iLbra
Yacoob

Luxury Africa & Cultural Immersion Travel Advisor

We all have a destiny and mine was written at an early age…to be a Global Citizen and an Ambassador for Cultures through Food and Travel.

I am ILbra Yacoob, the founder of Travel To Arrive, LLC, and a proud affiliate of Protravel International and VIRTUOSO, that design one-of-a-kind experiences worldwide.

My expertise and passion lie in creating immersive and luxury experiences that take you to the heart and soul of your destination.

Africa, the second largest continent, continues to draw me in. Of its 54 countries, I have travelled to 11. Each time I return I am more blissful and allured by its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes that are unmatched. I find great joy in helping my clients discover and appreciate the many fascinating cultures of Africa and the world, while having their senses recalibrated.

Born in Tehran to Assyrian parents gave me a jump-start to an exciting journey. One that would soon expose me to the pleasures I hold so close to my heart today: Travel, Food, Nature at its purest, and the Wonders of the Wild.

My fascination with Cultures and their way of life started in early childhood. Some of my earliest memories include helping my mother and grandmother cook in the kitchen. Walking the open-air bazaars of Iran with my grandfather was a treat in of itself, while engaging with local vendors gave me a sense of community. It is my belief that Culture & Community are some of the strongest pillars of a society helping to keep us rooted as citizens of this planet.

Today I find myself savoring the joys of being immersed in similar experiences at destinations that I am ever so passionate about such as Africa.

Whether by nurture or nature, a passion for culinary excellence runs in my family, with my sister as a former Executive Chef and my personal experience as a Brand Ambassador for Gourmet foods. Throughout my career here in the states, I formed wonderful relationships with farmers, producers, and some of the finest chefs in Los Angeles. I came to understand the importance of sourcing the best ingredients created by the purest processes, and the close relationship between food and culture.

I have travelled to France with Valrhona, the chocolate of choice for gourmet bakers, to learn the ins and outs of chocolate. I have walked the olive groves of Kalamata Greece, where I learned about the production of olive oil. In Northern Spain, I trekked the mountainous regions of Navarre and Asturias with local shepherds and their livestock. I’ve crawled deep into the cold caves where Spain’s “King of Blue” cheese, the CABRALES, sits to age for 6 months. I’ve milked the Latxa sheep, from which the extraordinary smoked raw cheese is made, Idiazabal. My personal connection with producers allowed me to explore the aging rooms of Italy’s pride and joy, Prosciutto Di Parma where I witnessed the fine details and tradition that go into an exceptional product.

It is no secret that I have a deep love for food, culture, and travel. 11 years of experience in the gourmet food industry and a lifetime of traveling and living in different countries, has exposed me to diverse cultures which have shaped my career as a Travel Advisor.

Whether it be a custom-tailored Safari bush dinner in Africa, a Rainforest lodge on a coffee