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Brian Harder

Chicago, Illinois Travel Agent
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Brian Harder

Brian Harder

Chicago, Illinois Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
11 Reviews | 100% Recommended
If you see the text box to the right do not fill it in

Your Go-To Guy For Travel That Inspires

Greetings! I'm your go-to "Travel MacGyver," the person everyone relies on to figure out anything and everything. Just like the resourceful problem-solver armed with a Swiss Army knife, duct tape, paperclips, chewing gum, and a flashlight, I bring a toolkit of travel industry expertise to fulfill your unique needs. With my determination to find solutions and an array of travel industry tools at my disposal, I'm here to turn your travel dreams into reality. Whether it's securing the best stays, organizing thrilling adventures, curating memorable experiences, or ensuring you get the best value, I'm ready to amaze you with your next inspirational adventure. Take a chance and let me be your guide on this exciting journey!

My Travel Specialties

Joshua Tree National Park Travel Agent Specialist

A pair of Joshua trees.
Welcome to the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding areas! Nestled in Southern California, this unique desert destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, stargazers, and those seeking a connection with nature. Here's a guide to the ... Read more from my Joshua Tree National Park Travel Agent Specialist bio.

Peru and Machu Picchu Travel Agent Specialist

View of Machu Picchu's terraces and mountain
Welcome to Peru, a land of ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Whether you're exploring the bustling city of Lima, navigating the historical streets of Cusco, or standing in awe before the majestic wonder of Machu Picchu, your journey through ... Read more from my Peru and Machu Picchu Travel Agent Specialist bio.

Hawaiian Travel Agent Specialist

Sunset over a Hawaiian beach.
Aloha and welcome to the stunning paradise of Hawaii! This tropical archipelago is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're drawn to the lush greenery, pristine beaches, or unique Polynesian heritage, Hawaii has something ... Read more from my Hawaiian Travel Agent Specialist bio.

Wisconsin Travel Agent Specialist

A beautiful fall day at a Wisconsin lake.
Wisconsin Offers Midwest Charm and Beauty This is where I grew up. Welcome to the wonderful state of Wisconsin, where you'll find a perfect blend of natural beauty, charming small towns, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a ... Read more from my Wisconsin Travel Agent Specialist bio.

New Orleans Travel Agent Specialist

A Bourbon Street Balcolny
Welcome to the vibrant and culturally rich city of New Orleans! Known for its lively atmosphere, historical charm, and incredible music scene, there's no shortage of things to do and explore here. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, a music ... Read more from my New Orleans Travel Agent Specialist bio.

Chicago Travel Agent Expert

Chicago From Lake Michigan
Explore Chicago: A Perfect Blend of Leisure and Business Chicago is my hometown, and I can't wait for you to visit! Chicago is a vibrant metropolis that offers a seamless fusion of business opportunities and leisure activities. Whether you're a business traveler ... Read more from my Chicago Travel Agent Expert bio.

Costa Rica Travel Agent Specialist

Volcano in Costa Rica
Escape to Paradise: Your Ultimate Costa Rica Vacation Dreaming of a tropical getaway that combines lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture? Look no further than Costa Rica, a hidden gem in Central America. This enchanting destination offers a diverse range of ... Read more from my Costa Rica Travel Agent Specialist bio.

Dubai Travel Agent Specialist

Dubai, a city of opulence and innovation, beckons travelers with its iconic skyline, luxurious resorts, and unmatched attractions. A vacation to Dubai promises a blend of modern marvels and rich cultural experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime. Discover the allure ... Read more from my Dubai Travel Agent Specialist bio.

Brazil Travel Agent Specialist

Christ The Redeemer in Rio.
Samba to the Rhythm: Your Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Vacation Guide Rio de Janeiro, a city that pulsates with vibrant energy and celebrates life in every corner, is a dream destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and ... Read more from my Brazil Travel Agent Specialist bio.

CERTIFICATES & AWARDS

Certified ASTA Travel Agent

My Travel Stories

Joshua Trees
Joshua Tree
Dubai

My Reviews

Rating: 5 11 Reviews | 100% Recommended

A travel agent who rocks!

