About Us
Nob Hill Travel was founded in 1989 based on the principles of creating good value and meaningful travel experiences. Together, our staff has over 200 years of combined experience in the travel industry.
During that time, we have spent our lives exploring the world, but also specializing in specific areas of particular, personal interest. We focus on crafting private, unique itineraries to international destinations for individuals, families, and small groups. Our team is made up of experienced travelers who are also professional service providers. We are therefore able to provide knowledgeable input as well as personal attention to our clients.
While many components of travel have become commoditized, there is no commoditizing the human touch: we always provide a listening ear. After all, a good travel agency can do many things that a search engine cannot. As such, we provide good value while creating unique, meaningful travel experiences.
Photo Courtesy of Allie Gillebo
Staff
Diane Jacobus CTC, ACC, MCC
Owner & Founder of Nob Hill Travel - Travel Consultant, 1977 to Present
I have devoted a lifetime to travel and to helping others achieve their goals in exploring the world around them.
I am committed to continuing on this path of education and exploration in an effort to always be ready to create unique and interesting travel experiences for my clients.
My primary focus is arranging international travel itineraries and small ship and expedition-style ship cruise experiences for individuals, multi-generational families and small groups.
My personal travel goal is to visit 100 countries before I retire. So far, my list of countries visited includes the following:
Canada, Mexico, Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Guadaloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominica, St. Vincent, Martinique, Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, US Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, UAE, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, China, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Thailand, Taiwan, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, India, Peru, Bolivia and Nepal.
I am committed to continuing on this path of education and exploration in an effort to always be ready to create unique and interesting travel experiences for my clients.
My primary focus is arranging international travel itineraries and small ship and expedition-style ship cruise experiences for individuals, multi-generational families and small groups.
My personal travel goal is to visit 100 countries before I retire. So far, my list of countries visited includes the following:
Canada, Mexico, Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Guadaloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominica, St. Vincent, Martinique, Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, US Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, UAE, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, China, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Thailand, Taiwan, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, India, Peru, Bolivia and Nepal.
Arlene Fromer
Travel Consultant, 1982 to Present
I was hit hard with the travel bug on my first sojourn to Europe as a young college student. With no agenda, just a backpack, Eurail Pass and Frommer’s Europe on $5.00 a day, I spent three glorious months touring the continent. That was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with exploring this fascinating planet of ours.
After 36 years as a travel counselor, I still get a thrill out of arranging fabulous travel experiences for my clients, excited to assist them in their own journey of discovery, to destinations far and wide.
I have specialized in custom, personalized itineraries throughout the world, with a heavy emphasis on Europe, though by no means exclusively. Along with that, I also plan multi-generational family holidays, honeymoons, soft-adventures, cruises and spa vacations, to name just a few, and I am a Tahiti Tourism specialist.
Though my own bucket list seems to be getting longer, I have traveled to many destinations, including: England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Morocco, Israel, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand, several Caribbean Islands, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, Allaska, Canada, Fiji, French Polynesia, and most recently Chile and Argentina. I am particularly excited about South America right now and I am looking forward to more travels there.
After 36 years as a travel counselor, I still get a thrill out of arranging fabulous travel experiences for my clients, excited to assist them in their own journey of discovery, to destinations far and wide.
I have specialized in custom, personalized itineraries throughout the world, with a heavy emphasis on Europe, though by no means exclusively. Along with that, I also plan multi-generational family holidays, honeymoons, soft-adventures, cruises and spa vacations, to name just a few, and I am a Tahiti Tourism specialist.
Though my own bucket list seems to be getting longer, I have traveled to many destinations, including: England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Morocco, Israel, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand, several Caribbean Islands, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, Allaska, Canada, Fiji, French Polynesia, and most recently Chile and Argentina. I am particularly excited about South America right now and I am looking forward to more travels there.
Suzanne Powell
Travel Consultant, 1977 to Present
I started my career in travel on the administrative side. Those early days included filling charter flights (does anyone remember those $99 Pineapple Fares?) and typing many, many itineraries. For a while, I was also a Tour Guide on motorcoach tour programs that explored the Canadian Rockies and our National Parks.
Through the years, I have worked on personal travel, business travel and group travel – by plane, train, automobile, and ship. Through it all, group travel has captured my heart. I’ve worked on groups ranging from 10 people to over 1,200 people!
After taking my first European cruise about six years ago, I fell in love with Europe and renewed my love of cruising. Since then, I've had the pleasure of assisting many travelers plan their cruises – from individuals to large multi-generational families. It is such a pleasure to be a part of it all!
If I had to choose a favorite travel experience, I would have to say sailing through Greece aboard a Windstar small luxury ship ... truly a trip of a lifetime! The Panama Canal is next on my cruise bucket list. I'm looking at spring of 2020 and would love to have you join me!
