Deb Pentek
Deer Park, Illinois Travel Agent
Vacation Memories By Deb, an independent agent with KHM Travel Group, OH, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
Email 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.
My Travel Specialties
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
Globus Family of Brands University - Avalon Waterways Specialist
Globus Family of Brands University - Cosmos Specialist
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Unviersal Studios On-site Training
Pinnacle Silver & Gold Agent Award 2021-2024
CLIA member
Disney College of Knowledge Annual Graduate
TLN Greece Specialty Training
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 width and height ... Read more from my Which River Cruise Line is Best for You? story.
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 ... Read more from my Benefits of an Escorted Small Group Tour story.
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!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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!
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!
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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!
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!
13 of 22 people found this review helpful
Excellent vacation to Sweden!
Reviewed By Nedra - Washington | Traveled to Sweden ~ Europe
When I needed to combine a working trip with a bit of vacation, Deb Pentek provided the expertise and diligence that made our travels to Sweden spectacular! Her meticulous planning impressed us. At every step she catered to our preferences and our budget considerations. She was readily available, prompt to respond, and provided an organized and detailed summary of the itinerary. She answered travel questions (unrelated to the itinerary), and in general, we believe that working with her facilitated a truly meaningful and memorable trip. I accomplished excellent research (historical and genetic), and my husband and I enjoyed Sweden immensely. We will definitely contact Vacation Memories by Deb for future travels.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you so much Nedra for taking the time to leave a review! I so enjoyed working with you on your unique vacation to Sweden, and pleased and you were impressed with all elements of your trip. I do strive to treat each of my clients as great friends, with perfect-fit accommodations, detailed travel arrangements, door-to-door instructions, country entry requirements, and more. I appreciate your trust and can’t wait to work with you again! All my best – Deb Pentek
Thank you so much Nedra for taking the time to leave a review! I so enjoyed working with you on your unique vacation to Sweden, and pleased and you were impressed with all elements of your trip. I do strive to treat each of my clients as great friends, with perfect-fit accommodations, detailed travel arrangements, door-to-door instructions, country entry requirements, and more. I appreciate your trust and can’t wait to work with you again! All my best – Deb Pentek
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Thanks again Deb for a great Cabo Trip!
Reviewed By Annette - Buffalo Grove | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
Deb took the stress away in regards to assisting and booking an amazing and relaxing vacation for us in Cabo which was what we needed. We went to Secrets and everything was amazing. I went back and forth a few times with Deb with questions and she was very prompt and informative in finding different properties dependent on our needs. What was nice was if she wasn't familiar with a property without any hesitation what so ever she contacted a colleague to get more information which was above and beyond. I highly recommend her to friends and will use her again on booking our next adventure. Thanks again Deb for a great trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you Annette! I really enjoyed working with you on your relaxing get-away to Cabo Mexico. I'm so glad you enjoyed Secrets and it was everything you hoped it would be (and you wished you could stay longer). You were a delight to work with and I look forward to working with you on your next vacation memory! All my best - Deb Pentek
Thank you Annette! I really enjoyed working with you on your relaxing get-away to Cabo Mexico. I'm so glad you enjoyed Secrets and it was everything you hoped it would be (and you wished you could stay longer). You were a delight to work with and I look forward to working with you on your next vacation memory! All my best - Deb Pentek
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Choose Deb!
Reviewed By Hilary - South Bend, IN | Traveled to Europe
Deb is fantastic to work with. She thinks of all the details needed to make a trip enjoyable and as stress free as possible. I have had her help me with multiple trips and have been very pleased every time. Working with a travel agent takes so much stress off of me!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you so much Hilary! I absolutely love working with you and making fun and memorable vacations for you and your busy family and friends. Disney, Universal, cruises and international travel - you do it all! I am so pleased I can provide you the support and stress free planning you deserve. Have a great time on your next vacation!
Thank you so much Hilary! I absolutely love working with you and making fun and memorable vacations for you and your busy family and friends. Disney, Universal, cruises and international travel - you do it all! I am so pleased I can provide you the support and stress free planning you deserve. Have a great time on your next vacation!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Best Trip Ever!
Reviewed By JA - Lake Zurich, IL | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Deb is fabulous. She planned our trip to Hawaii. She met with us to discuss what we wanted to do and helped us plan the perfect vacation. Every detail of our trip was perfect. We were very overwhelmed about planning our trip and Deb made it so easy. We will never plan a trip without her. She is the very best .
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you so much Jodi! I absolutely loved working with you and making this a fun and memorable Maui vacation. I'm so glad you enjoyed all the fun excursions, numerous beaches, food, and beautiful Maui. Your pictures are fantastic and I thank you for sharing with me. Your smiling faces on vacation bring me joy, as they will bring you warm memories for years to come. I can't wait to work with you again! Mahalo!
