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TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
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 | Tammi Van Volkinburgh Email: tammi@privatetravelconsulting.com
Interests & Specialties Luxury Land Travel, Luxury Small-ship Cruising, Private Jet Adventures, Luxury Eco-travel, Spa Stays, India, Bhutan, England, & South Africa.
Expert Bio
My interests in literature, history, and anthropology, as well as my love of nature, are driving forces in my travels. While attending the University of Nevada-Reno, I was recruited at the age of 17 by an airline, officially launching my career in the travel industry. I stayed with the airline for three years before deciding to move to the consulting side of the industry and soon found the perfect outlet for my skills in the area of ultra-luxury travel.
I continued to travel the world while growing up and by the time I turned 25 I had visited over 50 countries on six continents. That number is now over 90 and continues to grow every year as I continue my long-held practice of personally vetting the travel products that I recommend to my clients. This practice has led to my personal travel experiences on The Blue Train in South Africa, a TCS Expeditions private jet trip of India, regular cruising on Silversea, including segments of Silversea’s Inaugural World Cruise, regular cruises on Seabourn, and many of the top hotels and spas in the world.
My dedication to providing discerning travelers with the ultimate in luxury travel experiences has also led to my being selected as one of Travel + Leisure magazines “A-List Agents – The Top 125 Agents in the US” for the past five years. Email Tammi
|  | Cookie Carney Email: cookie@travel-experts.net
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Honeymoon/Destination Wedding Specialist
Expert Bio
I have been working in the travel industry for over 25 years – starting with the airlines and moving to the agency side. My college degree is in business and I knew early on that I loved sales and travel. So now, I can combine both of those “loves” and spend my days doing what I really enjoy. Working in the travel industry affords me an opportunity to travel the world every day as I am always planning wonderful adventures for my clients.
Realizing the value of experiencing places and things, I spend as much time as possible traveling the globe. I also realize the value of education and have continued to study earning my CTA and CTC and am currently working on several destination specialties. I am also a Virtuoso Specialist and enjoy the many educational trips I have experienced. The Caribbean is one of my favorite areas and since I live so close, I usually make at least 4 trips annually to the region. It is always such fun for me to plan destination weddings in the Caribbean so this has become one of the biggest areas of business. Email Cookie
My Recent Trips
In 2004 I was fortunate to visit the wonderful country of Thailand and take a journey on Orient Express. My favorite city was Chiang Mai where I stayed at the Four Seasons and got to experience riding an elephant. Thailand is a country that I would love to visit again as the people were some of the most gracious I have ever met. Also in 2004, I was able to visit French Polynesian and Tahiti – staying at the same resort as Bill and Melinda Gates – what an adventure. In the summer of 2004, I traveled to Bermuda on Celebrity for a wonderful week with my family.
2005 brought some exciting travels – In the early spring I was able to spend 7 days on Windstar Cruise Lines sailing on the Windsurf. This was an educational trip and I learned so very much about small ship cruising. Then in June I got the opportunity to visit Punta Cana for the third time. I escorted a small group and we stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana and a great time was had by all. Two weeks later in mid June, I was heading to Alaska on a Princess cruise. WOW – what a beautiful country we have……Alaska is a grand state and also got to stop in Victoria, BC. July found me on a hotel fam trip looking at several wonderful properties in Antigua. I have been able to direct several people to that wonderful island for very special trips. 2005 ended with me spending 8 days in Florence, Italy. It is always one of my favorites and I will return again in 2006 to see more of Italy.
2006 started with an adventure trip to Belize – I stayed on a small caye – South Water -that had only generators and no cars located right on the barrier reef. It was 1 mile long and 100 yards wide. We spent our days diving, snorkeling and exploring all of the small islands. What a wonderful experience. I must admit, during the 14 mile boat ride in a small 18 foot boat, I had my doubts about this “adventure”. What a special place in the world and certainly on my list of return places.
In March I had another 7 day cruise on the Windsurf. I chose this sailing to that I could visit multiple islands in the Caribbean – St. Barths, St. Lucia, Barbados, Nevis and Basse Terre, Guadeloupe. Key West was my next trip the first week of June. I had never spent any time in Key West, so I had a blast. One of the greatest “people watching” spots. Now I head to Portugal for a week of experiences with some more Caribbean in the mix for later in the summer – St. Martin, Anguilla and Jamaica. Las Vegas in August and once again Italy in the fall – this trip will be very special as I will be attending an ordination at St. Peters for one of my favorite “tour guide/students” who is finishing his studies at seminary in Rome.
|  | Nancy Moody Email: nancy@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Regional & Around-the-World and Private Jet Adventures Luxury Cruising with Emphasis on Small Ships Private Yacht Charters International Golf Trips Exclusive Women-Only Trips Honeymoons & Romantic Get-a-Ways Weekend Excursions Unique Once-in-a-Lifetime Itineraries and my newest offering – Exclusive trips to Spiritual Sites Around the World.
Expert Bio
My experience spans 29-years in the travel industry, 22 of those managing two prestigious organizations - Neiman Marcus Travel Service downtown Dallas and Mary Kay Cosmetics in-house travel agency. For the majority of those years I had the privilege of assisting with custom redemptions for Neiman Marcus’s top customers through the InCircle program as well as hosting group departures highlighted in the NM Christmas catalogue, trips such as Carnival in Venice and a Motorcycle Rally across the Southwest U.S.!
My association with Virtuoso allows me to continue as one of only 75 agents nationwide to work with the Neiman Marcus InCircle and CouTour Travel clientele. I enjoy arranging exclusive, innovative travel products which offer the special amenities and value that my clients have come to expect and appreciate. I have had the privilege of arranging trips that span from Concord and Private Jet Around-the-World, private motor yachts and sailing vessels in the Caribbean and Mediterranean to a weekend stay at a luxury resort stateside. Email Nancy
|  | Trish Mercer Email: trish@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Customer Service: That is why you work with a travel agent. Having been an instructor in customer service at a college, and a consumer, I know that customer service is a dying art and I do my best to be sure I keep it alive. My goal is to always exceed your expectations.
Alaska: I am a "sour dough" at heart. Having traveled to Alaska for the past 10 years, I can craft your Alaska experience to meet your personal needs. I specialize in intimate customized small group adventures, away from the large group excursions available from the cruise lines. Whether cruising the Inside Passage, or exploring the Alaskan interior, I will help you plan an experience of a lifetime.
Cruising: Cruising is my passion. I have done clipper ships, river barges, small luxury lines, paddleboats, and large mainstream cruises.
Rail: My husband and I have traveled extensively by rail in the US, Europe and the Far East and would love to help you have a great train adventure.
Groups: I have planned and escorted groups within the Southeast US, and to Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, the Mayan Riviera, and to Europe. If you want it trouble free, I am the person to contact.
Expert Bio A Dallas, TX native, I married into a military family, and have been a world traveler ever since. I am proud to say I was to 37 countries before I was 37 years old. Then, after years of using a travel agent to plan my travel, I decided to share my love of traveling and became a travel professional. I love to do customized, detailed planning of all aspects of your leisure travel experience. I am an Accredited Cruise Counselor and would love to help you find just the right cruise vacation to fit your time, destination and budget. My husband & I are Accredited Voyager Club hosts and delight in our affiliation with a great organization like Virtuoso. Email Trish 800-780-9077 www.georgiatravelexperts.com
|  | Mark Finch Email: markfinch@isletravel.net
Interests & Specialties Church Mission Trips Specialist
Expert Bio I am passionate about Christian mission trips and helping churches facilitate their group travel. Isle Travel is an extension of a love of travel and helping groups working with orphans, build churches, or simply taking time out. My favorite region to assist is Central and South East Africa where I have partnered with a team based in Cape Town, Harare and Nairobi where we have a fleet of overland vehicles fully equipped for rural bush camping with passionate guides just waiting to make your mission and add-on expedition a safe, exciting and successful one. Itineraries are custom designed around the needs of your mission, taking care of all your logistics while in Africa, making sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish. We invite you to touch the world, to reach its people…to be a bearer of Good News, a humanitarian, and ambassador! Email Mark
|  | Irene Favata Email: irenef@lxrtravel.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Vacation planning, corporate travel, international travel
Expert Bio
Irene has been a premier agent for over 32 years. Not only was she the office manager for NFT Travel in East Aurora, NY until the closing in 2003 due to the acquisition by The Travel Team, but also was the agent of choice for her many corporate clients. Irene’s travels, experience, thirst for knowledge and continuing education allows her to find not only the best pricing, but also the best in traveler-experience/satisfaction. Once a traveler has worked with Irene, they are “hooked” on her service. Irene is also eager to push the limits on traveler offerings by associating with a group of expert agents whose common goal is to “make every trip special”. Email Irene
|  | Terry Sage Email: terry@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO CTA, MSS Western Europe Specialist, Master Cruise Counselor, Alaska, Hawaii and Disney Specialist.
