Deb Pentek
Deer Park, IL Travel Agent· 9 Years of Experience
Vacation Memories By Deb, LLC, an independent agent with KHM Travel Group, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(28)
100% Recommended
Deb was wonderful to work with! She took into consideration our whole group (ages 9-68) and went out of her way to make our trip magical.... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Hungary, Orlando, Europe, Germany, ItalyInterests:
Adventure, Escorted Tours, River Cruises, Universal Parks & Resort Vacations, Christmas MarketsSuppliers:
Classic Vacations, Kensington, Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, Viking, AmaWaterwaysAbout Me
Specialize in Europe, River Cruises, Family Travel
Based in Illinois, I specialize in creating unforgettable adventures across Europe, Alaska, Egypt, Japan, and beyond. Whether you're dreaming of a family getaway, a scenic river cruise, or an epic solo journey, I've got you covered. My passion lies in curating experiences tailored just for you – from handpicking the perfect European escapade to uncovering hidden gems in far-flung destinations.
When you work with me, it's all about crafting personalized trips that suit your style and preferences. Whether you prefer the freedom of independent travel or the ease of an escorted tour, I'll make sure every detail is just right.
Thinking about a river cruise? Let's dive into the options together, from enchanting itineraries to must-see excursions, ensuring your voyage is as enriching as it is enjoyable.
Let's turn your vacation dreams into reality – and have fun doing it! I can't wait to work with you to create your next unforgettable travel memory.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Hungary, Orlando, Europe, Germany, ItalyInterests:
Adventure, Escorted Tours, River Cruises, Universal Parks & Resort Vacations, Christmas MarketsSuppliers:
Classic Vacations, Kensington, Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, Viking, AmaWaterwaysMy Travel Specialties
River Cruises, Escorted, Custom Family Travel
▶River Cruises, Escorted, Custom Family Travel
If Europe, or beyond, is on your travel list, I am here to help! I'm all about crafting unforgettable vacations that leave my clients with wonderful memories to last a lifetime. I have traveled to many countries throughout Europe, to far-away destinations like Egypt and Japan, to tropical locatio...Read More ▶
River Cruise Specialist
▶River Cruise Specialist
Discover the allure of river cruising with my expert guidance! River cruising has transformed the way travelers experience Europe and beyond, and I love exploring it this way too. Seeing destinations both by land and river offers great value and experiences.
You want an agent that knows a...Read More ▶
Escorted & Small Group Vacations Expert
▶Escorted & Small Group Vacations Expert
I personally love an immersive vacation experience, which led me to specialize in creating unforgettable escorted tours across Europe and beyond. I love to plan a seamless journey through charming cities and historical wonders of these enchanting countries. Escorted tours do not need to be large ...Read More ▶
Universal Studios & Disney Vacation Expert
▶Universal Studios & Disney Vacation Expert
Let an experienced agent plan your amazing Walt Disney World or Universal Studios vacation! Immerse yourself in the excitement of these great theme parks. Don’t be overwhelmed, I’ve got you covered.
You want an agent that really knows Disney and Universal Studios to make your next family v...Read More ▶
Custom Europe and Global Travel Expert
▶Custom Europe and Global Travel Expert
Do you want to take a vacation custom designed for exactly what you want to see, and when you want to travel? Let me help. I have planned many trips for clients across Europe, Japan, Alaska cruises, and beyond. To get started, we have a consultation call to discuss exactly what you want for you...Read More ▶
REVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
28 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 28 reviews
The most magical vacation
Reviewed By Katie - Neenah, WI | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Deb was wonderful to work with! She took into consideration our whole group (ages 9-68) and went out of her way to make our trip magical. Her recommendations absolutely made our trip and her help even while we were there was immediate. We will work with her again!
Deb Pentek responded
"Thank you Katie! I truly enjoyed working with you and your family. I am so happy my insider tips helped you navigate the parks, reduce your line wait times, enjoy great dining, and even secure Rise of the Resistance boarding passes. I look forward to working with you in the future as well!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Fantastic Disney Trip!
Reviewed By Barb - Lake Zurich, IL | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Deb did a great job organizing our large family with unique preferences for our week in Walt Disney World. She listened to our needs and answered all our questions. Deb suggested a wonderful resort location, booked all our dining, and even woke up at 6AM to book all our Fast Passes! We all got to ride on Avatar Flights of Passage, Toy Story Mania, and more. Deb created a personalized 'Daily Park Plan' for our family and it was a life-saver. We moved throughout the parks so much more efficiently and really reduced our 'waiting time'. The kids even had time to go back to the room for pool and rest before we went back out for dinner and fireworks. Deb had answered all of our questions and made sure we had the best vacation! We are already deciding what is the next vacation Deb can book for us.
Deb Pentek responded
"Thank you Barb for taking the time to write a review for me. It was a pleasure working with you and your family on your vacation. I am so happy it was magical for you all. I look forward to working with you again on your next vacation!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
13 of 22 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
EPIC trip
Reviewed By KH - Kildeer, IL | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
My husband and I truly enjoy working with Deb on our travel plans. From start to finish and every detail in between she covers it all! We had to wait two years after the Pandemic to travel so our expectations were set high and this trip was amazing! Each day was spelled out on our itinerary so we never had to guess at what was next. Deb also included many helpful hints regarding our destination including how to tip, local customs. etc.
