Montecito Village Travel

Montecito Village Travel Santa Barbara's first and premier Virtuoso Agency specializing in luxury travel, luxury cruises, adventure travel, custom travel and much more!
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Montecito Village Travel has grown from a local agency on the Southern California coast to a nationwide network of top travel agents serving travelers all over the world.We’ve spent half a century building relationships with the best global travel partners. These relationships are our secret — they’re what allow our expert agents to create unique, memorable itineraries for clients with deals and p

erks they won’t find anywhere else.MVT agents handle every facet of travel planning for every kind of traveler — cruisers, explorers, beachcombers, experiential travelers, corporate travelers, and everyone in between.

When worlds collide at Virtuoso Travel Week- magic happens! ✨ these are just a few highlights from this week & it’s not ...
08/14/2024

When worlds collide at Virtuoso Travel Week- magic happens! ✨ these are just a few highlights from this week & it’s not over yet! Thank you to everyone who has shared their time with us connecting over luxury travel & experiences

The wait is over—Virtuoso Travel Week has officially begun! We're thrilled to announce that MVT has an unparalleled pres...
08/10/2024

The wait is over—Virtuoso Travel Week has officially begun!

We're thrilled to announce that MVT has an unparalleled presence at this year's Virtuoso Travel Week, with our dedicated MVT team and nearly 100 MVT advisors in attendance. This outstanding representation makes MVT the best-represented host agency at the event!

Our participation in Virtuoso Travel Week underscores our commitment to excellence and our passion for redefining the travel experience.

Stay tuned for updates as we connect, collaborate, and celebrate the incredible world of luxury travel. Here's to a week of inspiration and innovation!

This week, MVT's top producers returned from a reserve trip hosted by Bennett + Mercado. The trip included adventures to...
07/19/2024

This week, MVT's top producers returned from a reserve trip hosted by Bennett + Mercado. The trip included adventures to Nayara Alto Atacama and Nayara Hangaroa.

Nestled in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert, Nayara Alto Atacama offered an immersive experience with its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural encounters. They indulged in guided tours that took them through stunning salt flats, geysers, and ancient archeological sites, all while enjoying luxurious accommodations that seamlessly blended with the natural surroundings.

After that, the journey continued to the mystical Easter Island, where Nayara Hangaroa welcomed them with its rich history and vibrant local culture. The resort's strategic location allows guests to explore the iconic Moai statues and rugged coastlines, enriching travelers' understanding of this remote island's heritage. Both destinations provided a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, making the trip an incomparable experience.

One of the trip's highlights included the Bennett + Mercado-hosted givebacks, where MVT advisors could support the communities they visited. During their visit to Nayara Alta Atacama in San Pedro, Chile, our group donated supplies and money to Munay, a Montessori school in San Pedro. When they visited Easter Island and stayed at Nayara Hangaroa, they spent time in Rapa Nui, where they visited a children's home with more supplies and donations.

Time spent at places like Nayara Alto Atacama and Nayara Hangaroa serves as a reminder that travel extends beyond just seeing new places; it also involves appreciating and supporting the people who make these locations unique. This trip highlighted the profound impact that thoughtful, community-focused travel can have on visitors and residents alike.

Day-dreaming of where East meets West; Turkey tops bucket-lists for many reasons & Karavan Turkey is our trusted tour co...
07/17/2024

Day-dreaming of where East meets West; Turkey tops bucket-lists for many reasons & Karavan Turkey is our trusted tour company for Istanbul & beyond. Highlights include: ballooning over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys & the beach escape of Bodrum. Ask an MVT advisor about all of Karavan's magical itineraries in Turkey.

We often appreciate travel for its incredible ability to teach people the importance of inclusivity and empathy. That’s ...
07/15/2024

We often appreciate travel for its incredible ability to teach people the importance of inclusivity and empathy. That’s why we value partners like Bennett + Mercado Hospitality who provide opportunities to connect with local culture and contribute to the communities they visit.

During our exclusive reserve trip to Nayara Resorts Alta Atacama in San Pedro, Chile, our group donated supplies and money to Munay, a Montessori school in San Pedro. The school needs various educational materials that align with its educational approach.

About the trip:
Our MVT Top Hotel Producers and MVT president, Robin Sanchez (CTIE), are exploring Chile and the Easter Islands. They are visiting Nayara Alto Atacama and Nayara Easter Island, where they are learning how to make the most of client travel and how to give back where they visit.

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime with Princess Cruises' irresistible Limited Time Offer! You'll enjoy a generous 35% d...
05/14/2024

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime with Princess Cruises' irresistible Limited Time Offer! You'll enjoy a generous 35% discount on your booking, ensuring exceptional savings for your dream cruise. But that's not all – as a bonus, the offer includes a complimentary passage for third and fourth guests, making it the perfect opportunity for families and friends to set sail together without breaking the bank.

