Meet Jonathan Geen | President Purple Light Vacations

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

Hi Jonathan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Purple Light Vacations in 2013 because I thought there was a need in the San Diego market place and beyond for a travel agency that provided extra value and customized service as well as destination insight so that travelers would be “in the know”. I also was fulfilling a passion for travel and different cultures.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love my job/business because helping people realize their dreams vacations is so fulfilling. I think what sets our travel agency apart is the personal attention and added value we provide at no additional cost. This includes destination insight with tips from locals that are not in the guidebooks. I am proud that we help clients “Travel in the Know” which is why our slogan is “Travel in the Know Wherever You Go”.

The process has not been easy. I started working full time in travel at the time of the pandemic which was a turbulent and not financially profitable time. However through perserverance and from clients who supported us from the beginning, we made it through.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego offers so many things for different tastes. As a travel advisor one of the first things I do when I am speaking to a new client is find out what types of things they like whether it be sports or sporting events, culture and museums, the performing arts, food, or beach time. I then come up with an itinerary that matches their interests/preferences.

If I was coming up with an itinerary for someone with tastes similar to mine it would include a performance at either/both of the La Jolla Playhouse or Old Globe Theater. These are two of the top regional theaters in the country and often premier shows that shine on Broadway. I love Balboa Park whether it’s a day at our deservedly famous zoo or just walking its paths. The USS Midway Museum is worth touring for those who like that sort of thing. I love the beaches, seals, glider port and restaurants in La Jolla as well as those in Hillcrest, and downtown/Gas lamp district. My favorite is the middle eastern restaurant Bandar with healthy delicious food. I am also like the beach experience you get in Coronado.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Dave (our agency CFO) who not only has encouraged and supported me through this venture but came up with our company name.

Website: https://www.purplelightvacatons.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplelightvacations/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/purplelightvac

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplelightvacations

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/purple-light-vacations-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@purplelightvacations3628