About Us
Burger Travel Service is the oldest, full service travel agency in the Mahoning Valley and has been the choice of travelers since 1932. The office was opened in 1932 by Louis B. Burger on Wick Avenue, in downtown Youngstown, Ohio. His knowledge and fluency of seven languages was advantageous in serving the many immigrants coming to the United States. At that time travel was either by train or steamship. As time went by, airline travel became the common mode of travel, while steamships became the cruise liners we know today.
Youngstown was originally served by Pennsylvania Airlines, Lake Central Airlines, and Capital Airlines. Our credentials, in addition to seniority, include Certified Travel Counselors. To qualify, the applicant must have been in the travel business for a minimum of five years, and have completed an eighteen month course in travel management given by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.
Burger Travel is a locally owned and operated travel agency. We specialize in honeymoons, destination weddings, cruises, tours and general travel planning. With many of years experience in worldwide travel planning, there really is no other agency in the area with the history and experience of Burger Travel. For all of your travel needs, accompanied by trusted service, we invite you to come travel with us!
Debra J. Burger
As a third generation travel agent, my 'work' life began at a very early age. My first cruise was a 38 day journey to South America -- on an non airconditioned, non-stabilized ship! Things have improved since then. Because my childhood travels were with my parents wishing to visit and inspect new destinations, I began a lifelong journey of learning and exploration.
One of my favorite memories is of a five week trip to Hawaii, not yet a state. We traveled by train from Ohio to San Fransisco, stopping to visit friends in Chicago. We traveled by ship (The Lurline) to Honolulu with a ten day visit to the Hawaiian Islands. I was able to walk up on a volcano that erupted just weeks later. Maui was so undeveloped that we did not even stay overnight, just spending one day to see the pineapple fields and undeveloped beachfront land. Oh how I wish that we could have purchased some then! Our stay at the Coco Palms Resort on Kauai followed the visit of Elvis Presley -- and lots of interesting stories were told. Waikiki Beach had just three hotels and was beautiful. We returned to Los Angeles via ship and visited Disneyland before taking the train to Las Vegas -- all low-rise hotels. The headliner at The Flamingo was Ray Bolger -- the scarecrow from "The Wizard of OZ". My father took me on to the casino floor to meet Mr. Bolger. Before security chased me away, I had received a kiss and refused to wash my face for two days! I had a wonderful conversation with Debbie Reynolds in the coffee shop; she was the sweetest lady. We continued back to Ohio by train. Other than the flights between the island in Hawaii, all transportation was by rail or ship.
Travel has certainly changed since then and the challenge of keeping up with all the changes is one that I look forward to daily. Along with meeting the educational criteria of a Certified Travel Counselor, I constantly take continuing education courses offered by various destinations and suppliers. I love the research and planning of customized and exotic travel and look forward to finding just the right choice for every client.
Neita Burger
I have been a resident of the Youngstown area most of my life and involved in the travel business with my husband for many years. (He was a charter member of the American Society of Travel Agents.) My daughter, Debra, is now the owner of Burger Travel Service and I am in the office daily to offer my expertise and lend a helping hand. During my tenure, I have taken groups to Europe, on cruises, and most particulary to China after it opened to travelers from the United States. The eighteen persons who acompanied me to China were accepted with open arms -- the Chinese were so happy to meet us. The computer age has been an eye awakening experience for many of us old-timers, but we know that is the way to go!
Pam Manchester
Like Debbie and Mrs. Burger, I have lived in Youngstown all of my life. Prior to joining Burger Travel organization, I spent almost 25 years working in the medical insurance field for Trustmark Insurance. After retiring from there, I opened a residential cleaning service, which led me to Debbie and Burger Travel. Because of a series of events, I was offered the position of Bookkeeper and personal assistant to them both. I am proud to say that I have learned some about the travel industry (I will never be as spectacular as Debbie and am anxious to learn more.) We are looking forward to meeting with you to plan your next travel experience. I am looking forward to serving you with your travel needs. I am sure you will be more than satisfied with the experience.
Percy Burger
Our Dogrector of Public Relations, Percy Burger, is a small toy poodle. He became part of our family in October of 1998. What a joy this little dog, named after the "Scarlet Pimpernel", has brought to our home and office. He hasn't missed a day of work since he was eight weeks old. His color as a puppy was a rich butterscotch and has matured to become a lovely apricot. He greets clients very vocally -- he is little and wants to make sure that no one else misses him! Once everyone is properly greeted he becomes a loveable friend, handling the duties of his position so well. Percy looks foreard to giving you some poodle love on your next visit to Burger Travel Service.
Mandy Burger
Our Communications Dogrector, Mandy Burger, is a lovely white miniature poodle. Mandy was adopted in May 2003 from Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue, a national small dog rescue organization. She arrived scared, skinny, shaved down, and was thrilled to have the love, attention, and security of her new home. She and Percy love to cuddle together and both greet guests to the office quite vocally. Mandy has gained much needed pounds and her soft white hair has grown out beautifully. She loves to run in the yard and has brought joy and companionship to all of us at Burger Travel.
Tucker Burger
Our Dogrector of Security is the newest addition to the Burger Travel family. Tucker arrived as a temporary foster for ShitTzu and Furbaby Rescue and it was soon apparent that he had to stay on as a permanent member of our family. He is quite energetic and curious (a perfect combination -- along with his deep voice, for his job). While small, he makes sure that we all know he is here.
Marley Burger
Our newsest staff member, Marley, is Dogrector of Food Services - meaning that he will eat just about anything. Marley was on his last day at the Mahoning County Dog Pound when we rescued him. He loves everyone and is just the most joyous boy, completely thankful to have been saved.