STAR CLIPPERS - MALAGA TO ST MAARTEN
We did another one. This time Russ was able to climb up the rigging with others. Earlier in the year a knee replacement enabled him to really look forward to this voyage as he has wanted to Climb the Riggings forever. Began Malaga,down the Coast-Gibraltor to Morocco to the Grand Canaries to St Maarten, a LONG cruise! Russ got to climb, talk to other sailors and (always) the crew! A 25 day sail, 18 on the open ocean.Clear blue ocean,skies. Excellent weather all the way. I wish we could show the Climb Up the Rigging photos. Met great people ! The only hiccup was in St Maarten coming home-but at that time everyone was having problems with air, changes and cancellations so we weren't alone, created problems in Atlanta and hotels but once again--Pat rescued us. This was so enjoyable the captain and crew outstanding, so on to another Star Clippers Greek Islands 2 week, all different islands sail in 2027. First we came home to Christmas parties and then a move to the Williamette Valley.
SEA CLOUD ATHENS TO MALTA
We sailed with Sea Cloud from Venice to Malta. We had decided to try a different experience plus Russ is a confirmed Sailor, so off we went. The ship was magnificant, food, wine and other beverages over the top. The weather cooperated, except for a rumbly day at sea, plus the ports were outstanding--especially down the Croatian Coast then to Sicily and Malta. A few places we had not been to before, We always go in at least a day early (Pat has always suggested this no matter where we go), and knowing travel hiccups happen, we are always glad we do. Zipping though the water on a smaller ship with sails unfurled - you can't imagine unless you go What an experience! There will be more!!
WEST INDIES
Russ & I have gone on many Viking cruises with Pat's help-both River and Ocean. She's been there though mishaps and medical cancellations. We keep coming back, for over 12 years of travel with her. We've taken family along as well as two sets of friends who all love to travel as we do. We have come to value Pat's help and expertise, plus her vast knowledge of the world, travel climate, etc. Our newest experience is sailing trips, climbing up rigging and experiencing life!! We will be doing the Grand European again (Fall 2026), again with friends plus another Greek Isles sailing trip for a little over two weeks in 2027 - plus a major move. (We continue to lead an exciting life in our late 70's)
"Made it to Basel Switzerland without a hitch. Sightseeing in Basel. Great Weather! Start our Disney Adventure (on AMA Waterways) tomorrow. Thanks for everything. Regards, Peter and Family"
— Peter S (Medford, OR)
Call: 541-622-8284
Text Only: 541-613-2375
FL Seller of Travel # ST38545
CA Seller of Travel # 2071045-50
Medford, OR 97504
