We had the good fortune of connecting with Alfonso Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alfonso, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of Five Star Tours is our commitment to connection and experience. We don’t just provide transportation; we craft journeys that bring people closer—to each other, to new destinations, and to cultures worth exploring.

Our success stems from an unwavering focus on personalized service, cultural authenticity, and going beyond expectations to create unforgettable moments for our guests. Whether it’s a seamless cross-border trip or a wine tour in Baja, our goal is to make every journey meaningful, inspiring trust and joy in every mile we travel together.

At the heart of it all is our incredible team, whose passion and dedication fuel everything we do. We’re driven by the belief that travel is not just about places; it’s about the people you meet, the stories you share, and the memories you create. That’s the magic behind Five Star Tours.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Five Star Tours is your gateway to unforgettable California and San Diego experiences and beyond. We specialize in creating unique adventures, from exploring the vibrant wineries of Baja California to discovering the best of San Diego’s beaches, cultural landmarks, and foodie hotspots. Whether it’s a private city tour, a sunset beach picnic, or a seamless cross-border journey, we are all about connecting people to extraordinary destinations with comfort, style, and a touch of magic.

What sets us apart is our ability to combine local expertise with personalized service. San Diego isn’t just a city—it’s our home, and we take pride in sharing its iconic attractions like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and La Jolla’s pristine coastline, as well as its hidden gems, with our guests. We blend these local offerings with larger California highlights, like wine-tasting tours in Valle de Guadalupe or glamping adventures along the Pacific Coast.

We didn’t get here without challenges. Navigating cross-border logistics, earning trust in a competitive market, and staying resilient during unpredictable times (hello, pandemic!) pushed us to innovate and adapt. But we overcame these hurdles by staying true to our mission: providing meaningful, curated experiences and putting our guests first. Each challenge has taught us to be more resourceful, more flexible, and more committed to excellence.

I’m proud of our journey and the relationships we’ve built—with our guests, our team, and the communities we serve. Our lessons learned? Stay curious, embrace change, and always go the extra mile. We’re not just in the business of transportation; we’re in the business of creating memories, one trip at a time.

What do I want the world to know? Five Star Tours is a love letter to California, San Diego, and Baja. We believe in showcasing their beauty, culture, and flavors in ways that inspire connection and discovery. Let us take you on a journey where every mile is five-star.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experience the best of San Diego and Baja California with a week packed full of incredible food, stunning views, and unforgettable adventures. We’d start in La Jolla with breakfast at The Cottage, followed by kayaking through the sea caves and a sunset at Sunset Cliffs. A day in downtown San Diego would include exploring Balboa Park, dining at Trust, and rooftop cocktails in the Gaslamp Quarter. For beach vibes, we’d hit Pacific Beach for breakfast burritos at Kono’s, cruise the boardwalk to Mission Beach, and enjoy a bonfire at Coronado Beach. Then, we’d cross the border for a day of wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe, with stops at Las Nubes and Finca Altozano, ending the night in a glamping bubble. Tijuana would bring a foodie adventure with tacos at Tacos El Franc and dinner at Misión 19. In North County, we’d visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens, relax at Moonlight Beach, and hop through breweries like Stone Brewing. To wrap up the trip, we’d take a scenic drive along Highway 101, enjoy a spa day at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and have a farewell dinner at Marine Room, where the waves crash against the windows. It’s the perfect mix of coastal charm, vibrant culture, and indulgence that showcases the magic of San Diego and Baja!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, absolutely! My shoutout goes to the amazing adventurers who choose Five Star Tours, our guests, who inspire us daily with their curiosity and zest for discovery. They’re the heartbeat of everything we do and the reason we keep pushing the boundaries to create unforgettable travel experiences.

Next, a big high-five to my incredible team—the dreamers, planners, and road warriors who make magic happen behind the scenes. Their creativity, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of travel are the secret sauce behind our success.

I also want to thank California and Baja California itself for being such a treasure trove of beauty, culture, and culinary delights. It’s a region that never stops inspiring me and continues to remind me why we do what we do.

Lastly, a nod to my mentors and collaborators—fellow travel enthusiasts, small business advocates, and visionaries who’ve guided and supported me along the way. You know who you are! 🚐💫

Five Star Tours is a reflection of all the love, mentorship, and inspiration we’ve received—and we’re just getting started!

Website: https://www.fivestartours.com

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Image Credits
Canva and Chat GPT

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