Amazing Escapes Travel & Tours

08/29/2024

Currently on am amazing road ad trip through Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, Glaciet National Park and Banff Canada!!! Photos will follow shortly!! we have seen so many wild life, waterfalls, and amazing scenery! These are all on my professional camera and once I get them put together, I will be uploading our photos.

08/28/2024

Feeling that cool breeze creep in? Changing seasons doesn't have to be a bummer. The good news is you're never too far from the island life. Save up to $300 off multi-island Hawaii vacation packages today!

Turn Vacation Dreams Into Lifelong Memories >>>MORE

08/24/2024

Whether hiking through lush rainforests, investigating sub-Saharan savannahs, or roaming across endless rippling deserts, immersing yourself in Africa’s natural beauty is a truly magical experience with Swan Hellenic. Soak up sensational panoramic views from Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Discover the Atlantic coastline of Namibia, one of the only places on Earth where the desert comes right to the ocean’s edge. Marvel at the São Tomé Peak, a majestic volcanic tower rising 2,024m above sea level. Or head across the Egyptian desert to visit the ancient Egyptian sites of the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temples. Wherever you go, your time in Africa will be unique and unforgettable!

Go Beyond >>>MORE

08/23/2024

Which bucket list destination is calling your name? From ancient ruins to bustling cities, there's a world of wonder out there waiting to be explored. Take advantage of a $200 air credit to get where you want to go. Share your ideal bucket list adventure in the comments!

Turn Vacation Dreams Into Lifelong Memories >>>MORE

08/22/2024

Cozy snow days, frosty landscapes, endless hot cocoa - what's not to love? Winter and its wonderlands have special charms that can't be denied. Are you a winter lover or do you prefer warmer weather?

08/21/2024

If you’re looking for a sign that you need to book a Carnival Cruise, this is it.

No One Does Fun Like Carnival >>> MORE

08/20/2024

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and risings, humpback whales, playful otters, and soaring eagles as you cruise Alaska's Inside Passage along rugged coastlines and glaciers. I can help you sort through the many cruise options to find the one that suits you best.

08/18/2024

Discover the heart and soul of Costa Rica and Panama on Swan Hellenic's Central America cruise as you explore lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife and colorful birds. Relax on pristine beaches with turquoise waters and swaying palms or explore the crystal-clear depths and encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life on vibrant coral reefs. This adventure promises an unparalleled exploration of cultural treasures and breathtaking natural wonders.

Go Beyond >>>MORE

08/15/2024

If this is not your ideal way of ‘seeing’ Cape Town there are many other unforgettable experiences for you to consider. Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, enjoy a safari adventure at Aquila Game Reserve, and indulge in the city's vibrant culture, delicious cuisines, and stunning landscapes. Cape Town has something for everyone’s memory book.

08/14/2024

Describe your ideal Carnival Cruise vacation using only 3 emojis.

No One Does Fun Like Carnival >>> MORE

08/12/2024

The magnificent Grand Canyon, where awe-inspiring vistas, vivid colors, and ancient geology form an unforgettable tapestry of natural beauty, never disappoints. What’s your favorite National Park that you’ve been to, or want to visit?

08/09/2024

Turks & Caicos and its world-renowned soft white sand beaches. Look like a plan or is there another beach that's calling you?

08/09/2024

08/08/2024

🌴🌞Time to pack your bags! Sandals Jamaica is offering unbeatable rates for a short
time. Book your slice of paradise today through me Robyn Basten!

08/07/2024

Better Business Bureau

I am excited to announce Amazing Escapes Travel and Tours has earned BBB Accreditation.

My business has passed their rigorous review process, and met the standards required to be recognized as a BBB Accredited Businesses. I am now a member of an elite group of businesses known for business ethics and integrity.

Reviews from past customers is extremely helpful for others looking to use my services. Those who have used my services - your feedback is very important to me and helps me to continually improve my services. I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your experience by leaving a review.

You can leave your review here: https://www.bbb.org/chicago/review/1000106301/

08/07/2024

Happy Honeymoon!