Reviewed By R. and C. - Madison, WI | Traveled to Hilton Head Island ~ South Carolina ~ USA
Brian has been a wealth of resources and we have been thrilled to work with a professional travel agent who cares so much for client satisfaction. We've never been to Hilton Head before and Brian provided us with options, direct links, available discount codes, suggested tours and much more. He was sensitive to our budget and helped us find a great place to stay with all the amenities we wanted for a price that fell within that budget. Pretty sure we could not have done this without him. Thank you, Brian!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Great Trip

Reviewed By Jeff - Green Bay, WI | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA
Brian was very helpful. He had great suggestions. His assistance was very much appreciated!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Thank you, Jeff. I am glad your trip was enjoyable. Brian---
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Our Dream Honeymoon -- Come True!

Reviewed By Geoff and Andrew - Chicago, IL | Traveled to France ~ Europe
Brian was incredibly resourceful, creative, communicative and responsive! He took time to understand what we wanted out of our honeymoon trip, found the ideal transit/lodging solutions for our multi-destination honeymoon, and provided tons of information about local attractions and events. Working with him was a joy!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Thank you, Geoff. I am glad your trip was a success. I look forward to working with you again! Brian---
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Long Weekend in Boston

Reviewed By Jana - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Boston ~ Massachusetts ~ USA
I called on Brian who is an old friend because I heard he was working as a travel agent. My husband and I took an impromptu road trip to Boston for a long weekend, but didn't have a lot of time to plan what to do once we got there. Brian was able to get us a hotel room. And he sent us some recommendations for tours we could take. We were able to book those online in a matter of minutes. We took a tour of Fenway Park and a walking tour of the historic downtown. Great recommendations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
It was so nice to catch up and work with you, Jana, on your Boston adventure. I look forward to working with you again. Brian---
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Brazil or Bust

Reviewed By Janice - Naperville, IL | Traveled to Brazil ~ South America
We went to Brazil this year and had a wonderful time. We took our time booking our trip and even changed our destination a few times but Brian was very patient with us while we tried to figure out where we wanted to go. We settled on Brazil and everything was great! Brian made luxurious hotel reservations for us and gave us some amazing ideas for things to do while we were there.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
I'm glad it all worked out for you, Janice. It was a pleasure and I'm thrilled you had a good time. Hope to work with you again in the future. Brian---
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Great Customer Service

Reviewed By Bill - McArthur, CA | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
I've traveled the world using multiple travel agents.
This year we tried a new agent. Brian exceeded our expectations. Not only did he book our trip and travel insurance, but he communicated with us throughout the trip. As elderly travelers, we appreciated knowing we had Brian as a resource while we were vacationing in a foreign country. A naturally friendly individual, Brian practices excellent customer service and we look forward to using him again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Thank you kindly, Bill, for this nice review. It was a pleasure helping you feel secure on this trip to Puerto Vallarta. Let me know when I can help you in the future. My best to Katharine Ann, Brian---
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So easy to work with!

Reviewed By Maggie Bee - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
Brian was very responsive and provided a long list of options for our review. He had some great ideas and tailored them for the time we had on each island.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
It was my pleasure assisting you, Maggie, and I'm glad you had a good time. I'd love to help you plan your whole vacation adventure next time! :-) Brian---
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A weekend we won't forget!

Reviewed By Betty - Ames, IA | Traveled to Chicago ~ Illinois ~ USA
Our weekend getaway to Chicago was flawlessly planned by Brian! Every detail, from the centrally located hotel to the personalized itinerary that included iconic sights and hidden gems, everything was perfect. We don’t get out of Iowa much, so having a local like Brian plan the trip for us was ideal! We are a meat and potatoes couple, but he gave us great dining recommendations that have kindled a desire for more culinary exploration. The highlight was the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River. The views were stunning, and our guide knew everything about the buildings and Chicago's rich history. Thanks to Brian, our weekend was unforgettable. His professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized approach made all the difference.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Betty, I am so glad your trip was as nice as you had hoped for. Chicago is lovely and it was a pleasure working with you. I'd be happy to work with you in the future! Brian---
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Our trip to Peru