Expert Bio Terry Sage, CTA, MCC, is a true Travel Specialist. Having lived in southern France, and of course, speaking French fluently – Terry has expertise in Western Europe her passion! Terry is also a Master Cruise Counselor and taken numerous voyages to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, as well as toured many of the Caribbean islands and planned business group incentive travel. In addition, Terry has made Alaska and Hawaii destination specialties. Whether by land or sea, Terry’s experience for individual, incentive and group travel arrangements are unsurpassed! Terry has acquired the following certifications: BS Degree in Business CTA – Certified Travel Associate DS - Destination Specialist in: Western Europe MCC – Master Cruise Counselor ACC – Accredited Cruise Counselor Hawaii Specialist: Classic Custom Vacations Hawaii Travel Academy Certification US Airways Vacations Specialist Disney Specialist – College of Disney Knowledge. Email Terry www.terrysage.com
|  | Sharon Andrade Email: sa@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Located in Raleigh office Luxury Resorts and Cruise Lines Worldwide Private Around the World Jet Adventures Honeymoon or Romantic Getaways Family Travel, one, two or three generations Groups and Incentive Travel for-profit or non-profit organizations Destination weddings Ski Vacations (see the areas I have skied below) Golf Getaways, and yes I am a golfer Spa Vacations Individual customized itineraries
Expert Bio
Sharon Andrade is an expert in luxury travel. She has over twenty years of experience in assisting her clients with individual, family, group and business incentive travel. One of 75 exclusive agents in United States for luxury travel for the clientele of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. A Virtuoso Agent, providing clients with exclusive upgrades, complimentary pre or post night accommodations. Based on my personal travel and industry expertise, I have been published in Virtuoso’s ‘Best of the Best’ Publication. Accredited cruise counselor for small, medium and large cruise ships. Specializing in exotic cruise destinations, luxury cruise lines, and private yacht sailings. Destination Specialist for the Caribbean, Vail Resorts, Western Europe, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Walt Disney Vacations, Sandals, Snow Skiing, Greece and Turkey Email Sharon or call 1-800-274-2544 ext 323
My Recent Trips
China
Europe – England, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Denmark and Croatia
Aussie Specialist
Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas and Abacos, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos and the US Virgin Islands
Ski Destinations - Vail, Beaver Creek, Arrowhead, Aspen, Deer Valley, Whistler, Blackcomb, Bachelor Gulch, Keystone, Copper, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Park City, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Heavenly, Northstar, Killington, Mount Snow
Domestic Destinations - Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, California, Arizona, New York, New Orleans, Colorado, Utah, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Washington State and Washington DC, Las Vegas
Mexico and Canada
Cruise Lines - Silversea, Regent, Windstar, Disney, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Cunard, Princess
|  | Amy Handwerker Email: amy@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO I am a Puerto Rico specialist. I have personally traveled to the island on a yearly basis for decades. I am familiar with most of the larger properties. I am also a specialist for Napa, CA. I have used most of the properties in Northern Napa including the Calistoga Ranch, Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood, the Villagio Inn and Spa, the Vintage Inn, the Harvest Inn, the Embassy Suites for hundreds of people attending a wedding. I am also very familiar with Las Vegas and have had groups at the various hotels. I am very familiar with upscale properties and exclusive private touring throughout Italy.
Expert Bio I am also a Virtuoso agent, and as such I can provide exclusive amenities for my clients. In addition, have completed many specialist courses with TA University and am a specialist in destination weddings, various Las Vegas hotels, Fairmont properties, and Hyatt hotels. Email Amy
|  | Eileen Anderson Email: eileentravel@nc.rr.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO CTA - Certified Travel Associate Humanitarian Aid Travel Specialist Group - Air, Cruises, & Tours DS - Western Europe Ireland Aruba Italy
Expert Bio
My 30 years experience as a travel professional spans airline, agency management/administration with considerable experience as a leisure/corporate agent, all of which led me to my current role. My focus is humanitarian aid travel; I routinely arrange air travel for individuals as well as groups to such unique places as Moldova, Burma, Nepal, India and numerous African countries including Zimbabwe and Rwanda. I also enjoy using my custom vacation skills to design individual trips which suit a client's preference ~ whether it be a cruise, special honeymoon/anniversary trip or just a "gotta getaway!”
My travel adventures have taken me to Europe, India, South Africa, Uganda, Asia, Canada, Mexico and many Caribbean islands. I’ve joined clients on several mission trips, working as a construction team member providing Katrina relief in Biloxi MS as well as chaperoning children back to India and Uganda, which are among my most cherished memories. Wherever I go, I seek to obtain local contacts that provide me with valuable support and assistance for clients' future vists. I aim for maximum service and strive to develop long term relationships with my clients, many of whom have become treasured friends.
I tell everyone - I have the best job on the planet! Email Eileen
|  | Louise Kemper Email: louise@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO, Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Destination Specialist Caribbean, Adventure Lifestyle Specialist, Certified Sandals Specialist
Expert Bio
My introduction to travel began when I was a buyer for Hutzler Brothers department store in Baltimore, Maryland with buying trips to Italy, Paris, London, and Asia. After working in development for a local college, I returned to travel, becoming an agent over 20 years ago. Since that time I have had the opportunity to travel from Antarctica to Zambia and points in between.
The internet has had a huge impact in travel, as it has in most industries. As an agent, I have found it to be a useful tool enabling me to remain true to my purpose of helping clients utilize their valuable time and resources to plan the best travel experience possible. These experiences include honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, soft adventure trips, and customized itineraries around the world.
|  | Merry Liff Email: merry@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
Cruises
FITs
Escorted Groups
Corporate
Expert Bio
Merry Liff has booked both leisure and corporate travel for domestic and international clientele during her 25+ year career. Having traveled extensively herself she is exceptionally qualified to advise on worldwide destinations. Merry has taught travel courses at her local community college and escorted groups to exotic destinations. She holds the CTC and DS certifications and has been affiliated with Virtuoso for many years. Email Merry
|  | Marcy Kalish Email: kisco18@aol.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury Travel
Luxury hotels & resorts - worldwide
Family Vacations
Adventure Travel
Golf and ski trips
Luxury Cruising
Caribbean
Italy
Portugal
Eastern Europe
Costa Rica, Belize
Peru
Galapagos
Expert Bio
Destination specialist Spain
Travel is my passion. I love to share that passion with my clients. I'm not only a creative planner but I am also a concierge to there favorite experiences. I have been an independent contractor for 14 years. Email Marcy
|  | Carol Jaxheimer Email: travelexpert@rcn.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Certified Travel Consultant Master Cruise Consultant Destination Specialist in Latin America Luxury Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Honeymoon or Romantic Getaways Multi Generational Travel Unique Customized Itineraries River Cruises
Expert Bio Carol has been in the travel industry since 1983. She loves the challenge of making her clients dreams come true. Tell her what personal touches you would like to add, and she will fine-tune your vacation to make it your own. Some of the most memorable trips that she has planned for clients included dinner with a local family in Cairo, cooking class in Tuscany, Tango lessons in Argentina, a stay in a tented camp in the Sahara Desert and a hot air balloon ride in the Masi Mara.