Explore the Sun Princess, Princess Cruises' newest addition, and embark on a journey of unparalleled luxury and innovation.

River cruises offer stunning views of the landscapes along the riverbanks, including picturesque villages, historic cast...
05/13/2024

River cruises offer stunning views of the landscapes along the riverbanks, including picturesque villages, historic castles, and lush vineyards. River cruises can take you to destinations that are not easily accessible by other means of transportation, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.

Discover the beauty of Danube River cruises through Europe's iconic cities. Explore off-the-beaten-path locations and experience the magic of Christmas markets on a luxury river cruise. Book now for unforgettable memories.

Thailand: where the smiles are as plentiful as the pad thai! 🌶️✈️
05/08/2024

Thailand: where the smiles are as plentiful as the pad thai! 🌶️✈️

What time is it in Thailand? It's probably time to eat. Explore the vast regions, flavors, and people of Thailand, the land of smiles.

Happy Earth Day 🌎 from the Mayan Village of Nuevo Durango recently visited by MVT’s President’s Club Ultra members  wher...
04/23/2024

Happy Earth Day 🌎 from the Mayan Village of Nuevo Durango recently visited by MVT’s President’s Club Ultra members where we met with inspiring leaders of sustainability efforts in the local ecosystems. We are proud to partner with The House of Aia who make sustainable & thoughtful travel a reality.

Explore Japan with us: where old traditions and modern wonders blend beautifully. Discover ancient temples, bustling cit...
04/01/2024

Explore Japan with us: where old traditions and modern wonders blend beautifully. Discover ancient temples, bustling cities, and stunning gardens. Dive into a world of culture and innovation. 🇯🇵✈️

We're excited to announce the introduction of our President's Club Elite members, a newly established tier to honor the ...
02/09/2024

We're excited to announce the introduction of our President's Club Elite members, a newly established tier to honor the top 3% of advisors affiliated with Montecito Village Travel. This is an impressive feat that we are thrilled to introduce for the first time.

In 2024, we experienced remarkable growth, soaring from $325 million in sales to an astounding $400 million. This thriving success led us to create three distinct tiers within our President's Club: P Club, P Club Elite & P Club Ultra.

Thank you to all our dedicated advisors who continue to raise the bar in the travel industry. Here's to continued growth and success in 2025 and beyond! 🌍✈️🏆

https://go.montecitovillagetravel.com/3Sxb7ks

🌟Congratulations to our President's Club Ultra members! 🌟 As the top 1% of all MVT advisors, your dedication and passion...
02/08/2024

🌟Congratulations to our President's Club Ultra members! 🌟 As the top 1% of all MVT advisors, your dedication and passion set an unparalleled standard of excellence. With over 800 independent affiliates, this accomplishment is truly remarkable. Your dedication fuels us, your trust humbles us.

Keep inspiring, keep achieving! You're not just advisors, you're trailblazers. Here's to more victories together! 🥂

02/03/2024

At Montecito Village Travel, we understand that true luxury lies in experiences tailored to your preferences and dreams. Our travel advisors go beyond the ordinary to ensure every trip is perfectly planned, from idyllic getaways to adventurous explorations. As a proud member of the exclusive Virtuoso network, we leverage our global connections to provide VIP treatment at the world’s finest hotels, resorts, spas, and cruise lines.

02/03/2024

Transform your travel dreams into reality with personalized planning from our travel experts. From luxury hotels to unique experiences, we ensure every detail is perfect. Let Montecito Village Travel elevate your next trip.

Can you believe January is almost over already? Here is some insight into the travel trends for this year- like the newe...
01/30/2024

Can you believe January is almost over already? Here is some insight into the travel trends for this year- like the newest faraway White Lotus destination!

Faraway islands of Azores, Portugal or new White Lotus destination of Thailand & luggage trends to carry-on in the new year. Let yourself go with MVT.

Hello gorgeous~ it's wave season again. Catch the best savings of the year on luxury & family friendly cruises before it...
01/29/2024

Hello gorgeous~ it's wave season again. Catch the best savings of the year on luxury & family friendly cruises before it's over.

Wave hello to this year's exclusive offers

Catch the 81st Grand Prix in style at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Take a look at all the upcoming events in Monaco and bey...
01/28/2024

Catch the 81st Grand Prix in style at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Take a look at all the upcoming events in Monaco and beyond.