Deb Pentek responded
"Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! I loved working with you on this very special trip to Greece! I am happy that my planning, travel tips and more were so useful. I loved seeing your smiling faces with the beautiful Greek islands and sea in the background. Thank you again for reaching out to me. I can't wait to work with you again on your next vacation!
All my best, Deb "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a lifetime!!
Reviewed By Lourdes - Kildeer, IL | Traveled to Europe
Wow! Amazing, incredible, grateful, lucky and many more words come to mind following our trip to London and Paris! If I could bottle all of it and every so often open it, I would smile, laugh and cry over how wonderful this trip has been and continues to make me feel. Due largely to your efforts, Deb, from Day 1 when we began talking about the idea of Abba in London! You found ways to be cost effective and took into consideration timing and what truly would fit our family dynamics (sometimes even better than I did)! Not one detail was overlooked. I could go on and on and still not describe how thankful and appreciative we all are. Thank you for helping us create memories that will forever be in our hearts. I can't wait to plan our next trip with you.
Deb Pentek responded
"Lourdes, I absolutely loved working with you on this trip and am so pleased it exceeded your expectations! I just love London and Paris myself so it was easy to share all the highlights and secret bits with you. I loved the pictures you sent and treasure your memories as much as you. Thank you for reaching out to me. I can't wait to work with you again. All my best, Deb
"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Once in a lifetime trip!!!
Reviewed By Ann - Chicago | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Deb was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. We were traveling to Italy with 18 people and every detail was flawless. She understand every request we had and delivered every time. I have recommended her to many friends. It was a perfect trip thanks to Deb!!!!
Deb Pentek responded
"Thanks so much Ann for taking the time to post this review! I love to hear how seamless and enjoyable travel can be when its curated and organized professionally. Your group was a delight to work with and I enjoyed making this a perfect family vacation filled with lifetime memories! Enjoy your pictures and I look forward to working with you again soon! All my best - Deb Pentek"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Certifications & Awards
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Windstar Star Specialist
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Pinnacle Silver & Gold Agent Award 2021-2025
Unviersal Studios On-site Training
Disney College of Knowledge Annual Graduate
CLIA member
TLN Greece Specialty Training
Collette Group Touring Specialist
ALG Certification Pro
My Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
My Travel Stories
Which River Cruise Line is Best for You?
Looking to take a river cruise? Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways, are three very popular mid-price river cruise companies. They each offer wonderful travel experiences along various rivers, primarily in Europe, but also select destinations in Asia, Africa, and South America. River cruise ships are essentially the same ...
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Benefits of an Escorted Small Group Tour
Vacations with a customized itinerary, VIP tours and access, private drivers and dedicated guides at every step of the way are luxurious, but they come with a higher price tag. That style of travel may not be affordable for everyone.
Why not consider a well-planned itinerary and unique experiences with a small group (12-18) of like-minde...
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Client Testimonials
Fantastic Spain and Portugal Trip
Deb choreographed a spectacular fun filled vacation for my husband and I to Barcelona, Sevilla, Lisbon and Porto - with day jaunts to other fun areas mixed in. She knows the best locations to stay in, had wonderful suggestions for excursions, and kept us completely organized with this super cool app we referenced constantly during our vacation. She is a PRO! I highly recommend her.
Kendall C, Charlotte, NC
Once in a lifetime trip!!!
We really enjoyed working wtih Deb on our family reunion group trip! She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and organized. We were traveling to Italy just our group (18 people) and every detail was flawless. We loved our itinerary, our private guide, the food and wine, and all the experiences. Deb understand every request we had and delivered every time. She arranged our group flights, the hotels, sightseeing, transportation and more. I have recommended her to many friends. It was a perfect trip thanks to Deb!!!!
Molly V - Chicago IL
Trip of a lifetime to London and Paris!!
Wow! Amazing, incredible, grateful, lucky and many more words come to mind following our trip to London and Paris! If I could bottle all of it and every so often open it, I would smile, laugh and cry over how wonderful this trip has been and continues to make me feel. Due largely to your efforts, Deb, from Day 1 when we began talking about the idea of Abba in London! You found ways to be cost effective and took into consideration timing and what truly would fit our family dynamics (sometimes even better than I did)! Not one detail was overlooked. I could go on and on and still not describe how thankful and appreciative we all are. Thank you for helping us create memories that will forever be in our hearts. I can't wait to plan our next trip with you.
Lourdes A - Kildeer, IL
Amazing Greece Honeymoon!
This trip was the most amazing trip both of us have ever been on. The itinerary was excellent and the digital app made it so easy for us to travel from place to place. Your recommendations were excellent! We LOVED Greece and will most likely go back when we can. So much to see and explore. I'm referring you to all my friends and can't wait to book with you again! Thanks for fantastic honeymoon memories that we will cherish for a lifetime!
Natalia G - St. Petersburg, FL