Carol stays current with the many new developments via training sessions and seminars. Her travel knowledge is enhanced from her extensive journeys to such fascinating places as: The Galapagos, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, India, Indonesia, China, Safari in East Africa, Egypt, Morocco, many of the European countries, most of the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. She has sailed on over 35 cruises with a wide range of cruise lines and ships.
She enjoys customizing itineraries to each person's desires and focuses on outstanding customer service. Call her for your next vacation at 800-837-5325 Email Carol
|  | Elaine Carey Email: elaine@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury Cruises and Tours & Personalized service
Expert Bio I am Virtuoso accredited, a BritAgent, and soon will become a Scots Master. Email Elaine
|  | Louise Gibert Email: pgibert@carolina.rr.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Caribbean and Europe
Expert Bio DS Email Louise
|  | Rich Muller Email: rmuller@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Sports Teams & Germany Alaska Expert
Expert Bio Since 1972 I have worked in the travel industry. My initiation started within my other world: teaching. In 1972 a group of high school seniors wanted to take a special trip; their parents insisted an adult accompany them and both parents and students asked me. I spent hours doing “research” in an OAG and gathering brochures. I then founded the WEST CHESTER WANDERERS, an affinity group which enabled us to block into a “charter.” This first venture taught me the value of planning and whet my appetite for the unparalleled joy of seeing the world through the eyes of others.
Little did I know that the first trip for twenty-three seniors would become not only an avocation and but also my ultimate profession. In 2003 after teaching for thirty-four years at West Chester Henderson High School, I retired to pursue my "avocation" fulltime. As an at-home agent, I combine my years of teaching experience, my graduate degrees in literature and writing, and the penchant to see and to experience the myriad cultures of the world.
As I became more involved with the travel industry, I began to cull multi-generational groups who traveled under the auspices of the West Chester Wanderers. In the eighties, I found myself immersed in travel for elite youth sports teams. Having founded the USA/USSR Baseball Exchange in 1980, I sent high school teams to Moscow and St. Petersburg every other year until 1990; in the odd numbered years, teams from Moscow and St. Petersburg would home stay for two weeks with the US teams who had traveled the preceding year. A ‘graduate” of Henderson and the USA/USSR Baseball Exchange Program enlisted me to assist Coach Robert Babb of Johns Hopkins University to begin the Bluejays participation in international baseball competitions. The first trip took us to Cuba and set in motion a series of international, intercultural sports ventures.
NCAA rules allow teams to partake of one international trip every three years; to date, the Bluejays have played in Moscow and St. Petersburg [the first university team to do so], in the Czech Open [held in Prague], the German Baseball Open [held in Regensburg, Germany, as the preliminary to the Olympic Games], in the Melbourne Cup and the Sydney Open, and in the Italy Cup. The team, accompanied by at least sixty family members and alumni, enjoys the camaraderie of the competitions as well as the cultural and historic elements of each host country. In 1996 Nike selected me to coordinate its first Memorial Day Youth Soccer Tournament; the Nike Cup attracted 240 elite soccer teams [boys and girls, 14-18] to Philadelphia from twenty-seven states.
In the thirty-four years I have arranged travel for family, friends, alumni groups, and corporate clients, I have had the privilege and the pleasure of taking one-hundred and thirty two cruises. My seaworthy adventures have assisted my clients in choosing the most suitable ship and itinerary.
Some of my fondest memories of the classroom directly relate to the myriad times I incorporated the sights and sounds of my travels—many times with the students—to the places about which I taught. Because I taught literature and writing, I stress to my clients of all ages that travel serves as man’s best learning experience.
Robert Frost's words echo within, for I never tire of traversing the road less traveled. Email Rich
|  | Sheila Weinstein Email: slwein@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Leisure travel for families, individials, couples, and groups
Customized itineraries--domestic and international
Package tours
Luxury travel
Corporate travel
Adventure and special interest experiences
Aruba Certified Expert
Favorite places: Ireland; Costa Rica; Mexico; South West USA; Istanbul, Portugal, Bangkok
Expert Bio I've been a travel agent (sales and management) for over 28 years. Because I love being a "tourist," I want the travel experiences for my clients to be as pleasurable and enlightening as mine have been. I adore working with clients who approach travel with a sense of excitement and adventure, no matter the destination. Always curious, I enjoy research and will spend the time to make every client's trip memorable. Email Sheila
|  | Patty Shachat Email: patty@tvlcorner.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Cruises Wine Country Tours SpaFinder Specialist Aruba Ace Specialist Custom Italy Itineraries Certified Sandals Specialist Certified Voyager Club Host Honeymoons and Exclusive Bridal Registry
Expert Bio
Over the past 14 years I have planned incredible and memorable vacations for my clients. I have enjoyed traveling extensively through out the years which affords me the ability to offer my clients exciting reviews of some of the most unique destinations in Europe and beyond. I have created a Travel Journal of my most recent excursions to share my first hand knowledge and personal experiences to many of these wonderful destinations which is posted on my website. Please visit www.tvlcorner.com and click on Travel Journal to view my travels.
My company motto is “Excursions to any corner of the world” and Italy is by far my favorite. Throughout the past eight years, I have developed a passion for this country not only because of my heritage but simply for the diversity and old world charm that it offers. Clients choosing to visit this ancient country will be quite pleased to follow in my foot steps through out the hilltop towns, canals, countryside, islands and so much more!
I pride myself in planning my client’s vacations with the utmost attention to detail and a client can be assured that they will be treated as a Virtuoso VIP by booking with “The Travel Corner”. Email Patty
|  | Teresa Belcher Email: teresa@honeymoonislands.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Interests: (Pampered Romance)
Honeymoons
Destinations Weddings
Anniversaries
Romance Travel
High Profile Clientele with anonymity protected
Specialty Destinations (Islands) Caribbean Islands Beaches of Mexico Hawaiian Islands Tahiti Fiji Maldives Seychelles Beaches of Thailand Private Islands Private Jet Service Private Yachts Selected Luxury Cruises
Expert Bio
I am founder and president of Honeymoon Islands, Inc. an Affiliate of Travel Experts. I am a seasoned honeymoon planner with a geographic focus on the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and the Maldives although my repertoire extends to other islands around the world. My business model is predicated on representing the finest, one-of-a-kind, luxury properties for the most discerning clientele. Please feel free to visit my website www.honeymoonislands.com to see the some of the properties I have first-hand knowledge of. Some of the “private island” options are not listed on my web site for many reasons. I was featured on The Travel Channel on the show, "Great Escapes" for unique honeymoon ideas, and have the excerpt featured on my website for viewing. Additionally, I was selected to participate in the American Music Awards luxury getaways giveaway, which has netted me celebrity clientele as a result. Email Teresa
Web site: www.honeymoonislands.com
|  | Mo Smith Email: mo@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties Golf Travel. Active & Adventure Travel. Small Ship Cruising. Escorted and Independent luxury tours and packages. Spa and Wellness Travel.
