Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 1972.
What is your primary product or service?
We are a full-service travel agency offering air, hotels, cars, tours, vacation packages, cruises, and all other travel options to both leisure and corporate travelers.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Influenced by his family's French heritage, James longed to explore that heritage at its roots. In 1984, he enrolled in the American University in Paris, France. Attending university in France allowed James to do extensive traveling across Europe and Africa, experiencing multiple cultures and lands.
In May of 1987, James received a CPLF (Certificat Pratique de Langue Française) from the the Université de Paris-Sorbonne, Paris IV. In June of the same year, he was awarded an Associates Degree in Arts and a Bachelor's Degree in French Studies from the American University in Paris.
After completing his undergraduate degrees in Europe, James returned to the United States where he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. James completed his Master's Degree in Secondary Education and French Literature in May of 1994. While enrolled in graduate school James worked as a foreign language teacher in the public school system. It was during this stage that he was asked to serve as tour guide for inbound travelers to Louisiana by a local travel agency. This was the catalyst that launched him into the travel industry as an outside sales agent for over thirteen years.
In October of 2000, James left the public school system and worked as a staff development trainer for a local hospital. He still, however, continued to serve as an outside sales agent for his friend and mentor, Kermit U. Duhon, the owner of the Lafayette, LA based travel agency, Travel Machine, Inc.
In 2003 Mr. Duhon offered James the manager's position at his Lake Charles office, Travel Machine dba Globetrek Travel. After serving as manager for over two years James purchased Globetrek in May of 2006.
GlobeTrek's walls are still papered with world maps and GlobeTrek's commitment to service and excellence continue!
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are the only full-service, ARC bonded agency in the Lake Charles, LA area.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
GlobeTrek Travel is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA, but we have agents nationwide within the United States.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located directly in Front of the Prien Lake Mall, at 3310 Creole Street (the street in between First National Bank and Crossroads Christian Book Store). Our building is flush against the I-210 Hwy. At the traffic light, in front of the Mall, between FNB and Crossroads, turn towards the I-210 HWY and at the end of this short piece of Creole Street, you will find our business.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept credit cards and cash. We no longer accept checks.
Which areas do you service?
GlobeTrek Travel services all of SW Louisiana and we have clients nationwide.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
GlobeTrek Travel is owned by James P. Halphen, a gentleman with passion for travel and a commitment to service. James is also a local school teacher.
What are your hours of operation?
GlobeTrek is open Monday - Friday between 09:00AM and 05:30PM.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
The best compliment that our clients can give us is that we helped to make their travel plans a reality and that our service was exceptional.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Remember, without a travel agent, you are on your own.