Stacey Troha
North Barrington, Illinois Travel Agent
Smart Travel by Stacey, LLC, an independent agent with KHM Travel Group, OH, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, River and Ocean cruises
There are countless ways to see Europe! I would love to help you decide if a group tour, private driver or a cruise is the best way. Each island in Hawaii has it's own personality. I really enjoy helping you pick the island with the right activities and resorts for you and your family. I have cruised on eight ocean cruise lines and three river cruise lines. Each one offers something unique and it's not a one size fits all industry. In 2022-2023 I will be on 4 different cruises and visit 6 countries in Europe. I am visiting Mexico, Iceland and Northern France in 2024. Traveling is the key to being the best agent for my clients. Let's get you back out there!
My Travel Specialties
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
AMA Academy
AMResorts Master Agent
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Viking Expert
Viking Certified Agent
Certified Travel Associate (CTA) 2021
AMA Waterways Certified agent
Pinnacle Award Achiever 2018-2023
Travel Leaders Golf Specialist 2022
Virgin Voyages Specialist 2021
Haven Resort Specialist 2023
My Travel Stories
Virgin Caribean Cruise
I sailed on Virgin's Scarlet Lady in December of 2021, when we still had to test for Covid and everyone was quite nervous. I was excited to check out a new cruise line, and it would be my 10th cruise line! Virgin is very unique that is adults only and has true ... Read more from my Virgin Caribean Cruise story.
You’re in good hands!
Reviewed By Juli - Gurnee IL | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
Stacey is awesome. Her travel knowledge is extensive and if she doesn’t know something she will find out. She really gets to know your family so she knows what to recommend for hotels, tours etc.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you Juli, it is always a pleasure to find unique vacations for you and your family to enjoy!
Thank you Juli, it is always a pleasure to find unique vacations for you and your family to enjoy!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
You need Stacey in your life!
Reviewed By SVT - Winnetka, IL | Traveled to Turks and Caicos Islands ~ Caribbean
I've known Stacey personally and professionally for years. Her love and knowledge of travel is unmatched. I also very much appreciate how she stays on task better than me and she follows up with me prior to trips to ensure I have things in order (COVID testing, paperwork, excursions, etc.) She stays on top of when payments are due too which is much appreciated. If you ever go to Stacey to inquire about a trip in which she has little experience she is honest up front and fully utilizes her travel agent network to help you in the best way possible. We've used Stacey on a number of trips from Europe to the Caribbean, to cruises and have never been disappointed.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Oh, how I love to send you and your adventurous family around the world. Thank you for being so loyal!
Oh, how I love to send you and your adventurous family around the world. Thank you for being so loyal!
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Thank you!
Reviewed By JE - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Overall, the trip was very nice. The weather was great and the tours were fun. It did take awhile to figure out the logistics of the hotel ,but it was a good place to stay.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
It was a pleasure to find the right vacation for your family! Thank you for booking early to ensure the best prices and availability.
It was a pleasure to find the right vacation for your family! Thank you for booking early to ensure the best prices and availability.
Wonderful Trip
Reviewed By RR - IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
“The resort was beautiful, the food was amazing but our butlers were inattentive, otherwise, it was wonderful!!! Thank you!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
I'm so glad we choose the right resort for you! I'm so sorry about the butlers. I wish they would rename them because they are not really butlers, just an extension of the front desk. Either way, they should of been better. I will let the resort know. Thank you!
I'm so glad we choose the right resort for you! I'm so sorry about the butlers. I wish they would rename them because they are not really butlers, just an extension of the front desk. Either way, they should of been better. I will let the resort know. Thank you!
Stacey made our wonderful vacation possible
Reviewed By RF - Arlington Heights, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey made our wonderful vacation possible. Every details was considered and handled. All we had to do was enjoy. Can't wait to plan the next one!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you, you were a pleasure to work with! I LOVED hearing how much you enjoyed the private excursions we set up.
Thank you, you were a pleasure to work with! I LOVED hearing how much you enjoyed the private excursions we set up.
Awesome trip from and awesome agent
Reviewed By LAC - North Barrington, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Working with Stacey was great! She listened to all our wants and needs in a resort and gave us several wonderful options to choose from. She took care of all the arrangements, which took stress away and left us with time to just relax and enjoy.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you for trusting me with your vacation!
Thank you for trusting me with your vacation!
Annual ski trip
Reviewed By Amy W - Kirkland, WA | Traveled to Snowbird ~ Utah ~ USA
Stacey has helped us with our annual ski trip to Utah for years. She’s been super responsive and has always been able to work with our schedules and changing accommodation needs to find just the right solution. Stacey’s the best!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you for your loyalty!
Thank you for your loyalty!
We had an AMAZING Mexico Vacation!