I have had the fortune to travel much of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and many of the National Parks. Internationally, I have visited Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong, Japan and China.
Through the years, I have worked on personal travel, business travel and group travel – by plane, train, automobile, and ship. Through it all, group travel has captured my heart. I’ve worked on groups ranging from 10 people to over 1,200 people!
After taking my first European cruise about six years ago, I fell in love with Europe and renewed my love of cruising. Since then, I've had the pleasure of assisting many travelers plan their cruises – from individuals to large multi-generational families. It is such a pleasure to be a part of it all!
If I had to choose a favorite travel experience, I would have to say sailing through Greece aboard a Windstar small luxury ship ... truly a trip of a lifetime! The Panama Canal is next on my cruise bucket list. I'm looking at spring of 2020 and would love to have you join me!
I have had the fortune to travel much of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and many of the National Parks. Internationally, I have visited Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Hong Kong, Japan and China.
Gail Zimmerman
Travel Consultant
Since my first ski trip to Europe many years ago, I have realized how importantly travel can contribute to our understanding of the world and our place in it. Meeting the world’s peoples and appreciating its natural beauty and diversity not only enriches our lives but reminds us that we are part of a larger community.
Helping people experience other countries, as well as our own, is an occupation I greatly enjoy, and understanding what you want as a traveler and helping you obtain it is a welcome challenge.
I have been fortunate to travel to many countries in my capacity as an executive of national and international nonprofits, and now as a travel agent. My travels have taken me to England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Czech Republic, Japan, Tahiti, Argentina, Mexico, Israel, and Canada.
My favorite memory is a barge cruise down a canal in France. I loved the intimacy it offered, its relaxed nature, and the chance to enjoy the countryside, as well as its history and local produce. In the future, I would like to hike more in the Cotswolds and the Lake District in England that offer a similar personal experience. After hiking part of the Cotswolds and enjoying its unique pastoral setting and historic villages, castles and pubs, I look forward to going back.
Helping people experience other countries, as well as our own, is an occupation I greatly enjoy, and understanding what you want as a traveler and helping you obtain it is a welcome challenge.
I have been fortunate to travel to many countries in my capacity as an executive of national and international nonprofits, and now as a travel agent. My travels have taken me to England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Czech Republic, Japan, Tahiti, Argentina, Mexico, Israel, and Canada.
My favorite memory is a barge cruise down a canal in France. I loved the intimacy it offered, its relaxed nature, and the chance to enjoy the countryside, as well as its history and local produce. In the future, I would like to hike more in the Cotswolds and the Lake District in England that offer a similar personal experience. After hiking part of the Cotswolds and enjoying its unique pastoral setting and historic villages, castles and pubs, I look forward to going back.
Barbara Stavig-Doane
Travel Consultant, 1982 to Present
My true passion for travel grew from a college Overseas Study program to Central America in 1971. Living with a wonderful host family in Costa Rica and experiencing another culture first-hand opened my eyes and my heart to an international understanding that changed my life forever.
After teaching Spanish in Oregon public schools for seven years, followed by backpacking my way through Europe for one year, I decided to focus on a career that promoted travel and provided clients with opportunities to experience the joy of travel.
I have been a travel professional for over 35 years now, helping clients with all types of travel arrangements, including vacations, family reunions, group travel, small-ship cruises and custom itineraries to any destination based on my clients' special interests.
My personal travels have taken me to many countries in Latin America, where I always enjoy using my Spanish to chat with the locals. Some of my favorite destinations include Oaxaca and the Yucatan in Mexico, Monteverde and Tortuguero in Costa Rica, Machu Picchu and Cuzco in Peru, and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. I have traveled to Cuba twice in the last five years, and have recently discovered the excitement of small-ship cruising on the Columbia River and the Sea of Cortez. My travels have also taken me to Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, England, Ireland, Russia, and China. My bucket list continues to grow!
I am currently focusing on group travel and look forward to promoting and escorting small groups to exciting destinations around the world.
After teaching Spanish in Oregon public schools for seven years, followed by backpacking my way through Europe for one year, I decided to focus on a career that promoted travel and provided clients with opportunities to experience the joy of travel.
I have been a travel professional for over 35 years now, helping clients with all types of travel arrangements, including vacations, family reunions, group travel, small-ship cruises and custom itineraries to any destination based on my clients' special interests.
My personal travels have taken me to many countries in Latin America, where I always enjoy using my Spanish to chat with the locals. Some of my favorite destinations include Oaxaca and the Yucatan in Mexico, Monteverde and Tortuguero in Costa Rica, Machu Picchu and Cuzco in Peru, and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. I have traveled to Cuba twice in the last five years, and have recently discovered the excitement of small-ship cruising on the Columbia River and the Sea of Cortez. My travels have also taken me to Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, England, Ireland, Russia, and China. My bucket list continues to grow!
