Luxury Safari, Cruise & Global Travel Specialist

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Curtis Brauer, Travel Agent in San Diego, CA

Curtis Brauer

San Diego, CA Travel Agent

Curtis Brauer

San Diego, CA · 7 Years of Experience

CURAH TRAVEL, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(12)
100% Recommended
Curtis at CURAH Travel did an amazing job for our family. We had booked 10 months ago a family trip for 7 people from 2 different... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Africa, Europe, Asia, Antarctica, Worldwide

Interests:

Safari, LGBTQ+ Travel, Global Travel, Castles & Cathedrals, Cruises

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Kensington, Viator

About Me

Elephants along the Chobe River, Botswana
Elephants along the Chobe River, Botswana

I design luxury, high-touch travel experiences for discerning travelers who want their journeys to feel seamless, personal, and deeply meaningful. As the co-founder of CURAH Travel, I bring a boutique, concierge-level approach to every itinerary I create. I specialize in African safaris, river and ocean cruising, and elevated travel across the world, with a focus on thoughtful design, cultural connection, and exceptional service.

My path into travel began with a simple belief: the world opens up in extraordinary ways when someone truly listens to what you want from your journey. I take the time to understand each traveler’s interests, comfort level, and travel style, and I build itineraries that reflect who they are—not just where they want to go. I love the process of transforming a complex trip into something effortless, organized, and beautifully paced.

Africa is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve dedicated years to building strong relationships with safari lodges, conservation-focused operators, and on-the-ground experts throughout East and Southern Africa. Whether I’m designing a multi-country safari, a private hosted journey, or a first-time wildlife experience, I focus on creating itineraries that balance adventure, comfort, and authenticity.

I also have extensive experience with river, ocean & expedition cruising, particularly with Viking. I help travelers navigate itinerary selection, stateroom categories, extensions, and pacing so their voyage aligns perfectly with their interests. From Europe’s iconic rivers to Mediterranean ocean routes and expedition-style journeys, I enjoy curating cruise experiences that feel elevated and immersive.

Inclusivity is at the heart of my work. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe every traveler deserves to feel welcomed, safe, and fully themselves wherever they go. I partner with suppliers who share that commitment and design travel that honors authenticity and belonging.

My clients value my calm, organized approach and the clarity I bring to the planning process. I manage the details, anticipate needs, and stay connected from the first conversation to the traveler’s return home. Whether it’s a safari, a cruise, or a custom land itinerary, my goal is always the same: to create journeys that inspire, connect, and stay with you long after you return.

Travel is personal, and I consider it a privilege to help people explore the world with confidence, curiosity, and joy.

Testimonials I've Received

"Curtis gave 5* concierge service! Not only did they have very helpful suggestions on activities and places to visit but they actively checked in on us during the trip to ensure all things were perfect...." - Mike K

"This was our second trip with CURAH curated travels, and as always, it was extraordinary!...Curtis was available when we needed him and made everything easy" - Dave & Su-Yen

"Curtis from CURAH Travel helped me immensely on planning my family Hawaii trip" - Scott P

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
12 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 12 reviews

