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Sonja Sabarese Hester, Travel Agent in Bethel Park, PA

Sonja Sabarese Hester

Bethel Park, PA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Sonja Sabarese Hester

Bethel Park, PA · 10 Years of Experience

Create Great Travel, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(80)
100% Recommended
She is an amazing woman. Helped me from starting to end of my trip . I would highly recommend her . She seemed too nice ... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Italy, Hawaii, Greece, Europe, Ireland

Interests:

European Culture, All Inclusive, Escorted Tours, Culinary & Foodie, Castles & Cathedrals

Suppliers:

Europe Express, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Kensington, Viking

About Me

Unlimited Wine&Cooking Class in Santorini
Unlimited Wine&Cooking Class in Santorini

Traveling became my passion after raising my two wonderful children. Now, I pour that passion into crafting unforgettable vacation experiences for my clients, helping them create memories that will last a lifetime.

With family ties in Italy and a knack for the Italian language, I can help you navigate this beautiful country with ease. And guess what? I'm also certified in Hawaii travel! Whether you're dreaming of Italy's serene landscapes or Hawaii's tropical paradise, I'm here to make your travel dreams come true.

Life can be lived in so many ways, and I'm here to help you explore them all!

Do you find it challenging to plan travel between European countries or Hawaiian Islands? Are you overwhelmed by the sea of reviews and information on the internet? Do you wish someone would just create a customized itinerary based on YOUR interests? Do you value having a travel expert just one phone call away?

I'm here to coordinate all your travel needs, including transfers, flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and travel protection. My goal is to ensure your trip runs smoothly so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

Together, we'll choose destinations based on your interests and create a fabulous customized vacation. And remember, I'm always just a phone call or email away to quickly respond and answer any concerns every step of the way.

Personally, I have a soft spot for Italy, especially Salerno, where I have family. It's a hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast with quaint areas that are a must-see. I've explored both the typical and off-the-beaten-path areas of Italy. One of my favorite memories is touring the Ducati and Lamborghini factories in Marinello with my father. While he took a spin in a Ferrari Spider, I enjoyed one of the best cappuccinos in town at the Ferrari cafe. That Motor Valley Tour was a highlight of our father-daughter trip to the Old Country.

I have toured the typical and non typical areas of Italy. Marinello was not on my wish list but when I went with my Father it was a definite must! We toured two motor factories, Ducati and Lamborghini. While in Marinello, my Father took a spin in a Ferrari Spider and I tucked my self into the Ferrari cafe to sip one of the best cappuccino in town!

Visit CGT website @ creategreattravel.com 

 

 

Additional Languages
Italian

Travel Advisors Enjoy Traveling, Too!

"Agent Appreciation trip." By invite only. It was so amazing!

I learned so much.Everyone was like family!! The top selling agents received an all-expense paid vacation for 10 days to Greece! We traveled to Athens, Santorini and Paros.

Then, I went in November on a Luxury trip with Europe Express to Porto, Porugal to become more familiar with their vacation offerings. The food was so different, and Porto reminded me of my home, Pittsburgh, for sure with being a river city and having street cars!

I am so glad I had the opportunity to experience these two trips in 2024. What a way to learn more about Europe Express, Greece and Portugal, and my fellow travel agents! I now have more "on-the-ground" knowledge to share with my clients!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
80 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 80 reviews

Best trip ever .
Reviewed By Pushpa - Pittsburgh PA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
She is an amazing woman. Helped me from starting to end of my trip . I would highly recommend her . She seemed too nice to to be true .
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
36 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great Ireland trip for first time in Europe
Reviewed By The Melchers - Reading, PA | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
The Irish Countryside is beautiful and most of the castles are great. The real humdinger was Kylemore Abbey. It was fabulous and I wished I could have had more time there. Thank you Life is Better Traveling for taking us to this gem in Ireland.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
33 of 52 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Enjoyed the Green Isle of Ireland
Reviewed By Ken K. - Reading, PA | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Visiting the standard historical and geological sites that are apart of all standard tours are impressive and eye opening. However, our travel agent provided us with some of the off beaten track and out of the way site that are not pursued by the larger tour companies such as the Slieve League Cliffs and Doe Castle.

There were seven children accompanying us on the trip and Mary and Sonja included them in all of our activities. Aunt Sandra's Candy and the fairy garden at Malahide were great for them. Some of them even kissed the Blarney Stone!

When asked what my high light of the adventure was I can only there were too many to put all of them in this review. Great Job to Life is Better Traveling for putting this group together. We looked foward to many more.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
33 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A Really Fun, Interesting , High Quality Vacation
Reviewed By Mancunian - PITTSBURGH, PA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Sonja's choice to organize a visit to three of the most interesting and fascinating cities in Italy ( Rome, Florence, and Venice ) for our group tour provided for the basis for an outstanding vacation. All travel arrangements ( flights,,rail, tours ,etc ) were perfect including top-class knowledgeable and very friendly tour guides.
Her choice of hotels was also excellent and all gave impeccable service.
Sonja also organized outings and many meals at excellent restaurants specifically for our group before and while we were in Italy which all turned -out to be high quality and tremendous fun.
In a" nut shell" it would be it would be extremely difficult for someone to exceed the organizational skills coupled with the holiday choices that Sonja made and I can only give her a " perfect plus " score and would recommend her exceptional quality services to anyone wanting an excellent , unforgettable vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
33 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best Family Trip to Ireland!
Reviewed By Ian, Toni, and James Conner - Pittsburgh, PA | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
My family's first trip to Ireland. What a beautiful country! Mary, Sonja, and our driver Patrick made the trip unforgettable. It was especially great traveling with the group from Pittsburgh including retirees and families with children.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
24 of 38 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.
Hawaii Specialist Certification
Norwegian Cruise Line Certification
Virgin Cruise Line Certification
Ritz Carlton Cruise Line Certification

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.
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