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Bill Schmitt

Bill Schmitt

Naperville, IL Travel Agent

Bill Schmitt

Naperville, IL Travel Agent
Travel Now Vacations, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
12 reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience

Travel Curator

My love of travel started back in 1979 when I was 17 years old. I had won a contest and the prize was a trip to New York City. Being only 17 and having been born and raised in the Milwaukee area, this was huge. So, off my mom and I went.... I know that we were both awed and amazed by everything we saw. It was so different than what we knew in Milwaukee. The sights and sounds were intoxicating. I think the pivotal moment for me on the entire trip was sitting in the lobby of the hotel and hearing all the different languages being spoken all around me, and the great diversity of people there. There were several airline crews staying at the hotel, so quite a few beautiful people on their way to far off places.... It made me realize that there was so much more out there.

A short 3 years later when I was a freshman in college, I was making my first international trip as part of a study abroad program in the Soviet Union in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin. Imaging going to Russia in 1982 at the height of the cold war... oh the stories I can tell you of what happened on that trip.... seriously call me if you want to know more. Anyway... I can say without certainty that trip did change my way of thinking and really increased my awareness of the world around me. Later that same year I had the opportunity travel to China, again with a study abroad program with the University of Wisconsin. The love affair with far off places and the need to see and experience them became very real.

In 1984 I started working at a small travel agency in Milwaukee called Eileen Collins Pleasure Tours. Eileen was a wonderful lady and taught me everything there was on how to be a great travel agent. She was an incredible mentor and I owe my entire 36-year career in the travel industry to her. Since those early days I have travelled around the world and have visited six of the seven continents... Antarctica you are next on the list. I love to share my vast experience and knowledge with all of my clients to help them get the most out of their travels. When you are ready to travel, to get away, to explore, to get lost in a destination... I am here and ready to help.

Certificates & Awards

Travel Stories & Media

Client Reviews

My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations
Caribbean
South America
Europe
Hawaii
Mexico
Interests
Bespoke Travel
Eco-Tourism
Small Ship Cruises
Sustainable Travel
Adventure
Supplier Partners
Intrepid Travel
AmaWaterways
Pleasant Holidays
Funjet Vacations
Ponant

Certificates & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world.Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
Certified Active & Adventure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Active & Adventure Travel Customer, Destination Knowledge, Active & Adventure Travel Experiences, ATTA Travel Resources, Active & Adventure Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
Australis Cruises, Grand Cayman, Jamaica,
Aruba, Costa Rica, USVI, Hawaii, Virgin Voyages
Quark Expeditions, IGLTA, Hurtigruten, G-Adventure
Virgin Voyages, Crystal Cruises, Ponant Cruises,
AmaWaterways

My Travel Stories

The spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier
Discover Patagonia by Land and Sea
Patagonia is a region encompassing the vast southernmost tip of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile, with the Andes Mountains as its dividing line. The Argentine side features arid steppes, grasslands and deserts, while the Chilean has glacial fjords and temperate rainforest. Argentina’s famed RN-40 highway passes the pinnacles of Monte...
Read more

My Photo Albums and Videos
Patagonia
VIEW ALBUM
Miami and Havana Fiesta With Norweigan Cruise Lines

CLIENT REVIEWS

Rating: 5
12 reviews
100.00% Recommended
First leg of the 50 state tour!
Reviewed By Jack M. - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Wyoming ~ USA
Bill designed a very affordable nine-day trip for me to visit four states. He is very responsive and a pleasure to work with. I will definitely use his expertise for the next batch of states!
Bill Schmitt responded
"Thanks John for your kind words. I enjoyed working with you to plan your trip through the Rocky Mountain states and I can't wait to see where you will go next. Bill"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
13 of 19 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great recommendations for first-time travelers
Reviewed By Devin - Aurora, IL | Traveled to Key West ~ Florida ~ USA
Bill was prompt with recommendations and provided a large list of options to choose from. Plus, a few of his recommendations came with his own personal experience from past trips for consideration. He was very easy to work with and we left the entire booking experience in his capable hands.
Bill Schmitt responded
"Thanks Devin! I was following Dan and Patrick's Facebook posts and am so glad that everyone had such a great time! Thanks again for your business. It's much appreciated. Bill"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
8 days in paradise
Reviewed By Billy C - La Grange, IL | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Bill took all of our wants and wishes for a vacation in Hawaii and melded them with his experience and knowledge to provide several wonderful options. Honestly, we could not go wrong with any thing that Bill suggested. With Bill's help we had the perfect, unforgettable experience. He really knows his stuff, a value that is priceless.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The best trip of our lives !!!!
Reviewed By Izzy - Plano il | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
My experience will Bill was awesome ! He helped me with ideas and sent me many different places to choose from for my honeymoon ! And I ended up booking to Vegas with all his help I had an amazing Time of my life! Definitely will be booking with him forever!
Bill Schmitt responded
"I'm so glad to that you enjoyed your first trip to Las Vegas for your honeymoon and look forward to working with you again in the future! Bill"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
9 of 15 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
When you’re looking to travel, contact Bill!
Reviewed By Patrick - Aurora, IL | Traveled to Key West ~ Florida ~ USA
Bill is absolutely fantastic to work with! We were planning a trip with a couple of friends, and all we really had in mind was the destination. We chatted with Bill about the “vibe” we were looking for in a hotel, and he provided us several options, with detailed summaries, in a timely fashion. He couldn’t have captured our needs better. We stayed at an amazing hotel, close to all of the establishments we wanted to visit. Then, when we were thinking about excursions, Bill gave us numerous options with his first-hand experiences with them. He really is the best!
Bill Schmitt responded
"It always helps when I have the best clients to work with! Thanks again for the opportunity to plan your trip. Where are you going next?"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

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