Thank you so much Jodi! I absolutely loved working with you and making this a fun and memorable Maui vacation. I'm so glad you enjoyed all the fun excursions, numerous beaches, food, and beautiful Maui. Your pictures are fantastic and I thank you for sharing with me. Your smiling faces on vacation bring me joy, as they will bring you warm memories for years to come. I can't wait to work with you again! Mahalo!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing Greece Honeymoon
Reviewed By Natalia - St. Petersburg, FL | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
This trip was the most amazing trip both of us have ever been on. Your itinerary made it so easy for us to travel from place to place and 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!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Dear Natalia, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I enjoyed working with you on your very special Honeymoon to Greece! I am very happy you loved the recommendations for Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. You took so many amazing pictures - wow! I very much look forward to working with you and your friends on future vacations. All my best, Deb Pentek
Dear Natalia, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I enjoyed working with you on your very special Honeymoon to Greece! I am very happy you loved the recommendations for Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. You took so many amazing pictures - wow! I very much look forward to working with you and your friends on future vacations. All my best, Deb Pentek
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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
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
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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
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
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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
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
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Senior Spring Break!
Reviewed By Brenda P - Long Grove, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
We just returned and I could not wait to tell you what a fantastic time we had in Cancun. You made this easy and fun. I appreciate and love the reminders, the online apps to use for travel, and every recommendation on what to do what spot on!! The room was gorgeous, the place and service was fantastic, and the food was super. The entire experience was fantastic and I know all the leg work you did made it so!! We can't wait to plan our next trip with you.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you so much! I loved working with you and your group to make this a fun Senior Spring Break. I am so happy my recommendations exceeded your expectations. I look forward to working with you in the future! Deb Pentek
Thank you so much! I loved working with you and your group to make this a fun Senior Spring Break. I am so happy my recommendations exceeded your expectations. I look forward to working with you in the future! Deb Pentek
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Simply Magical!
Reviewed By Julie K - Streamwood, IL | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Deb planned a wonderful Disney vacation for our entire family (2 grandparents, 6 adults, 7 grandchildren)! I am speaking for my entire family in saying we were overwhelmed with her attention to detail to ensure that our family trip was perfect and "all that it could be"...simply Magical!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you! I really enjoyed planning your family's celebration vacation and ensuring every detail was taken care of for you. I am so pleased this was a wonderful vacation to remember. I look forward to working with you all to create your next vacation memory!
Thank you! I really enjoyed planning your family's celebration vacation and ensuring every detail was taken care of for you. I am so pleased this was a wonderful vacation to remember. I look forward to working with you all to create your next vacation memory!
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Honeymoon!
Reviewed By John S - Olympia, WA | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Deb was phenomenal in helping us find the perfect honeymoon when we had no time to plan anything. She is incredibly easy to work with and will follow through on every aspect of your trip from start to finish. She really makes you feel like you are her only client. Will be in contact for the next adventure!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thanks so much John for taking the time to leave a review! I absolutely loved planning your honeymoon, especially since you and Mandy are so busy serving our country. Thank you again for your service and sacrifice. I hope my surprise treats added something special to your trip. You were a delight to work with and I wish you many years of love (and vacations)! All my best, Deb Pentek
Thanks so much John for taking the time to leave a review! I absolutely loved planning your honeymoon, especially since you and Mandy are so busy serving our country. Thank you again for your service and sacrifice. I hope my surprise treats added something special to your trip. You were a delight to work with and I wish you many years of love (and vacations)! All my best, Deb Pentek
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wonderful Italy Trip!
Reviewed By Dayna B - Buffalo Grove, IL | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Deb helped my husband and I plan our first trip to Italy, and she did a fantastic job with everything from the flights to the hotels to our tours and more! She gave us ideas of where to go and what to see and planned ever detail. For the 13 days we spent in 3 different cities, each day ran seamlessly and we could have never planned this on our own. I would highly recommend using Deb to plan a vacation! We will be using her for all future travels.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you so much, Dayna, for your heartfelt review regarding the Italy trip I planned for you! I am so pleased your 13-day vacation to Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast was enjoyed. I really enjoyed curating your special VIP tours and luxury hotel stays. Your trust in my services is deeply valued, and I look forward to planning your next adventure. Here's to many more unforgettable experiences on the horizon for you both. Thank you again!
Thank you so much, Dayna, for your heartfelt review regarding the Italy trip I planned for you! I am so pleased your 13-day vacation to Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast was enjoyed. I really enjoyed curating your special VIP tours and luxury hotel stays. Your trust in my services is deeply valued, and I look forward to planning your next adventure. Here's to many more unforgettable experiences on the horizon for you both. Thank you again!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great Europe Trip!
Reviewed By Winter S - Charlotte, NC | Traveled to Europe
Deb had everything planned out for us so that our cruise vacation was stress free and amazing. We really enjoyed Spain, Italy and France thanks to you. Thank you Deb!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thanks Winter! I really enjoyed working with you all on your 7 Day Mediterranean cruise, and thrilled you enjoyed Barcelona, Italy, France. I am so pleased that the cruise and tours were enjoyed and you made some wonderful vacation memories together! All my best, Deb
Thanks Winter! I really enjoyed working with you all on your 7 Day Mediterranean cruise, and thrilled you enjoyed Barcelona, Italy, France. I am so pleased that the cruise and tours were enjoyed and you made some wonderful vacation memories together! All my best, Deb
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Ireland Trip!
