TravelStore

The TravelStore team at their Malaga Cove Plaza location

Celebrating a Half-Century

Fifty years ago, in 1975, Wido Schaefer founded TravelStore with a bold vision: to create a company where service, integrity and a genuine passion for travel would define every client experience. That vision has only grown stronger over time.

In 2005, Wido made the extraordinary decision to transition TravelStore into a 100% employee-owned company, entrusting its future to the people who helped build it. Our South Bay office, which moved to Palos Verdes Estates in 1994 after operating in Torrance since 1991, has grown alongside the community it serves assisting generations of families with their travel adventures.

Today, TravelStore is one of the largest independent travel companies in the country, while still holding tightly to the personal care and human connection that have always set us apart.

Effortless Travel Expertise

Our experienced advisors make travel effortless, combining local, personalized service with global travel expertise and industry relationships. Today’s discerning South Bay travelers want more than a reservation. They want insider knowledge, personalized recommendations, exclusive amenities and the confidence that every detail has been thoughtfully handled. We take the time to understand each client’s travel style and preferences, creating seamless itineraries tailored to their unique interests and dreams. In today’s AI world, meeting face-to-face with a real travel advisor is priceless.

Business Values

The heart of TravelStore is our people. Our mission is to deliver exemplary service through expertise, innovation and trusted relationships, creating travel experiences that feel seamless and meaningful. We are guided by trust, integrity, accountability, partnership, family culture and responsible citizenship—values that shape how we serve our clients and earn their confidence every day.

Open House

We’re excited about our upcoming open house on October 24 in our newly renovated office. We invite our clients and neighbors to come celebrate travel. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community in person.

Industry Experts

Expertise in travel is about far more than knowing where to go. It is about understanding people and anticipating the details that elevate every journey. Our long-standing partnerships with the world’s finest travel brands combined with our advisors’ firsthand knowledge and passion give our clients added value, exclusive amenities and special opportunities not available elsewhere. From luxury ocean and river cruises to custom European itineraries, safaris and family vacations, we transform travel ideas into extraordinary experiences.

Main image photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro