“We are getting ready to leave for London. This will be our 4th trip with Michael Baker. Once you sign up, he takes care of everything. Mike will inform you of every aspect of the trip and does everything except fly the plane.”
Rocky & Sandy
gravel007@netzero.net
“Growing up, my dream was to travel to other countries. I never really thought I would get the opportunity, finances and all. Well, I met these wonderful people, who became my friends and as an extra benefit it turned out, one of them (Michael Baker) was planning a group vacation to London. My husband and I took the “opportunity” and signed up. Michael worked out a payment schedule so it was paid off before the trip, with no hassle. We had a fantastic time. The price was right, the timing was right and all the arrangements were made. The following year we signed up for Dublin, Ireland. With Michael Baker all you need is a budget, a plan and off you go. No schedules to tie you down while you are there, no pressure. We are planning Zurich and then who knows!! My dream is coming true, one trip at a time!!! Thanks Michael!!! See you soon..!!”
CQuinn
cquinn@firstam.com
“I have been on two trips (London and Dublin) planned and organized by Mike Baker. Both experiences were enjoyable and affordable. I remain satisfied with his ability to plan and organize a trip for a large number of people while keeping things affordable. If you have not traveled before a Mike Baker trip is recommended. He keeps the travelers well informed of airline restrictions/requirements and other travel information including suggested sights of the city you are visiting. If you are an experienced traveler as I am, it’s wonderful to rely on someone else to take care of the details. Although the trips are organized as a group, once you arrive at your destination you are free to do what you want. There are no group restrictions or time limits that may prohibit you from seeing all the attractions you desire to see.
Thanks Mike!”
Kelli Beltran
Brea, CA
If you wish to contact me directly regarding my experiences please e-mail me at: kelbeltran@yahoo.com
“To any and all interested in travel;
Go with Mike Baker if at all possible. Mr. Baker proved to be a wonderful “travel-guy” and provided my wife and I with much more than we expected on our trip to Ireland. The man fully researches places you will want to see by personally visiting himself, in advance. All hotel, side-excursions, transportation is all set. He will ensure you will have your questions answered well in advance of your trip by providing an informal meeting at their home.”
Feel free to contact us if you like for more information.
Sincerely,
Pat and Kathy
tucksmith@msn.com
“I went on the Dublin trip this past year and had a blast. It was my first time going to Europe and getting there was painless and hassle free. I met great people on the trip and now we are all taking the London trip together! Micheal puts all the information together for you and yet you have the freedom to do what ever you want. This is a great way to begin your exploration for Europe and I would especially recommend it for any first timers who have the desire to go, but don’t know how to take the next step. All I can say is” Do it! You won’t regret it!””
Karen Bartenstein
“I have been traveling with the “Travel Guy” for 4 years. Each year just gets better and better. Michael is an extremely organized person. I have to say I am completely relaxed when I know he is taking care of all the details.
I must admit I wasn’t so comfortable when I took my first trip. I had never met Michael and was told about the trip by a friend. Here I was, sending money to a man I had never met! After I met him at our information meeting I was impressed and completely comfortable. Michael covers EVERY possible aspect of the trip.
I went to London three times and then to Dublin. This year we are going to London again. Next year is Zurich. I’ll go wherever he goes! I have the utmost of confidence in him.
I know he considers organizing these trips a hobby, but he puts a lot of time into making sure the trip is enjoyable for everyone. he wants to share his love of traveling to Europe with as many people as possible.
If you’re a bit nervous about traveling this is a wonderful way to start. Thanks to Michael I am living out my dream of travel.”
If you would like to contact me to get more info, I can be reached at
1sandib@sbcglobal.net
“I am proud to call myself a card carrying member of The Baker Dozen (pun intended). I had never been on a group trip before and frankly, hadn’t considered it because of the horror stories I had heard. A friend of mine is/was a card carrying member of The Baker dozen and encouraged me to sign up to go to Rome. I had the time of my life!
I have been all over Europe with Michael my fellow Baker Dozen travelers. I have made life long friends, including and especially Michael.
I couldn’t be more eager to recommend Michael to any prospective traveler, globe trotter.”
