Crystal Lake Travel

08/07/2024

“My sister and I went to Disney for the first time without our parents and we had no idea where to even start. We are both college students and so we needed a little bit more wiggle room with our budget. Chrissy Amling was hands down the best travel agent we have used. She always answered day of, gave us multiple options, checked in with us and if our stay was satisfactory, answered every and all questions, and was compassionate. You can definitely tell she loves what she does. I will definitely be booking with Crystal Lake Travel and Chrissy again. I cannot recommend this agency enough. From transportation to food to park hopping options they had it all. My sister and I didn’t have any problems with our stay and it’s really all thanks to Chrissy. Thank you so so much:) this vacation was worry free and cost friendly🤍”

Disney clients Gabriella and her sister leaving the happiest place on earth even happier! 🥰🪄🎆

Booking by: Chrissy

08/04/2024

Join Tim & Patty DeRoo as we hunt for the elusive northern lights and discover fascinating Finland!

Email [email protected] to reserve your spot!

The small group of 24 travelers will come to know Finnish culture and history on a tour of Helsinki with a local expert. Savor the local cuisine in Helsinki’s restaurants. Experience rugged Lapland during a 3-night stay in the north of Finland. Overnight surrounded by wilderness in a glass igloo and a Finnish log cabin. Embark on a reindeer safari with a local farmer. Mush your way to breakfast in a Finnish sleigh, and lead your own dog sled team. One dynamic experience follows another on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Finland.

Must-See Inclusions:

Tour Helsinki alongside a local expert.
Immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness and learn about Sámi cultural traditions over the course of a 3-night stay in the north of Finland.
Explore Lapland in search of the northern lights.

Cultural Experiences:

Introduce yourself to majestic Lappish reindeer and meet Santa Claus himself.
Lead your very own dog sled team.
Spend the night in a glass igloo amid the Lappish wilderness.

08/02/2024

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/united-airlines-to-become-first-to-use-sustainable-aviation-fuel-at-chicago-o-hare?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Member+News+7.31.24&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.travelpulse.com%2fnews%2fairlines-airports%2funited-airlines-to-become-first-to-use-sustainable-aviation-fuel-at-chicago-o-hare&utm_id=73293&sfmc_id=2767120

The airline is the first to use SAF at Chicago's O'Hare International.

08/01/2024

Looking to experience Australian and New Zealand?

Do we have a deal for you! A 14 Night Australia and New Zealand Cruise on the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas, departing 3-14-2025...

For a Balcony cabin, if you booked direct, it would be a total of $14,742.16.
If you book with us and get preferred pricing, the total is $3500.54 – a discount of over $11k!!!

Why use a travel agent? THIS IS WHY!

email [email protected] for more info!

07/29/2024

Interested in traveling with one of our groups? We have LOTS of options coming up! Group Travel is such an amazing way to see the world with friends, family, or as a solo, but with US as your travel guide along the way!

Reach out to us online at crystallaketravel.com with any questions on pricing or how to reserve your spot today!

https://www.crystallaketravel.com/groups

07/25/2024

We are THRILLED to be a sponsor at one of our favorite events of the summer!!

Save the date and come on out!!

07/24/2024

Family trips make lasting memories 🇫🇷🪻✈️

“This wonderful family loved their beautiful European adventure with their children. From biking in the South of France to lavender fields, palaces, museums, cruising the Seine River, and having fun in Paris, they did it all!
Thank you so very much Liisa and Justin for trusting your travels to me!!! - Marcia”

If you are interested in taking your family abroad, contact us today! We can help with all of your questions, planning, transportation, passport questions, planning and more! It is never too early to let your children and YOU experience the world.

Booking by: Marcia

07/24/2024

Fun news for history buffs wanting to take in the sites of Philly before boarding a cruise!

The Norwegian Jewel will sail Bermuda and Canada/New England cruises.

07/23/2024

Alaska is for everyone!! All ages can enjoy the beauty of the state in the summertime on a cruise along the coastline, with stops in many ports to explore.

Babies, parents and grandparents!! It’s never too early or too late to start traveling ✈️🌎

Nervous about traveling? We can help plan, coordinate and answer ALL of your travel questions!

The Crane - DeRoo families are currently sailing with Celebrity Cruises on a multi-generational family trip!

Where do YOU want to go on your next family vacation?!

07/23/2024

Sandals St. Vincent, the brand’s 18th resort, opened in March 2024, offering luxurious amenities like two-story overwater villas and personalized service, while embracing Caribbean culture through various dining options and local experiences.

07/19/2024

Picture this: You wake up and run straight to the balcony to see if that impossibly blue Waikiki view was just a dream … and know it wasn’t. Dreams come true courtesy of Hawaii’s first and only craft hotel, the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger.

Call us today and for details on how to book with Apple Vacations.

815-459-2500

07/18/2024

Even our own agents travel to Alaska to understand why it’s such a summer destination!!

Our agent Janet just returned from sailing on the Celebrity Summit departing from Vancouver sailing Northbound. Port stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and cruising the Inside Passage, Icy Straight Point and viewing the Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay.

Summer in Alaska is THE time to visit!!! Call us or visit us online to inquire about sailing dates, prices, and itineraries!

815-459-2500 📞

crystallaketravel.com

07/17/2024

Big news for cruisers that will be stopping in Nassau!

 The facility will enhance $330 million port opened last year.

07/10/2024

Experience the best of Alaska on a Celebrity Cruisetour and discover this beautiful destination by land and sea.

A Cruisetour combines your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting overland trek during which you’ll stay in authentic lodges and travel the wilderness in deluxe motor coaches and on a luxurious train.

Book now and save 75% on the 2nd guest in the same stateroom, plus bonus savings on select dates!

