Zoom Vacations
Zoom Vacations is a Chicago-based luxury LGBTQ+ travel company founded in 2002 that offers small-group escorted tours to 14+ destinations worldwide, personally led by co-founders Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb, primarily serving gay male travelers aged 40s-60s seeking vetted, gay-friendly luxury experiences.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Zoom Vacations does
Zoom Vacations, LLC is a Chicago-based luxury travel company founded in 2002 by Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb that specializes in small-group escorted tours for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. The company offers curated tours to 14+ destinations worldwide, including Bhutan, Egypt, India Holi Festival, Japan & South Korea, Laos, Maldives, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda & Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam & Cambodia. Tour packages range from approximately $3,999 to $16,999 per person based on double occupancy, with typical group sizes of around 15 travelers (capped at 9-12 for premium destinations such as Rwanda and Egypt). The co-founders personally lead every group tour, providing a founder-led, high-touch service model.
The company's core product portfolio consists of Group Tours (the primary offering, bookable through an online reservation system), Private Trips (custom-designed itineraries for individuals, weddings, honeymoons, and milestone events), and Independent Travel (self-guided arrangements with Zoom's planning expertise). Supporting service features include Zoom Concierge (U.S.-based trip support), Zoom Signature Events (exclusive destination experiences such as private chef dinners, llama hikes, African safaris with private plane transfers, and Inca shaman blessings), and travel insurance offered through an affiliate relationship with itravelinsured (IMG). The technology stack is standard for a tour operator: online booking and reservation system, email communication infrastructure, and digital payment processing via the company website (zoomvacations.com). There is no public API, SDK, or proprietary AI/ML capability.
Revenue is generated primarily through one-time group tour package sales ($3,999-$16,999 per person), supplemented by commission fees on premium hotel/resort upgrades (12+ Maldives luxury properties), affiliate referral fees on travel insurance, and professional services revenue from custom private trips. The go-to-market model is direct-to-consumer via the company website, supported by content marketing (co-founder blogs "Zooming With Bryan" and "Zooming With Joel"), Instagram (@zoomvacations), email newsletter, and word-of-mouth referrals. Customer mix is approximately 50% couples and 50% solo travelers, primarily aged 40s-60s. The company has received multiple industry awards (Out Traveler Magazine Favorite Small Tour Operator, PlanetOut Best Small Tour Operator, Travvy Gold for Best Escorted Tour Operator, LGBT) and maintains strategic relationships with IGLTA, Belmond (Joel Cabrera sits on the Belmond LGBTQ+ Advisory Board), and various media partners including the New York Times Travel Show and Travel Channel.
Zoom Vacations firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zoom Vacations
- Legal name
- Zoom Vacations, LLC
- Website
- https://zoomvacations.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Zoom Vacations is a Chicago-based luxury LGBTQ+ travel company founded in 2002 that offers small-group escorted tours to 14+ destinations worldwide, personally led by co-founders Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb, primarily serving gay male travelers aged 40s-60s seeking vetted, gay-friendly luxury experiences.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zoom Vacations industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury LGBTQ+ Travel Services
- NAICS
- Tour Operators (561520), Travel Agencies (561510)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Luxury Multi-Day Tour Operators (THAKADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Small-Group Escorted Tour Operators (THAKADAB), Private/Customized Multi-Day Tour Operators (THAKADAC), Group & Small-Group Custom Itinerary Planning (THAKAOAF)
Keywords
Where Zoom Vacations is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Zoom Vacations business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Group Tour Packages: Primary revenue stream from selling luxury LGBTQ+ group tour packages to destinations worldwide. Pricing varies by destination, ranging from approximately $3,999 (Laos) to $16,999 (Japan & South Korea). Package prices are quoted in USD and include accommodations, most meals, excursions, and Zoom concierge services.
- Hotel and Resort Upgrades: Additional revenue from optional premium hotel upgrades and property add-ons. Available upgrade options include Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru, Gili Lankanfushi, Joali, Niyama Maldives, Ozen Bolifushi, Ozen Maadhoo, Soneva Fushi Maldives, Soneva Jani Maldives, Taj Exotica Maldives, and W Maldives.
- Travel Insurance: Commission revenue from offering comprehensive travel insurance through itravelinsured (IMG). Highly recommended to travelers for trip protection.
- Private Trips and Custom Itineraries: Revenue from designing and organizing private/custom trips for individuals, groups, destination events, weddings, honeymoons, and milestone celebrations. Pricing varies based on custom itinerary requirements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Laos tour package |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Thailand tour package |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Sri Lanka and Portugal tour packages |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Vietnam & Cambodia and Peru tour packages |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Japan & South Korea tour package |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | India Holi Festival tour package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Maldives independent travel |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Tour reservation deposit |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Zoom Vacations product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zoom Vacations sells small-group escorted luxury LGBTQ+ travel tours to 14+ international destinations (Bhutan, Egypt, India Holi Festival, Japan & South Korea, Laos, Maldives, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda & Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia), with average group sizes around 15 travelers. Each tour is personally led by co-founders Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb and includes accommodations, most meals, excursions, a Zoom Concierge, and exclusive Zoom Signature Events. The company also designs private/custom trips (weddings, honeymoons, milestone celebrations) and arranges independent travel itineraries for self-guided clients.
Product overview
Zoom Vacations is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company operating since 2002 that offers a unified portfolio of small-group escorted tours and private/custom travel services. The core product is the 'Reserve a Tour' booking system for group tours to 14+ destinations worldwide (Bhutan, Egypt, India Holi Festival, Japan & South Korea, Laos, Maldives, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda & Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia), with group sizes typically around 15 people. Additional offerings include Private Trips for customized experiences and Independent Travel for self-guided arrangements. The company enhances its tours with Zoom Signature Events (exclusive over-the-top experiences), Zoom Concierge service (U.S.-based trip support), and optional add-ons like Maldives luxury property upgrades. All group tours are personally led by co-founders Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Group Tours (Small-Group LGBTQ+ Escorted Tours) Luxury small-group escorted tours to 14+ international destinations (Bhutan, Egypt, India Holi Festival, Japan & South Korea, Laos, Maldives, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda & Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia), personally led by co-founders Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb. Includes accommodations, most meals, excursions, local guides, a Zoom Concierge, and exclusive Zoom Signature Events. Average group size approximately 15 travelers (range 6–20); per-person pricing from $3,999 (Laos) to $16,999 (Japan & South Korea).
- Private Trips (Custom-Designed Private Travel) Custom-designed private travel experiences for individuals, groups, or destination events such as weddings, honeymoons, and milestone celebrations. Pricing varies based on custom itinerary requirements.
- Independent Travel (Self-Guided Itineraries) Customized independent travel arrangements for travelers who prefer self-guided experiences, leveraging Zoom Vacations' planning expertise. Example: Maldives independent travel from $800 per night (accommodations only).
- Travel Insurance Comprehensive travel insurance offered to travelers through itravelinsured (IMG) to protect vacation investments. Highly recommended to travelers for trip protection.
- Maldives Luxury Property Add-Ons Optional premium hotel upgrade add-ons for Maldives tours, including Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Gili Lankanfushi, Joali, Niyama Maldives, Ozen Bolifushi, Ozen Maadhoo, Soneva Fushi Maldives, Soneva Jani Maldives, Taj Exotica Maldives, and W Maldives.
Quantifiable outcome
- Tours described as 'over-the-top,' 'magical,' and 'the best trip I ever had' by past travelers
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Zoom Vacations
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Zoom Vacations technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Zoom Vacations partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- New York Times Travel ShowminorZoom Vacations has been sought for travel expertise by the New York Times Travel Show, appearing as a subject matter expert in LGBTQ+ travel.
- ManAboutWorldminorTravel expertise sought by ManAboutWorld publication for LGBTQ+ travel content.
- International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)minorZoom Vacations has worked with IGLTA, the leading global LGBTQ+ travel organization.
- OrbitzminorTravel expertise sought by Orbitz for LGBTQ+ travel guidance.
- Travel ChannelminorZoom Vacations has been featured/seeked for travel expertise by the Travel Channel.
- Bump! MagazineminorTravel expertise sought by Bump! Magazine for LGBTQ+ travel content.
- itravelinsured (IMG)minorZoom Vacations offers travel insurance through itravelinsured, a company through IMG. This is an affiliate/referral relationship where Zoom recommends their insurance to travelers.
