travel agent meet the team

Meet THE Team

Our award-winning team here at Tripsy Travel is delighted to help craft a vacation beyond your wildest expectations.    We understand that a vacation is an investment of your time and resources and we pride ourselves on collaborating with you to deliver a fantastic adventure, packed with unique surprises and all the experiences you are hoping for.   

We treat every client like family, crafting each vacation like it is our own, down to the smallest detail.    Our years of experience in the industry enable us to design truly unique and custom experiences, save you time and stress, and deliver exceptional vacations year after year. 

Cyndi Williams

Founder and CEO

Cyndi Williams is a travel industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as an industry leader, influencer, and advocate; Cyndi has been featured in the media, won national awards, and works regularly on behalf of travel industry advocacy.

Before wanderlust was a buzz word, Cyndi was traveling the world, racking up frequent flyer miles at lightning speed, and taking bucket list journeys like other people go to the coffee shop.  She’s had a lifetime of amazing travel experiences, which she accredits to evolving her perspective and love for our amazing planet.  Today Cyndi is focused on her industry advocacy work, and supporting our team here at Tripsy.  

Cyndi’s visionary client-centric approach has resulted in multiple agency awards, and revolutionizing the way we collaborate with our clients to create the vacations of their dreams.  Under Cyndi’s leadership Tripsy has quickly grown a reputation as one of the best luxury boutique agencies in the industry.

Cyndi and her husband of fourteen years were married in Walt Disney World and now reside in Austin, with their two beautiful children, and two dogs Lucy and Mavis.

Cyndi is also a proud member of ASTA, Travel Leaders, CLIA, and IATAN.

“Traveling makes the world a little smaller, and the love a little bigger.”

– Cyndi Williams, Founder

Stephani Voge

Luxury Travel Planner

Stephani is a Denver native who has spent that last 12 years living in Hawaii swimming with manta rays, Vancouver, BC biking though Stanley Park and Austin Texas trying all the BBQ Texas has to   offer. Most recently she moved to Ottawa, Ontario where she can be found ice skating in the winter and exploring all that eastern Canada has to offer in the summer. She has had the luxury of being able to immerse herself into these very different cultures and truly experience what each one has to offer. 

She has a degree in Hospitality and Tourism with an emphasis in Hotel Management. While studying abroad in Namibia, Africa she spent three weeks of adventure, traveling and camping across diverse ecosystems; visiting conservation sites, historic sites and wildlife conservation projects. Prior to travel planning, she previously worked in various hotels in both a resort and city settings and is familiar with their operations. Having a passion for travel and a love for ensuring a vacation of a lifetime, Stephani is truly a dedicated luxury travel advisor.

Stephani specializes in Hawaii travel. Between hiking to hidden waterfalls and scuba diving the crystal clear waters, she is a wealth of knowledge due to her time living on the islands. She has also attended the Disney College of Knowledge and loves to create a lifetime of memories, specifically with Adventures by Disney where your family becomes part of the story as you are immersed in the people, places and cultures of wherever your adventures take you throughout the world.

Currently, Stephani lives in Ottawa with her wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, and their energetic dogs, Koa the Maltese and Murphy the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They spend most of their weekends hiking, on the river walk or experiencing new restaurants and parks throughout the city.

 Stephani’s Specialties include: Hawaii, select Canada locations and Cruises.

Samantha Jayakumar

Samantha was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and is a self-proclaimed “airline brat”. With both her parents employed by a major airline she has been traveling since she was only a few days old. Her love of travel started young with trips to Egypt, China, France, and the UK before she was ten.

Her family’s travel background led her to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii. After University Samantha spent 10 years in Hawaii in various management roles at luxury hotels. Samantha’s hospitality career later brought her to Austin, Texas then Los Angeles, California where she currently resides.

Samantha and her husband had a destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico ten years ago and have been racking up the frequent flyer miles ever since.

Samantha’s expertise is in International Travel. She has visited 43 countries and been on over 20 cruises. Whether you want to go to Sri Lanka , Croatia, Kenya or France Samantha can help you plan the perfect trip! Ask her about the Maldives, it is her favorite destination to get away and unwind.

Tana Williams

  Luxury Travel Planner

Tana started working in the travel industry 30 years ago as part of the Clipper Cruise Lines team, which was the largest yacht and smallest cruise ship sailing the US East Coast down to the Virgin Islands.  During that time Tana was afforded the most incredible experience as a young person to see so many cities, inter-coastal water ways, famous land marks and meet some wonderful people.  Tana has continued to travel throughout the years, and now she helps others plan and get the most enjoyment out of their vacation adventures.  Tana says “Traveling myself or through you makes me feel alive!”

  Tana’s specialties: Caribbean, Hawaii, Cruises, domestic U.S., and All-Inclusive vacations.

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Meet The Team

A.J. Rick Mazza

President and CEO, American Marketing Group

A travel industry visionary for more than half a century, Rick is the founder, president and CEO of TRAVELSAVERS and its parent company American Marketing Group. He has been a tireless advocate for the success of the independent travel advisor and has guided the creation of 19 pioneering and highly successful companies that have advanced the industry.

Rick founded AMG in 1970 to serve and strengthen the travel agency community. AMG encompasses TRAVELSAVERS, the first marketing group for travel advisors, and NEST, the first and only marketing group for independent home-based agencies. Both networks were bold new concepts and business models that organized agencies into cooperatives, offered support, and pooled their buying power to compete against larger agencies.

TRAVELSAVERS and NEST are now marketing powerhouses of more than 3,000 independently owned agencies with over 25,000 advisors. Through innovative technology, services, and programs, AMG’s 17 other companies also support the profitability and growth of independent travel advisors and agencies. Today, AMG companies generate more than $20 billion in annual sales.

Prior to starting TRAVELSAVERS, Rick owned a Diners Club travel agency based in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY. He originally trained as a civil engineer and spent many years in the steel and construction business.

A widely respected trailblazer, Rick has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the travel industry. He was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Travel Advisors for his creativity, dedication and inspiration. Rick also served as President of the Diners Club Franchisee Organization and co-founded the American Travel Affairs Council.

Rick enjoys traveling the world with his family, especially his grandchildren. Two of his favorite destinations are Hawaii and the European Alps. He’s passionate about cruising as well as shopping in Paris, London and Rome. Rick’s top dining destinations are the Normandy region of France, Campania region of Italy, Bavaria region of Germany and Argentina, for its barbecue.

Executive Vice President and COO, TRAVELSAVERS and President, TRAVEL HELPLINE & agent24

For over 30 years, Jim has been involved in all aspects of the travel business, including preferred supplier negotiations, reservations and ticketing, internal and external sales, member relations and after-hours services. He has a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges facing travel management companies today and has been responsible for introducing technology advances to support travel agencies.

Jim owns operations and manages the strategic direction of the organization as well as oversees the Corporate Services Division globally for TRAVELSAVERS. He has twice been honored among Travel Agent magazine’s “100 Rising Stars” and was profiled in American Executive magazine.

Jim’s favorite destinations include Italy, France and Ireland. His fondest vacation memories include three generations of Mazzas visiting Ireland and Scotland together, and a birthday celebration in three distinctive regions of Italy, enjoying historic sites, natural beauty and delicious cuisine.

Kathryn Mazza-Burney

Chief Sales Officer, TRAVELSAVERS and President, NEST

Kathryn brings over 30 years of sales and agency relationship management to her role as Chief Sales Officer for TRAVELSAVERS and The Affluent Traveler Collection and President of NEST . She is responsible for growing the membership base and managing the strategic sales direction for the divisions as well.