Expert Bio Mo is a second-generation travel consultant, having co-owned and managed a large corporate agency in suburban Washington, DC, before moving to Hilton Head in 1986. In 1992 she started Fore'n Shore Golf Holidays, a successful Hilton Head-based golf travel company. Shortly thereafter she owned and operated Travel Smith, Inc, a full service travel agency until joining Island Travel as an Independent Leisure Travel Consultant in 2004. Mo earned the coveted CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) designation in 1983 and has twice been nominated as the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year. Dedicated to a high level of service and professionalism, Mo has been named to "Travel & Leisure Magazine's A-List: Top 125 Travel agents in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and again in 2008. Email Mo
My Recent Trips Mo has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, the USA, and the Caribbean. Her specialties include active & adventure travel, spa & wellness travel, golf travel, and small ship cruising. Her recent trips include heli-hiking the Canadian Rockies with Tauck World Discovery, Canyon Ranch, Tucson's Life Enhancement Center, hiking the Grand Canyon, a Grand European River cruise on The Swiss Pearl from Basel to Amsterdam, a 12-day Caribbean cruise on Oceania Cruises' Regatta, hiking in Italy's Cinque Terre and Tuscany, Ireland by private car (a six sisters reunion trip), and a Spa Tour of Santa Fe, New Mexico. In March Mo cruised the Baja on a small ship adventure with Clipper Cruises and recently participated in a trip to inspect luxury resorts in Jamaica.
|  | Allen Mitchem Email: allen@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Master Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist South Africa Travel Specialist Adventure Travel Specialist Design custom safaris
Expert Bio
When I first stepped foot on the African continent in 1998 my passion for sub-Sahara Africa has brought me back to it 14 times, either alone to see new safari lodges or escorting small groups. Africa can rejuvenate the mind, body and soul by its purity of life, the beauty of its nature and the warmth of its people. Africa’s contrast from the 1.3 million animals viewed during the great migration in Kenya to superb, sophisticated cuisine in Cape Town is part of its vast charm. Accommodations ranging from mobile canvas tents to air-conditioned suites with private plunge pools are part of this great contrast also.
Allow me to assist in planning your next adventure to Africa by arranging the best itinerary to achieve your dreams of a great safari. Email Allen
|  | Patty Calvert Email: pattycalvert@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties Patty loves finding special behind-the-scenes venues for discriminating clients.
Expert Bio Dr. Patty Calvert, a former Montessori educator loves making clients' travel dreams come true. Patty and her husband, Dennis, have traveled extensively to most destinations in the world and she specializes in extraordinary foreign independent travel arrangements, family celebrations and luxury cruises, having hosted over 1,000 guests on the best ships on the seas.
|  | Debbie Dos Santos Email: debbie@journeysatc.com
Interests & Specialties Custom Itineraries Luxury Travel Outdoor Enthusiasts Wine & Culinary Travel Fishing & Hunting Expeditions Spa Destinations Family Travel Sports/Events Packages Destination Weddings Photography & Special Interest Workshops Incentive Trips Destination Specialties- Latin America, Africa and Tahiti
Expert Bio VIRTUOSO ACCREDITED With an MBA in International Business and over 15 years in International Development & Investment Banking, I have lived and worked overseas for over 7 years from Latin America, Europe to Africa - affording me the opportunity to come to know many countries intimately through hands-on experiences. Equally important, my direct participation in living and traveling globally has provided me with unique insights into the aspects of cities and countries which gives me an “insider perspective” for my clients.
I definitely have the BEST job ever! Travel is clearly my greatest passion. My desire to see and know the world has led me to the farthest and most beautiful corners of the Earth from Brazil, Mozambique to Sweden - with time spent in remote villages of the continents of South America and Africa to the cosmopolitan cities of London, New York and Paris.
|  | Andrea Ryder Email: andrea@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Certified Spa Finder Specialist, and Certified Royal Caribbean Specialist Hawaii, Bali, London, Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Honeymoons, Cruising, Ski (Jackson Hole, Banff, Whistler, Tahoe, Steamboat Springs, Park City)
Expert Bio
Andrea has been in the travel/meeting industry since 1984. She worked for GlaxoSmithKline for 16 of those years managing their meeting/event department in various capacities and has travelled all over the world. Her travel knowledge and expertise has grown through her many years of travel planning and travels to Bali (her favorite place) , Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Tahiti, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and many popular North American ski destinations . She just moved back to Raleigh in April 2008 after living in London for over a year with her husband, traveling extensively all over Europe including; Paris, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Malaga, Cadiz, Munich Frankfurt, Dubai, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence and Milan. Now that she is back, she would love to help you plan that well needed holiday or vacation somewhere in the world! Email Andrea
|  | Bobbie Newton Email: bsmnewton@comcast.net
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Bobbie's favourite, most frequently visited destinations are Great Britain, Italy and New Zealand. She most enjoys creating active vacations (mental and physical) for her clients to these destinations - walking, bicycling, and golfing plus historical and culinary learning.
Expert Bio Bobbie is a international travel specialist with 25 years of experience in retail and wholesale travel sales, management, and group movements throughout the world. An avid traveler, Bobbie is a Virtuoso accredited destination specialist in travel to Europe and New Zealand.
Bobbie enjoys every destination - whether visited personally or through her investigations for her clients. "What a great industry we work in. Have you ever NOT enjoyed a trip to a faraway land, absorbing its culture, learning its history, savouring its food and wine?" Email Bobbie
|  | Becky Veith Email: becky@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury Travel, Caribbean Specialist
Expert Bio
Becky has been named by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the "Top 128 Agents" in the country for FIVE consecutive years. Condé Nast Traveler magazine is the number one national travel publication and receiving this award is quite an achievement!
She has been selected for her extensive knowledge and expertise in arranging Caribbean Vacations from small intimate island hideaways to luxury all-inclusive resorts as well as all types of Cruises. Her love of the islands is obvious. She travels to the Caribbean several times a year and makes it a point to experience many resorts first hand. Becky’s journeys have taken her to Mexico as well as all the major Caribbean islands and remote Cays. In June she was off to St.Vincent and the Grenadines. She has planned numerous weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, family reunions and corporate incentive travel for individuals from all across the country,. Her expertise is not limited to the Caribbean. She has planned hundreds of trips all over the world!
Much of her travel knowledge comes from her extensive personal travel to a wide range of destinations including hot air ballooning over the Swiss Alps and cruising on a canal barge through the French Wine Country.
Becky has acquired many certifications and the following are just a few examples of her dedication. CTA-Certified Travel Associate, DS- Destination Specialist Caribbean, Virtuoso Accreditation, CSS-Certified Sandals and Beaches Specialist, ACE- Aruba Certified Specialist, US Airways Vacation Specialist, and a Disney Specialist. She has been quoted in national publications such as the New York Times, and Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel. Email Becky www.beckyveithtravel.com
|  | Judy Nidetz Email: judynidetz@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Private Jet Vacations Large and Small Ship Cruising Family Vacations Honeymoons Golf Excursions Corporate Travel Flexible Independent Travel
Expert Bio I have been providing consultation in the Travel Industry for 14 years. I truly enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together, and planning the perfect vacation for my clients. The key is listening to the desires of each traveler in the group, then finding the best fit to satisfy each person’s desires for their dream vacation. I have sailed on 10 cruises and have traveled extensively to all of the warm weather destinations my fellow Chicagoans crave, as well as many favorite European destinations, and beyond. I have an excellent relationship with a reputable Private Jet Charter company operating from Palwaukee Municipal Airport, in the Chicago suburbs. I look forward to working with you to help plan your next trip. Email Judy Phone 847-634-4222 Toll-free outside of Illinois: 877-634-4222
|  | Cynthia Hill Email: linctrav@aol.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury Cruising Small Ship Cruising Luxury hotels & resorts - worldwide Custom designed food & wine tours International cooking schools Honeymoons and Island holidays Family Vacations – multigenerational Unique, custom designed itineraries Customized African safaris Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East are specialities
Expert Bio Cynthia has achieved the designations of CTC and CTIE. Starting her travel career as a flight attendant, some thirty years ago, Cynthia was owner of Lincoln Travel for 13 years, before selling in 1999. Still selling luxury travel, Cynthia concentrates on a smaller, more distinguished client base, providing them with the quality of service they deserve. In addition, being an accredited Virtuoso agent allows her clients to experience the exclusivity of Virtuoso’s upgrades, hosted cruise departures, on-site experts and so much more. Being a total "foodie," Cynthia's love remains in customizing small food and wine tours, escorted by world-renowned cookbook authors, to various regions of Europe, Tuscany and southern France being the most in demand...What's new for 2007 Cynthia's love for Greece, Turkey and the Middle East has expanded her specialties. Phone 508-358-5695 Email Cynthia
| .jpg) | Patti Pake Email: patti@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Honeymoon, Caribbean, Cruises, Australia /South Pacific, Asia Specialist
Expert Bio CTC Email Patti
|  | Julie Beringer Email: Julie@travelXperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Ski Specialist Incentive Travel Family Travel Hawaii Weddings and Honeymoons Accredited Cruise Counselor Certified Sandals Resorts Specialist
Expert Bio Julie Beringer has been in the travel industry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for 15 years. Julie owned her on agency before joining Travel Experts as an Independent Contractor. She has traveled extensively and has the passion and commitment to insure you the best possible travel experience. Email Julie Beringer
|  | Margie Schwartz Email: margie@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO D.S. Western Europe
Certified Sandals Specialist
Las Vegas Specialist
Wynn Las Vegas Specialist
Ski Specialist
Florida Beaches Specialist
New York City Specialist
Classic Custom Vacations Expert
Expert Bio
Margie has been an agent since 1995. Areas of specialies include honeymoons, family vacations and all types of worldwide leisure vacations, either land based or cruises. Email Margie
|  | Jan Lagasse Email: jlagasse@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties Africa, Hawaii, Bermuda, Caribbean, Alaska, Ireland, London, Las Vegas, London, and Orlando. Certified Disney specialist I also enjoy booking family and incentive groups, and have escorted several different types of tours and cruises.
