Editor’s Note: The wildfires in LA represent an ever-evolving situation. To access the TravelAge West Travel Industry LA Fires Support Tracker and donate to travel industry members or organizations looking to help, click here.
As several wildfires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, every person who lives in the city has been affected in some way, whether they've lost or been displaced from their own homes or are assisting family members and friends impacted by the widespread natural disaster.
TravelStore is the largest independently owned travel agency headquartered in California. We spoke to its President and CEO, Brian Crawford, about how the company is supporting its approximately 100 staff and independent affiliates who live in the greater Los Angeles area, including three advisors who tragically lost their homes and eight others who are unable to return to their homes due to a lack of utilities or their neighborhoods being closed.
How is TravelStore supporting members affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles?
TravelStore made an immediate donation to any staff or independent affiliates who were displaced by the wildfires. Additionally, we are currently running an internal donation drive to assist our colleagues during this difficult time. A percentage of the donations will go to Best Friends Animal Society, as many animals have also been displaced and are being flown to sanctuaries in Utah and Washington, and to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
We are handling this process internally to maximize the benefit to those impacted, thereby avoiding the extra charges from crowdfunding sites.
Brian Crawford of TravelStore
Credit: 2025 TravelStoreHas TravelStore partnered with suppliers or hoteliers to help advisors?
The travel industry has shown remarkable solidarity during this challenging period, and we are collectively striving to assist those affected in rebuilding their lives.
We have not established direct partnerships with suppliers or hoteliers because we have implemented our own internal donation program; however, individuals outside our organization have also contributed to this initiative.
Have the fires impacted how your advisors are servicing their clients?
At TravelStore, we pride ourselves on our strong sense of community. Our advisors collaborated seamlessly to ensure the continued management of clients whose advisors were directly impacted by the wildfires.
Do you have advice for advisors with clients planning travel to Los Angeles?
Travelers to the Los Angeles area can generally proceed with their plans, as most attractions remain operational. However, visitors should note that Malibu Beach has been devastated, Pacific Coast Highway may be closed from Santa Monica Northbound, and the Getty Villa [museum] is currently closed. Visitors should also avoid wildfire-affected areas and allow emergency crews to perform their duties without obstruction.
Suppliers and hoteliers have been very understanding and have demonstrated flexibility for anyone who was directly impacted by the wildfires or anyone who was perhaps traveling to the areas affected. It is advisable for advisors to check directly with vendors to ensure their clients have a seamless visit.
