My name is Margaret Owen. I have been a travel agent since May, 1990, after completing a two-year Travel Degree program at Chabot College in Hayward, California.

Montecito Village Travel is a Virtuoso agency. Our partnership with Virtuoso gives us the ability to offer something extra. Virtuoso is an exclusive network of travel specialists. Our combined multi-billion dollar business makes you a valuable, highly respected customer with leading hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, tour companies, rail lines, airlines and ground operators. Our alliance with Virtuoso enables us to offer you complimentary upgrades, outstanding amenities, privileged access and private events all over the world.

 

I have taken and continue to take many workshops and seminars to increase my knowledge of the world and the travel industry. I am particularly proud of the MCC and CTC certifications as described below:

The Master Cruise Counselor (MCC) designation is conferred by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) upon dedicated travel professionals who have completed an extensive program of classroom training, cruise experience, ship inspections and a combination of video training and attendance at industry events. A CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor is your best resource in choosing a perfect vacation. I have sailed on 31 cruises on 14 different cruise lines. In addition, I have inspected over 30 cruise ships.



The Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designation is conferred by The Travel Institute upon travel professionals who have completed a rigorous two-level certification program, exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, demonstrate advanced knowledge of business, industry and global issues necessary for expert practice, and possess at least five years of travel  industry work experience.

In order to keep my CTC certification, each year, I attend many seminars and workshops on destinations and travel products.

I am a Hawaii Destination Specialist as well as a Certified Sandals Specialist.
 

My travel experience:

Eastern Canada - Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Niagara Falls

Hawaii - Maui, Kauai, Oahu, the big island of Hawaii, Lanai

Alaska - Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Haines, Seward, Anchorage, Vancouver

Europe:
Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, Capri, Sorrento, Sicily
France - Nice, Cannes, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Eze
Spain - Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Costa del Sol, Andalucia
Monaco - Monte Carlo
Croatia - Dubrovnik

Scandinavia - Copenhagen, Helsinki, Talinn Estonia, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Amsterdam

Turkey - Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, Izmir, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Cappadochia

French Polynesia - Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa

Galapagos - Ecuador

Mexico - Cancun, Playa del Carmen (Riviera Maya), Yucatan, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta

Caribbean - Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. John, Grand Cayman, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Bermuda

New York City

Las Vegas

Miami