Hotel spotlight on Los Angeles, California

When your friends ask you “What are you doing this weekend” and you forgot to tell them you will be in Mexico 🇲🇽 again. ...
01/14/2024

When your friends ask you “What are you doing this weekend” and you forgot to tell them you will be in Mexico 🇲🇽 again.

📍Cabo

We are thrilled to announce that we are a finalist for the 2024 Virtuoso Awards. Montecito Village Travel is honored to ...
12/26/2023

We are thrilled to announce that we are a finalist for the 2024 Virtuoso Awards. Montecito Village Travel is honored to be a finalist in not one but three award categories: Top Producing Cruise Member, Top Producing Tour Member & Top Producing Specialty Member.

Thank you to those who support us throughout the year. We look forward to elevating your travel experience in the future.

Last week we posted our 2023 recap and as promised, are here with all our travel trend predictions for 2024.According to...
12/19/2023

Last week we posted our 2023 recap and as promised, are here with all our travel trend predictions for 2024.

According to a recent study by Hilton, travelers across generations are more in tune with wellness and health, which means we expect more bookings across wellness destinations through 2024.

The cruising demographic keeps getting younger, plus a recent CLIA study found 88% of Millennials who have cruised would cruise again.

Culture and experiences continue to drive the market. Hilton's recent study shows 47% of travelers will prioritize exploration and adventure. Where are you going in 2024?

Read more on our blog

Faraway islands of Azores, Portugal or new White Lotus destination of Thailand & luggage trends to carry-on in the new year. Let yourself go with MVT.

Check out the recent episode of Travelpreneur, where host, Megha McSwain explores the fascinating journey of Connie Mill...
12/12/2023

Check out the recent episode of Travelpreneur, where host, Megha McSwain explores the fascinating journey of Connie Miller, CTIE, MVT's Chief Relationship Officer & Business Development Officer. The conversation delves into Connie’s diverse background in the travel industry, from administrative roles to corporate travel management, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of the business.

Explore the trajectory of Connie Miller at Your Travel Center, as she shares pivotal moments shaping her journey in the Travel Agency Success.

12/06/2023

Every holiday season, MVT hosts parties to celebrate our staff and advisors. 2023 has been another excellent year for our advisors and partners alike.

MVT became a Forbes-endorsed agency this year and partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to bring the new Fifth Avenue Club private shopping experience live in NY, Beverly Hills & Miami. MVT/YTC has seen 38% sales growth year over year. We received a Magellan Award for our DMC program and happily host 700+ advisors.

We currently have Advisors in 45 different states two different countries.

Leisure Travel has also had an incredible year overall, with an impressive 25% year-over-year-to-date growth between 2022 and 2023.

Hot spots to travel in 2023 in order of most traveled to least: London, Cancun, Paris, Orlando, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Dublin.

⭐ Stay tuned for an update next week on what trends we expect for 2024 travel. ⭐

Have you ever been confused by carry-on luggage requirements? With lost luggage, overweight fees, and endless frustratio...
11/27/2023

Have you ever been confused by carry-on luggage requirements? With lost luggage, overweight fees, and endless frustration, it can feel like carry-on luggage is the only way to go. Check out our recent blog for all the luggage details you'll need this holiday season.

The best carry-on luggage to take with you when the wheels are up. Pack your bags and let an MVT travel advisor do the rest!

Give the gift of travel with the year's best savings. We are loving deals from:⭐ Silversea Cruises⭐ Joali Maldives⭐ Ritz...
11/21/2023

Give the gift of travel with the year's best savings. We are loving deals from:
⭐ Silversea Cruises
⭐ Joali Maldives
⭐ Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
⭐ Hurtigruten
⭐ Norwegian Cruise Lines
⭐ & more!

From airport transfers to local guides & travel tips, a travel advisor can offer insider knowledge and special perks when you book with MVT.

Discover some of the ocean's most iconic experiencesYear after year, our clients embark on some of the best experiences ...
11/10/2023

Discover some of the ocean's most iconic experiences

Year after year, our clients embark on some of the best experiences in ocean cruising. No matter the cruise line, each of our cruise partners has made their mark with itineraries beyond the call to adventure.

Welcome to a world where transformation is tradition. Here, you are immersed in your intention and expertly guided with ...
11/06/2023

Welcome to a world where transformation is tradition. Here, you are immersed in your intention and expertly guided with integral answers and sustainable practices to cultivate lasting change. Discover the world of well-being with a visit to Canyon Ranch.

Travel in a whole new way, and find yourself at Canyon Ranch - where health and wellness are priority. Go with MVT.

We have news…For years, Montecito Village Travel’s philosophy has been “we are only successful if our advisors are succe...
10/26/2023

We have news…

For years, Montecito Village Travel’s philosophy has been “we are only successful if our advisors are successful.” Due to that philosophy, MVT won a Magellan Gold Award in 2021 for outstanding crisis communication.