Expert Bio
I have enjoyed 22 years in the Travel Industry. My favorite “destination” always involved a cruise. I've sailed on over 30 cruises to destinations such as Greece, Europe and Amsterdam, Alaska, Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Hawaii.
I have completed the Princess and Cunard Cruise training program and have, Commodore Status with both Cruise lines. I have sailed and crewed on a 32 ft. Sailboat and a 42 ft in Tortola, and am familiar with the British Virgin Islands, both as a 1st mate and as part of a 4-man crew.
|  | Peg Aikman Email: peg@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, South Africa, Italy, France, Ireland, the Caribbean and small ship cruising, Lindblad Lexpert, golf specialist and spa specialist. See My Trips below for much more information.
Expert Bio I have been in the travel industry since 1989, eight of those years with United Airlines traveling extensively throughout the Pacific and Europe. My travels have taken me to six of seven continents. During this time I have found destinations in which I have wanted to study in depth and return to again and again. My passion is to help you plan a trip of a lifetime using my knowledge in these areas. Email Peg www.aikmantravelxperts.com
My Recent Trips
Australia – four trips to Australia with the last visit being two weeks in May 2006. Having begun my fascination with Australia in 1990 I have traveled extensively throughout New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territories. My last two trips have been with an elite group of eight travel consultants from the US traveling with Virtuoso. The diversity of this country makes it one of the most interesting English speaking destinations, not to mention the largest reef in the world and countless UNUSCO heritage sites.
New Zealand – four trips to this fabulous destination as well! My most recent trips of 2004 and 2005 found me again traveling with Virtuoso. This has long been one of my most favorite places in the world – New Zealand’s sheer beauty astounds me. I have covered both islands in depth. Whether you are looking for a golf holiday, a tour of locations from the filming of the Lord of The Rings, a bicycle trip, experience the lodges of NZ or a self-drive adventure my experience in planning individual touring is extensive.
Hawaii – Having lived on the island of Oahu, Hawaii for three years, taken the specialist course Ke Kulu O Hawaii offered by the board of tourism and having made repeated trips back to the islands over the years I feel especially comfortable in creating your Hawaii travels. My most recent trip in 2005 was with the culturally rich tour company Tauck Tours
Tahiti – In June I completed the course work to become certified in French Polynesia and Cook Islands. July found me experiencing this destination for the first time with Lindblad Expeditions. Always regarded as a romantic location with beautiful beaches I was not prepared for the pristine conditions of the Cook Islands or the extremely interesting cultural history of the Polynesian people. I was unprepared also for the “sameness” of the experience with the children of Palmerston Atoll and the children of Africa. The joy on their faces of just holding your hand is something to bring home to cherish.
South Africa – I am a certified Virtuoso Destination specialist in South Africa with my most recent trip being 2004. From Cape Town and its wine country to Kruger National Park in the north with its fabulous game parks this country is a passion. I have traveled to East Africa as well. My hope is to return late 2006 or early 2007.
Italy – I have traveled to Italy the past three consecutive years with the Board of Tourism and the ITPC (Italian Tourism Promotional Council). Each year we study one of the twenty-two districts in depth experiencing as much of the region as possible. Additionally I have traveled independently to Italy a total of nine times, including a seven night coastal voyage with Seadream Yacht Club.
South of France: Over the last four years I have spent approximately five weeks traveling throughout the South of France including a seven-night yacht adventure on a Seadream Yacht.
Ireland: For some reason I found myself in Ireland six consecutive years! My travels have primarily taken me to the western coast that I enjoy immensely. While I am not certified in Ireland I feel quite comfortable planning vacations to this friendly destination.
Caribbean: It would be difficult to be a Travel Consultant in the state of Maine and not have extensive knowledge of the Caribbean Islands! This is THE premier destination for folks from the Northeast during the months of December to May!
Small Ship Cruising: Lindblad, Cruise West, Seadream Yacht Club, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruise Lines and private yacht charters.
|  | Denyse Gaffney Email: dgaffney@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO France
Expert Bio Speak French, DS, 20 yrs exp. Email Denyse
|  | Sue Dybowski Email: sued@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Leisure Travel (Individuals and Groups) Cruises Luxury Travel Adventure Travel Caribbean Western Europe
Expert Bio
Sue has been in the travel industry for 11 years. She has achieved the prestigious Certified Travel Counselor designation, the pinnacle certification for sales professionals in the industry, awarded by The Travel Institute. She is also a cruise industry certified Accredited Cruise Counsellor. She has earned numerous destination specialist designations from The Travel Institute and tourism boards worldwide. She is a very active participant in the luxury travel network, Virtuoso, and is recognized by them as an Accredited Virtuoso Sales Consultant. As such she is qualified to participate in educationals worldwide, has access to the top training opportunities that the industry has to offer and has connections to travel suppliers worldwide that can assist her in creating travel experiences for her customers that will fulfill their travel dreams.
Sue has been traveling all her life. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), the Caribbean and Western Europe. She is a veteran cruiser having sailed on over 25 cruises on a number of different cruise lines. Adventure travel has been a new interest of hers. She has experienced an African safari and a biking trip through the California wine country. Her husband has recently visited the Peruvian Amazon region staying in rustic lodges. She looks forward to learning and experiencing much more of the world from an Adventure Travel perspective in the years to come.
Travel is much more than a job to Sue, it is her passion. She prides herself in working with her customers in creating special experiences that will fulfill their travel dreams. She doesn’t just book trips…she plans life experiences. Put Sue’s passion and expertise to work for you in planning your next travel life experience. Email Sue
My Recent Trips
My travels in 2006 included biking through the California Wine Country, cruising the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, and spending a week in Paris.
California Wine Country -- I was rather apprehensive about the biking trip as I had not been bike riding in quite a number of years. This was a new opportunity and I just had to take advantage of it. I am proud to report that I rode about 50 miles in 2 days. I even bought myself a new bike when I got home and ride regularly. The scenery in the California Wine Country was just beautiful and I really got to take it all in (along with some wine at the winery stops along our route). I think we all just wish our world could stop for a few days while we catch our breath. This is the ideal type of trip where you can do just that. I rode along in a state of bliss enjoying the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, the exercise and the solitude. Although I rode alone most of the time, others in my group chose to ride in small groups. The choice is yours. Our trip hosts, Backroads, provided van support to us every step of the way continuously sweeping our routes in the event we needed a bike repair (which none of us did), snack or water bottle fill-ups or just a lift back to the hotel. Options were available for all physical ability levels. This was my first biking trip, but it won’t be my last. I look forward to many years of riding in my local community as well as in many parts of the world. You should try it. You just might discover a whole new way to travel!!
