Travel agency · Arlington Heights, IL · reviewed since 2018
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%79+43.1Reliability 24%68+16.5Value 14%93+13.2Replies to reviews 7%88+6.2Experts Score= 79Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.79SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#55 of 66 travel agenciesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 17%
4.8★★★★★213 Google reviews · 24 photos
91%five-star reviews
4.79★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviews for Windy City Travel highlight a 4.8-star average, with many clients praising the agency’s detailed itineraries, responsive communication, and the helpfulness of their mobile application for managing trip logistics. Positive feedback frequently notes that the service saves significant time and stress, particularly for complex international trips, while noting that the cost is often viewed as reasonable for the level of customization provided. However, critical reviews point to recurring issues with booking errors, lack of communication, and perceived charging for basic services, indicating that while most experiences are positive, some clients encountered significant logistical failures.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 213 reviews (91% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 213 Google reviews (187 with written comments, 31 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 85% of reviews.
Most recent review: November 10, 2026.
Service: Travel Agency serving Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated November 12, 2026.
Score profile vs other travel agencies
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Windy City TravelTravel Agencies median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Windy City Travel: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.B
79
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Windy City Travel: 68/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.B
68
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Windy City Travel: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Windy City Travel: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
93
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Windy City Travel: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Windy City Travel: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 51.A
88
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
213 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars19491%
4 stars73%
3 stars21%
2 stars21%
1 star84%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 187 written reviews
94%praise
Praise23994%
Complaints156%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6827%
Would recommend5722%
Quality & results4819%
Speed & response4016%
Communication249%
Price & value94%
Honesty & trust83%
What customers talk about
We read 187 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The trip plans, Travefy, app we were offered through Windy City was seriously the most helpful tool I ever used as an itinerary.”
“After our trip was complete, guests lets us know that the travel agency was not helpful.”
“I would highly recommend her and would absolutely use her again.”
“I used Windy City Travel to book rooms at a resort in Mexico for my destination wedding, and I CANNOT recommend this agency under any circumstances.”
“We truly had a wonderful experience in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.”
“The customer service was terrible, and agents often refused to assist with basic tasks like tracking payments and reservations.”
“Dana was responsive, thoughtful, and a pleasure to work with.”
“), and we even got room upgrades with amazing views because of his help communicating with our hotels.”
“…ecured fantastic deals on both our cruise and airfare, and handpicked affordable excursions that were perfect for our interests.…”
“From start to finish, Dana was prompt and trustworthy in her guidance and responses.”
People customers mention
Kathy39 reviews
Italy25 reviews
Allinson15 reviews
London11 reviews
Europe11 reviews
Paris11 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Sridhar9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
This is my first time using a travel agent, and I may not go back! Kathy was extremely helpful. Our conversations about making sure what we wanted out of our trip, and her willingness and flexibility to meet our needs was exceptional. For example, we worked trough multiple draft itineraries to make sure it met our…
Elizabeth4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Kathy is the BEST!! I'm so thankful that I found her. She went above and beyond resulting in an amazing adventure!!
diane11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 weeks ago★★★★★
We truly had a wonderful experience in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Paros was a bit disappointing only because of the unpredictable winds. The Trip Plans app made all our connections and destinations seamless. Thanks for two weeks of amazing memories.
Chris1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Just returned from a wonderful trip to England beyond London. Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, York, Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge, Southampton, Cotswolds', Blenheim Palace...Kathy and her provider team did an amazing job of arranging tours, transit and accommodations.
JohnLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Deni helped us book our first trip to Europe, and we had a lot of questions. He patiently took time to explain everything and organized things in an app so we had all the information we needed each day, as well as suggestions on things to do and places to visit. We couldn’t be happier and would gladly refer Deni and…
Greg3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Dana did an outstanding job planning our two-week father-son trip through Paris, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Munich. Everything was well organized, the hotels and locations were excellent, and the itinerary struck a great balance between planned activities and time to explore on our own. Most importantly, the trip…
Our travel advisor, Adam, was so wonderful to work with when planning our weekend anniversary trip to Quebec City and our two-week honeymoon trip to Japan. I've never worked with a travel agency before, and it saved me so much time and stress of researching and planning. The trip plans, Travefy, app we were offered through Windy City was seriously the most helpful tool I ever used as an itinerary.