Reviewed By Perri - Nashville TN | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey was super helpful in booking our trip! Looking at prices now (cause we're already thinking of returning haha) I think we got a great rate too. We would have never known of the resort we went to without her, and we were so impressed. Could not have had a better vacation!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! It was so fun to plan such an active trip for you guys. I loved how we had everything booked before you even left. I'd love to work with you again!
Thank you! It was so fun to plan such an active trip for you guys. I loved how we had everything booked before you even left. I'd love to work with you again!
Best trips because of the best travel agent!
Reviewed By Kayla Sims - Nashville, TN | Traveled to Mexicali ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
She is on top of everything! Provides updates if there are any trip changes, answers any questions, and makes sure you are ready to go for your trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Trip # 2 is in the books with you, thank you for being a wonderful client.
Trip # 2 is in the books with you, thank you for being a wonderful client.
Perfect Trip
Reviewed By Becca - Barrington, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
We had a wonderful experience working with Stacey! She was extremely personable and knowledgeable. She made our travel planning process smooth and stress-free from the very beginning. She listened to our ideas and requests and provided multiple great resort options for us to choose from. The resort we ended up selecting was phenomenal, and our vacation was truly perfect. We will definitely work with Stacey again for our future travels.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you, I look forward to working with you again. I am so happy you enjoyed your trip!
Thank you, I look forward to working with you again. I am so happy you enjoyed your trip!
Fabulous Vacation that exceeded our expectations!
Reviewed By Dick - Sarasota, FL | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We were looking for an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean and Stacey’s extensive knowledge of a variety of properties was instrumental in securing our families vacation spot. It was a fabulous vacation enjoyed by all of us from small children, young adults to adults of all ages.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Working for over a year together to get 12 people from 4 different airports all in one fabulous resort was a journey. I am so happy that you had a great trip. Happy Anniversary!
Working for over a year together to get 12 people from 4 different airports all in one fabulous resort was a journey. I am so happy that you had a great trip. Happy Anniversary!
Stacey is a Rock Star!
Reviewed By Elbee - Buffalo Grove, IL | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
I had a fantastic trip because of Stacey's expertise and knowledge. She booked my entire trip for me, from the flights and transfers to the cruise and excursions. She walked me through every step of the process, listened to what I wanted and met every expectation I set for this trip (including my budget!!!).
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you, it was fun to get you back on a cruise after many years.
Thank you, it was fun to get you back on a cruise after many years.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fantastic!
Reviewed By Tara L - Milwaukee, WI | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Love working with Stacey! I know when I give her the parameters of our trip she will come up with fantastic options. She also provides travel tips and recommendations based on her experience. Stacey took all the stress out of planning our trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you Tara! I always enjoy working on your trips to help you find the resort with ideal sleeping arrangements as well as add-on's, such as golf.
Thank you Tara! I always enjoy working on your trips to help you find the resort with ideal sleeping arrangements as well as add-on's, such as golf.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Detail when you need it most
Reviewed By JG - Long grove, IL | Traveled to Mexico
When I am thinking about a trip, I want a detail oriented and knowledgeable agent assisting me. I get those things with Stacey and have had mid- travel issues that couldn’t have been foreseen that Stacey has come to the rescue on. Without her help we would have had a difficult time either getting home or finding resolution related to trip details. I will never book travel again without Stacey’s help and guidance.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
I was so glad I could help in anyway I could. Thank you for being so loyal and booking yearly with me!
I was so glad I could help in anyway I could. Thank you for being so loyal and booking yearly with me!
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By Rob - Buffalo Grove, IL | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
She's great at making recommendations! We were taking a big family trip - Stacey made some great suggestions which made the trip all the better. We really love our accommodations in Paris, which allowed us to have our former exchange student stay with us as well.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! I hope we can plan another fabulous trip again soon!
Thank you! I hope we can plan another fabulous trip again soon!
Great travel agent!
Reviewed By Jennifer H - Gurnee, IL | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Stacey planned a fantastic holiday family trip for us in December 2021. We wanted an all-inclusive that would work for us AND our teenagers. She's very knowledgeable and helpful!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! Happy teens are vital for a successful vacation. We both know that!
Thank you! Happy teens are vital for a successful vacation. We both know that!
Birthday Trip with a bonus gift!
Reviewed By Laura - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey planned my trip from start to finish and left no detail out. It was a great experience. I went on a trip with friends for the first time and Stacey took the time to talk to me and get to know things about me so she could tailor the trip. I say it was a little extra gift since I didn't have to plan a thing. It was fantastic!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you for your positive review. Planning your trip was so fun, I felt like I was there!
Thank you for your positive review. Planning your trip was so fun, I felt like I was there!
Life saver in dire situation
Reviewed By Rob - Cheboygan, Michigan | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
My Wife and a Friend booked through Stacey and while trying to get back into US our Friend tested positive and had to be left behind. Stacey systematically helped us work through all the arrangements needed to make sure before we left our friend was taken care of and he was soon able to join us back in U.S.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
I am so glad he was only delayed a few days, had no symptoms and used the insurance I recommended. He was so appreciative!
