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12 Reviews | 100% RecommendedI am currently not accepting customer inquiries.
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Agency
Protravel International Encino
Destinations
Greece, Africa, Spain, Barcelona, Uganda, France, Italy, Panama, Bulgaria, Worldwide, Prague, Mexico
SPECIALTIES
Animals & Wildlife, Food & Wine, Arts & Culture, Adventure, Private Escorted Tours, Safari, Wine Country Vacations
Certificates & Awards
South Africa Specialist Certificate , Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist Program
Ilbra Yacoob
Encino, California Travel Agent
Luxury Culinary Travel Advisor
Connecting travelers with local culture and the land through their taste buds. There is a romance tied to every ingredient’s origin that should never go unnoticed. Whether you are a chef, a foodie or simply a traveler who wants to engage more deeply with the people of the places you travel, I can arrange luxury itineraries that include extraordinary and revealing culinary and wine travel experiences. My appreciation for the land also has led me to specialize in eco-tourism adventures.
Share my profile:
Travel Specialties
A Life of Travel, Adventure, and Culinary Arts
As a Travel Advisor, I specialize in Culinary, Cultural and Eco-tourism Adventures. My expertise and passion are in creating immersive and luxurious experiences that take you to the heart and soul of your destination.
Eleven years of experience in the gourmet food industry and a ...Read more from my A Life of Travel, Adventure, and Culinary Arts bio.
Exploring the World through its Spirits
Greece has its ouzo, Mexico has tequila and mezcal, France has its Calvados, and Japan has its sake. Each has traditions and rituals wrapped around it, so exploring the typical spirits of a region can take you right into the soul of a nation.
In Bulgaria, for example, Rakia is ...Read more from my Exploring the World through its Spirits bio.
Certificates & Awards
South Africa Specialist Certificate
Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist Program
Travel Experiences
Photo and Videos
African Safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Seaside in Sozopol
My World Travels
Travel Stories
The Magnificent Uganda
Uganda is a country dear to my heart and one that should not be overlooked, for its breathtaking beauty and loving people are so captivating! Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is nestled in the heart of East Africa with the most welcoming people, diverse landscape boasting majestic mountains, serene ...Read more from my The Magnificent Uganda story.
Gastronomic journey through Asturias, Spain
DAY 1- WELCOME TO ASTURIAS!
As our plane descended from the hour-long flight from Madrid, our aerial view became greener by every drop in elevation. We arrived in what is known as Green Spain, Asturias. Given the small size of Gijón Oviedo Airport (OVD), claiming our luggage, and renting a car was quick and easy.Just a 35-minute ...Read more from my Gastronomic journey through Asturias, Spain story.
Reviews
65 of 96 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Needy traveler - Los Angeles | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Travel magic!
Ilbra is an extraordinary professional with a wonderfully personal approach. I have used her for group travel for highly customized travel, solo travel, last minute plans, changes, domestic, international, Covid-related travel issues, middle of the night issues, and more. Truly, she's magical, comprehensive, and superbly competent! I challenge you to find something she can't figure out!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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66 of 100 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Goby - Costa Mesa, CA | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Once in a lifetime experience
Detailed with 5 star follow up and communication throughout the entire process.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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47 of 63 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Tony - Los Angeles | Traveled to Mexico
Great as usual!
Ilbra goes above and beyond beyond accommodating our needs, every single time! She's defiantly not sell it and forget it kind of agent. Love her!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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59 of 93 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By AJB - Dallas Texas | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
The best of Scotland, planned to perfection.
Ilbra was outstanding from start to finish in planning our “guys trip” to Scotland. Even down to the smallest detail, everything was perfectly and thoughtfully planned. We could not have been happier, and we can’t wait to have her plan our next trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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48 of 73 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Anthony G. - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Incredible Greece vacation! Best trip yet!
This was truly the trips I have ever been on, from the incredible service from Ilbra to the perfectly planned hotels. The everything Ilbra provided went above and beyond expectations and I look forward to booking exclusively with her in the future!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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40 of 60 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Happy Traveler - Palm Desert CA | Traveled to Africa
Dream Vacation
I have utilized Ilbra’s services for years and could write a book, but I won’t. Suffice to say, she is the best.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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45 of 71 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By R&C - Los Angeles | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Memorable Trip
Ilbra helped us with our first Europe trip to Greece (Athens, Mykonos and Santorini). She was excellent to work with. She was extremely helpful and very detailed with her communication. She guided us throughout the process and gave us very helpful tips and advices to make our trip a pleasant experience. She really exceeded our expectations at every moment.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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36 of 57 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By LP27 - Goodland, Kansas | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
BEST TRAVEL AGENT
We had the most WONDERFUL time working with Ilbra. She was so kind and helpful in every way! She was reliable and quick to respond. While we were on our trip, she continued to assist us the entire time.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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44 of 73 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By EDS - Culver City, CA | Traveled to Athens ~ Greece ~ Europe
Greece getaway
Ilbra was professional and prompt. She planned our last minute trip to Europe and it was flawless. The itinerary and transportations she arranged made our vacation the most wonderful experience. Ilbra was always available for questions and very informative. Highly recommend her!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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34 of 58 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By FinallyRetired - Indio CA | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
Why Use A Travel Agent
A friend recently asked us, “why do you use a travel agent?” Travel is not what it used to be (and my travel desires have expanded). My simplest answer is “because things can go wrong!” Ilbra has an attention to detail and she follows up. She remains calm when we throw last minute issues or questions at her. She reaches out and provides amazing assistance. She found us the perfect trip when our cruise was canceled, after we had already arrived in South America. What could have been a nightmare turned into a dream come true.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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10 of 17 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By LP - CT | Traveled to India ~ Central Asia
A perfect trip!
Ilbra was such an asset to my trip planning. It was a daunting task traveling to India for our daughter's wedding and we wanted to make the best use of the time that we had there. She was responsive to all of my many emails, heard my requests and was patient with the changes I requested throughout the process. She was able to connect us to colleagues in India who provided reliable and impeccable service from picking us up at the airport to escorting us on private tours. Ilbra epitomizes professionalism and service and does it with the utmost grace and skill. I cannot recommend her more highly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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20 of 41 people found this review helpful
Reviewed By Paris, Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux - Los Angles | Traveled to France ~ Europe
A Sip of France !
Working with Ilbra was a first class experience from start to finish. She responded immediately to our inquiry and completed a basic itinerary to complete as we go. She has fabulous and her Virtuoso contacts were the top of Luxury. She has a positive attitude, was supportive and accessible throughout planning and during our entire 2 week trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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