I am excited to share these beautiful moments from one of my happy honeymoon couples who stayed at Couples Swept Away in Jamaica! Despite starting off with some flight delays, their journey was filled with blissful moments and cherished memories, making their honeymoon truly unforgettable. Let me Robyn Basten help you plan the romantic getaway of your dreams! 🌴❤️✨ "

08/04/2024

You asked, and Virgin Voyages listened — they extended 70% off a 2nd Sailor on all sailings for a limited time so you can extend the vibes of summer for the rest of the year.
Plus, book the Limited View Sea Terrace for the price of The Sea View on most voyages in 2025 and 2026 — because hammock views (and savings) are a big deal. Especially when this upgrade scores you up to $325 in extra savings — on top of over $1,000 of Always Included Luxuries and flexible booking policies that never cost extra. It’s (always) the luxury you deserve and no nickel and diming... ever.

Extended — 70% off a 2nd Sailor plus free balcony upgrades on most sailings in 2025 and 2026! >>>MORE

08/03/2024

Nature and architecture meld beautifully at Praia das Catedrais on Spain’s Galicia coast. The awe-inspiring natural rock formations are reminiscent of Gothic cathedral arches. Interested in feeling the Atlantic breeze on your face and enjoying the beauty of this captivating beach paradise? # PraiadasCatedrais

08/03/2024

Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk has a thriving arts scene. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), Nuuk has a busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral, colorful wooden houses, and avant-garde architecture. Swan Hellenic's Canadian Arctic and Northern Lights cruise itinerary is the gateway to Inuit experiences and natural adventures on the fjords among the icy seas and spectacular mountains. Want me to get you more information?

Go Beyond >>>MORE

08/02/2024

Experience the epitome of luxury at Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, an all-inclusive exclusive retreat nestled in the breathtaking Maldives archipelago. Private sun decks, glass portals for marine life viewing, personalized butler service, crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant sea life, and gourmet dining. What else can I tell you?

07/29/2024

Example of Travel interruption and how I saved the day for my clients - Honeymooners leaving Cedar Rapids headed to Couples Swept Away in Negril Jamaica yesterday for a 5 night stay. Flight gets delayed due to not having enough oxygen tanks onboard and they have to wait for more to be flown in. Throughout the day the delay gets longer and longer....Here is how I helped them as their agent:

👉First delay causes them to miss connecting flight in CLT so I move them to the next departure in hopes of getting them to their destination same day
👉Delay gets longer, now they are missing the rescheduled connection and there are no longer any more options to get them to Jamaica
👉I discover there is a flight coming in from Charlotte that will depart Cedar Rapids about the same time as their original flight (with delay) and tell them we should rebook on that flight since that plane does not have issues - rebooking was completed
👉I reschedule them for the first flight out of Charlotte to Jamaica in the morning and get them a hotel room in Charlotte with air port transfers
👉I call the resort to let them know they will be arriving a day late so they are not considered a no show
👉I call the transfer company to also notify them of next day arrival and provide all the flight details
👉Since they were missing a day of their honeymoon due to these delays/issues I was able to get their honeymoon extended a day so they could still have 5 days in Jamaica
👉I updated flights to return a day later and notified the transfer company
👉I contacted American Airlines to obtain documentation of reason of delay so when they return we can file the insurance claim to recoup the cost of food/drinks/and unexpected hotel stay in Charlotte
👉I will assist with filing the insurance claim once they return

I take care of all the phone calls and re-bookings so my clients don't have to figure out what phone number to call and what to do next. They can grab a bite to eat or a drink while I take care of everything and then update them once complete.

Book with Amazing Escapes Travel & Tours! When things don't go as planned I am there to assist and make your vacation as stress free as possible!

07/27/2024

Why would someone book a trip with a travel advisor instead of on the internet? Not to mention it costs nothing additional to use a travel advisor like myself. Here are a few reasons 👇

Handpicked Accommodations: Without having to scour the internet with browser tabs toggled between multiple hotels, you can’t keep track of endless review sites that don’t actually give you any clarity.