Adam found us an amazing hotel for us in Quebec (City Le Capitole Hôtel), worked out complicated travel schedules in Japan, navigated the railway systems across Tokyo to Osaka, planned luggage transfers and private ride transfers and so much more. He reached out to all our hotels in advance so we had special treats waiting for us at check-in (cakes, wine, chopsticks!), and we even got room upgrades with amazing views because of his help communicating with our hotels. He picked unique, one of a kind tours for us in Japan. We did a bike tour around Lake Kawaguchi with a local guide and got perfectly clear views of Mt. Fuji. In Kyoto, we had a special night tour of the bamboo forest. I'm usually not someone who enjoys touristy or crowded attractions, so these were perfectly selected for us, and ended up being the highlights of our honeymoon. We're already thinking about planning our next trip!
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled that Adam helped make your anniversary trip and honeymoon so memorable. From the special touches to the unique experiences in Japan, it sounds like two incredible adventures! We truly appreciate your trust in Windy City Travel and look forward to helping you plan your next getaway!
Sridhar Rao9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sridhar has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This is my first time using a travel agent, and I may not go back! Kathy was extremely helpful. Our conversations about making sure what we wanted out of our trip, and her willingness and flexibility to meet our needs was exceptional. For example, we worked trough multiple draft itineraries to make sure it met our needs, including what we want to do, while staying within our budget
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad Kathy made your first experience with a travel advisor such a positive one. She truly enjoys creating personalized trips that fit her clients' interests and budgets. We appreciate your trust and look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!
Elizabeth Rendon4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Elizabeth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We truly had a wonderful experience in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Paros was a bit disappointing only because of the unpredictable winds. The Trip Plans app made all our connections and destinations seamless. Thanks for two weeks of amazing memories.
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed your Greek adventure and that our travel app made your travels seamless. Despite the winds in Paros, it sounds like you made some incredible memories! We appreciate you trusting us with your trip and look forward to helping plan your next adventure!
Chris Clott1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Chris has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Just returned from a wonderful trip to England beyond London. Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, York, Stratford Upon Avon, Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge, Southampton, Cotswolds', Blenheim Palace...Kathy and her provider team did an amazing job of arranging tours, transit and accommodations.
Response from the owner · a month ago
We appreciate your kind words.
John HansenLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Deni helped us book our first trip to Europe, and we had a lot of questions. He patiently took time to explain everything and organized things in an app so we had all the information we needed each day, as well as suggestions on things to do and places to visit. We couldn’t be happier and would gladly refer Deni and Windy City Travel to anyone looking to book a trip
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled Deni made your first trip to Europe such a smooth and enjoyable experience. We truly appreciate your trust in Deni and Windy City Travel. Your review means so much to us!
Greg Neri3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Greg has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dana did an outstanding job planning our two-week father-son trip through Paris, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Munich. Everything was well organized, the hotels and locations were excellent, and the itinerary struck a great balance between planned activities and time to explore on our own. Most importantly, the trip was truly memorable for my son and me. Dana was responsive, thoughtful, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend her and would absolutely use her again.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled Dana helped create such a memorable father-son adventure. It’s wonderful to hear that everything came together so seamlessly. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Dana, and we look forward to helping with your next adventure!
Corbin Schwalm2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Corbin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dana was fantastic to work with from start to finish. She planned our honeymoon to French Polynesia, including Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, and the entire trip was seamless. We highly recommend the whale watching in Moorea.
She put together an incredible itinerary, and was a great resource to handle changes during the trip.
Dana made planning a major trip incredibly easy. We enjoyed working with her so much that we’re already planning to use her again for our next trip to Switzerland. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Congratulations on your marriage. Sounds like an amazing honeymoon. Thank you for sharing such kind words.
Shannon HansenLocal Guide · 41 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Shannon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Inquired about an anniversary trip. I shared with the agent what my spouse and I were looking for and it didn't feel like they listened. I shared we wanted to be on or within walking distance to the beach and we weren't big drinkers and wanted something romantic.
They found a boutique hotel, it was pretty. Then the agent highlighted the beautiful bar and the hotel ultimately was 20-30 minutes from the beach. We also wanted to do outdoorsy things and this hotel was in a major shopping area.
We shared feedback and never got anymore options.
Vicki Tysseling8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Vicki has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cassie did an outstanding job planning our family's Summer 2026 vacation. Traveling with my husband and two teenagers can be challenging, but she took the time to understand our needs and customized every aspect of the trip for us.
She made sure we had accommodations with plenty of space for our family, secured fantastic deals on both our cruise and airfare, and handpicked affordable excursions that were perfect for our interests. Every recommendation felt thoughtful and tailored specifically to us.
Thanks to her expertise and attention to detail, our vacation was low stress, memorable, and exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a personalized travel experience.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you for sharing. Sounds like you had a vacation full of memories. We look forward to helping you again.