Kathryn also oversees the day-to-day quality assurance system with a keen focus on ways to improve each agency’s financial success. One of the keys to the TRAVELSAVERS and NEST quality assurance program is the North American Business Analyst team, which Kathryn played an instrumental role in establishing. This team, the first and only group of its kind within the travel consortium space, works hand in hand with each agency to review its business and create customized sales and marketing plans to make them more profitable. Kathryn is passionately involved with AMG’s charitable causes including Autism Speaks.

Kathryn is a river cruising devotee and godmother to a river cruise ship. Her favorite itinerary is the Rhine, as she is passionate about wine. A cruise along the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, where Kathryn vividly recalls the monks chanting across the river, was a powerful, moving experience. Her fondest family travel memory is going on safari in South Africa with her son, an animal lover.

Nicole Mazza

Chief Marketing Officer, American Marketing Group

As Chief Marketing Officer, Nicole manages all marketing and supplier relations initiatives for TRAVELSAVERS, The Affluent Traveler Collection and NEST. Her responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with preferred suppliers and establishing and implementing inbound marketing programs that deliver leads, boost sales and maximize profits for the groups’ 3,000-plus travel agencies and preferred suppliers.

Nicole has extensive experience with travel agency and preferred supplier relationships, integrated marketing and promotions, strategic planning and brand awareness. She was instrumental in developing the publishing division of American Marketing Group. Under her guidance as publisher, both The Affluent Traveler , an international luxury travel magazine, and JOURNEYS , a consumer travel magazine, have been honored as award-winning publications. As well, Nicole spearheaded innovative custom solutions and lifestyle marketing campaigns for TRAVELSAVERS, The Affluent Traveler Collection and NEST.

Nicole’s favorite travels so far include Egypt, Africa and the Galapagos Islands. She is passionate about cruising the world’s rivers and road tripping with her family through the US national park system, the US coastlines and the backroads of Europe.

Curtis Peritz

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Curtis is responsible for AMG’s overall financial reporting and management functions, ensuring that its position is in line with objectives. He maintains relations with domestic and international bankers and provides briefings to the management team on the company’s financial picture.

Curtis started with the company in 1998 as controller and has contributed to AMG’s expansion and increased efficiencies during his tenure. He is a certified public accountant who holds an MBA and a law degree and started his career working for a global public accounting firm.

Among Curtis’s favorite destinations is Montreux, Switzerland, with its beautiful lake and mountain setting along with a lively annual fall festival. Another fond travel memory was an AMG trip to Nuremberg, Germany for the city’s celebrated Christmas Market. The group had fun exploring the charming destination and even booked an entire restaurant for a delicious meal of local specialties.

Nancy Bennett

Senior Vice President, Global Sales

With 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Nancy oversees the Sales and Business Analyst teams. She is responsible for the development and strengthening of relationships with travel agencies to increase network membership and assist owners in maximizing their sales.

With an eye for spotting potential, Nancy has nurtured relationships with agencies that have grown to become Elite affiliates. She also establishes sales processes, shapes strategic positioning for collateral, and trains and mentors new sales directors. After starting her career in advertising, Nancy joined TRAVELSAVERS as a sales director and worked her way up to the executive level.

As an avid tennis enthusiast, Nancy played competitively for more than 30 years and achieved a local and sectional ranking. One of her favorite destinations is Paris, where she loves the architecture, history, food and shopping. Nancy hopes to return there soon.

Brian Burney

Senior Vice President, Operations

Brian has been with TRAVELSAVERS for over 30 years. Within that time, he served as Director of National Accounts before being promoted, first to Vice President of Operations in 1999 and then to Senior Vice President of Operations in 2006. During his tenure, Brian helped launch TRAVELSAVERS’ preferred rate hotel program. He also launched and now oversees tripXpress, the company’s proprietary booking engine that includes air, cruise, hotel, activities, tour operators, transfers and insurance.

Brian’s favorite vacations have been Caribbean and Mediterranean ocean cruises with his family. He really enjoys Europe, especially Italy, with its rich history and interesting architecture. Brian has gone on two African safaris, which he calls life changing.

Jane Clementino

Senior Vice President and General Manager, Canada

Jane oversees business development, sales, strategic partnerships and operations for TRAVELSAVERS Canada. Her extensive knowledge of the travel marketplace, distribution channels and supplier relations, combined with her passion, vision, results orientation and strategic insights, have resulted in revenue, sales and brand growth. Jane’s commitment to team development, engagement and collaboration stems from her belief that people are the cornerstone of a successful business.

A well-recognized industry veteran, Jane brings to her role more than 30 years of experience, spanning aviation, corporate travel management and retail travel. Prior to TRAVELSAVERS, she was most recently Managing Director Canada for Discover the World, a marketing company representing 20 global partners. Previously, she held executive roles at WestJet and WestJet Vacations, Navigant/CWT Canada, Optimus SBR and Sears Canada.

Jane enjoys exploring countries rich in cultural traditions and natural landscapes. She especially loves Portugal’s Madeira and the Azores for their emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine and the pride in generational dishes. Jane cherishes the memory of her family dining beside the ocean in her husband’s hometown on Sao Miguel in the Azores. Her most beloved frequent destination is her cottage on Lake Huron, where she can put her feet in the sand, kayak for hours, watch one of the best sunsets in Canada and walk the beach with a glass of red wine.

Samantha Jones

Senior Vice President, Hotel Programs

Sam leads the strategy for the TRAVELSAVERS Preferred Hotel Program and is responsible for advisor outreach and supplier relationships, including accommodation and content providers.

Sam joined TRAVELSAVERS in January 2019, after leading North American Agency sales for Carlson Wagonlit Travel's hotel distribution division, RoomIt by CWT. Prior to this, she led the TMC/Consortia strategy for Radisson Hotel Group for nine years, and held previous roles within IHG and Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

A native New Yorker, she is now a Midwest transplant, based in Chicago.

Sam is a self-professed hotel expert. A city girl at heart, some of her urban bests are London, Paris and Rome. Her favorite travels have been to the Amalfi Coast; Costa Rica; Koh Samui, Thailand; and her family’s annual vacation to Martha’s Vineyard. There is nothing better than immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the people, food and customs.

Joe Winheim

Senior Vice President, travel tix

With over 20 years’ experience building and leading customer service, operations and purchasing teams, Joe leads travel tix as Senior Vice President. He oversees the day-to-day management of travel tix and builds and maintains relationships with the world’s leading airlines for both travel tix and TRAVELSAVERS. Joe is also responsible for directing American Marketing Group’s agency management systems.  

A beer and scotch enthusiast as well as intrepid traveler, he loves experiencing the world, literally drinking in new cultures.  Joe’s favorite destinations for beer include Amsterdam, Bruges and Munich, and his preferred scotch is The Dalmore, with a proud heritage of almost 200 years in Scotland.  

Senior Vice President, Call Center Operations

Jill oversees the day-to-day operation of the 24/7 contact center that provides after-hours emergency service to travel companies. She owns recruitment, training, customer service, ticketing, quality control and reservations. Jill’s responsibilities include establishing goals, analyzing and reporting call center statistics and developing strategies to improve efficiency and customer service.

Jill enjoys traveling to Europe and New Zealand. Her latest discovery is Riquewihr, a charming gem in Eastern France on the Alsace Wine Route, known as the inspiration for the town in Beauty and the Beast . Jill is impressed by the beauty of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and Milford Sound. She also loves family road trips to destinations such as the Black Hills, Yellowstone and the Colorado Rockies.

