About Us

Our Story

In 2010, founder, Chris Muhlestein and his uncle, Ralph Brown, had the experience of a lifetime on an extended international trip. They explored several countries throughout Asia and the Middle East, living in rural communities for weeks at a time, learning what they could from the local people. Of that experience, Chris said:

“That trip changed my entire outlook on what it means to live. We traveled differently than most people do, living with locals in tiny isolated villages. It was exciting, I saw things that I had never imagined existed! We spent time in Northern Jordan with Bedouins who seemed much more committed to their families than any culture that I had experienced before, and with hill tribes in Northern Thailand that were so laid back in their approach to living, that it made me ask why I lived the way that I did? Why did I eat the food that I always had? Why did I think the way that I had? And so on. Because of Ralph’s encouragement, and the natural curiosity that arises while traveling, I began asking myself new questions, which led, I believe, to being a better member of the worldwide community.”

The travel continued until late 2013 when Ralph was diagnosed with an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer. In December of that year, Chris inadvertently stumbled on a mistake fare: round trip tickets from his home airport of Salt Lake City to Honolulu, Hawaii for $96 on Delta Airlines. He alerted his family and friends about the deal, but the deal expired before they were all able to book. He wished he could have alerted them faster and Pomelo’s cheap flight alerts were born.

It is important to remember that Pomelo is much more than flight alerts. Pomelo Travel was started with the intention to keep connections alive that Chris and Ralph had made in places like Thailand and Jordan, as well as open the door for others to experience the unique style of travel Chris and Ralph enjoyed. Pomelo officially launched in July 2014, just less than a month before Ralph’s passing. Ralph suggested the tagline for the company should be “live, for a change”, which was his ever-present mantra, both in words and action.

We invite you to do just that and “live, for a change” on your next trip!

Since 2014, Chris has built a dynamic team of cheap flight experts, local guides, and experienced travelers to help you.