07/07/2024

Crystal Lake, you are awesome! Rain or shine, it was a PACKED HOUSE for the parade. So thankful for a great city, and all of you who made today awesome!

Happy 4th week from Crystal Lake Travel! 💙🇺🇸

07/01/2024

Summer Vacation! ☀️🕶️💙

A trip in the sun with grandparents, aunts, cousins and more sounds perfect!

With small kids and family travel, NEVER underestimate the advantage of having your own swim out rooms! Perfect for enjoying the pool while the kids nap, and evening swims before bed without needing to leave your room.

Per our client review: They also went on a dolphin/boat excursion and had a blast!!! They loved everything about the hotel; food, amenities & pools! They especially loved that everyone was walkable at the resort. We love

Booking by: Kayce

06/28/2024

We are DESTINATION WEDDING CENTRAL here at Crystal Lake Travel! 💙💍✈️

Did you know?? It costs you no extra to use us as your travel agency to plan, book and coordinate your destination wedding and all of your guests’ travel accommodations! We just handle all of the booking and travel for you so you don’t have to worry about any of it!

Our agent Janet, recently booked and coordinated a destination wedding for our clients, bride and groom Danielle Newquist and Quincy Topel 💙

Travel and rooms for 56 guests at the beautiful Iberostar Grand Paraiso in Riviera Maya!

Interested in booking your destination wedding? Call us at 815-459-2500 or visit us online at crystallaketravel.com for more info!! ✈️

06/27/2024

Our Clients Gayle & Corey Toppel just came back from an Alaska 10 day adventure & cruise with Princess Cruises!

They did a 10 day trip which was 3 land days and 7 cruise and their friends Becky & John joined for the 7 day cruise portion! Here is what Gayle had to say about her experience working with us:

“Wanted to make one last post and give a “shout out” to Kayce at Crystal lake travel for all of the arrangements on our Alaskan cruise!! She always does a GREAT job and is super helpful. We LOVED knowing all details were taken care of (all the transfers) the big one being the 9 hour train ride from Denali to board the ship✈️🚉🛳️ if you’ve never been to Alaska, it’s quite a place to visit. I LOVE HOT WEATHER ☀️😎 so If you would’ve told me I would love every minute of Alaska, I wouldn’t have believed you😂 We never wore shorts or t-shirts. Instead we wore layers (and more layers)😂🤣 including gloves, light winter coats, yoga pants under windbreaker pants, winter hats and warm hiking boots!! We really LOVED it tho!!! And you needed to have your camera out and ready at all times❤️📸 A truly phenomenal place!!”

Booking by: Kayce

06/25/2024

Happy clients returning from the awesome Magartiaville in Cap Cana 🍹☀️🕶️

“We just got back from our amazing trip to Margaritaville Island Reserve in Cap Cana! It was everything we wanted it to be! A beautiful resort, pools and swim up bars with frozen concoctions, great food, friendly staff and nightly entertainment! Thank you also for the highlighted travel details to make each step of the journey worry free! Fins up!”

Booking by: Kayce

06/24/2024

“This was my 3rd time in Greece and it certainly won’t be my last. The country is beautiful, sailing with Celebrity Cruises is a fantastic way to travel and bringing some friends makes for the vacation of a lifetime!

Most of this group had never been on a cruise, traveled internationally or even knew each other before last week and I know I can speak for all 38 of us that this will be the 1st of many trips together.” -

All are Welcome to join the fun that comes with a group trip from Crystal Lake Travel!!! See our website under “Group Trips” for more group trips coming up and call us on how to join! 815-459-2500 🛳️💙🇬🇷

06/21/2024

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey & Rhodes, Greece are next on out travels! Group Travel Trip on the Idyllic Aegean Cruise with 💙🇬🇷🛳️

Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago.

06/18/2024

Our Group Trip to Greece with made their first stop off the cruise ship in Athens.

Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once home to the world’s most powerful and civilized empires, Athens is now the world’s foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand in homage to the virgin goddess Athena. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and watches over the city where it can be seen from just about anywhere in Athens. Make it a point to visit the incredible Acropolis Museum on your cruise to Athens. The joint effort between two architects, one American and the other Greek, this outstanding building was completed and opened to the public in 2009. It focuses primarily on the Greek period dating to 5 B.C., considered to be the apex of art, culture, and philosophy in ancient Greece, but it also has artifacts from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine Ages. There’s even a Plexiglas walkway from which an excavated section of an old Athenian neighborhood can be viewed. In addition to an abundance of historical riches, modern Athens has plenty on offer—from scenic beaches to restaurants with superb Mediterranean cuisine and bustling central markets.

06/13/2024

More BIG news that makes traveling easier for you!

Check out the link:

The limited beta program is available for eligible citizens with specific criteria.

06/12/2024

Happiness is a family vacation to Disney!

Our client Vicky had this to say about working with us…

“We had a magical time at Disney! Everything was exactly how we had hoped. Letitia did am incredible job. She was always helpful answering questions and relieving my mom’s worries! Next year, we’re either thinking an all-inclusive resort or Disney cruise. We’ll be giving Letitia a call for our travel needs again!”

Booking by: Letitia 🏰👑🩵

06/11/2024

ABSOLUTELY HUGE NEWS!!!

Winter flights are BACK out of Rockford through Apple Vacations!!

When you book with us at Crystal Lake Travel, you now have flight options back out of Rockford to fly to:

Costa Rica:
Fridays
Starting January 24, 2025

Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
Starting January 25, 2025

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:
Thursdays and Sundays
Starting January 26, 2025

Book now with us and Apple Vacations to secure your trip!

815-459-2500

04/26/2024

Off to the races! 🐎👒💙

Our team is down in Louisville for the annual conference! This is the biggest conference in our industry where we get to meet in-person with all of our preferred suppliers and industry experts!