For those of you who know me, you know I like to do my fair share of traveling around the globe. For years, I would succumb to the online travel sites who claim to know the ins and outs of every hotel on the planet, and can get the best deals for flights, car rentals, hotels, and the like. What is missing in these websites is personality, and one-on-one attention. I don’t think that little traveling gnome knows that I prefer to “rough it” when I travel, but enjoy certain little luxuries as well.
A little less than a year ago, I met Jennifer Coltrin (manager, leisure business development) and David de L’Arbre (owner) of Santa Barbara Travel Bureau. They have been wonderful to work with. In many cases, when I thought I was getting a good deal by shopping online for travel amenities, Santa Barbara Travel was able to beat their prices. Better yet, they took care of all the details I didn’t have time for, such as researching restaurants, area hiking trails where you could find amazing waterfalls, and airline seating that would guarantee I didn’t feel like a sardine. They have an outstanding network of contacts with airlines, hotels and just about any other facet of travel you could imagine, worldwide. Being in business since 1947 has given them the long-standing reputation of being among the best in the travel industry.
I recently turned Emily, our “Social Blogging Butterfly” onto their “Honeymoon Registry”, because she is getting married soon, and didn’t want to do the boring Department Store wedding registry. SB Travel is helping she and her fiancé plan every detail of their dream honeymoon, and the honeymoon registry will allow their friends and family to pitch in with the price.
Before you plan your next getaway, take a look at their services, and feel good about supporting a great locally owned company. I hope to see you at the airport.
Happy trails,
Michael Neville
