Testimonials

Reviews

Here is a small selection of the many letters of thanks received from past Fundraising Through Group Travel customers
 

I am writing to share with you how delighted both myself and my group were with our recent 9-day excursion to Ireland that began on May 6th and was coordinated via Journeys Connect. First, I will admit that I was very hesitant about going to Ireland. I never traveled outside of the United States before and had many reservations. Especially because I was in charge of 32 of our top clients! After this trip however, I can’t wait to go back!!
There are two reasons why the trip was so successful: Steve Bertrand and Donie Carroll
Steve is the consummate professional. From the start of the planning process, he was thorough, responsive, and reassuring.
Steve kept in constant contact not only with myself, but will all 32 members of our group. Emails were returned immediately, questions were answered in succinct detail, and his enthusiasm about what a great time we were all going to have really became contagious.
Steve also did a marvelous job of planning out the days and keeping things organized. We are all AMAZED at the value we received for the price we paid. The events, dining, and accommodations greatly exceeded our expectations. Thank you Steve!
Finally, I simply cannot put into words the positive difference Donie Carroll made throughout the entire trip. Many members in my group commented to me that Donie was the MAIN reason our time was so enjoyable.
Donie’s warm personality and charming humor really set the tone throughout the entire trip. We all felt extremely comfortable and relaxed with Donie as our driver and guide. Donie has the unique ability to convey important facts and figures about Ireland while also keeping it fun, lively, and interesting. Donie immediately formed a connection with each member of the group and we considered him as“one of us!” (He even personally walked me throughout Killarney, introduced me to the locals and gave terrific recommendations on where to shop, dine, and find CRAIC!) By the end of the trip we were sad to not only leave Ireland, but Donie as well. We now consider Donie as family.
In short: Many thanks to Steve, Donie, and Journeys Connect. We look forward to using Journeys Connect in the future when booking our next event.

Eric Feinendegen
Director Client Relations TS Financial Group LLC
TS Financial Group – Highlights of Ireland 

 

Steve-  You might have a tough time topping this one.  Great group, perfect weather and the magic of Donie. This also was my first escorted tour and I don’t ever think I’ll pass one up.

Tim Hartnett
Senior Vice President Draper and Kramer
TS Financial Group – Highlights of Ireland

 

Our Literary Tour to Ireland was everything and more than I had expected — very nice hotels, good food, and an itinerary jam-packed with fun and interesting things to see and do.

Pat Leinweber
WGN Ireland Literary Tour

 

We had never gone on a group tour before, but we heartily recommend your literary tour of Ireland. Every day was filled with wondrous sights and stories, thanks to a great itinerary and the one-of-a-kind Donie! The hotels and food were beyond expectation. As a retired English teacher, I especially enjoyed the literary events; Kevin even admitted he enjoyed them , too. We enjoyed meeting so many lovely people. Thanks, Steve, for a wonderful trip. Keep us on the list for future adventures.

Deb Kelly
WGN Ireland Literary Tour

 

This trip exceeded my expectations.  The hotels were great, the company even better, and I learned such interesting things about Ireland and her literary history.  Let me know if there are any more trips.                     

Kitty Moon
WGN Ireland Literary Tour

 

To put it simply, the tour was FANTASTIC! Our tour covered so much in a short span of time – the history, culture, and beautiful landscapes of Ireland; the importance of writing and reading that are so prominent everywhere you go in this magnificent country; and the people who are so friendly and welcoming.

Each day brought a new adventure – dinner at an Irish home while listening to the words of Yeats, meeting and listening to three Irish writers discuss their craft, learning about Ireland’s history and folklore through our tour guide Doni. For me, the evening spent at the Brazen Head Pub, listening to an Irish storyteller as well as two talented Irish musicians, was among the best birthdays I have ever had! My thanks to you, Sharon, Doni, and WGN Radio, for helping me and our entire tour group create some wonderful life-long memories.

Sherry Shlagman
WGN Ireland Literary Tour

 

The trip exceeded my expectations; I appreciated all the planning and events; the mild dry weather was an extra bonus!  This was my first experience with a group vacation and for me it’s definitely the way to go since it eliminates the stress associated with planning and driving.  I would definitely consider another WGN Group vacation.  Areas of interest to me include England, Italy, France, Germany or even Nova Scotia/Quebec (architectural, cultural and literary.  Please keep me in mind.  Thanks again,

Linda Kutt 
WGN Ireland Literary Tour

 

What a way to go!  Our bags were handled by hotel porters, we didn’t have to check in or out of the hotels, breakfast and dinners were included, and we had the very knowledgeable and colorful Doni chauffeuring us around Ireland. And, our planned activities were great. We were traveling with loyal WGN Radio listeners. How could we go wrong?  The trip was fantastic! Thanks, Steve. You planned a wonderful trip. I’d love to take another trip next year – Spain and/or Portugal, or Italy.  I’m happy to spread the word about your travel planning.

Pat Hartnett

 

This was my first venture with a group tour & I would do it again in a heartbeat! We were able to see so much in a short time. I would have never accomplished that much on my own. Meeting Irish authors & having dinner in a private home while being read Yeats’s poetry was beyond amazing & to me the highlights of the trip. I would definitely like to be notified of future trips.

Mary Boudreau
WGN Ireland Literary Tour

 

Hard to nail down a favorite part of the trip but definitely at the top was our day boat trip from Sorrento to Positano and Almalfi, the view was incredible and we loved exploring the towns.  We also loved our time in Sorrento, especially because it is the origin of our last name.  We thought it was really cool to see the place where our name comes from. Can’t say thank you enough for lining up Valeria for the trip as well, she was the best…always making sure that everything was streamlined and she was always so excited to share interesting facts and she knew so much about Italian history!

Scott Sorentino
WGN An Italian Experience Tour

 
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