Don’t trust your vacation to just anyone!

Trust a TRAVELSAVERS Agency.

GET IN TOUCH  71 Audrey Avenue Oyster Bay, NY 11771  (516) 624-0500

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Leisure travel team.

Brianna White

Specialties

- Alaskan Cruises

- Honeymoon Vacations

- All-Inclusive

- Caribbean

- Independent travel

- Alaska cruises

- Southeast Asia

Margot Leiner

- All-inclusive

- Costa Rica

Kristin Bender

- Disney Cruises

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- Customized travel to Europe

- Puerto Vallarta

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Mallory Hershey

- River Cruises

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An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

- Alaska Cruises

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Debbie Nahorniak

- Private Villa Vacations

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Marlene Reese

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Dele Simenstad

- All Inclusive packages

Reesa Smyth

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Ali Johnson

- Disney Cruise

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Brenda Nobbe

Debbie Rodriguez

Angela DeCoursey

Make the Memories Travel An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

- River cruises

- All inclusive

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Debbie Palmer

Palmer Preferred Travel An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

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Eric Martinson

Mouse and Magic Travel An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

- Walt Disney World

- Disneyland

Karen Listgarten

VIAKU Curated Travel Experiences An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

- Customized Travel

- Central and South America

Kristina Wolfe

True Travel Co. An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

- Isla Mujeres

Travel by Tara An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

Valerie Anderson-Boudaka

Vacations with Valerie An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

Alicia Sandness

ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH ALICIA An independent agent with Riverdale Travel

- Adventure Travel

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Alisa Kruse

Nancy Ferreira

- Family/Groups

Jessica Freidly

Business travel and air desk support team.

Kathy Costopoulos

Senior Agent

Amy Tolentino

Theresa Guy

Jeanne Strandberg

Business Development

Leadership Team

Jessica Luniewski

Leisure Travel Manager

Gretchen Nissen

Director of Finance

Tracy SanNicolas

Director of Operations

Director of Independent Contractor Programs

Danielle Matso

Genie Success Manager

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• Meet the Team

Gregg Humble

Gregg, Co-Owner of Humble Travel, happily shared his childhood with the travel industry. As the son of the founder of the agency, he accompanied his parents on many exciting trips, including a trip around the world! Now that he is at the helm of Humble Travel, he has engineered the successful growth and expansion of the company for the 21 st century. Clients benefit from his extension knowledge of destinations around the globe, and value his ability to create the perfect itinerary, no matter how complicated.

Recent Travels: Feb. 2022 - Long Boat Key, FL; Apr. 2022 - Hilton Head Island, SC; Aug. 2022 - Las Vegas, NV; Nov. 2022 - Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Jan. 2023 - San Francisco, CA; Feb. 2023 - Anguilla, A British Overseas Territory in Eastern Caribbean

Certifications/Specialties:  Certified Travel Counselor, river cruises, leisure groups 

Arlene Humble

During her 35+ years in the travel industry, Arlene has seen many changes, but not even a global pandemic could diminish her passion for travel! Arlene still gets at a thrill visiting each new destination and she is excited to share her experiences with clients. Over the years, Arlene has zigzagged the globe - from the major European capitals to Victoria Falls. She has developed an expertise in "Groups and Incentives" markets (groups have ranged from 10 to 500 travelers!) and they have met in places from Las Vegas to Mexico to the Caribbean and Europe. Whether it's a special dream vacation for two or a large corporate meeting, Arlene is energized to create exciting post-COVID travel and looks forward to putting her experience to work for you! Recent travels: Thailand (Bangkok, Chang Rai, Chang Mai, Koh Samui); Rhine river cruise (Amsterdam to Basel), South Africa and Victoria Falls, Italy (Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como), London, France (Provence), Greece, Turks and Caicos, Peru (Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca), Palm Springs, New Orleans, New England cruise (Boston to Montreal), Caribbean cruise (St. Kitts, St. Johns, Antigua, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Bequia); Long Boat Key, FL; Hilton Head Island, SC; Las Vegas, NV; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; San Francisco, CA; Anguilla, A British Overseas Territory in Eastern Caribbean  Certifications/Specialties: corporate incentives, art and wine tours, river and ocean cruises

Bonnie Humble

Ctc, founder.

Since Bonnie founded Humble Travel in 1961, she has been an integral part of the enormous growth and expansions of the travel industry. Due to her foresight, Humble Travel has bragging rights as a “founding member” of the luxury travel network VIRTUOSO. Over her long career, Bonnie and husband, Bob, have escorted hundreds of groups to destinations around the world. Her two granddaughters have joined her to co-host a couple sailings to Europe. Bonnie has been almost everywhere, including Easter Island, a visit to Nepal and lunch with Sir Edmund Hillary, and a very fast flight from New York to London on the Concorde. Recent Travels:  Fall Foliage Cruise Boston to Montreal Certifications/Specialties:  Too numerous to mention.

Annie Humble-Gougler

Director of operations & travel advisor.

As Arlene and Gregg’s daughter, Annie is third-generation Humble Travel. She has been with the agency for 12 years, and is the Office Manager of the Cedar Falls office, in addition to being a busy Travel Advisor. In 2012 she was recognized by the industry with Travel Agent Magazine’s “Top 30 Under 30 Agent” award. Annie loves the feedback from happy clients who actually “glow” when they talk about their travels. There is a reason for their satisfaction – Annie’s attention to detail is legendary – she designs complicated European itineraries, large corporate incentive meetings, destination weddings, romantic travel, and just about everything else. Recent Travels: New England cruise Boston to Montreal, Key West, European river cruise, Greek Isles cruise, Mexico Certifications/Specialties: Corporate Incentives, Jamaica Specialist, Sandals Specialist, Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Nominations & Leadership: -Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier “Best of the Best” Travel Agent -Board member Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau -Member of Delta Vacations Council of Emerging Leaders

Jean Ann Flanscha

Agency manager & marketing.

Jean Ann is the friendly face that greets clients when they arrive for their appointments at our Cedar Falls office. She is a key member of our Humble Travel team – she puts her decades of office experience to use for our staff every day! She handles the invoicing for the entire Humble Travel team. She assists with marketing efforts, event planning, and is the main contact for donation requests. Clients enjoy chatting on the phone with her about their upcoming or past trips and know that she will handle their inquiries. Like everyone at Humble Travel, Jean Ann loves to travel, and has experience visiting exciting destinations in the US and abroad. Recent Travels: Ireland, France (Paris), Florida, Tennessee, Washington D.C, Colorado, New York City, Danube River Cruise (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany)

Marnie Wilkes

Assistant manager & travel advisor.

Marnie specializes in warm destinations – Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Belize, Hawaii. She loves working with couples and families to design vacations for special occasions like honeymoons, birthdays, anniversaries, or for any reason at all.  Marnie has in depth knowledge of the resorts and things to do in these popular destinations, and can advise clients based on their individual likes and dislikes. As an added value, Marnie always offers her clients the option to discover “what the destination is about”. This means exploring the Mayan Ruins or the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is nearby. Recent Travels:  Italy, Mexico, Las Vegas, Florida, Costa Rica Certification/Specialties: Hawaii Islands Specialist, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

Nick Harmon

Travel advisor.