I am so glad he was only delayed a few days, had no symptoms and used the insurance I recommended. He was so appreciative!
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Perfect cruise and excursions
Reviewed By Petey - Sarasotra, FL | Traveled to Caribbean
Stacey is very knowledgeable and extremely good with details.She seems to have a never ending source of excursions to consider. Almost missed our ship's sailing but she saved the day.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you for your kind words. I have really enjoyed helping your cruise around the world on various cruise lines.
Thank you for your kind words. I have really enjoyed helping your cruise around the world on various cruise lines.
Gift of a Lifetime!
Reviewed By Debbie - Lake Zurich, IL | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
We sat down with Stacey knowing we had two weeks to enjoy a gift of a lifetime--a vacation for our daughter's high school graduation. Stacey met with us, asked all three of us about our top wants/dreams, and then she was ready to research. We ended up with a trip full of excursions, excitement, and entertainment. And best of all, Stacey was brilliant in helping us understand the importance of scheduling "rest breaks" into our itinerary. It all came together with memories to last us a lifetime.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! Planning your Hawaii trip was a true pleasure.
Thank you! Planning your Hawaii trip was a true pleasure.
Traveling was so much easier, thanks to Stacey!
Reviewed By Laura - Nashville, TN | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey was professional and diligent in finding us the best place for Mexico getaway. She provided numerous options and truly made sure she found a place that met all our needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! You were so easy to work with, when clients have a list of wants and a budget in mind, it makes the process so easy!
Thank you! You were so easy to work with, when clients have a list of wants and a budget in mind, it makes the process so easy!
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Perfect Getaway
Reviewed By Cindy - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Mexico
Stacey made a great recommendation for where our family should travel and secured us safe and luxurious accommodations for our celebratory trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! I loved the updates and pictures and seeing your family enjoying the beautiful beach you requested.
Thank you! I loved the updates and pictures and seeing your family enjoying the beautiful beach you requested.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great trip cant wait to do it again!
Reviewed By JB - New Lenox, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey made the process effortless. After explaining what we wanted she took care of everything from flights, and hotel to transportation to and from the airport in Cancun. The hotel was great!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip! Group trips can be so fun, thanks for sharing.
I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip! Group trips can be so fun, thanks for sharing.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best Resort Period!
Reviewed By JKleiner - Barrington, IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey was fantastic!!!! From day 1 she was so easy to work with and helpful in finding the perfect vacation for us. We answered a few questions, Homework in her works, about what was important to us for your vacation, and she came back with 4 destinations that would best fit our needs. Needless to say, we picked the best one and our time there was incredible.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
You did pick the best resort! I am so happy to was all you hoped for! Thank you for being such great clients.
You did pick the best resort! I am so happy to was all you hoped for! Thank you for being such great clients.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Relax in Style
Reviewed By Laura - Wauconda IL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Stacey took the time to really understand our wishes for our trip.She always gave us full details on potential properties , Ali g with the pros and cons for each one. Stacey was honest- she gave me feedback about properties that I was interested in and did not want to just sell us the first thing that came along. Stacey is patient and we felt like she really wanted us to have the best experience based on our needs and budget.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
I'm so we were able to work together to build a great vacation, it was my pleasure!
I'm so we were able to work together to build a great vacation, it was my pleasure!
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
We were in great hands!!
Reviewed By CO - Nashville, TN | Traveled to Dominica ~ Caribbean
I had a great experience working with Stacey! She was knowledgeable, helpful and thorough from start to finish - even sending Covid updates and useful suggestions up until our departure. We definitely felt like we were in great hands!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
I am so glad we were able to find you a resort with the white sand beach and room type you were looking for. Thank you for your kind words!
I am so glad we were able to find you a resort with the white sand beach and room type you were looking for. Thank you for your kind words!
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Best cruise experience ever!!!
Reviewed By Frances - Boca Raton, FL | Traveled to Mexico ~ Mexico
Amazing experience! Excellent agent!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! Disney cruises can really be special!
Thank you! Disney cruises can really be special!
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Amazing Scotland trip!
Reviewed By Christy H. - Liberty, MO | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Great experience. Stacey answered all my questions and was very helpful.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! I love planning multi generational trips they are extra special.
Thank you! I love planning multi generational trips they are extra special.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Perfect cruise and excursions
Reviewed By Petey - Sarasotra, FL | Traveled to Caribbean
Stacey is very knowledgeable and extremely good with details.She seems to have a never ending source of excursions to consider. Almost missed our ship's sailing but she saved the day.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stacey Troha responded:
Thank you! I love when my clients enjoy an excursion that is private, away from the chaos of a ship in a special location. I only work with vendors that guarantee you back on the ship in time.
Thank you! I love when my clients enjoy an excursion that is private, away from the chaos of a ship in a special location. I only work with vendors that guarantee you back on the ship in time.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful