Patricia Aitken
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River Cruise Specialist, Hawaii/Mexico & Europe
I reside on the West Coast (the Pacific Northwest--PNW-Oregon), was a Marine Corps military wife for many years which further enabled my love of travel and meeting people of many diverse cultures, many of whom are still friends today. I have been an advisor of travel for 25 years.
I have since continued to travel extensively (see blog posts at www.epictraveljourneys.com) in the USA, Alaska, Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, Caribbean & Mexico. A plethora of experience from years working with Vacation Rentals in Europe for 17 years, Following 9/11, diversification was key--so change became a necessity. Europe became one of my "Go To" places, specializing in Viking River and Ocean Cruises, Riviera River Cruises especially for SINGLE or SOLO TRAVELERS, (plus a great deal of experience with Regent, Princess, Royal Caribbean, AMA Waterways, Adventures by Disney (AMA Waterways) plus fabulous fun river cruises in the USA on the beautiful Mississippi River, Puget Sound and Snake River - new and exciting).
I am also super familiar with booking destinations in Hawaii having lived there but also as a Master Agent for all Hawaiian Islands. I have returned to the Islands many times to get revitalized!
I have other reviews and marvelous photos on the website so feel free to go there to look. I am a strong believer in education, certification and personal travel, ALWAYS get travel insurance, don't leave home without it.
Testimonials
Alberello, Italy
Aysha K: 2022 Oahu Family trip, birthday celebration) I hope all is well! So sorry I haven’t reached out sooner, things got a little hectic when we got back. Anyway, we had such a good time! Thank you for helping with everything :). The hotel was great.
Kathy D: (2022 Viking River/Oberammergau) If you're asked by other clients about the river cruises, I can tell you we were thrilled. The service was so good. Food was incredible. We met really great people on the boat and learned about all their travels. I met a lady who had done a 4 month world cruise! Viking met us at the airport when we arrived and escorted us to the airport check-in when we left. We never had to worry about where we'd be or whether we'd get lost or left behind.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Can’t go wrong with Pat!
Claire and Andrew - Thanks for the note...and, it is more than fun working with all of you, refreshing! pat
Terrific value and memorable trip!!
Excellent repeat clients!
Great trip of a lifetime!
Grand European Adventure a Viking Cruise
Made our trips to Europe hassle-free!
Finding my roots
Yvonne initially went to Italy with me helping her with that trip. Then she decided years ago to make the trip back to her "homeland" of Ireland..and since we are both of Irish descent, this was another fun way to work with her. I, once again am happy to be able to help her with planning her 2024 trip.
Knowledgeable
Very good, one of my nice friends (client) from church who has booked a lot, air, river cruises, etc. She does like planning her own, she's a City Planner by trade, now in retirement.
Hot Air Balloons and Pyramids!
Some definite fun! But scary and quite rough at the same time. I skipped this one (pyramid not shown) - did the early am balloon ride instead and too tired. About 30 of us opted (paid extra) for balloon and didn't bother with this temple - seen too many for too long already? Have video from balloon ride. Also paid for excursion to Abu Simbel. What a trip! Petra, Jordan was probably a top star on the trip. Early morning lift off to view Egypt & Pyramids Susan in Egypt 2022 with Viking Cruises
Caribbean and West Indies
We have done all our international travel arrangements through our long time Travel Advisor, Pat Aitken. When COVID hit we had to cancel 3 trips scheduled for Europe river cruises (2020). We got all our money back either as cash or vouchers and Pat made it happen. She has been working with Viking Cruises for 10 years, previously with AAA for almost 7 years until Covid, and other contractors as well for many years. She is very educated and well traveled--particularly in Europe; as well as the Caribbean, making our Viking cruise to West Indies most enjoyable with her suggestions as she has been to many places on that route as well. When you are on your trip she checks in to make sure the reservations worked. If you have plane schedule delays and problems just text her and she will make necessary changes. For an older guy who sort of understands computers this is very comforting. We are pleased Pat is available to make our travel reservations. Russ & Nancy
An African Safari
Made it to Joberg, so on my way home. Safari was spectacular! Saw all of the big five and so much more - even the tracker and guides were impressed with what they/we saw. Some great videos. See you soon - weather permitting. - Susan Micato Safari Nov-Dec 2022
Rome, Viking, Mediterranean and Beyond!
Pat has been our travel advisor for years and we count ourselves very fortunate. Our last adventure was a 3-week trip to Europe, starting with 4 days in Rome (our first time) and a 15-day Viking cruise of the Mediterranean. Pat booked the Viking cruise and, rather than signing up for a packaged tour, we asked Pat to draw upon her many trips to Rome to create a special experience for us. We absolutely loved every minute - transfers from the airport, the perfect hotel, pre-paid vouchers for all the attractions we wanted to visit - no stress...absolutely seamless trip. And - IF we had encountered any problems, we know Pat would have ironed them out immediately. Each trip Pat has planned for us has been great - but this one was the best. - Ben & Sue in Nov 2022
West Indies with Viking Ocean
We had an amazing 10 day cruise on Viking in December, and cannot recommend Pat Aiken enough! She found us great deals, kept us up-to-date on the flights and sent us some helpful tips to plan our packing and excursions. I usually plan all of our travel without any problems, but Pat made it all so easy. I don't ever want to book a cruise on my own after receiving Pat's stellar service! - Claire & Andrew December 2022
Jamaica Bound! My SOLO trip by Kathy
Hi Pat! I've had a wonderful time in Jamaica at Secrets Wild Orchids in Montego Bay. I'm due to leave tomorrow, 2/3 but looks like flight cancellations are going to happen because of the winter storm. Do you have a moment to discuss options? Yes, (weather) mostly very good. We had rain Sunday though part of the day Monday but it wasn't bad. It's beautiful here. I've decided I must do this again. Hopefully next year. (later next day) Home! I will definitely do a trip like this again!!!! Thank you! (after a long winter weather and air cancellations from Jamaica) Kathy - Jamaica January 2022 (NOTE: This is Jamaica not England but no Destination area for Caribbean, sorry)
An Adventure by Disney with AMA in Basel
Made it to Basel Switzerland without a hitch. Sightseeing in Basel. Great Weather! Start our Disney Adventure (on AMA Waterways) tomorrow. Thanks for everything. Regards , Peter (Medford, OR) June 2019 Peter and family party of 9
Viking and Oberammergau by Kathy D 2021
I bought refrigerator magnets as souvenirs at almost every stop and already have them up on the frig!! Bratislava. My favorite guide was here. She told her story of living under communism and when it fell in 1989. Krems Abby Wine tasting was my favorite! So much fun. The owner supplies 250,000 bottles of Austrian wine to Viking. Vienna. Way too much to see here. We want to go back and stay for a week. If you're asked by other clients about the river cruises, I can tell you we were thrilled. The service was so good. Food was incredible. We met really great people on the boat and learned about all their travels. I met a lady who had done a 4 month world cruise! Viking met us at the airport when we arrived and escorted us to the airport check-in when we left. We never had to worry about where we'd be or whether we'd get lost or left behind.