Nancy is an Assistant to owner Arlene Humble, with a special emphasis on group travel. She has experience with groups including corporate incentives, leisure, and charitable groups. She has coordinated trips to Italy, France, Mexico, the Bahamas, and within the US. In addition, Nancy has traveled extensively in Europe and the US, always with an eye for what will interest clients. She likes history and art, and has a knack for working with Virtuoso travel partners to create unique and personalized itineraries for clients. Recent Travels:  Italy (Venice, Tuscany & Italian Riviera), Norwegian Fjords cruise, Rhine River cruise (Amsterdam to Basel), London, Santa Fe, San Diego, New York City, Washington, DC, Poland, Prague, Paris, Bordeaux, Florida Certifications/Specialties:  Spain, AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Southwest Germany

Karissa Kleve

Travel assistant.

Karissa grew up in Spillville – a charming town nestled in the beautiful hills of northeastern Iowa.  She came to Humble travel as a recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa where she majored in Interactive Digital Studies.  Her travel experience includes a family project of visiting every Major League Baseball stadium - she only has a few left to see and the two New York City stadiums are among her favorites!  Karissa brings enthusiasm and attention to detail to her role as Travel Assistant to Annie Gougler, Office Manager and Travel Advisor.   Recent Travels: New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia, Nashville, Washington DC, Bahamas, Alaska and Costa Rica

Taylor Pilipchuk

Taylor joined the Humble Travel team in 2022 as an Assistant to Arlene Humble, Vice President of Humble Travel. She brings with her a love of travel and over 12 years of industry experience, including working with corporate groups and athletic team travel. Taylor's knowledge of air travel includes arranging private charters for groups of all sizes. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are a great asset when working with Humble Travel's clients in both the leisure and corporate markets. Outside of work, Taylor also has a busy life with her husband Nick and their four children. Recent travels: Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Hawaii, Mexico, France, Australia, California, Florida, Colorado, Montana

Lois Berger

Lois Berger brings to Humble Travel decades of experience in the education field – first as an elementary educator, and then at the college level preparing future teachers for the classroom. As a Travel Assistant, Lois puts her “teacher” multi-tasking skills to excellent use to help both Management and Travel Advisors with many different important jobs. Her incredible attention to detail is perfect for this role! She provides support to our Travel Advisors with travel design, helps with marketing projects, and assists with office and accounting tasks. Recent travels: Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas

Joyce Trewin

Mardi Burmeister

An independent affiliate of humble travel service.

Mardi came to the travel industry following a career in event planning, so she understands all about client expectations and the importance of being detail-oriented. Mardi’s clients now benefit from her background, as she puts her past experience to use planning special trips for honeymooners, families, empty nesters, and all types of travelers. Whether they are looking for a weekend in New York City or want to cross the International Date Line and vacation in New Zealand, Mardi will design an itinerary that is perfectly matched to your interests and budget. Recent Travels:  Alaska cruise, Mediterranean cruise (Barcelona to Nice), Switzerland, Austria, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Ireland Certifications/Specialties:  Sandals Specialist, Aussie Specialist, AM Resorts Master Agent, Jamaica Travel Specialist, Switzerland, Ireland

Wendy Thompson, WST TRAVEL LLC

Wendy always strives to turn travel dreams into wonderful realities for her clients. This could be a month-long honeymoon, a last minute culinary tour, or even the FIFA World Cup in France! (All actual trips she has designed for clients). Wendy loves the joy of anticipation that she shares with clients during travel planning and enjoys the process of discovering clients’ likes and dislikes, interests, etc. She refines this information to create the perfect itineraries for her travelers. Recent Travels: Rhine river cruise (Germany, France, Switzerland), Dominican Republic, Montreal & Quebec City, Caribbean cruise, Scotland, Ireland, Aruba, Australia, Italy Certifications/Specialties: AM Resorts Specialist, Dominican Republic, Hawaii Destination Specialist.

Annelie Heinen, ACH Travel LLC

An independent affiliate of humble travel service.

Annelie brings to Humble Travel a special expertise with Disney travel - she has personally experienced Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney cruises! She then went on to enhance her firsthand knowledge by working towards earing the "Disney Specialist" certificate. For first timers or those interested in expanding their Disney travels, Annelie is poised to share her passion, help navigate the many options, and create a "magical" itinerary. In addition to Disney, Annelie has traveled extensively in the US, including numerous in-depth trips to Hawaii and a special journey to Alaska. She made her first international trip to England in 2008 and since has visited ten countries, increasing her ability to design wonderful vacation itineraries in many of the world's top destinations. Annelie loves to help clients cultivate their perfect vacation experience, whether it be a magical family vacation, a romantic couples escape, or a memory-making multi-generational trip. Recent travels: Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruises, Bahamas, Hawaii, Ireland, Germany, Mediterranean cruise (Spain, France, and Italy), France Certifications/Specialties: Disney Specialist

Codi recently joined Humble Travel as an Affiliate Travel Advisor. She works from her home in the idyllic small town of Casey, Iowa, but her travels have taken her to exciting destinations including London, the Bahamas, Cancun, and many tropical cruise ports. During a successful career of over 20 years with the Pampered Chef, Codi developed strong customer service skills that she now puts to use working with her travel clients. She enjoys taking care of the all the details that are involved with designing complicated travel itineraries.

An Independent Affiliate of Humble Travel Service

As the daughter of a flight attendant, Katie has adventure in her blood! Whether it’s backpacking through Bali, honeymooning in the Caribbean, or embracing the beauty around us with affordable domestic travel – Katie will bring the energy and passion to make your dreams a reality. Coming to us from a career of event coordinating and travel blogging, she won’t miss the details and prioritizes guiding you through the ins and outs of where you are going so you can arrive with maximum confidence. 

Specialties: Honeymoons, South America, Asia, and domestic getaways.

Jetset World Travel is a bespoke, full-service travel agency dedicated to the art of

We are avid world travelers, our advisors.

Our Travel Advisors

Alex Raymond

Allison Medor

Anna Dilworth

Ashley Clayton

Bekah Avant

Brigid Pritchard

Caroline Sprunger

Courtney Wyckoff

Devan Mercer

Elyse Zerweck

Fernando Rosa

Gabrielle Eichstaedt

Hilary Shipley

Hillary Barrett

Jennifer Anderson

Jessica Kristiseter

Jill Taylor

Julia Pirrung

Kathleen Williams

Kendall Milner

Lindsey Krummenacher

Marci Rhodes

Megan Hintz

Megan Jones

Melissa Rosa

Nicole Patterson

Peter Tibble

Sarah Sullivan

Steve Torres

Sunni McBride

Our leadership team.

Andrea czarnota

JEREMY SULEK

Cassie Deifik

LINDSEY EPPERLY

DAI'KAYLA JOHNSON

Yvonne Heslop

Our corporate team.

Neena Lecher

Meet our affiliates.

Join our team

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MEET THE INNOVATIVE TEAM LEADING AVOYA TRAVEL

• Who is Avoya
• Meet The Team

Tracing our roots back more than 60 years, Avoya Travel® is a company built on the simple beliefs of family, unity and love of travel. While we've stood by our commitment to continuous innovation as the industry evolves, our brand's purpose – enriching lives through inspiring travel experiences – remains the same.

Oftentimes when companies speak about growth, they are simply referring to size. But at Avoya, our focus is growth in all aspects of what we do. Every day, our team gets together to come up with clear solutions for travel agency businesses for the future, and we're determined to leave the industry better than we found it.