Mediterranean/Canary Islands Cruise – My husband and I served as cruise hosts for a group of 120 people on the Crystal Serenity in November of 2006. We sailed out of Monte Carlo and disembarked in Lisbon. Ports of call included Barcelona and Cadiz in Spain, Casablanca in Morocco, Tenerife and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands and Funchal on the island of Madeira. This was our first visit to most of these ports. Some highlights include utilizing the services of a private driver/guide in Morocco who showed us the best of Casablanca and the capital city of Rabat, walking the dunes on one of the beaches on Tenerife, and basket sled riding in Funchal. We also experienced important elements of the Spanish and Portuguese cultures through the music of the flamenco and the fado. We discovered that November is not too late in the season to cruise the Mediterranean. Temperatures were in the high 60’s and 70’s daily and it didn’t rain until the day we got off the ship. The waters were very calm. Many passengers on our ship were staying on for the next cruise which was a transatlantic sailing back to Ft. Lauderdale. We wished we were, too!!
Paris – I traveled to Paris the week after Thanksgiving with a group of travel professionals. I discovered the joys of traveling to Europe in the off-season. Planes had empty seats so I could spread out, temperatures were in the 50’s most days (warmer than it usually is this time of year in my hometown of Toledo, OH) and the crowds were gone. The Christmas lights were turned on in all their splendor on December 1 making it a truly magical time to be visiting the City of Light. The purpose of our trip was to visit hotels, museums, art galleries, antique markets and food markets. We were hosted by a company which provided private guides with expertise in all of the specific areas that we visited. We learned about special experiences we could offer our customers such as an exclusive tour of the Paris Garnier Opera House, cooking lessons offered by the Ritz Paris, and fashion shows held at the Hotel Le Bristol. We stayed at and toured numerous hotel properties and learned about packages created especially for our customers. If your future travel plans include Paris, I would be happy to work with you in creating a very magical experience to the City of Light!!
|  | Debbie Archambault Email: debbie@travelexpertsofyork.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Active Adventure Travel Small ships and Yachts Boutique Hotels & Inns Spas & Retreats Travel Experiences that you can brag about Islands with character, not high rises Snorkeling, nature, being outdoors Solo travelers
Expert Bio I LOVE what I do, I'm enthusiastic, and my clients always come back happy! I am a Certified Travel Agent, Caribbean Destination Specialist, and Adventure Travel Specialist. I am very dedicated to our network of Virtuoso suppliers worldwide. It is so rewarding to spoil my clients with more value for their money, not to mention the "peace of mind" our partnerships mean to clients as they travel to unfamiliar destinations. I can be reached at 207-351-1181 or Email Debbie. www.travelexpertsofyork.com
|  | Hanna Zaruski Email: hanna@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO I am originally from Poland, from where I brought an extensive knowledge of the country and the region.
Expert Bio I have lived and traveled in the United States for 25 years and 13 years ago started a career as a Travel Counselor. I live and work in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am a CTA, CTC, Virtuoso accredited with a special interest in Spa Travel. I speak Polish, French and Russian. As much as I love to travel, what I love even more is to make my traveling clients happy! Email Hanna
|  | Pam Ardell Email: pamgogirl@ec.rr.com
Interests & Specialties Custom Italy Tours Caribbean & Bermuda (have been there 14 times) Cruises (have been on over 40)
Expert Bio I specialize in luxury travel arrangements. I love the challenge of making client’s “dreams come true” and traveling around the world each day with my client’s itineraries. Email Pam
|  | Frank Bronchello Email: frankbron@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury and Incentive Travel
Expert Bio Frank joined the travel industry in 1973 and his thirty plus years of experience include ownership of his own agency as well as administrative responsibilities for a large national travel management company. For approximately the past ten years, Frank has concentrated on his true passions which are group, incentive, and high-end Leisure travel for a limited but distinguished client base. His extensive destination knowledge comes from personal trips to a wide range of destinations but personal favorites remain St. Barths, France and Italy. Mission statement: "Whatever your travel dreams may be, given the proper resources I can make them a reality." Email Frank
|  | Paulette Neumann Email: paulette@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury Travel, with specialities in Tahiti and Latin America; CTA, DS (Latin America)
Small ships & river cruising
Independent touring worldwide, esp. Viet Nam/Cambodia
Disney family trips I love doing destination weddings
Expert Bio
I have been a travel agent for 21 years. During and before that time I was a High School math teacher in Baltimore County, Maryland.
I have been a Tahiti specilaist for 10 years, and it is my all time favorite destination, for its beautiful azure waters, its serenity, and those wonderful over the water bungalows one finds no place else. The Tahitian people are warm and friendly, and the food is exquisite. There is something in the Tahitian Islands for everyone. I have visited all of the Society Islands as well as all of the Tuamoto Islands. One must try a mix. However, the favorites of first timers seem to be Bora Bora and Moorea.
Please check out the My Recent Trips link below to view the first hand knowledge I can offer to you through my personal experiences.
Please call me if you have any interest in traveling and know I will take great care of you and your family or friends. Traveling is my favorite pastime and I would enjoy making all of your dreams come true as well.Email Paulette
My Recent Trips
I am an avid traveler. Some of my favorite destination trips include the following:
Thailand & Viet Nam - What a great experience to visit these two countries with their palaces, floating markets,strange foods and most hospitable people.
Scandinavia - All of these countries, Norway/Sweden/Denmark and Finland, one finds to be clean, friendly and English speaking. The many castles of Copenhagen just
thrilled me. All that "Old world charm".
South Africa - What a fabulous area to visit, with the great wine country, and the views from Table Mt. in Capetown. Not to be missed.
Brazil - Rio was such a wonderful city if just to people watch on the beaches. And, the Iguaçu Falls is a must see.
New Zealand - Never have I seen such beautiful scenery and clean air. A real treat, but one must take time on the interior of this great country in order to appreciate it. Costa Rica - The fun of taking a canopy zip line ride through the jungle in Tortuguero National Park was a highlight. The serenity of a private biological reserve, Basque de la Paz, and hiking the grounds, was a delight as well. Flora and fauna are spectacular.
Russia - Traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg by river boat in my estimation is the very best way to see the interior of Russia and to meet the local people. I experienced TRAVEL WITH A CAUSE where we took supplies for local orphanages. A terrific experience for anyone, all ages.
China and the Yangtze River - What an eye opener. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam is an over-whelming experience, as is the viewing of the GREAT WALL of CHINA and the TERRA COTTA WARRIORS. A must trip.
Galapagos Islands , Ecuador - What a thrill aboard the 40 passenger ISABELLA II. The fun of hiking daily onto a different island to mingle with the Blue- footed Boobies or swim with the Penguins was such a treat. Unspoiled nature at its finest.
Macchu Picchu, Peru - The first view of this ruin takes your breath away. One needs 1 1/2 days at least to see this spectacular site. Incorporate an over-night at the site. The country of Peru was a marvel as well.
Australia - What can I say?? Sydney has the most beautiful harbor of all time. Ayers Rock is an interesting sight to watch as the sun is either rising or setting. Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef is unsurpassed.
Mexico - Two of my favorite beach resort areas in this warm and friendly country have to be the Riviera Maya just south of Cancun and the wonderful city of Puerto Vallarta, which is a grand mix of the old and the modern.
African Safari - The thrill of this type of vacation has to be "the daily morning and afternoon hunts". One never knows what you will see from day to day. A photographer's paradise.