I am currently focusing on group travel and look forward to promoting and escorting small groups to exciting destinations around the world.
Linda Miller
Travel Consultant, 1981 to Present
For over 38 years I have been fortunate to work in a profession which I love. It has been my pleasure to arrange air transportation, special accommodations, tours and wonderful cruises on ships large and small. I specialize in vacation travel and always encourage my friends to read about their destinations to further enhance their travels as I have always believed that enjoying another culture is a gift and an education.
I have travelled throughout Western Europe including France, Germany, Austria, Italy Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden, as well as Great Britain, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. I have visited Canada, Mexico, Tahiti, Hong Kong and Japan ... and almost every state in the United States. I have also been fortunate to sail on large cruise ships in the Caribbean as well as smaller river cruises and deluxe canal cruising in Europe.
I have had once-in-a-lifetime adventures in my travels and enjoyed lectures and concerts all over the world. I was able to run with the bulls in the south of France and walked for a week on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I learned to scuba dive in Tahiti and parasailed in Mexico. I sat in front of Tony Bennett at the final matches, Center Court, at Wimbledon Lawn and Tennis Tournament. And I have enjoyed heart-warming, wonderful conversations incorporating funny sign language and occasional words in a foreign language with citizens of many cities and countries, each appreciating the extension of friendship, curiosity and kindness. These experiences can change your appreciation and understanding of other cultures and they can change your life.
I have travelled throughout Western Europe including France, Germany, Austria, Italy Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden, as well as Great Britain, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. I have visited Canada, Mexico, Tahiti, Hong Kong and Japan ... and almost every state in the United States. I have also been fortunate to sail on large cruise ships in the Caribbean as well as smaller river cruises and deluxe canal cruising in Europe.
I have had once-in-a-lifetime adventures in my travels and enjoyed lectures and concerts all over the world. I was able to run with the bulls in the south of France and walked for a week on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I learned to scuba dive in Tahiti and parasailed in Mexico. I sat in front of Tony Bennett at the final matches, Center Court, at Wimbledon Lawn and Tennis Tournament. And I have enjoyed heart-warming, wonderful conversations incorporating funny sign language and occasional words in a foreign language with citizens of many cities and countries, each appreciating the extension of friendship, curiosity and kindness. These experiences can change your appreciation and understanding of other cultures and they can change your life.
Kay Juran
International Travel & Cruise Consultant, 1995 to Present
An avid world traveler, I left my first career as a higher education administrator to devote myself to sharing my passion for travel with others. I create personalized and custom international trips and cruises to help my clients feel the excitement, adventure, and joy of travel.
As a Nationally Accredited Cruise Councilor, I specialize in small ship cruising. I have personally sailed on over 25 yachts, ships, riverboats, and barges, including lines such as Seabourn, Crystal, SeaDream, Regent, Paul Gauguin, Star Clipper, Windstar, Azamara, Silversea, AMA Waterways, and Viking River Cruises.
My travels have also taken me to a number of countries including: Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, Great Britain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Bratislava, Hungary, Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Monaco, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Tahiti and her islands, Fiji, Cook Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, most of the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and the Hawaiian Islands.
As a Nationally Accredited Cruise Councilor, I specialize in small ship cruising. I have personally sailed on over 25 yachts, ships, riverboats, and barges, including lines such as Seabourn, Crystal, SeaDream, Regent, Paul Gauguin, Star Clipper, Windstar, Azamara, Silversea, AMA Waterways, and Viking River Cruises.
My travels have also taken me to a number of countries including: Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, Great Britain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Bratislava, Hungary, Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Monaco, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Tahiti and her islands, Fiji, Cook Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, most of the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and the Hawaiian Islands.
Carol Bremer
Travel Consultant
My 15-year travel career started in the mid 1980s as a leisure agent for a small travel company in California.
I moved to the corporate side of the business in the late '80s, where I spent eight years working for American Express Travel.
During my time at Amex, I managed three different in-house travel offices, including FEI in Hillsboro, Ore.
I left the travel industry in 2000 to pursue a business with my husband.
In November 2018, I decided to re-enter the travel industry, and am happy to now be a part of the Nob Hill Travel team.
My favorite destination area is the Caribbean. I have been to more than 16 islands, including Bermuda. I hope to continue visiting this tranquil part of the world, until I have been to every island accessible!
I moved to the corporate side of the business in the late '80s, where I spent eight years working for American Express Travel.
During my time at Amex, I managed three different in-house travel offices, including FEI in Hillsboro, Ore.
I left the travel industry in 2000 to pursue a business with my husband.
In November 2018, I decided to re-enter the travel industry, and am happy to now be a part of the Nob Hill Travel team.
My favorite destination area is the Caribbean. I have been to more than 16 islands, including Bermuda. I hope to continue visiting this tranquil part of the world, until I have been to every island accessible!