About Me
Wild Blue Travel is a full-service travel agency owned by me - Mary Burney, and I am in my 18th year in business.
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What possessed me to open a travel agency? Well, I started traveling at a very young age as my father was employed by the US State Department. Growing up, I lived in Liberia, Tunisia, Thailand, Ethiopia and Uruguay; which is where I graduated high school in a class of 12. Because many of the countries in which we lived were considered "hardship" assignments by the State Department, we spent a number of vacations here and there in Europe and also Greece.
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But even before we started our travels, my mother was the true adventurer - leaving her home on Vancouver Island, Canada and traveling to Israel - where she met my father - both of them working for the US Consulate in Haifa. I guess its no wonder I inherited the travel bug!
Later in life when I married, my husband and son became willing travel companions for me. We created wonderful memories traveling throughout the USA and also to much of the Caribbean.
And my passion for travel hasn't ceased as I truly enjoy creating trips for my clients - whether they are novice travelers or world travelers who simply enjoy letting me handle all the details of their trips -- I love helping other people see the world!
My experience and commitment to customer satisfaction has earned me a solid reputation in the travel industry.
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I am a Certified Travel Agent, and a Caribbean Destination Specialist - both designations conferred by The Travel Institute. Reaching across the Atlantic to Europe - I am a River Cruise Specialist and can assist you with both pre and post stays and a fabulous river cruise.
I am also a member of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) and hold the designation of Master Cruise Counsellor. This certification program requires firsthand product knowledge as well as specialized training and distinguishes me as a cruise specialist. I have completed cruise line specific training programs and constantly attend training classes, trade shows, seminars and familiarization trips which give me an opportunity to participate in site or ship inspections. Being part of a larger, nationwide agency affords me a network of fellow travel agents with whom to share and receive first-hand advice on destinations and travel suppliers.
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I recently obtained my Verified Travel Advisor certification from the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). The American Society of Travel Advisors is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry, and the traveling public. ASTA's certification programs provide a higher level of verifiable professional knowledge to the advanced seller of travel. Completion of the Verified Travel Advisor Program proves to the traveler, and the industry, that the advisor has the highest level of proficiency and dedication to their business. Only ASTA members subscribe to a 12-point Code of Ethics, the core of which is the concept of “Integrity in Travel.” Put simply, this is the pledge our members stake their reputations on.
The intense nine-course curriculum allots twelve months of completion consisting of training manuals, online videos and exams. Once completed, the travel advisor is awarded the distinguishing mark of being an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor."
To work with me for your next trip, please call to make an appointment. It can be in person, via email over the phone or by text.
Let me get you started planning your next memory!
or call 434-917-0871.