Outside Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway ,2024

 Greetings — I’m Ray Butler, founder of First Coast Travel in Fleming Island, Florida. Born in the Bronx and raised in rural South Carolina, I learned early on that the best way to understand the world is to experience it firsthand. After a brief stint in New Orleans, I joined the U.S. Army and found a home for the next twenty years, serving as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, Instructor Pilot, in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

During my military career, I earned a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics and a Master’s in Education, and I lived or deployed across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa — including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Iraq. Those experiences gave me not only a love for travel but also a deep respect for different cultures and the small details that make each journey unique.

After retiring from the Army, I spent nearly two decades with UPS Flight Training, helping train the pilots who keep one of the world’s largest airlines running safely around the clock. That role allowed me to visit every continent except Australia and Antarctica, and spend countless weeks in Alaska, a place I now consider a second home.

From Aviation to Adventure Travel

After hanging up my headset, I wasn’t ready to stop exploring. I launched First Coast Travel to combine my aviation precision with my passion for global discovery — helping others plan extraordinary vacations that are seamless, safe, and unforgettable.

My specialties include:

• Alaska and Europe – destinations I’ve explored extensively and lived in.
• Military and airline clients – I understand your unique travel benefits and lifestyle.
• Accessible travel – I’ve personally helped travelers with mobility challenges experience Europe comfortably (including my own mother — and she’s my toughest client!).

Let’s Make Your Next Journey Exceptional

Whether you’re dreaming of Alaska’s glaciers, Europe’s castles, or simply a well-planned, worry-free adventure, I’d love to help you make it happen. I bring the same level of detail I applied in aviation to every itinerary — because your vacation deserves to run as smoothly as a well-flown mission.

Let’s have a conversation about your travel dreams. It will be time well spent.