Jennifer
Hey everybody, my friend Oliver Pondhopper(aka Michael Baker), is taking a group to London next April. I went with him in March of this year. Spring is a fabulous time of year to go. The weather is nice and cool (which I would love right about now), the crowds are small, and the spring flowers are in bloom. It’s just beautiful. This last trip was my 4th trip with him just to London. It is a special place, and I highly recommend visiting. There is so much history in this county that is just awe inspiring to see. In addition to London, I have also traveled with him to Ireland, Germany, Italy (3 times) and Greece. My first trip with him was to Dublin in 2003. I didn’t even know him at the time. Just saw a notice on the bulletin board at work that said: Travel with us: make easy monthly payments (the trip is paid in full before you go), travel as a group, stay as a group, but you are free to do what you want when you get there. I thought, I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland, why not. So, I signed up! He put together some amazing side trips (that you can join or not). I joined them all and saw places I probably would never have seen. He does this for every country he travels to. Such a fun and great way to see the country. As you can see, I love traveling with Michael. He does all the work of scheduling flights, getting the hotel, transfers to and from the airport and putting together the awesome side trips! That’s a lot of work that you don’t have to do! And he’s a really nice guy 
. Life is too short to put off traveling!!!
Karen G.
My first international trip was in 2015…to Italy. I traveled with friends on a tour led by Oliver Pondhopper (aka Michael Baker). It was so much fun….I highly recommend touring with him. His tours offer affordability and flexibility often missing from most group tours. He is a very experienced traveler, and I look forward to traveling with his group again soon.
Monique F.
Recommendation: From Dian G.
If you’re thinking of traveling to Europe please check out Michael Baker’s website travel143.com. I have gone on 5 trips with Michael and he never disappoints. His trips are reasonably priced and side trips are always amazing. He does all the work including hotels and transportation. Plus he lets you pay monthly so when you leave your trip is paid. Also he always manages to have a great group of people on your trip. I’m hopeful to travel with him again soon. Check out his upcoming trips and you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Michael for everything you do for all of us. Happy Travels 
Michael, we would like to express our gratitude on our trip to Barcelona, Spain. We didn’t know what to expect, but Michael made us feel very comfortable with his orientation of the trip. Michael is very organized in organizing excursions, tours hotel stays , group tours dinners etc. We enjoyed the many sights including La segrada familia church. High speed bullet train to Madrid. Montserrat was our favorite tour ride on the bus. The international airports can be confusing, Michael was very patient in keeping the group together. I can’t wait to go on the next trip with Michael’s group. With the group that went to Barcelona we made memories and friends forever. Thank you.
Ruben M.
Michael has the gift of when he’s talking to you: you feel that you are the only person in the room and what you are saying is important
Janie H.
RECOMMENDATION:
Michael Baker handles all the details so the traveler gets to see the sights and enjoy an international locality with minimum stress or worry. Each trip is handled with flight, connections to and from hotel, and hotel stay included. Optional excursions can be purchased by group members. The excursions are always unique cultural or scenic tours, with local guides who can explain local customs, history, and many fascinating facts. Optional tours are priced affordably, in comparison to tour prices by local entities that advertise in the hotel lobby. Michael goes on every tour, ensuring that you get everything advertised in the promotional email. He handles all the crises, if a hotel doesn’t allow bus access, if an event is rained out and alternative travel must be determined, if the flight is delayed, and more. Travel with Michael Baker is one of the most wonderfully managed group travel opportunities and should be considered as #1 by everyone.
Sue B.
Traveling with travel143.com was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Mr. Baker and his team streamlined the often arduous task of reserving both airfare and accommodation, and booking with a group also saved me a great deal of money. Along with the basic travel necessities, Travel143 supplemented the trip with interesting side trips and a wealth of knowledge only attainable through years of traveling experience. Overall, I would rate my experiences with Travel143 a 10/10 and will definitely be tagging along in the future.
Kevin
I have traveled with Michael Baker from Travel143.com many times. He does not disappoint. Fabulous fares with great payment plans, Hotels are always great with breakfast included. Michael Baker also puts together side trips that also do not disappoint. I won’t go on any other tours. I have always had a good time and Michael makes sure if you travel alone, you are taken care of.Like I said in the beginning, great airfares, hotels, side tours and a good amount of time for self discovery.You can not go wrong. Have great travels.
Jan H.
Michael is the best!! He is very informative and runs well organized trips. He offers a variety of side trips that you can choose from. Both Michael and Sophie are very fun to be around. We have been on 7 of his trips and look forward to many more.
Chuck P.
Oliver Pondhopper of travel143.com is a great way to expand your horizons by traveling to Europe. I have traveled to England with him twice with groups and he organizes everything taking the worry of traveling abroad. Give him a go! 