ABOUT TRAVEL TO ARRIVE

Our name reflects our philosophy: when we travel, we don’t just reach a destination; we arrive at a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, a greater insight into cultures, and a wealth of new knowledge and inspiration.

Professional travel agent and founder of An Appetite for Travel, Ilbra Yacoob in Delhi, India

Welcome! I'm Ilbra Yacoob, the founder of Travel To Arrive, a Los Angeles-based travel planning company dedicated to curating one-of-a-kind experiences worldwide.

Whether you want to enjoy a custom-tailored African safari bush dinner, embark on an off-the-beaten-track experience with remote indigenous tribes, relax in a rainforest lodge nestled within a coffee plantation in Panama, or experience the time-honored art of savoring fresh ciders in Spain’s Basque country, we’re here to help you create memories that last a lifetime.

Born in Tehran to Assyrian parents, I grew up embracing the pleasures that fuel my passion today: travel, culture, food, nature, and wildlife. I take great joy in helping others discover the world’s many fascinating cultures, guiding them to new perspectives and deeper connections. Every journey is meticulously designed to nourish your soul and ignite your passion for exploring our diverse and beautiful world.

  • "I have utilized Ilbra’s services for years and could write a book, but I won’t. Suffice to say, she is the best."

    Mary Z.
    Traveled to Africa

  • "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."

    Lexie S.
    Traveled to Dominican Republic

  • "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!"

    Eric S.
    Traveled to Greece

  • "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."

    Elizabeth P.
    Traveled to Peru

  • "Working with Ilbra was a first-class experience from start to finish. She responded immediately to our inquiry, and her Virtuoso contacts were the top of luxury. She has a positive attitude, was supportive and accessible throughout planning and during our entire two week trip."

    Jeanne B.
    Traveled to France

Travel agent Ilbra examining local produce at Nakasero Market in Kampala, Uganda
Mundari tribe cattle gathered at sunset in Juba by the Luri River in South Sudan
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with local safari guide at Grumeti Game Reserves in Tanzania
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob in front of a herd of elephants on safari in Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with local man selling orange flowers in Delhi, India
Hot air balloon safari at Grumeti Game Reserve in Tanzania
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with elephants on Kazinga Channel Cruise in Uganda
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob trekking in Rwanda, posing in front of Ndambarare waterfall
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with Masai Mara tribe in Kenya
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob enjoying a refreshing drink at sundown on safari at Grumeti Game Reserve in Tanzania
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob in Jaipur, India with local snake charmer
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob taking a selfie with boys of the Mundari tribe in Juba, South Sudan
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob on canopy walk over Igishigishigi trail in Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob posing in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob eating grilled chicken on a stick from local market in Luwero, Uganda
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob examining a plant in the Giant Lobelia Garden in Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob petting Watusi long-horned cattle at Kings Palace Museum in Nyanza, Rwanda
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with local shop owner in Mustafapasa Village in Cappadocia, Turkey
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob smiling with local food vendor in downtown Nairobi, Kenya
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with young men of the Mundari tribe in South Sudan
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with local children while visiting Natta, Village in Tanzania
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with women of the Batwa tribe in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob with child of Batwa tribe in Uganda showcasing artwork of mountain gorillas
Colorful local produce at Nakasero Market in Kampala, Uganda

IN THE KITCHEN

One of the most profound ways to forge a deep connection with a country and its culture is by stepping into the kitchen.

Join me as we dive into the culinary traditions of Uganda and master the art of crafting a mouthwatering specialty: goat luwombo.

Get in touch to receive unparalleled support in planning an immersive adventure to Uganda or another incredible destination, complete with unique cultural experiences such as this.

Watch as Ilbra is invited into the kitchen of a local chef to learn how to create a delicious specialty dish of Uganda, goat luwombo. Ilbra is a Certified Africa Travel Specialist.

IN THE PRESS

Check out a feature in The Observer, a Ugandan weekly newspaper, about my love of local markets and experiencing life like a local in the beautiful country of Uganda.

Travel agent Ilbra Yacoob makes a pitstop at a local market in Luwero, Uganda to grill chicken with locals vendors
“I feel like I am able to immerse myself in this culture because when I go to a fancy restaurant... yes, I know a chef is working hard to create delicious dishes, but the connection I get with these people who make this street food is different. The fact that we got deep into the market and I was there with the locals, I felt like I came here and accomplished my goal, which is to experience a country.”
— Ilbra Yacoob, as quoted in The Observer

“And I've always felt that the beauty of being surrounded by the foreign is that it slaps you awake. You can't take anything for granted. Travel, for me, is a little bit like being in love, because suddenly all your senses are at the setting marked ‘on.’ Suddenly you're alert to the secret patterns of the world.”

- Pico Iyer

TRAVEL AFFILIATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

Protravel International

Global Travel Collection

Internova Travel Group

ProAfrika Safaris

Abercrombie & Kent

Belmond Bellini Club

SELECT Hotels & Resorts

Virtuoso

Red Carnation Hotels

Micato Safaris-Luxury African Safaris

Sir Rocco’s Knights

Greaves Tours India

Signature Africa Safaris

Sea Song Tours Turkey

Marriott International STARS/Luminous

Oetker Collection Pearl Club

Peninsula Hotels Pen Club

Relais & Châteaux Preferred Partner

Jungle Medical Safaris

Wildplaces Africa

Four Seasons Preferred Partner

Small Luxury Hotels of the World withIN

Preferred Hotels & Resorts

IHG Luxury & Lifestyle

Mandarin Oriental Fan Club

The Uganda Safari Company

Cheli & Peacock Safaris

Volcanoes Safaris

Wilderness Safaris

Hyatt Privé

Dorchester Diamond Club