Meet Sally McKay | Creating travel memories to last a lifetime.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sally McKay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sally, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Outsiders are most likely not aware that no matter where they book their travel, the commission is included. If you book with a Travel Agency, you get more than just a ticket. You receive our expertise, knowledge, and up-to-date information regarding the destination, when it is going to be under construction, if your room faces the parking lot or the ocean., as well as we have most likely put our heads down on the pillow you would like to sleep on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other agencies is 1. I survived Covid!
2. I am home based and set the standards for my own agency.
3. I was fortunate enough to complete courses from the Travel Institute to
become qualified to put CTA (Certified Travel Advisor) behind my name as
well as CTIE (Certified Travel Industry Executive) as I also enjoy teaching and
mentoring.
Through these courses as well as being a board member of the Attorney General’s Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation and a Director of Westa Consortium as well as being the President of many organizations in the industry, it has enabled me to see both sides of this industry from the consumer, working with Travel Suppliers, executing travel shows, traveling with Bands that perform for a specific group of their following. All of which have helped me along the way to give VIP customer service to my clientele.

I would like the world to know that I am a Woman owned Travel agency that has built great relationships with hotels, cruise lines, and other travel suppliers all over the world to find the best rooms at a good price with guaranteed top-notch service. When I go to sleep each night, I am generally aware of where clients are traveling and what current conditions they are likely to encounter. I worry about my clients, think about their welfare, and think about ways that I can enhance their experiences abroad.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to San Diego to enjoy the coast and stay at a resort downtown for 2 nights to enjoy the Food in Little Italy as well as a walking tour with Tony the local Little Italy guide. DZ Aiken is another lunch not to be missed while in the San Diego Area. Evenings would be spent listening to music at Humphreys on the Bay after a day touring on the SEAL to get the best views of the city as well as in the water. The afternoon at Seaport Village is a must. Making our way north up the Coast to Carlsbad and Oceanside, with a stop in LaJolla for lunch on the way. Thursday downtown Oceanside and the pier. Music is all over Oceanside as well as a little south to Encinitas at the Belly Up for a great performance. 2 nights in Oceanside at a resort on the water. Our next phase of the trip is to go wine tasting in Temecula with lunch and enjoy Old Temecula for the atmosphere and dinner and a show at their theatre. The next day is on to Palm Springs to enjoy the casino on the way in, as well as well as staying at the Palm Springs Tennis Club which is easily accessible to Spencer’s Restaurant eating outside under the trees. A day in Palm Springs to shop at all the Angel shops. It would be an extra special evening if we could find Yve Evans performing in town at one of the clubs. She is an international Performer and personal friend. Consignment Shops on the way out of town after breakfast is a must before returning to Yuma.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents always encouraged me to travel and learn about other cultures. I was privileged to live in another country in my 20s and travel internationally, learn about another culture and I was definitely bitten by the travel bug. Prior to my retirement from the government, I took a course from ITMI for International Tour Management and from there became a Travel Advisor working for other companies and was mentored by one Travel Agent of the Year Liz Nixon. I eventually moved on to open my own agency. My husband was an exceptional helpmate in the travel industry. He has since passed away, but he was my rock and encouraged me to continue in the industry. Travel was our passion. My most recent shout-out goes to Sean & Esther for really seeing what all goes into preparing Motor-Coach trips, They are definitely the kind of people to have as clients on any trip.

Website: www.mgtravelsandiego.com

Linkedin: Sally McKay

Facebook: Sally McKay

Yelp: MG Travel