About WOW! Travel Club

WOW! Travel Club is not your typical travel company. We attract a community of curious, adventurous, and respectful travelers, primarily through referrals from loyal WOW alumni. Our focus is on those who understand the difference between a traveler and a tourist, offering carefully curated journeys that resonate with like-minded individuals. We are a privately-owned, boutique company that takes pride in delivering personalized travel experiences. Each trip is meticulously planned and executed with a blend of passion and precision, ensuring that our travelers are accompanied by our team throughout, never handed off to outside contractors.

Our legacy in the travel industry is built on decades of experience through our predecessor, The CTP Group, which was founded nearly 45 years ago. From Patagonia to Puglia, Cambodia to Cuba, we’ve explored the globe, honing our expertise in crafting extraordinary travel experiences. In 2020, ownership passed from founder Marilyn to her Operations Guru, Gabriel Haigazian, ensuring the continuity of our commitment to exceptional customer care, connections, and creativity.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel WOW! Travel Club appeals to those who seek the thrill of discovery, the magic of unique experiences, and the satisfaction of giving back. We believe in the power of travel to create positive change, both for our travelers and the communities we visit. Our mission is built on three principles: Connection, Travel, and Purpose. With a high percentage of repeat travelers and countless referrals, we must be doing something right. If this resonates with you, welcome to the world of WOW! Travel.

About Your Hosts

Each WOW! Travel Club adventure is personally hosted by one of our enthusiastic team leaders, ensuring every journey is infused with their boundless energy and excitement.

About Gabriel

It’s a good thing I have bad eyesight. Otherwise I’d be an airline pilot – traveling all over the planet at 37,000 ft. in the cockpit of a Boeing 747-800. Instead, I travel all over the world in camel carts, rickshaws, vintage cars, helicopters, Vespas … and, yes, lots of airplanes.

My first job was as a travel agent at May Company Travel. Next I worked for Maritz, one of the world’s largest incentive travel companies. And then I was The Operations Expert for 20+ years at the best travel company – The CTP Group – which I now own!

I love a challenge – and there’s no shortage of challenges in this industry. I love to unravel the complications of how to get from point to point. I love developing relationships with suppliers who can work miracles for us. My team, including Marilyn, are passionate about serving our customers and delighting them with happy surprises. We’ve survived COVID and are eager to once again show the world to our loyal WOWees.

I’m often asked to name my favorite destination – which is typically the last place I’ve visited. My “country count” stands at 88 (as of July 2021).

And, call me crazy (as many do), but I absolutely love airports and airplanes. A favorite weekend activity is aircraft-spotting at the In-N-Out Burger on Lincoln Boulevard adjacent to LAX!

About Ellen

My love for travel began in high school. I was supposed to go on a graduation cruise with a friend, but when she canceled, I decided to visit a local travel agent. She told me about a college alumni group going skiing in Innsbruck, Austria, and I jumped at the chance. That trip ignited a passion for seeing the world that has only grown stronger.

At 21, I embarked on a 3.5-month solo adventure across Europe, visiting 11 countries and experiencing the time of my life. That journey solidified my love for travel.

Of course, the best laid plans… well, they got put on hold for awhile. Raising two kids and running a business took priority, but once the kids were out of the nest, I moved to Southern California and found WOW! Travel Club. The rest is history!

For the past nine years I’ve been living my dream—traveling with eager, curious travelers to some of the most incredible destinations imaginable. Nothing makes me happier than sharing this passion and providing others with life-changing experiences!