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Ilbra Yacoob

Encino, California Travel Agent
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Ilbra Yacoob

Ilbra Yacoob

Encino, California Travel Agent
Travel Leaders
12 Reviews | 100% Recommended
If you see the text box to the right do not fill it in
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Luxury Africa & Cultural Immersive Travel Advisor

My expertise and passion lie in creating immersive and luxury experiences that take you to the heart and soul of your destination. Africa, the second largest continent, continues to draw me in. Of its 54 countries, I have travelled to 11. Each time I return I am more blissful and allured by its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes that are unmatched. I find great joy in helping my clients discover and appreciate the many fascinating cultures of Africa and the world, while having their senses recalibrated.

My Travel Specialties

A Life of Travel, Adventure, and Culinary Arts

We all have a destiny and mine was written at an early age…to be a Global Citizen and an Ambassador for Cultures through Food and Travel. I am ILbra Yacoob, the founder of An Appetite for Travel, LLC, and a proud affiliate of Protravel International, that designs one-of-a-kind experiences ... Read more from my A Life of Travel, Adventure, and Culinary Arts bio.

Food & Wine Travel Expert

I am not your usual travel agent. With a  background in the food and wine industry, I bring a unique perspective to travel planning and have become an expert in getting to the heart of a culture through food and wine. My ... Read more from my Food & Wine Travel Expert 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.

My Travel Stories

African Safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Seaside in Sozopol
My World Travels

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.

Discovering Panama

Before I became a travel agent, my partner and I had considered an active adventure travel to Costa Rica. We wanted to experience its rain and cloud forests. Someone had suggested that we could have a less expensive and less touristy experience in Panama, and so we started looking into it.

Not ... Read more from my Discovering Panama story.

My Reviews

Rating: 5 12 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Great as usual!

Reviewed By Tony - Los Angeles | Traveled to Mexico
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
51 of 67 people found this review helpful
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Travel magic!

Reviewed By Needy traveler - Los Angeles | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
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
68 of 104 people found this review helpful
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Once in a lifetime experience

Reviewed By Goby - Costa Mesa, CA | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Detailed with 5 star follow up and communication throughout the entire process.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
69 of 106 people found this review helpful
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The best of Scotland, planned to perfection.

Reviewed By AJB - Dallas Texas | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
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
60 of 95 people found this review helpful
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Dream Vacation

Reviewed By Happy Traveler - Palm Desert CA | Traveled to Africa
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
41 of 63 people found this review helpful
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Incredible Greece vacation! Best trip yet!

Reviewed By Anthony G. - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
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
49 of 79 people found this review helpful
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Memorable Trip

Reviewed By R&C - Los Angeles | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
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
47 of 76 people found this review helpful
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BEST TRAVEL AGENT

Reviewed By LP27 - Goodland, Kansas | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
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
38 of 61 people found this review helpful
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Greece getaway

Reviewed By EDS - Culver City, CA | Traveled to Athens ~ Greece ~ Europe
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
46 of 77 people found this review helpful
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Why Use A Travel Agent

Reviewed By FinallyRetired - Indio CA | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
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
36 of 62 people found this review helpful
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A perfect trip!

Reviewed By LP - CT | Traveled to India ~ Central Asia
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
10 of 18 people found this review helpful
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A Sip of France !

Reviewed By Paris, Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux - Los Angles | Traveled to France ~ Europe
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
22 of 46 people found this review helpful
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.