Expert Recommendations: Whether I’m matching you to that lesser-known but amazing local guide or helping you decide which tours and experiences best suit your style, I’m sharing insights from my personal travel experiences and my network of travel experts around the world.

Reclaiming time: I save my clients dozens of hours and weeks, or sometimes even months, of scouring the internet trying to figure out what to book and how to pull a great trip together.

If you haven’t experienced the absolute relief and ease of having an expert take care of your travel plans, friend, I promise you, it is SUCH a good feeling.

I am here when you are ready to travel with ease.

07/26/2024

What ideas do you have for a summer vacation? I have a few.

07/24/2024

Wanderlust Wednesday - Discover the enchanting allure of St. Lucia, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, and the majestic Pitons rise from the Caribbean Sea, offering an unforgettable escape filled with adventure, romance, and natural beauty.

07/23/2024

If your travel plans turned into chaos you are not alone. Remember the days when you could wing it and hope for the best? Well, those days are long gone!! Unpredictable weather, flight delays, missed connections, cancellations and illness can all turn your travel dreams into a nightmare! Contact me Robyn Basten to start planning your next Amazing Escape!

07/23/2024

For the second year in a row, Travel + Leisure has named Virgin Voyages their No. 1 best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the World’s Best Awards. With gorgeous destinations around the world, there’s no shortage of places to see — all in the comfort of our award-winning ships and their Always Included Luxury.

70% off a 2nd Sailor >>>MORE

07/22/2024

Money saved, money lost — it may seem cheaper to book a trip yourself but…

👉 You might snag a bargain flight, only to pay high baggage fees or get bumped if its overbooked.

👉 That cheaper hotel? It’s dated and lacks amenities.

👉 DIY travel planning often means missed discounts, exclusive deals, and insider tips that could save you more.

What I do is take my clients’ budgets and find the best value for their money.

It may mean recommending a hotel that’s a little bit more expensive but checks all of your boxes.

It could also mean recommending different travel dates so your costs are significantly cheaper.

It may even mean snagging you freebies, offers, and other value-adds you won’t get when you book yourself online.

Let‘s make smart choices together and stretch your vacation budget further without sacrificing quality or comfort. To get started with planning, send me a message or give me a call.

No additional costs or fees to book through me Robyn Basten as your travel agent!

07/21/2024

Life is pretty dang sweet when your honeymoon looks like this ⬇️

Rachel and Mason had an idyllic escapes at this stunning beachfront resort with all inclusive amenities and a romantic atmosphere. Whether enjoying sunset strolls on the beach or adventurous excursions, Excellence Punta Cana ensures a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for newlyweds.

Planning your honeymoon or anniversary vacation? You deserve travels where you don’t need to remember if the details are confirmed or stress about whether the resort actually looks like the photos.

Let’s get cracking so you can start counting down, and if you’re on a trip right now and you or your partner did, in fact, forget to confirm the details call me Robyn Basten next time!

07/21/2024

Just tell her, “I booked everything. All you have to do is come,” and watch her face light up. ✨

And the best part? You can both enjoy the trip without any stress or overwhelm because you've got a travel planning fairy behind the scenes waving that magic to create a trip that will show her just how special you think she is.

Contact me Robyn Basten when you're ready to blow her away with that surprise trip you and I both know she's thinking about!

07/20/2024

The only thing keeping me Robyn Basten at my desk on this gorgeous sunny summer day here in Galena, IL are these itineraries and proposals for my awesome clients. I’m currently finalizing:

- A 10 Day Hawaiian Vacation loaded with lots of activities from a waterfall hike, sunset cruise, luau show, and an afternoon round of golf at Ko Olina Golf Club for a couple celebrating 30 years of wedded bliss

-A honeymoon at the Excellence Oyster Bay resort in Falmouth Jamaica with a perfect blend of romance and adventure from pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture

-A couples trip over Labor Day to Las Vegas where they will find thrilling shows, vibrant nightlife and endless opportunities for romance and adventure

I’m going to finish these off and then hopefully have enough time for a mojito on my back patio or a moment in the hot tub. Because summer is meant to be enjoyed!

Tell me, which of my client trips would you take?