Tom Diecks

Tom is the founder and owner of Greater Pittsburgh Travel, established in 1986.  He has been in the travel industry since 1979.  Tom has extensive experience in all phases of the travel agency industry, and has traveled to many destinations around the world, especially the Caribbean.  Some of his favorite destinations include; Caribbean, Jamaica, Aruba, Cancun and Riviera Maya, Cuba, St. Maarten, Mexico, USA locations of  South Beach Florida, San Francisco California, New York City New York, and Alaska . His most favorite destinations include destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean, specifically, Italy, Ireland, and Europe River Cruises.

Tom has  escorted groups including a Destination Wedding group of 65+ people to Cancun. Others include China, Taipei, Italy, Ireland, Cancun, San Francisco, and an amazing tour of Cuba.

 Tom recently returned from a group river cruise with pre nights in Lucerne and post nights in Amsterdam. The cruise itinerary with Avalon Waterways included ports on the Rhine river, through Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands.

[Recent Personal Travel Blog]

"I recently returned from escorting a group through Europe on a land and river cruise tour. The tour began in beautiful Lucerne Switzerland. Lucerne is a city with postcard views, quaint streets that are easy to walk around, and very good restaurants. Be sure to plan an excursion to Mt. Pilatus, followed by a lake cruise. The group next boarded an Avalon River cruise ship, the Tranquility II in Basel Switzerland for a Northern Rhine River cruise. River cruises are an excellent way to experience parts of Europe, at a very leisurely pace. The sailing was so smooth you didn't realize you were moving. The ship and cabins were excellent, the food was fantastic, and the service was first class. The stops along the way were Breisach Germany, Strasbourg France, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz and Cologne Germany. Along the way you are able to view the castles and vineyards while going through the Rhine Gorge. The last stop, and end of the cruise was Amsterdam, where the group stayed two additional nights. What an interesting city. Amsterdam is like New Orleans on triple steroids! Fantastic restaurants, great shopping, and plenty of partying opportunities. In addition, many museums and historical sites.

All in all a great trip, and all made it home safely.

Tom's most recent escorted group tour highlight was to Italy and the Amalfi Coast.

Tom is an active owner and can be found most days behind his desk.  He is involved in charitable organizations including Exceptional Athletes of the Robinson Township Girls Softball League.  Tom is also a board member for  Cribs for Kids, and Partners for Quality.  

Stay tuned for highlights of upcoming trips planned in 2020...
  
tdiecks@greaterpittsburghtravel.com

Trish Kramer

Trish has 40 years of experience in the travel industry.  She has been with Greater Pittsburgh Travel since August of 2011 and plays an active role as a Travel Consultant.  Trish started her career in travel during the summer following her high school graduation. She has extensive group and meeting travel planning experience to compliment her leisure travel skills. 

Trish has traveled to many exciting places such as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Hawaii, Bermuda, Paris, Germany, Canary Islands, The Bahamas, and many other Caribbean islands.  Her favorite vacations are Hawaii, Bermuda, Caribbean Cruises and Las Vegas

tkramer@greaterpittsburghtravel.com

Traci Elder

Traci has worked in the travel industry for 25 years.  She started her career in travel one week after graduating with high honors from the Boyd School in the winter of 1985.  She has extensive corporate travel planning, along with working with VIP’s of several different companies and conducting travel seminars. 

Traci has traveled to places around the world including Hawaii, London, Ireland, St. Thomas, Cancun, The Bahamas and many more. Traci is also looking forward to traveling to Belize at sometime in the near future.

telder@greaterpittsburghtravel.com

Lindley Diecks

Travel has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember! I have been lucky enough to travel to various places all over the world and I love to help my clients plan their dream vacations. I have extensive knowledge of the Disney brand and All-Inclusive vacations. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World for their Travel Agent Education Program and I am now the Disney Specialist at Greater Pittsburgh Travel!

Whenever you book your magical Disney Vacation through me I am able to help with resort recommendations, activating your Disney account, dining reservations, magic band customization, FastPass+ selections and much more! I had clients who booked a last minute Disney trip and wanted to leave within two weeks. I was able to confirm hard to get reservations for them at Cinderella's Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Chef Mickey's!

Some of my favorite destinations I have had the opportunity to visit are:

• Disney World
• Italy
• London
• Cancun
• Ireland
• Jamaica

I recently took a motorcoach tour throughout Italy and I was blown away by this beautiful country. I took a pizza making class in Florence, toured the Colosseum by entering through the same gates that the Gladiators used, enjoyed dinner at a working Tuscan vineyard, was serenaded on a gondola in Venice, and ended the trip at a hilltop hotel in Assisi that provided panoramic views of the Italian countryside. It was a once in a lifetime experience filled with great food, wine, and friendly Italian locals!

My certifications include:

• Disney College of Knowledge
• AMResorts Master Agent
• Universal Orlando Resort Specialist
• Certified Sandals Specialist
• Jamaica Travel Specialist
• Iberoster Destination Wedding Specialist
• Globus Tour Expert
• Monograms Booking Agent
• Avalon Waterways Agent

ldiecks@greaterpittsburghtravel.com