Hilary Bendon, Travel Agent in Redondo Beach, CA

Hilary Bendon

Redondo Beach, CA Travel Agent

Hilary Bendon

Redondo Beach, CA · 5 Years of Experience

Travel Savvy, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(16)
100% Recommended
Hilary did a fantastic job of planning two Int’l trips for me Malta + Sicily & China. I’m an experienced traveler with high expectations; Hilary quickly... Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, San Jose, Rome

Interests:

Bird Watching, Historical Sites, Beach Vacations, Museums, Religious

About Me

Global Leisure Travel Agent Extraordinaire

From early on, road-tripping through the U.S. sparked my love of travel. Having lived in Italy, Costa Rica, & Guatemala, I speak Spanish, Italian, and some French. My favorite travel experiences are swimming with wild dolphins in the Azores, climbing a waterfall in the Ecuadorian Amazon, visiting the Christmas markets in Poland, and enjoying a delicious, fresh Linguine Frutti di Mare on the Amalfi Coast. I love Bologna, New York, Barcelona, Costa Rica & Poland and enjoy anywhere I travel. Whether it’s a mellow pace, a full-throttle itinerary, or simply time to recharge, I focus on crafting journeys full of memorable moments, meaningful connections, and a true sense of place. I create experiences ranging from high-energy cultural immersions to restorative retreats and self-reflective adventures. I curate every trip I plan to the desires, needs and preferences of my client with the goal of offering outstanding service and unforgettable experiences.
Additional Languages
Italian,
Spanish

My Travel Specialties

Costa Rica Travel Agent Specialist

Costa Rica Travel Agent Specialist
Looking for a taste of Pura Vida? Welcome to Costa Rica! Pura Vida embodies the laid-back charm of the Tico spirit, Tico being the local word for a Costa Rican. On one of many COsta Rican adventures, you can experience the Central Valley, Caribbean coast, and the volcanic north. On this trip, let...Read More ▶

Spain Travel Agent Specialist

Spain Travel Agent Specialist
For the first time visitor, a trip spanning the Mediterranean coast of Barcelona, the centrally located Madrid, and the northern reaches of Basque country, is a rich and exciting way to experience Spain. Including all three regions, the best time to travel here is either June or September to hit ...Read More ▶

Italy Travel Agent Expert

Italy Travel Agent Expert
As a former resident and many-time visitor, I never get tired of Italy, and I am passionate about helping my clients fall in love with it just like me.  Dreaming of fashion-forward Milan, romantic Venice, Renaissance Florence, sunny Puglia, volcanic Sicily, or all points in between, Italy is amaz...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
16 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.
Search reviews:

Showing 16 reviews

Wonderful concierge experience!
Reviewed By CeCe NomadLyfe - San Jose, California | Traveled to Europe
Hilary did a fantastic job of planning two Int’l trips for me Malta + Sicily & China. I’m an experienced traveler with high expectations; Hilary quickly crafted intricate itineraries and left no stone unturned. She inquired about the style of travel that I most enjoy, pace, tours, cultural immersion, accommodations, dining, entertainment…etc. She shared destination specific safety tips and researched possible vaccinations. She was even able to share nuanced perspectives around intro-country travel such as where it’s better to take buses vs trains vs flights vs ferries. I’m a busy professional; working with Hilary allowed me to save lots of time and money. She’s a trusted partner that I would recommend to any traveller regardless of their experience level. Thank you Hilary!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
River cruise changed my mind about cruising
Reviewed By River Cruiser - Westport, CT | Traveled to Germany | Europe
I approached Hilary for a trip to see the Christmas Markets in Germany, and I was concerned that I would have to take a cruise which I was not into. Hilary found me a river cruise that was as much on land as on the water, so it barely felt like a cruise. I will say, though, that the boat, the food, and the crew were wonderful, and I am now a cruise convert as long as it's a smaller boat. Thanks, Hilary, for steering me right (pun intended).
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The Great Wall and Terracotta Soldiers
Reviewed By China traveler - San Jose, CA | Traveled to China | East and Southeast Asia
When I told people that I wanted to go to China and see both the Great Wall and the Terracotta Soldiers, people told me it was silly, that going to see the Soldiers was too far from Beijing. But then I met Hilary, and she planned an awesome trip which made the train to see the Soldiers an adventure in itself. She also sent us to some places we had never heard of. Best of all, she set us up on a walking tour in Shanghai that helped us see a day in the life of a local person. It was incredible, and I really enjoyed the whole trip. Hilary, thanks also for the food recommendations. We would have been at a loss without them!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Zip lining adventure
Reviewed By Adventure seeker - Boise, ID | Traveled to Costa Rica | Central America
We recently traveled to Costa RIca and had a blast! We hiked, ziplined, relaxed at the beach and got to travel all over the country. We hit all the major national parks: Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Corcovado, and Rincón de la Vieja The diversity in such a small country is amazing. We are really into Latin America, and Hilary has made some other recommendations. We will definitely let her plan for us again. Thanks, Hilary!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Hawaiian sunsets
Reviewed By Maui convert - Whittier, CA | Traveled to Maui Island | Hawaii | USA
Hilary helped us plan a trip to Maui, and we had a great time. She recommended the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, and we were not disappointed. It was our first time to Hawaii, and did everything we could -- riding bikes from before sunrise down Haleakala, kayaking with sea turtles, snorkeling at Molokini, and relaxing at the amazing Kea Lani. I love how when the it rained a bit, I could sit in the lobby bar inside with no windows so it felt like I was outside but dry...so cool. I highly recommend booking with Hilary. She has great suggestions!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 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.

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.
BESbswy