Egypt and the Nile Cruise - What can be more thrilling than to view the Great Pyramids of Giza by camel back. What fun to take a felucca ride on the Nile. I loved entering the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Awesome!!!
Morocco - This was a trip I loved, but recommend only for the more experienced traveler. One can get lost shopping in the local "markets", as the goods are plentiful and reasonable. Visiting a tannery is a "true" experience.
India - What a gloriuos place to visit. They have the top hotels of the World with their Oberio's. And what can I say, the Taj Mahal was everything I'd hoped for and more. My entire experience in India was beyond anything one can imagine, from playing elephant Polo to viewing the Taj Mahal both at sunrise and sunset.
Cruising Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, Chile around Cape Horn - So many exciting experiences awaited us, such as Penguins at Puerto Madryn, wonderful hiking in the Terre del Fuego National Park, and watching the tango dancers in Buenos Aires. Wonderful!!
Cruising with SilverSea Barcelona to Rome - What can I say. Barcelona, one of my favorite cities with all the Gaudi works of art, and ending with the culture in Rome. Plus, in between the most beautiful of all places was Portofino Bay, and a visit to the Splendido Hotel abov the bay. A real WOW experience and great cruise.
Walt Disney World - What better place for a 2 generation family gathering. My 2 granddaughters look forward to this trip every 2 years. The meal plan is the way to go with a group, and, you MUST stay onsite.
Contact me for more information on the following destinations which I have also enjoyed thoroughly.
Israel/Jordan/England/Ireland/Holland/Germany/Spain/Italy/Portugal / Turkey/Canary Islands and the Caribbean Islands of St. Lucia/Jamaica/Aruba/St. Thomas/Grand Cayman/Dominican Republic/Bahamas/Puerto Rico
My cruising experience includes cruises on the following lines: Princess/NCL/RCCL/HAL/Cunard/Disney/SilverSea/ Regent/MSC and Oceania
My cruise destinations experienced are:
Alaska/Eastern Caribbean/Western Caribbean/Southern Caribbean/Panama Canal/Mediterranean/Tahiti/Western European coast/Nile river cruise/Russian river cruise/Yangtze river cruise/Greek Island Cruise/Mexican Riviera Cruise/Scandinavia & Russia/Thailand & Viet Nam.
|  | Leslie Sachs Email: leslie4travel@earthlink.net
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Leslie specializes in Luxury travel arrangements with an emphasis on cruises. She especially loves planning travel to Hawaii, Europe and active travel to many destinations. Walking, biking, fishing, cooking and golfing are all activities that she can plan a vacation around
Expert Bio Leslie has been a Virtuoso Travel Specialist for 10 years. Much of her travel knowledge comes from her extensive personal travel to a wide range of destinations. The Virtuoso connection offers added value, insider connections and industry expertise. With Virtuoso you are traveling as a member of the most prestigious and established travel network in the world. Leslie will use her knowledge and connections to plan every detail of your travel experience. Email Leslie
|  | Sylvia Gani Email: sylvia@travelexpertscary.com
Interests & Specialties British Isles France Canada Australia & New Zealand Tahiti & Fiji The Caribbean Islands
Expert Bio Born, raised and educated in England where I started my Travel Career. After a number of years, left to work in Europe and eventually in Canada. Seeking a warmer climate and new opportunities now work in Cary, NC. Have travelled to all Continents (except Antarctica - on my bucket list) and have received several Industry-wide recognised Destination & Product accreditations.My passion is travel and I have been fortunate to spend my Career within the Travel Industry. Email Sylvia
|  | Sandy Feldman Email: sandy@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
Greek Island Cruises Baltic & Russia Cruises River Cruises Italy - Land Tours – Rome, Florence (Tuscany) and Venice
Expert Bio
I have been assisting people with travel for 12 years and enjoy the challenge of tailoring cruises and land vacations to my clients’ needs and whelms. As a travel professional I will stay with you every step of the way. Finding and selecting the perfect vacation becomes a no stress adventure. Let me take you there... Email Sandy
|  | Karin Patrick Email: karinpatrick@ckimgroup.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Crewed Yacht Charters Caribbean Luxury Villa Rentals BVI Specialist Certified Sandals, Superclub and Couples Specialist Wedding Honeymoon Specialist
Expert Bio
A former flight attendant; Karin was born and raised in Germany, lived in Australia, UK, India, and since 1983 resides in the United States. She worked in many different areas of travel from arranging as well as escorting incentive groups to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and France, Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Since 1990 she has worked in retail travel. Together with her husband Chris they started a full service travel agency in Miami Beach; they sold the agency in 1998 and started CKIM Group, Inc. a travel company specializing in Caribbean Luxury Villa, Resort and Yacht Vacations.
I love Mustique and believe that a villa vacation on this magical little island is a unique experience unlike any other island. My favorite part of my job is to help our client having this special experience. It is a perfect honeymoon destination and at the same time perfect for families and friends to spent quality time together. The most difficult part of my job is to come up with alternative destinations after a client has experienced Mustique.
Sailing in the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines is on of my favorite activities. I very much like to introduce chartering a sail or power yacht to clients who never thought of this option before.
Due to my travels and having lived in various places around the world I’m comfortable creating special itineraries for our clients. With my Virtuoso affiliation the sky is the limit. I love to introduce clients to new places and give them a chance to make unforgettable memories. Each time my goal is to exceed their expectations.
The children in the Caribbean are especially dear to my heart. Our goal is to sponsor a child in St Vincent through the Christian Children’s Fund on behalf of our clients who spent their vacation in Mustique. Email Karin
|  | Suzanne Terry Email: suzanne@blueskyexcursions.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Accredited Cruise counselor Europe Specialist with emphasis on France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Spain Food and Wine Small Group Escorted Travel Cruises Golf Tours River Cruising Luxury Hotels and Resorts WorldwideYachts and Barges Shopping Tours
Expert Bio My love for travel has afforded me the opportunity to visit exciting destinations throughout the world. For the last 14 years, I have been sharing my passion with my clients. As a luxury travel consultant, I plan and implement unique and memorable experiences. Several times a year I escort small groups to exotic destinations such as Africa, India, Egypt, Jordan and Dubai. Our future itineraries include South America, Morocco, and South East Asia. I spend a great deal of time at seminars, hotel and ship inspections, and meeting industry leaders. This allows me to always have the latest information on the products and destinations I recommend and valuable personal contacts. I look forward to working with my clients to create the perfect vacation from start to finish. Email Suzanne
|  | Jackie Biro Email: jackieb@lxrtravel.com
Interests & Specialties Cruises, Europe, Custom Vacations, Florida and the Caribbean to name a few.
Expert Bio Jackie Biro is native to Florida and has years of experience in both leisure and corporate travel. Jackie's philosophy of always creating the perfect trip, every time...for every traveler is a perfect fit for us and for anyone who works with Jackie for their vacation planning. Email Jackie
|  | Sandra Williams Email: swilliams@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Specialize in honeymoons or romantic getaways. I am a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) Destination Specialist for Italy and Austria. I specialize in working with individuals or small groups providing customized itineraries. Cruises -- worldwide family vacations -- Island Getaways Smaller, more distinguished client base, providing them with the quality of service they deserve Virtuoso upgrades, hosted cruise departures, private on-shore hosted trips, etc.
Expert Bio 35yrs specializing in Italy, Europe, Hawaii 40 years travel experience 14 years with American Airlines I have traveled throughout Europe, Africa and Asia during my 26 years as a Travel Consultant. I worked and lived in Hawaii 6 years – very familiar with all Hawaiian Islands and Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Bali, and I am a graduate of the Hawaii Travel Academy. Lived and worked in Italy for 4 years – I return each year for a working visit as a guest of the Italian Tourism Board. My husband and I are accredited Voyager Club hosts, and I routinely use Virtuoso resources for (my travelers) the traveling executive. My affiliation with Virtuoso represents many years of experience, worldwide connections and product, lifestyle and destination expertise. I have personal relationships with the world’s most respected cruise, tour and hotel providers. Email Sandra
My Recent Trips
China - cruising the Yangtze River and visiting Shanghai and Beijing.