Reviewed By Ruth D - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Deb went above and beyond to help us plan our trip to see two of our children studying abroad in two different countries. We had planes, trains and automobiles to get everyone in the same place at the same time! Deb was so helpful, with excellent suggestions, recommendations and organizing all of our travel, events and accommodations. I cannot say enough and will definitely engage Vacation Memories by Deb again in the future! Thank you Deb!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Welcome back Ruth! I am so happy to hear your vacation was a wonderful success! Even better that you could spend quality time with your adult children in Ireland and Italy over Thanksgiving. I truly enjoyed working with you! I am glad that the trip app was also very helpful (I love it for my own vacations as well). I do love how it keeps all the details handy for on-the-go travels. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and look forward to working with you on your next vacation plans!
Welcome back Ruth! I am so happy to hear your vacation was a wonderful success! Even better that you could spend quality time with your adult children in Ireland and Italy over Thanksgiving. I truly enjoyed working with you! I am glad that the trip app was also very helpful (I love it for my own vacations as well). I do love how it keeps all the details handy for on-the-go travels. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and look forward to working with you on your next vacation plans!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Trip to London, Nice, and Paris
Reviewed By Daneen O, - Naples, FL | Traveled to France ~ Europe
I would give Deb 6 stars if possible! She is an experienced traveler so she knows the right questions to ask. Deb is superb on follow-up and attention to details. She is very pleasant to work with and easy to get hold of.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thank you so much Daneen! I loved creating your custom trip for you and your family to London, Nice and Paris. I am so pleased you were thrilled with how everything went. You were fantastic to work with as well. I hope you have a great time on your next vacation (which we are planning now!). All my best - Deb Pentek
Thank you so much Daneen! I loved creating your custom trip for you and your family to London, Nice and Paris. I am so pleased you were thrilled with how everything went. You were fantastic to work with as well. I hope you have a great time on your next vacation (which we are planning now!). All my best - Deb Pentek
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Trip to Maui!
Reviewed By Todd C - Buffalo Grove, IL | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Deb did a fantastic job helping us with our trip to Maui. it was by far our favorite family vacation. Deb was always available and all her great advice and suggestions made the trip perfect. While we were on the trip she checked in via email and even called and texted when we got back. She did a great job organizing everything and the app made it so easy. This was the first trip Deb helped us plan but definitely won't be the last!! Thanks again!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thanks so much Todd! I loved working with your fun family on this vacation! I am so glad you enjoyed all the great activities and tours to make the MOST of your trip. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and I look forward to working with you in the future! All my best - Deb Pentek
Thanks so much Todd! I loved working with your fun family on this vacation! I am so glad you enjoyed all the great activities and tours to make the MOST of your trip. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and I look forward to working with you in the future! All my best - Deb Pentek
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Family Vacation!
Reviewed By Alma - Kildeer, IL | Traveled to Universal Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Deb helped our family with our visit to Universal, Orlando.She was incredibly helpful, resourceful, and attentive to our family needs. Deb was always responsive and wanted to make sure all of questions were answered and concerns were addressed.
She made the booking process seamless and provided tips for our trip that were immensely helpful.
We highly recommend Deb’s services.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thanks so much Alma! I very much enjoyed working with you on your Universal Studios family vacation. I am so happy you were pleased with the services I provided (at no extra cost), the seamless booking process and my VIP tips and tricks to help you navigate efficiently. I am thrilled you made some great vacation memories and I hope to work with you again. All my best - Deb Pentek
Thanks so much Alma! I very much enjoyed working with you on your Universal Studios family vacation. I am so happy you were pleased with the services I provided (at no extra cost), the seamless booking process and my VIP tips and tricks to help you navigate efficiently. I am thrilled you made some great vacation memories and I hope to work with you again. All my best - Deb Pentek
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Alaska Cruise!
Reviewed By Dave B - San Francisco, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Deb was so helpful booking my last trip! I would have made so many rookie mistakes without all the research she had for me. Looking forward to my next trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Hi Dave - I so enjoyed working with you on your Alaska Cruise! There is so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming the choices and trade-offs. I'm so glad you had a fantastic time and I can't wait to work with you again!
Hi Dave - I so enjoyed working with you on your Alaska Cruise! There is so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming the choices and trade-offs. I'm so glad you had a fantastic time and I can't wait to work with you again!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great trip made easy
Reviewed By ABT - LONG GROVE, IL | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Deb was very thorough and thoughtful in planning our trip. She listened to what we wanted and also had great suggestions that we didn't think to do. She takes all of the hard work out of the trip and makes it so all the traveler has to do is relax and enjoy themselves.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Deb Pentek responded:
Thanks Angela - It was great fun planning your family's Disney and Universal trip! I am glad you could relax and let me take care of everything including Fast Pass and restaurant reservations. I look forwards to planning your next trip!
Thanks Angela - It was great fun planning your family's Disney and Universal trip! I am glad you could relax and let me take care of everything including Fast Pass and restaurant reservations. I look forwards to planning your next trip!
11 of 21 people found this review helpful