Curtis Saved Our Family Vacation
Reviewed By GPearce - Rockford, IL | Traveled to San Diego | California | USA
Curtis at CURAH Travel did an amazing job for our family. We had booked 10 months ago a family trip for 7 people from 2 different states to Hawaii for a week through them. But the Hawaiian islands were hit with the Kona Storm and our plans had to change quickly. They had recommended trip insurance which we purchased through Faye, so glad we got it. We had flights, hotel, rental car and excursions booked, all had to be canceled. They helped cancel everything and assisted us with the travel insurance. Time off from work was requested 10 months ago and now no trip. They helped us plan in 3 days a trip to San Diego for a week. Once again flights for 7 people from 2 states, hotel, rental car and excursions were booked. Our family got to enjoy the sunshine and beach together. They helped make our family trip one to remember. We are going to definitely recommend them to our friends and family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The trip was epic!
Reviewed By James Duke - San Diego, CA | Traveled to London | England | Europe
Curtis and Rahim were amazing planning our soccer pilgrimage to London and Milan! All we had to do was give them travel dates and what we wanted to do, they took care of the rest. It was way beyond just flights and hotels. They provided fun ideas, restaurant options, and were able to book it all! The hotels were perfect! Location, quality, everything we needed to recharge. All of the plans were organized on an easy to use app along with all the documents and receipts you’d need. It was a super comfortable experience and first class service! This trip was absolutely incredible! Prior to booking it, they invited us to review and approve itineraries. The amount of research and legwork they did to make sure the trip was perfect was evident. The trip itself started with a VIP tarmac transfer to the lounge at SEATAC upon arrival from SAN. We definitely weren’t expecting that. Great seats up front on the plane and not a care in the world. All of our docs were saved in their app so if I had any questions, it was a one stop shop for answers. Once we got to London we were more than prepped to start the vacation. The trip was epic! London, Milan, London; all ready for us at every step. I’d struggle to come up with a single complaint. It’s really nice just enjoying the trip rather than worrying about logistics along the way. Couldn’t recommend more and will definitely be using them for my next trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best trip ever!!
Reviewed By BirthdayGirl - San Diego | Traveled to Tanzania | Africa
Curtis made planning of this trip to Africa super easy. I have never been to this continent and I felt well taken care of, in the planning, the duration and afterwards too! Curtis answered every question in a timely and kind manner. I felt like a VIP!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Outstanding Travel
Reviewed By Gold Star ?? Travel - Tanzania | Traveled to Africa
My journey began as a dream. From the beginning I was heard by Curtis. His knowledge and guidance helped our group come together to create an experience of a lifetime. He was hands on through our entire travels. Each person in our group had a hands on relationship with Curtis, every request was answered with routine follow ups making our travel a gold star ?? experience. We traveled across the world ?? and we where taken care of every step of the way Thank you ??
Curtis Brauer responded
"Thank you for your heartfelt words! I’m so grateful I could help bring your dream journey to life and support your group every step of the way. I only wish I could see all the fun emojis that came through as ??? I know they were just as joyful as your message. Excited to help plan your next adventure!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Bucket List Bliss
Reviewed By Barb - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Tanzania | Africa
I recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzania safari with CURAH Travel and their signature CURAH Africa Luxury Safaris collection—and I’m still in awe. Curtis was incredible in planning and coordinating every detail with such care and professionalism. It truly felt like traveling with a trusted friend. The journey from the West Coast was long (nearly a full day), but Curtis helped me select the most comfortable flight options, which made all the difference. I traveled with a group, and everything—from airport transfers to daily excursions—was seamlessly organized. One of the owners, Rahim, accompanied us throughout the trip, a thoughtful touch that showed their deep commitment. Curits and Rahim at CURAH Travel also arranged a meaningful community outreach project, allowing us to give back and connect with locals—an experience that added so much heart to the journey. We ended in Zanzibar at the gorgeous beachfront Lux Marijana resort—pure paradise. Every day was thoughtfully planned, balancing adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Curtis and CURAH Travel exceeded every expectation. Their level of service, support, and attention to detail made this bucket list trip truly unforgettable.
Curtis Brauer responded
"Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful review! We’re thrilled your Tanzania safari and Zanzibar getaway were everything you hoped for and more. It was an honor to plan alongside you and travel with your group. We can’t wait to help create your next unforgettable adventure!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Travel Stories

Cheetah's in the Savannah

A Journey Into Kenya’s Wild Heart

My most recent journey to Kenya was one of those rare travel experiences that stays with you long after you return home. It was my second trip to Africa in a single year, yet stepping off the plane in Nairobi felt like returning to a place that had already become part of me. There is something about Kenya — the warmth of its people, the vastness...
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