British Virgin Isles as a guest of their Tourist Board – visited all islands
Turkey
Italy
|  | Patti Armon Email: parmon@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury travel, custom itineraries. Ski trips domestic and international
Expert Bio I have been a travel agent for over 30 years. Travel is my passion. When my clients come back from a trip and say "that was the best trip" I know I have done my job. I want EVERY trip to be the best trip. Email Patti
|  | Penny Blum Email: penny@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties Corporate Travel Destination Weddings Honeymoons Romantic getaways Family vacations and reunions Groups and incentive travel Cruises worldwide European Tours
Expert Bio I have been in the travel industry for over 10 years, I have also worked for airlines and hotels prior to becoming a travel agent. I am a Certified Destination Specialits for both the Caribbean and Hawaii. Cruising is my number one favorite, along with all-inclusive packages in the Caribbean or Mexico. Email Penny
|  | Jayne Sharpe Email: jgsharpe@triad.rr.com
Interests & Specialties
Family Groups, Golf Groups, Biking & Hiking Groups, Cruises, Europe, So Africa, and The Caribbean.
Expert Bio I started in the travel business with Piedmont Airlines in 1983. I started working as a Travel Agent in 1991. I have traveled extensively for the last 35 yrs. Married for 35 years with 3 sons, 1 daughter, and 5 grandchildren. I love my job! It has filled the void in my life that my children left when they grew up and left home. Email Jayne
|  | Laurie Rusin Email: laurier@lxrtravel.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Business development, public speaking on various travel industry topics, corporate account management, technology due diligence and conveyance, global conscientiousness, Learning something new everyday.
Expert Bio 35 years in the travel industry. She began her career as a stewardess for a major airline in 1972 (renamed flight attendant in 1974). After marriage and motherhood she became a sales representative for that same airline in 1976 until she took a position as Director of Meetings and Conventions for a large regional travel management company in 1985. In 1991 Laurie became an account manager and quickly rose to ranks of Vice President National Accounts in 1995. This is a position she held through an acquisition of the agency in 2003. Laurie’s entrepreneurial spirit along with a strong belief in making every trip “special” for her clients/travelers led her to begin the creation of LXR Travel in 2007 with handpicked, top-of-the-industry travel experts. Heidi Weitzsacker-Phillips and Irene Favata became her Founding Directors. We are honored by the trust of our ever growing list of travelers and corporate clients that we like to "spoil" every day. We will never lose sight of the fact that our travelers and clients are the foundation of our very business existance.
Laurie is a member of the Board of Directors of New York State Business Travel Association, a subscribing member of Business Travel Coalition, Amherst Chamber of Commerce and is active on the NYSBTA Political Action Committee. Email Laurie
|  | Barbara Fishman Email: fishmanb@earthlink.net
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO I am passionate about travel and my clients. My Virtuoso insider knowledge can provide you with “Extraordinary Enriching Experiences”.
Expert Bio With a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Travel Management from Florida International University, and having been a travel consultant for 28 years, I can investigate options, follow-up, and take care of all the time consuming details while you just relax. The world awaits-let me take you there! Email Barbara
My Recent Trips
Egypt- Cairo and Luxor and the great pyramids of Giza
The Western Mediterranean- 10 nights aboard The Galaxy/ Celebrity Cruise Lines, visiting- Naples~The Amalfi Coast~Mykonos and Santorini, Greece~Messina and Taormina Sicily~ Cannes, Nice , France, Monaco~Florence, Piza, Rome, Italy.
|  | Heidi Phillips Email: heidiwp@lxrtravel.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Certified Ireland Specialist
Expert Bio Heidi’s years in the travel industry providing unparalleled service to her clients/travelers has made her a top producer for over 20 years. In addition to providing excellent care, Heidi’s thirst for knowledge and business acumen has earned her several certifications and the position of Office Manager for NFT Travel’s Lockport, ny office before being acquired by The Travel Team in 2003. Today she is thrilled that through this new venture, associated with the industry’s best, she will not only continue to provide her clients/travelers with her experience and care in every reservation but can now offer extra-value and amenities previously not available. Email Heidi
|  | Susan Ferrell Email: info@travelexperts.travel
Interests & Specialties St. Barths Specialist
Expert Bio Owner Email Susan
My Recent Trips Ask me about my wonderful Silversea voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona.....watching the south of Spain go by from our cabin's verandah.... the top notch service of the Silver Wind's crew....the gourmet meals.....
|  | Sharon Fake Email: sharonfake@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO France
Expert Bio CTC, Director of Operations, DS Email Sharon
|  | Claire Macdonald Email: claire@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO Luxury Travel, specializing in Europe
Expert Bio
Manager, North Carolina Operations I am originally from England and started as a travel agent there, I have lived in the states for the last 20 years working in the travel industry. I work with both corporate and leisure travel clients, specialising in Europe, as well as caribbean cruises and packages. Email Claire
|  | Sue Bergamini Email: sue@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties ACCREDITED BY VIRTUOSO France
Expert Bio CTC, DS Email Sue
|  | Dick Sheils Email: dick@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties
Dick has been recognized for his expertise in SWITZERLAND six years in a row by Wendy Perrin, travel writer for Conde Nast Magazine in her articles on the top travel agents in the country. In Wendy's words "Shiels has hiked, trained and driven all over the country during his 30 trips there, uncovering hidden-gem Alpine villages and country inns." Dick is also our resident expert on the European rail system and can print your rail passes in our office.
Expert Bio CTA Email Dick
|  | Lisa Ward Email: lisaward@travelxperts.com
Interests & Specialties Corporate Travel International ticketing Hawaii Switzerland California
Expert Bio Lisa has been a travel consultant in Raleigh, since 1983. Lisa began her career in a small agency and learned every aspect of the travel agency business, however for the vast majority of her career she has assisted her clients with their Corporate Travel needs.She loves the challenges of international travel and those ‘hard-to-get-to-destinations’. Lisa enjoys helping her clients and providing that service that you cannot get by booking with an internet-based travel company. Email Lisa
|  | Donna Salerno Email: info@donnasalernotravel.com
Interests & Specialties
Sailed the Caribbean, from Florida to South America while living aboard our private sailboat for over 14 years.
Certified Travel Consultant since 1986. Certified Destination Specialist for Europe, Asia, South Pacific-Tahiti/Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Caribbean, Africa & Central/South America and Accredited by Virtuoso. Master Cruise Counselor for all luxury cruise lines including private yachts worldwide.
Certified Pilates Instructor. Adventure travel experiences in the South Pacific, Europe, Caribbean, Central/South America and Canada. Culinary/Art/Wine customized itineraries worldwide!
Rave Reviews on Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187895-d866681-r68345210-Four_Seasons_Florence-Florence_Tuscany.html and
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g311415-d887085-r68828308-Four_Seasons_Resort_Bora_Bora-Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html I specialize in customizing luxury vacations, honeymoons, family trips and one-of-a-kind experiences to top hotels and resorts from South Africa to South Pacific to Europe and beyond. Look forward to working with you soon.
Expert Bio As your Travel Consultant I am able to provide "the best of the best" worldwide! With our added amenities and savings it's hard to stay home! Why choose me? Because as a Virtuoso Travel Specialist, who has spent years acquiring industry skills and connections, I'll be able to provide you with "peace of mind" when you're traveling. So you can simply relax and enjoy everything including complimentary upgrades and special amenities! So the real question is, why wait? www.DonnaSalernoTravel.com
Contact Donna Salerno today: PH: 1-888-777-7820 OR EM: Info@DonnaSalernoTravel.com
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