The next generation of Andersons are continuing the family legacy of innovation and industry leadership. As Co-CEOs, Jeff Anderson and Michael Anderson are leading Avoya into the future of travel, inspiring future company evolution. For almost 20 years, Jeff and Michael have shared responsibility in growing the business with their complementary skill sets. Jeff's ingenuity in sales and marketing and Michael's talent for developing technology have harmoniously helped grow Avoya and advance our unique approach of integrating technology and people to improve the vacation planning experience and generate more success for travel professionals and suppliers.

PHIL CAPPELLI, CSO

Phil joined Avoya in 2023, bringing with him 25 years of extensive experience in the travel industry. As Chief Sales Officer, he'll be at the helm of exciting growth initiatives, including expanding the Independent Agency Network, strengthening supplier partnerships, paving the way for strategic acquisitions and introducing new, distinctive products and services. 

MARK FRANCONE, CFO

Mark joined Avoya in 2023 after more than 17 years of experience with a leading cruise brand. His expertise in strategic financial planning and analysis, along with his strong track record of producing exceptional results, is enabling Avoya to drive stronger and faster growth.

SAM McCULLY, SVP OF MARKETING

Since joining the Avoya family in 2013, Sam has been instrumental in developing Avoya's brand strategy, leading the company's award-winning marketing initiatives that have generated more success for both travelers and new Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network™, and has been influential in creating more modern and interactive ways for Independent Agencies to connect with travelers. His teams are delivering more personalized content and better online experiences to consumers while creating stronger customer value and retention.

STEVE HIRSHAN, SVP OF SALES

Bringing almost 40 years of travel industry experience to the Avoya team, Steve started as an Independent Agency owner, and two years later joined the executive team to leads initiatives that support Independent Agencies with all aspects of their business. Steve's team is continually investing more into helping Network members grow sales and improve workflow, including increasing  support  with enhancements to our patented tech,  Agent Power™ , an award-winning Mastermind Program™ ,  a new in-house education program specifically designed for those new to the travel industry,  Travel Agent Education Powered by Avoya  and much more.

ASHLEY HUNTER, SVP OF PARTNERSHIPS

Cultivating supplier partnerships and overseeing internal operations from events to promotions, Ashley Hunter capitalizes on her more than 15 years of leadership experience at Avoya in her role, driving company success by expanding supplier partnerships to generate new markets of customers and growing Avoya's portfolio with new travel products and destinations.

DANIEL REGO, SVP OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

With continuous innovation comes the ability to make smarter decisions. Our capabilities to increase your productivity have skyrocketed with new tech innovations, including intuitive agency performance metrics, smart technology and actionable reports. Daniel brings more than 20 years of expertise to Avoya, playing a critical role in leveraging data analysis in strategic business decisions and driving sales growth.

MELODY GOLDMAN, SVP OF PEOPLE OPERATIONS

Melody joined Avoya in 2023 to create and drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. With over 20 years of experience cultivating strong relationships and company culture, her expertise is empowering Avoya to continue its reputation for innovation.

NATHAN OSBORNE, SVP OF STRATEGIC OPERATIONS

Nathan joined Avoya in 2023 with an impressive background in senior executive positions and is responsible for Avoya's M&A strategy, legal oversight and delivering an industry-leading customer experience. His history of achieving results in business operations and strategic planning are accelerating Avoya's expansion.

At Avoya, w e don't settle for the status quo. Instead, our experienced industry leaders are continuously innovating and pioneering behind the scenes to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

Our commitment to innovation and success isn't slowing down any time soon. In fact, a new era is just beginning. Let's reimagine vacation planning, together.

Contact us to learn more about our product and service offerings.

MEET THE TEAM

Founder and Group President

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Mina, an inveterate traveler is listed in Travel + Leisure's A-List of the World's Top Travel Agents and is one of Conde Nast Magazine's Top Travel Specialists. Her leadership and passion have been instrumental in the growth of Travelive, a company, in which personalized travel experiences are created based on guest preferences and expectations.

Panos Chalvantzis

Founder, chairman & ceo, star international group inc. dba travelive.

Panos is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of managerial experience in the media, luxury travel and real estate investment sectors. His passion for exploration and adventure led him to set his focus on the travel industry. With his lead, the company has grown into a recognized trailblazer in the tourism sector. Panos is also the Principal Broker of Helio Realty LLC, a luxury real estate brokerage firm in South Florida.

Petros Halvantzis

President & ceo, travelive sa.

After spending 11 years in UK and British Telecom, Petros joined Travelive in 2008 and opened the company's European headquarters in Greece. His in-depth understanding of technology and business allows him to oversee Travelive's operations including HR, Technology, Sales and Accounting organizations.

Jeanne Amrein

Director of business development.

Jeanne, a seasoned globe-trotter, has a diverse career in international relations and customer service and is dedicated to creating once in a lifetime escapes.

Sotiris Chatzikoumis

Head of technology & innovation data protection officer.

Solution-focused, with experience in leading company-wide technology projects from inception through to delivery. Instrumental in dissecting complex problems, devising iterative processes, and leading end-to-end change management.

Argiris Hios

Director of operations & contracts.

Argiris has worked with tour operators, managing tourist itineraries and organizing travel packages. He is an expert in providing world-class client services.

Stella Hofer

Director of customer support.

Having studied Architecture and Art History, Stella enriches client’s experiences at Travelive, with her lifelong passion for travel and extensive experience in pedagogy and customer service.

Faye Mantzari

Director of sales.

Faye, an experienced professional in hospitality, boasts a diverse background in first-class hotels, having effectively managed various roles. Her extensive expertise provides her with a deep understanding of the industry, rendering her an indispensable asset to our team.

Maria Papaioannou

Director of accounting & human resources.

Obtaining a degree in Economics, Maria is pursuing her career by combining her love for numbers, policies, and procedures. Her deep understanding and great interpersonal skills ensure that Travelive stays devoted to its cultural values of teamwork, integrity, and respect, as it continues to grow.

Deborah Haile

Country manager, italy.

Deborah, from NY, has worked in various sectors of the travel industry. Passion is rooted in Mediterranean destinations, living and working in Greece and Italy.

Armando Maestre Ferrandez

Country manager, spain, portugal & morocco.

As a world traveler who has lived in 5 different countries, Armando brings a wealth of personal experience to the company. His passion for Spain and Portugal is now poured into every custom itinerary he creates for our clients.

Danielle Rudic

Director of marketing & product management / croatia country manager.

Danielle’s extensive luxury travel background is rooted in PR, copywriting, brand management and marketing, having advised on tourist boards and world-renowned hotel brands in Croatia, Greece and Portugal.

Fanis Hahalis

Web designer & it manager.

As a seasoned Web Designer and IT professional, Fanis is implementing both his knowledge and endless passion for travel to develop and manage Travelive's software and data.

Michalis Limperis

Operations manager.

With years of experience in the tourism industry, Michalis’ attention to detail serves as the perfect way to enhance every experience we offer.

Konstantinos Sourvanos

Country manager, greece.

Konstantinos brings his passion for travel combined with dedication, providing exceptional service to our clients.

Kyriaki Syrigou

Human resources manager.

Kyriaki has a strong expertise in office administration and common Human Resources operations with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Equipped with a solid commitment to providing high quality support to the management for consistent development of human resources.

Viktoria Kontogeorgou

Data analytics manager.

With an inquisitive mind, Viktoria combines her studies in Mathematics with her love for travel exploration. Her aim is to contribute memorable travel experiences for our clients.

Sofia Mavrikiou

Senior manager & corporate trainer.

