MEET OUR TEAM
Patty Benford, President & CEO, CTC
For me, travel has been an all-consuming passion. I was bitten by the travel bug as a child and have loved to travel ever since. Initially I did not start in the travel business as a career, but through different career choices it became clear to me that I enjoyed helping people build the vacation of their dreams.
So, over thirty years ago I joined the travel industry and over the years it has certainly changed! I have been asked many times if the emergence of the internet has hurt my business and I always answer "no." I embrace the internet as a travel tool. To me, my job is more like a concierge of travel. I enjoy piecing together an elaborate itinerary based on the traveler's needs, and I am willing to go the extra mile for my clients. My job is more than just handling airline tickets. Whether it is a South American cruise with private shore excursions, an African safari, a thirty-day land-based tour of Australia and New Zealand or a luxury barge trip on the rivers of France - I love making it easier for others to see the world. It is music to my ears when I hear from my clients about what an awesome trip they had."
George Benford, Director of Sales, CTC
Travel fuels my passion for realizing dreams, gaining knowledge, fostering compassion, and achieving peace. With a lifelong dedication to exploration, I've embraced travel as my career. Every day, I'm driven to share the world with others, aiming to provide unforgettable experiences across three tiers: Good, Better, Best.
Growing up as a military brat exposed me to diverse cultures across Europe and the Orient, laying the foundation for my extensive travels to 87 countries. Now, with over four decades of professional experience, I continue to be enthralled by new destinations and emerging cultures, with Europe remaining a core passion. Crafting personalized experiences for clients allows me to relive the excitement vicariously through each trip, eagerly awaiting their return to hear their stories and share in their memories.
George is a member of the Porters Neck Country Club and Cape Fear Men's Club.
Carla Zarnick, Travel Advisor, CTA
Having arranged memorable vacations for my clients for over 30 years, I love to make travel dreams a reality. Since I can remember, I've been fascinated by the idea of exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures. Traveling allows me to step out of my comfort zone, learn from others, and create unforgettable memories. So, let's embark on an adventure together and make some incredible travel stories! I ensure a well-planned and stress-free vacation. Whether you are craving relaxation, cultural experiences, or thrilling adventure, let's work together tailor a journey just for you!
Affiliated with Viking Travel of Chapel Hill, NC and together affiliated with Ensemble Group (an international network of 900 expert travel agencies that create and deliver vacation experiences to match your style and exceed your expectations, with thousands of exclusive value-added offers for cruise or land vacations).