Reviewed By Mark - Springfield, IL | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
Brian was great. He responded to us almost immediately and from that first conversation, we knew we were in good hands. He helped us with our travel plans to Peru and Machu Picchu. He had been there before, so we felt like he was able to provide us with insider knowledge. The trip was fabulous with stops in Lima, Cusco, and of course, Machu Picchu, which was a highlight. I don’t know if we would have hiked up to Huayna Picchu if Brian hadn’t highly recommended/encouraged it, but we’re glad we did. Overall, it was a great trip and Brian planned it very well. We will use him again in the future.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
I'm so glad your trip was enjoyable, Mark. After discussing your expectations for the trip, I knew you'd enjoy some of the recommendations I offered you. My best to you and Steven and I look forward to helping you both plan your next adventure. Brian---
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Fantastic San Diego Getaway

Reviewed By Bill and Jonathan - Aurora, IL | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA
Brian was incredibly attentive to our needs and preferences, making our getaway to San Diego memorable and special. We stayed at Inn on The Park , a nice, LGBTQ-friendly hotel near Hillcrest. It was the perfect landing place for our getaway. We explored the neighborhoods and visited Mount Soledad in La Jolla for the best view of the entire area. We loved Old Town. The restaurant recommendations were spot on, even ensuring that our anniversary was communicated to one restaurant in advance. Highlights include the romantic sunset cruise around San Diego Bay and the San Diego Zoo.
The attention to detail and personal touches that Brian added were the best. Everything felt personalized and considerate. Brian was responsive to us and we always felt we had support when we needed it. We could not have asked for a better experience and are already looking forward to planning our next adventure with Brian. We highly recommended him for anyone looking for a personalized, stress-free, experience
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Bill and Jonathan...thank you for letting me plan your anniversary trip. I'm glad it was special for you both. I hope I can be of assistance for all your future travel needs as well. Brian---
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Brian Made It Happen!

Reviewed By Fanny - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
I work for a large telecommunications advertising business. Brian was instrumental in helping me to plan our annual client trip. This one was to Costa Rica. I was pregnant and about to have my child and go on maternity leave. Brian took over and handled all the details so very well. He took care of booking all of our guests’ travel arrangements, including extended stays for some. They stayed at the Four Seasons Peninsula, Papagayo. He arranged transportation from the airport and for the excursions. He booked dinner destinations, a beach party, golf days, spa days, a zipline adventure, hired a photographer, and so much more. He booked meeting rooms for our employees. He arranged for nightly gifts to be left in our client’s suites. He then attended the trip so that no detail would be forgotten. The clients and employees raved about the trip. He was an invaluable resource for me while I was out, and I would recommend him to anyone worried about details. Brian knows how to cover it all.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Hi Fanny. I had such a nice time planning this trip for your clients and I'm glad it went off without a hitch (except for that storm which we couldn't predict...LOL.) Being there really made all the difference and I must say, your clients know how to have a good time! My best to you and little Lizbeth. If you need help again, please feel free to reach out. Brian---
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.

Customer Testimonials

Costa Rica Client Trip was a Success

I work for a large telecommunications advertising business. Brian was instrumental in helping me to plan our annual client trip. This one was to Costa Rica. I was pregnant and about to have my child and go on maternity leave. Brian took over and handled all the details so very well. He took care of booking all of our guests travel arrangements, including extended stays for some. They stayed at the Four Seasons Peninsula, Papagayo. He arranged transportation from the airport and for excursions, dinner destinations, a beach party, golf days and spa days, a zipline adventure, hired a photographer, and so much more. He booked meeting rooms for our employees. He arranged for nightly gifts to be left in our client’s suites. He attended the trip so that no detail would be forgotten. He was an invaluable resource for me while I was out and I would recommend him to anyone worried about details. Brian knows how to cover it all.

Provided by Fanny, Chicago, IL