Sofia, a trilingual passionate traveler, and explorer studied Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Driven by her love of discovering new cultures along with her customer-oriented mindset, she aims to meet and exceed customers’ expectations with every itinerary she creates.

Kristin Atzemian

Travel planner.

Inspired by her travels, Kristin worked extensively in the hotel industry before joining Travelive as a part of our sales team. Her first-hand knowledge of destinations and hotel operations is noticeable in every custom itinerary she creates.

Maiko Eleni Damaliti

Group and shorex travel senior manager.

Maiko-Eleni, of Greek- Japanese decent, brings a mix of discipline and politeness with temperament and flexibility to Travelive’s team, along with 20+ years of experience in the tourism industry.

Foteini Kaloudi

Reservations supervisor.

Foteini speaks three languages and has travelled throughout Europe. Her love for travel has made her dedicated to helping people plan a vacation of a lifetime.

Rena Leontopoulou

Accounting manager.

Utilizing her exceptional organizational skills and extensive background in mathematics, Rena is known for her meticulous precision in the creation of itineraries, providing a travel experience of a lifetime for every single client.

Marianna Loupou

Customer support manager.

After years of living in the UK and gaining valuable experience in the travel industry, Marianna is now using her knowledge to put her own imprint on unique customer experiences making every trip we create as best as it can be.

Georgia Mitropoulos

Travel planner, spain and portugal specialist.

Georgia, a travel visionary, blends her Greek-American roots with vast European expertise, creating unique journeys that leave lasting memories for all her Travelive clients, showcasing her dedicated commitment to each personalized experience.

Nikki Moutafi

Senior travel planner, greece specialist.

With a master’s degree in communication centered in travel and tourism, Nikki’s diverse work experience in the UK, the USA and Greece combined with her own travels around the globe, can assist with your travel plans because as the Chinese say "Don't listen to what they say, go see".

Nikol Pyrgaki

Holding a degree in Sociology and with years of customer care experience, Nikol fuses her love of travel, communicative nature, and problem-solving skills to deliver the best support services for our currently traveling clients.

Kristal Ademai

Coming from the hospitality industry with extensive knowledge of hotel operations and destinations, Kristal is a great addition to our sales team. Her willingness to go beyond the norm will result in the most unique and tailor–made experiences!.

Venia Christodoulaki

Tri-lingual avid traveler, Venia loves to use her own experiences to craft special details and memorable moments in every itinerary created by Travelive.

Vasileios Deligiannis

Vasilis holds a degree in hotels management and has extensive experience in operations and customer care. His business administration background means he will always keep an eye, while being able to come up with a creative solution for any itinerary.

Konstantina Dimaki

Data analyst.

Konstantina, having traveled Europe and Asia, has a desire for travel and customer service, helping to contribute in making a unique and satisfying experience.

Markela Glynou

Reservations assistant.

Markela is a trilingual traveler with a master’s degree in innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism. Her passion for traveling has shaped a desire to work in tourism as a means of creating once in a lifetime experience for clients.

Styliani Grammenou

Reservations specialist.

Styliani is a trilingual avid traveler, has studied tourism management and has more than 15 years of experience in the tourism industry.

Maria Iliopoulou

Customer support representative.

With more than 8 years of experience in the fast-paced international airport and private jet market, Maria handles all relevant documentation and solves any emergency request, ensuring a seamless experience for every client.

Katia katsoula

Content editor supervisor.

As a social media aficionado and an avid blogger, Katia combines her love for traveling with her organizational skills to create unique itineraries to the most instagramable destinations.

Despina Mouratidou

With almost 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, she combines her passion for traveling and great customer service to create itineraries filled with lifelong memories.

Sotiria Sakoula

Groups operations supervisor.

Sotiria is a trilingual traveler, has studied culture, philosophy and tourism business management. Has more than 15 years of experience in tourism industry and 10 years as a hospitality and tourism educator. Her moto is “to travel is to live”.

Sarah Sankari

Assistant travel planner.

Sarah is a Multilingual Travel Addict; she has a passion for travelling and desires to explore the world. She has traveled extensively and enjoys seeing new itineraries and dream vacations come to life.

Maria Balla

Operations assistant.

Maria speaks three languages and aspires to learn more. With a degree in Social Anthropology and History she brings a tone of sensibility to her work in the travel world. She enjoys exploring new destinations and learning all about different cultures.

Christianna Talagani

Christianna is tri-lingual Travel enthusiast with a degree in Translation and Interpreting. Her multicultural background and her experience in customer service guarantee a high quality and unique itinerary design.

George Koumarianos

George is a multilingual Travel Addict with a bachelor’s degree in tourism studies and a master’s degree in digital marketing. His studies and his passion for traveling and exploring the world has shaped a desire to work in tourism helping clients fulfill their travel dreams and live unique experiences.

Jennifer Hernandez

Travel planner, spain, portugal & morocco.

Residing in Spain and educated in the UK, Jennifer holds an MA in Interpreting and Translation. Driven by her love for travel, she is an avid explorer, delving into distinct cultures and less-traveled destinations. Jennifer thrives on absorbing knowledge from diverse cultures, maintaining a curious approach to each adventure, and incorporating these experiences into the itineraries.

Christian Settecerze

Travel planner, italy.

With an education background in foreign languages and extensive experience in the field of tourism and travelling, Christian is a native Italian that settled in Athens after his studies. He brings an unmatched passion for travel that he combines with his knowledge to deliver the best possible itineraries to our clients.

Marianna Mansola

Experienced and energetic with a passion for travelling, Marianna has been in the travel and hospitality industry for years and she loves to provide the best possible experience for the client.

Nia Pipelia

Having lived in NY and Greece, Nia has acquired extensive experience in the customer service industry. She is motivated, resourceful, and committed to providing an optimum travel itinerary to our clients.

Thodoris Zouras

Accounting assistant.

Thodoris is passionate about providing excellent customer service. With a keen eye for detail, he is the latest member of our accounting team. When he's not busy crunching numbers, he enjoys traveling around the world and exploring new cultures.

Maria Anna Stamatopoulou

Marianna is a social anthropologist who approaches her work with infectious enthusiasm and always has a positive attitude. She approaches every itinerary with care and attention to ensure customer satisfaction.

Vasiliki Ntaliani

Data entry assistant.

Vasiliki is the new member of our Technology Department. With her problem-solving mindset, she focuses on enriching our tour database combining her main passions about analytics and traveling.

Alvaro De La Fuente Parames

Senior contracts manager.

With more than a decade of experience in the travel sector, Alvaro, a proficient contracting manager, is renowned for creating strategic partnerships and obtaining favorable conditions for Travelive's clients. His passion and commitment have built a strong network, ensuring seamless delivery of luxury services in the region.

Michaela Michailidou

Driven by her passion and love for Greek culture and “philoxenia”, Michaela studied International Hospitality & Tourism management. She embraces the culture of slow travel and focuses on immersing herself with the local cultures. Having joined our team, she is eager to support travelers throughout their journey and assist in the creation of lifetime experiences.

Patricia Loudarou

Having worked in the front line of the travel industry, Patricia joined Travelive to share her extensive knowledge and understanding in this area. With experience in fast-paced and dynamic environments for over 12 years, her organizational skills are a great asset to our Reservations team.

Daphne Ralli

Assistant content editor.

With a diverse background in Classical languages and the Creative Arts, Daphne has recently joined our content creation team. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she curates enticing and informative descriptions and creates immersive travel experiences.

