By Heather Posey
Staff Writer
As the holidays rapidly approach and the year comes to an end, many people are in a rush to book their last-minute holiday trips. Web sites such as Expedia and Travelocity give those in need a convenient alternative to the long lines at the airport, but there is a new travel company in town that aims to blow them out of the water.
R U For Travel, a new online travel Web site that began in September, is a one-stop shop for any traveler. The brainchild of its owner Trina Rufo and husband Ray brings the care of a travel agency right to jet-setter’s fingertips.
“We offer travel if you want to book a cruise, flight, rent a car, get a hotel, and the Web site is extremely user friendly with no pop-up ads when you are booking your trip,” said Rufo.
According to Rufo, the new business was an unexpected one. After more than 18 years in the mortgage industry, she experienced the brunt of the recent drop in the housing market.
“One of my girlfriends told me about nine months ago about it but I didn’t do anything because of the craziness of the mortgage industry,” said Rufo. “Then one of my colleagues jumped ship, saying she is doing this travel business and told me that this is something I need to go look at.”
A few months later she signed up and has been “full steam ahead ever since.”
The current travel season has been very successful for R U For Travel, which has a list of low-priced “last-minute deals” and entertainment packages, where customers can order concert and sporting event tickets, flowers, and even gifts for friends and relatives to give to those leaving on their getaways.
“There’s more to this site than just travel,” said Rufo. “We have a honeymoon registry where people can pitch in to pay for the bride and groom’s honeymoon. People can order cars. We even have a Web page devoted to just golfing.”
And with her background in mortgage loans and sales, she has had plenty of clients come to her with their travel needs. Even though she remains dedicated to the mortgage industry, she is enjoying watching her online travel agency grow with every single mouse click.
For more information on R U For Travel, call Trina at (562) 896-9716 or visit www.rufortravel.com.
