TRAVEL AGENT PROFILE:

NAME: Marc Tonti

TITLE: Owner

TRAVEL AGENCY NAME: Classic Travel and Tours

TRAVEL AGENCY LOCATION: Bloomingdale, IL

YEARS IN THE TRAVEl INDUSTRY: 35

SPECIALTY: Fit Planning

10 questions, 12 very different answers Each month we will feature a new THOR member travel agent who’s been asked to respond to the same 10 questions. See how different the answers can be!

Q: What is your favorite airport and what does it offer that makes it your favorite?

I think Chicago O’Hare International Airport is great. Lots of different dining options, many bars when stuck for a late flight/missed connection, and also great people watching.

Q: What is your favorite all-inclusive resort?

I just love the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso in Riviera Maya. Besides great food and drink service, the golf course is excellent and you even get your food and drink included on the golf course.

Q: What book or movie have you read or watched that makes you want to visit the location in which it takes place?

The movie, Blended. I would love to go to Africa and the setting in this movie was perfect.

Q: What was the last trip you took where you were treated like a VIP and what was the VIP treatment?

I was at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya - When I mentioned my name upon arrival, I was quickly whisked away to a private check-in area that went over the entire hotel features, and options, etc. and then escorted to my room. Far from the typical hotel desk and a finger pointing me to the elevator.

Q: What hotel restaurant is your favorite?

One of my favorite restaurants is Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort - Nothing special, but I love the idea of cooking your own steaks, with the ocean and beach in the background. It is also affordable.

Q: Craft breweries have become a huge tourist attraction, many people travel for conventions and tasting tours. What craft brewery would you recommend and why?

MillerCoors. For me, it’s just north to Milwaukee, which is Beer City USA. One of their craft breweries is Crispin Cider Company, which I like because it’s something different than the norm. Otherwise, Busch Gardens/Sea World for the competing product.

Q: Where did you go on your last road trip?

My last road trip was to Lake Delevan, WI - Peaceful setting with a nice lake that was not too crowded. You can enjoy all parts of being on a lake from tubing to water skiing to fishing and just swimming and relaxing. Also, who doesn’t like taking a boat to the Supper Club?

Q: What’s the most bizarre travel trend that you have encountered?

I had the flat, plastic hotel key card that we are all used to and kept trying to figure out where to insert it to open the door. Finally, I had housekeeping assist and they showed me you just had to touch it against the door and it unlocked. I spent a half hour trying to get into my room, as a guy just does not ask for help right away.

Q: Why should more people use travel agents to book their corporate or leisure travel?

Why wouldn’t you use a travel agent? Travel agents will put everything together for you and you can talk to them when you may have a situation. Plus, in most cases, the travel agent will get you a better value and/or price match what you see if they do not have it. They work with many reputable suppliers.

Q: If you hosted a dinner party for a couple who was visiting from out-of-town, what meal would you make for them that encompasses the local flavor of where you live?

I would probably have my wife make BBQ Chicken - as we are in Chicago and BBQ is popular and it is NOT smoked.