Marilou Kampitsi

Marilou’s passion for travel and gaining experiences led her to join our team, where she assists in designing magical trip itineraries. Her extrovert personality and international background makes her a valuable contributor to Travelive's tailormade solutions for adventurous travelers.

Konrad Marciniak

With 8 years of experience in the tourism industry, Konrad has built a solid foundation in customer support. Their expertise lies in providing exceptional service and resolving customer inquiries.

Anton Sanatov

Born in Russia, educated in the UK, and now pursuing his aspirations in Greece, Anton has maintained an international presence. His MSc in Sociology allowed him to gather experience from a variety of disciplines and have taken him across many borders. By focusing on a career in the travel industry, he aims to help others experience all the wonderful places of this world, much in the same way that he has.

Nick Vougioukas

Nikos holds a degree in economics, making way for new things, and he can bring calmness, precision, and excitement.

Palmeta Tseranidou

Palmeta is a bilingual travel enthusiast. She has spent most of her professional life working both in education and tourism both in Greece and across Europe. Her commitment to customer satisfaction along with her attentiveness will ensure turning traveling dreams into reality.

Ivan Garcia Rodriguez

Travel planner, spain & portugal.

Ivan is a professional from Spain with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. His passion for travel has led him to explore various regions in Spain and Portugal. Driven by a customer-centric mindset and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, Ivan's objective is to consistently exceed customer expectations by crafting unique itineraries.

Emma Matijaca

Travel planner, croatia.

Continuing the family tradition, Emma has been in the travel and hospitality industry from a very young age. Having joined Travelive she hopes to enrich her studies and share her knowledge of Croatia and the region with our clients.

Stella Limperi

Assistant to group travel manager.

Drawing on extensive experience in hospitality, customer service, and support across London and Greece, Stella channels her passion for travel and guest service through her mission to deliver exceptional services and crafting unforgettable trips for her clients.

Konstantina Fragkou

Marketing specialist.

Konstantina is a seasoned hospitality professional with a decade of international experience, having excelled in renowned establishments across Greece, the UK, UAE, and the USA. With a keen understanding of complex business needs, she boasts strong communication skills, a flair for creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.

Anna Liveropoulou

With a background in the yachting sector and education in shipping and communications, Anna melds her passion for travel with her expertise in tourism to craft distinctive itineraries tailored to her clients' preferences.

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888.715.4518, management team, founder & ceo.

Current Articles:

Travel Market Report Highlights Eric Hrubant’s Plan to Take CIRE Travel to the $50 Million Sales Mark by 2025

Banyan Tree Seychelles: Relax, Unwind and Dream in Tropical Technicolor

Eric Hrubant

Chief operating officer.

Exploring the Best of East Africa, CIRE Style

Chief of Staff, Amy Brueckner’s “Jobbymoon” Takes Her Around the World and Back Again

Amy Brueckner

Chief financial officer.

Just back from: A Star Clippers Cruise

Between being CIRE’s CFO and my art, it’ll be a while before I travel to the remote destination of Antarctica . But anything good is worth waiting for. Australia and Asia also are on my bucket list. Along with another remote destination: The Galápagos Islands . I’m drawn to remote places . Protected from mankind. They’re just so hopeful. Also, gravitate to nature. I’m an artist . Nature, city lifestyle, capturing energy in a fleeting moment—these impact my creative process, photography, digital overlay, various materials. Turn the page to my LinkedIn: creative collaborator, business & team development, creative & production operations, account services, project management—with Paramount and Toys R Us . My right brain/left brain, equal. Creative work; it takes money, operations, budgets . Bringing anything to life involves finances. Production, workflow, operations; siphons down to financial. Financial management crosses over, touches everything. Creative should surprise. But, budgets, numbers, financials, never .

Luxury Vacations, Honeymoons & Experiences

Five Things I Wish I Knew About Going to Africa Before I Went

“You Just Have to Go and See [Africa] for Yourself”

Esther Klijn

Just back from: Costa Rica

Travel Agent Central Names CIRE Travel’s Melissa Chaquea a 30Under30 Winner

Melissa Chaquea

Just back from: Paris

YinYin Petersen

The moments that give your life its direction ; reveal your passion. They happen at any age. But mine? I was fortunate. Young, as in high school and college age. Growing up, my grandparents made travel an every-holiday event. But, after service trips in high school to Thailand and Costa Rica and in college to the Czech Republic , I knew I wanted to make tourism and hospitality my career . Thailand, the “Land of Smiles,” is where I gained my personal perspective—even if in a conflict, never leave anything on a bad note. Smile because it is a good life. Seeing how people live, how life unfolds elsewhere, learning history, making friends, building relationships. All the things textbooks and guidebooks can’t teach . So much to see. So much to explore. Spain, Australia and returning again to Japan top my to-do list. Afraid of heights, but I’d overcome it to experience Dinner in the Sky (a glass enclosed table for 22 suspended 165 feet in the air) in Athens, Greece . Big believer in working smarter, not harder, so I like creating Google maps with places to see and things to do, then choose accommodations. My favorite travel accessory recommendation? It’s one for my fellow vertically challenged travelers out there. A foot hammock. Attaches to the back of an airplane seat. Instant foot rest. Best. Invention. Ever.

Corporate, Meetings & Group Travel

CIRE Travel Opens a New Office in Boston Led by Travel Industry Veteran, Terri O’Brien

Terri O'Brien

A plain hamburger. That’s all she wanted after a long day. A PLAIN hamburger was not on the room service menu. Called my hotel connection and it was delivered to her room. AND the hotel updated its menu to meet guests’ preferences. With travel, it’s the little things I can help with that matter most . All challenges accepted, especially when I hear, “Not available.” April storms canceling flights across the east. Still made sure a client arrived in Atlanta just in time for tee off at the Masters in Augusta . Known travel planning was my future since I was a little girl standing on the tarmac at Logan watching planes. My uncle worked for Eastern Airlines. Fast-forward 30 years. Leisure. Corporate. Group. For travel agencies. For companies. Three decades and not one day has been the same . Imagine the experience and connections made in 30 years! Not to mention my own travels. Too much to see and learn to pick a favorite. Though a fan of volcanoes, rain forests and seclusion . Africa. Europe. Central and South Americas. The U.S. – especially the 30 ballparks my mother and I visited to watch the Red Sox play and Maine, my second home that’s been in my family for more than 50 years. All this travel knowledge and my corporate connections are at CIRE’s clients’ fingertips from my hometown and CIRE’s office in Boston . At the end of a long business day, sometimes you just want a plain hamburger. I make that happen.

Celebrity or Not, Robyn Panaccione Ensures Travelers Receive A-List Treatment

CIRE’s Robyn Panaccione Takes Historic Flight to Test Digital Health Pass

Robyn Panaccione

All hail “the Waiver Queen!” Knock on wood, but I’m pretty successful at getting fees waived even in unforgiving environments… like canceling Manhattan hotel reservations last minute over the holidays. Vanity Fair Oscar parties. GQ’s Men of the Year (MOTY). Glamour’s Women of the Year (WOTY). Golf Digest Masters’ events. Bon Appetit’s Uncorked – Vegas. And stars gracing the covers of Vanity Fair and Vogue… I’ve booked a lot of celebrity and entertainment travel over my 18 years with Conde Nast Travel , and I’ve known Eric just as long. When he started CIRE Travel in 2013, Eric wanted me on the team, but the timing wasn’t right. Five years later Eric texted, “It’s time!” It was the right time for me, too. Like the entertainment industry reboots the classics, I’m glad to be at an agency that has brought back personal relationships … Somewhere I can look 10 steps ahead for clients to create the best experience , where satisfaction and service reign , and I can focus on consulting with clients on how to travel well . I’ve visited Italy (my 2nd favorite place), Israel, Greece, China, Mexico and more. Anguilla is my favorite destination on earth… My husband and I were married there. He’s been a rock since our dating years, thoroughly unfazed by celeb photographer, Annie Leibovitz, shooting Paltrow, Aniston, Dunst, Hayek and others, on a Vanity Fair holiday issue photoshoot with me. Celebrity or not, everyone deserves star treatment when traveling. I make that happen with my experience and CIRE connections.