We are proud to announce that we received a second Magellan Gold Award this year for our recent work connecting our advisors to world-class DMCs.

Our new DMC program, Endless Luxury, was designed to streamline advisors’ time-intensive process of finding the best possible onsite for their clients. With the Endless Luxury program, our advisors can quickly find relevant DMCs and tour operators worldwide.

With DMCs in the Endless Luxury Program, advisors can quickly:
🎯 find suppliers that specialize in the destination and travel type

👯 understand who (and how many) advisors within the network have worked with them

🌴 know the primary focus of the partner

🛫 access relevant information to make a booking

As this program grew from its’ initial conception into a substantial advisor resource, we have realized its impressive impact throughout our community. We are grateful to our community for helping us make this project possible, and we can’t wait to show you future projects.

Thanks to Travel Weekly for the recognition.

10/13/2023

Our 'Diamonds in the Desert' annual conference concluded with an amazing awards ceremony. During the ceremony, MVT awarded Celebrity Cruises with the Best Premium Cruise Line of the Year.

Katina Athanasiou-Soy, the SVP of Sales at Celebrity Cruises, expressed gratitude to MVT and all our advisors for the recognition with the video below.

We are grateful for our fantastic partnership and incredible friends at Celebrity Cruises.

It is day two of our annual conference, Diamonds in the Desert. We are networking in Scottsdale and loving the luxury of...
09/22/2023

It is day two of our annual conference, Diamonds in the Desert. We are networking in Scottsdale and loving the luxury of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
The best parts so far?
⭐ A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Sonoran Desert
⭐ Giving back at the Scottsdale Wildlife Preserve
⭐ Learning about incorporating AI into businesses of all sizes at our Opening Session
⭐ Catching up on MVT/YTC's core numbers (like our 38% sales growth year over year)
⭐ An incredible Welcome Party with fireworks to cap off the evening!

Imagine sailing the Skagerrak straight and discovering the Kattegat Sea on one of the most luxurious ships in the world....
08/30/2023

Imagine sailing the Skagerrak straight and discovering the Kattegat Sea on one of the most luxurious ships in the world. As you travel from one port to another in northern Europe, you will be amazed by the sights and experiences that await you.

The Regent Seven Seas' unrivaled experience is one of the most exquisite experiences in the ocean.

Address

3329 State St
Santa Barbara, CA
93105

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Our Story

Montecito Village Travel, Santa Barbara's first & premier Virtuoso travel agency was established in 1972. Our affiliation with Virtuoso gives us the buying power, contacts and technology that offers the best value in the industry. For travelers who depend on experts, Virtuoso travel advisers design customized travel using the resources available exclusively through the Virtuoso Network. We can negotiate better rates with cruise and tour companies, hotels, car rental companies and airlines and thus offer you unbeatable travel offers and discounts.

Our travel consultants are highly qualified & also extremely experienced travelers. Depending on your needs, you will be directed to an expert who knows your destination well & can provide you with guidance that can prevent you from common pitfalls and give you useful tips on how you can best fulfill your travel expectations. With over 40 years in the travel business, we have evolved into a powerful host agency for Independent Contractors. Through the latest marketing and technological strategies and our affiliation with top tier travel management and consulting agencies, we now offer unique opportunities to partner with outside agents. Montecito Village Travel offers the following for Partner Agencies & Independent Contractors: Multiple GDS Systems to choose from $125 start up fee (refunded once sales goals are met) Industry High Vendor commissions paid accurately each month by direct deposit Exclusive Vendor Pricing Upfront commissions with many airlines Premium Preferred relationships with Cruise and Tour companies (commissions up to 22%) Co-op marketing dollars available to you Access to multiple consortiums (value added benefits for you and your clients) Support from a dedicated management team Weekly and Monthly reporting Access to the leading edge of technology (QC Programs, Corporate Reporting, On-line Booking Engine, Clientbase Plus) One on one personalized training Exclusive Fam Trips Networking opportunites with over 200 independent contractors As a Partner Agency, you're no longer on your own. The only thing that will change is your bottom line, which in turn leaves you with more profits and more time to do what you do best—serve your clients. Increase your revenues/profits with our high vendor commissions Upfront commissions with many airlines Reduce your over head costs by alleviating your ARC Bond, Errors & Omissions insurance, GDS Fees, Consortium Fees, and other operational costs Support from a dedicated management team to assist with all your needs Access to the leading edge of technology (QC Programs, Corporate Reporting, On-line Booking Engine, Clientbase Plus) Co-op marketing dollars available to you Networking opportunities with leading industry professionals