- Belmond LGBTQ+ Advisory BoardminorCo-founder Joel Cabrera serves on the Belmond LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, providing guidance on LGBTQ+ travel offerings for Belmond hotels including Copacabana Palace Rio and Hotel Das Cataracts Iguacu Falls.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Zoom Vacations competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Astral RSVP Vacations: RSVP Vacations is a direct competitor in gay travel, primarily operating LGBTQ+ cruises and resort events. Targets the same gay male demographic as Zoom Vacations with comparable premium positioning.
- Astral OutOfOffice: OutOfOffice.com is a direct competitor providing LGBTQ+ curated travel experiences and custom itineraries for gay travelers, including group departures and private trips, competing for the same premium LGBTQ+ booking.
- Olivia Travel: Olivia is a direct competitor operating small-group and chartered LGBTQ+ travel experiences, originally focused on lesbian travelers and now broader LGBTQ+. Overlapping product formats (small-group escorted tours, cruises, resort events) compete for the same premium LGBTQ+ leisure segment.
- Astral Atlantis Events: Atlantis Events is a direct competitor producing LGBTQ+ events, cruises, and resort takeovers. While its center of gravity is larger-scale events/cruises rather than escorted tours, it competes for the same gay male leisure travel wallet.
- Astral Plane (Out Adventures): Out Adventures is a direct competitor offering small-group LGBTQ+ tours to international destinations with a similar escorted-group model and comparable per-person pricing. Both companies target gay male travelers seeking curated, small-group international experiences.
- Astral Toto Tours: Toto Tours is a direct competitor offering small-group LGBTQ+ escorted tours to international destinations. Comparable business model, group sizes, and target audience make it one of the closest substitutes for Zoom Vacations' core group tour product.
- Brandan B. Robertson Travel: Detours Gay Travel is a direct competitor offering small-group LGBTQ+ tours to international destinations. Overlapping escorted-group tour format and target audience.
- Astral VACAYA: VACAYA is a direct competitor in LGBTQ+ leisure travel, operating curated resort takeovers and luxury excursions. While stronger on resort/cruise experiences, it competes for the same high-spend LGBTQ+ traveler seeking premium, community-based international travel.
Others
- IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association): IGLTA is the leading global LGBTQ+ travel industry association that Zoom Vacations has worked with. Not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem partner that connects operators, suppliers, and travel agents in the same customer segment.
- Astral Belmond Hotels: Belmond is a luxury hotel group where co-founder Joel Cabrera sits on the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Not a competitor but a key supplier and ecosystem partner that supplies premium properties to Zoom Vacations itineraries and shares strategic alignment on LGBTQ+ market development.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zoom Vacations social profiles
Digital presenceZoom Vacations financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zoom Vacations leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Zoom Vacations funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zoom Vacations M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zoom Vacations
What does Zoom Vacations do?
Zoom Vacations sells small-group escorted luxury LGBTQ+ travel tours to 14+ international destinations (Bhutan, Egypt, India Holi Festival, Japan & South Korea, Laos, Maldives, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda & Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia), with average group sizes around 15 travelers. Each tour is personally led by co-founders Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb and includes accommodations, most meals, excursions, a Zoom Concierge, and exclusive Zoom Signature Events. The company also designs private/custom trips (weddings, honeymoons, milestone celebrations) and arranges independent travel itineraries for self-guided clients.
Is Zoom Vacations a public or private company?
Zoom Vacations is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Zoom Vacations founded?
Zoom Vacations was founded in 2002. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Zoom Vacations based?
Zoom Vacations is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Zoom Vacations make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Group Tour Packages are the primary driver. The others are hotel and Resort Upgrades, travel Insurance and private Trips and Custom Itineraries.
Who are Zoom Vacations's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Astral RSVP Vacations, Astral OutOfOffice, Olivia Travel, Astral Atlantis Events, Astral Plane (Out Adventures), Astral Toto Tours, Brandan B. Robertson Travel and Astral VACAYA. Others are IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association) and Astral Belmond Hotels.
Does Zoom Vacations have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zoom Vacations.
What industry is Zoom Vacations in?
Zoom Vacations's product category is Luxury LGBTQ+ Travel Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAKADAE, Luxury Multi-Day Tour Operators, with a secondary code of THAKADAB, Small-Group Escorted Tour Operators. Its NAICS code is 561520 and its SIC code is 7990.