Pam started working at Gadabout Travel in 1987 and became the owner in 2000. August 27, 2025 will mark the 25th Anniversary under the ownership of Pam Carroll.
Favorite Tropical Destination: “Hawaii, but for a quick easy weekend of sun – Cancun or Riviera Maya!”
Favorite International Destination: “Ireland of course! Italy is a close second. I just discovered a new favorite Alvor in Portugal”.
Travel Tip: “Don’t put off taking that bucket list trip! You won’t regret it – time flies!”
Get to know the original owner of Gadabout, Rose! Originally from Belmullet, Ireland, she founded Gadabout Travel in 1975.
Favorite Destination: “South Africa and then Alaska!”
Fun Fact: Rose and her husband were on the same cruise as the 1985 Chicago Bears Team. Walter Peyton was onboard the ship and Rose and her husband were able to visit and take pictures!
Meet Marie! She was also a previous owner of Gadabout Travel.
Favorite Cruise Destination: “This is a hard one! I love the Greek Island itinerary! There are no bad islands plus there are no bad cruises! Especially when you have an expert like Gadabout advising you on your cruise”.
Favorite Overall Destination: Alvor in the Algarve (Portugal)
Rosario has been with Gadabout Travel for 18 years (Dec 2025)
Area of Expertise: Destination Weddings and Spanish Speaking Destinations
Favorite Tropical Destination: Grand Cayman Islands
Favorite International Destination: “Italy! I went with my family to Rome & Venice with Globus and we LOVED it!”
Travel Tip: “Make the best of your trip and enjoy it, as it was long-awaited with the planning. I feel like I make new friends when we get new clients. Every one of our clients is just so nice!”
Melissa has been a part of the Gadabout Team for 5 years.
Area of Expertise: “I am the Disney Expert here in the office, but I know so much more than Disney now 
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.”Favorite Tropical Destination: Jamaica
Favorite International Destination: “London, Paris & Amsterdam – the Eurostar makes it so easy to see all in one trip!”
Travel Tip: “Travel insurance is a must! And don’t sweat the little things, just enjoy your trip and leave the rest to us 
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Meet Helena! She has been a Travel Agent with Gadabout for 2 years!
Favorite Tropical Destination: Hawaii
Favorite International Destination: Poland and Spain
Felicia has been part of the Gadabout Team for 14 years!
Favorite Tropical Destination: Dominican Republic
Favorite International Destination: “This is a tough one between Dublin, Ireland and Paris, France! I went with my cousin and we loved both places”.
Travel Tip: “If you can, extend your stay – you will wish you had one more night (or two) on that vacation!”.
One of our Travel Agents and one of Pam’s daughters.
“Being part of Gadabout Travel has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the family-owned business, travel was always around me—and I’m proud to still be involved today”.
Area of Expertise in Travel: “I assist with the office’s destination weddings – Having planned my own destination wedding, I know how meaningful (and detailed!) the process can be. Now, as a mom, I also love exploring and recommending family-friendly resorts that make traveling with kids both fun and stress-free”.
Favorite Tropical Destination: Maui, Hawaii
Favorite International Destination: Lake Como, Italy
Travel Tip or Advice: “Go for the destination wedding! A week-long celebration with your closest family and friends in a beautiful place is an experience you’ll never forget—it’s 100% worth it”.
Meet Lisa! One of Pam’s daughters and a Travel Agent at Gadabout
How long have you been with Gadabout Travel? “Unofficially, like 30 years but “officially” in 2009 when I was in college”.
Area of Expertise: Group travel! Such as birthday, bachelor/bachelorette, family reunions and girls trips.
Favorite Tropical Destination:
“I know it sounds basic, but I love Cancun!!!
It’s a short, nonstop flight. it’s so close to the Cancun airport. The weather is always gorg! It’s cheap. it’s safe.It’s the perfect easy Chicago winter getaway”.
Favorite International Destination: “Florence, Italy! It is so SO much fun. It’s full of history, it’s very accessible, the food is AMAZING, and there are so many things to do, learn and explore!”
Travel Tip or Advice:
“(1) Always know where your passport is so it doesn’t get lost!
(2) Make sure it isn’t expired!
(3) If you’re able, Global Entry is the best $100 you’ll ever spend”.