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OAL Travel Network

Meet the Team

Our team proudly boasts: We are a boutique host agency offering personal service Our staff consists of seasoned, highly trained professional travel advisors to provide you superior support 30+ years of travel agency experience and skills First hand knowledge of worldwide destinations

Krissi Harmon ~ Senior Director

A native of Myrtle Beach, SC, Krissi was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. While she is the Senior Director of our Independent Contractors you will also hear about her adventures hosting group tours around the globe! One of her personal favorite places to visit is Italy with Ireland as a close second.

Krissi is also the SC ASTA Chapter President. She has always supported ASTA through her career and decided to take on this new role. ASTA played a pivotal role in helping travel agencies and their advisors during the pandemic. Krissi decided to align with ASTA as a Chapter President in an effort to express her appreciation for their advocacy.

Tara Morgan ~ Lead Support Agent

In her role as Lead Support Agent, Tara brings a vast array of knowledge in many sectors of the travel business. From offering supplier recommendations, to social media and overall support, she is the ‘real deal’ when it comes to her ability to assist advisors. In her spare time, Tara enjoys time with her son, family and her fur-baby Harlee.

Courtney Roggmann ~ Advisor Success Coordinator

Courtney’s role within our program is to assist you to become the most successful advisor. Courtney is dedicated to teaching and mentoring you in all facets of the travel industry whether it is your 1st booking or your 50th! She will be available to guide you to vendors, walk you through the booking process and make sure all your bases are covered.

Courtney brings to the OAL Support Team the vast knowledge of booking travel.  Everything from cruises, escorted tour, group bookings (sea and/or land) to complex FIT’s in Europe.  She has established her very own successful travel business from scratch and is the perfect advisor to hold your hand as needed. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and husband of 25 years, Mike. And of course, in true OAL fashion passion, her love of her 2 dachshund pups, Kermit and Piggy.

Darcee Dragity ~ Support Agent

Darcee has a over 27 years in the travel business. Her vast knowledge of worldwide destinations is better than any Google search! Darcee has personally traveled to many All Inclusive Resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Most recently she stayed at the Secrets St. James Resort in Jamaica, along with site inspections at the Sandals Antigua, Sandals Barbados, Sandals Bahamas and Sandals Ochi Beach.

Darcee is a ‘jack of all trades’ when it comes to travel knowledge. Her greatest strengths are river cruises, guided tours and is very knowledgeable about European destinations.

In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks on the beach with her husband and achieving her summer glow. Darcee is also an animal lover. While she doesn’t have any fur-babies like the rest of us, she does have a resident chameleon named Slim.

Liz Campbell ~ Support Agent

Traveling has always been a huge part of Liz’s life and she loves exploring new sights and cultures around the world. She has traveled to the mountains of Montana, the sunny beaches of the Caribbean, the historic towns of Ireland and beyond. Liz entered into the travel industry in 1997 and immediately loved every moment of it. Her specialty is Group Travel and has booked cruises for 500+ people as well as smaller groups to countless destinations. When Liz finds herself with some down time you will find her listening to Beach Music or making some good ole home cooked food.

Marianne Levenson ~ Support Agent

During her 30+ years in the Travel Industry, Marianne has visited some amazing destinations. Her specialty is leisure travel and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Tahiti, South Africa (her favorite!) and most recently Vietnam and Cambodia. These travel experiences afford her the insight to offer valuable travel advice and assistance. Marianne enjoys unique, distinctive vacations such as renting a villa in Tuscany, river cruising in Europe, or dog-sledding in Alaska. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and gardening and the role of ‘Mia’ to her grandchildren, Maddox, Avery, Carson and twin girls, Sienna and Maya.

PS – This is a picture Marianne took while on a Safari in South Africa.

Ashley Jackson

Travel has been an educational part of Ashley’s life since the age of 10, when she began traveling with her grandparents as a result of her grandfather’s career in the airline industry. So it was no surprise when the travel agency was established in 1985 that she became a diehard travel enthusiast! Now, 36+ years later, Ashley’s thirst and passion for this industry have only heightened as each day brings a new adventure. Her talent extends past her knowledge of crafting the ultimate travel experience into the land of cake making. Ashley is a true artist when it comes to creating the most beautiful cakes that taste even better than they look.

Mike is the owner of the OAL Network and Thomas Hogan Travel. His entrepreneurial skills extend way beyond all the stamps he has in his passport. Mike purchased the travel agency in 1995 and is an enormous influencer in the company as well as the many other ventures he is involved.

He is a crucial part of our business in such a different way than most owners. Mike’s focus is on each of us as individuals and encourages us daily to never stop reaching for the top – in a fun and entertaining way. When it comes to the Best of the Best – that’s this guy right here! Did we mention his sense of humor? He will have you rolling out of your chair.

-- Courtney Henderson – Pack Your Bags Travel

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Meet The Team

Bernice Bakley

Bernice has been working in the Travel Industry since 1984, when she began her career working with a small airline, before she became a Travel Agent.

Bernice has been the Managing Owner of Woodstock Travel since 1990 and opened the Huntley Travel office in 1994. Being a lifelong resident of Huntley, she enjoys living and working in her hometown.

Some of her travels include destinations to Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, many of the Caribbean Islands and many cities within the United States. Her favorite island is Jamaica and tries to visit at least one a year.

Bernice and her staff will provide you with friendly, professional service, while searching out the best vacation deals available to accommodate your needs. Bernice is always happy to make appointments outside regular business hours to accommodate any special needs, so call her today.

Bernice in travel since: 1984 Owner of Huntley Travel since: 1990

Our Travel Consultants

Lisa Anthony

Lisa has been in the travel industry for quite a while. She began in 1980 until 1997, working alongside Bernice for many of those years. After a hiatus, she rejoined Huntley Travel in 2013 where her renewed love for traveling to new destinations and revisiting old favorites has been a benefit to her clients.

Recent journeys at the top of her list are Hawai’i, Tanzania, Cuba, Alaska cruise, Ireland, Norway coastal cruise, Mexico, Caribbean and many USA destinations.

Lisa is ready to assist you in planning your next adventure whether it be cruising, escorted tours here and abroad or a relaxing all-inclusive resort. Let her help you discover the vacation that’s just right for you!

Travel Consultant In travel industry since: 1980 At Huntley Travel since: 2013

Barb would like to introduce you to some of the great destination experiences she has had. One of her favorites is the Playa Del Carmen area in Mexico, which she has traveled to countless times.   

Cruising is also a great passion of Barbs.  She had sailed numerous times on many of the major cruise lines. Some of her trips have included Alaska, the Caribbean and a Transatlantic.  Barb holds a Specialist Certificate in Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Having family living in Ft. Myers, Florida, she also has a vast knowledge of the area.

Traveling is like an addiction – once you start traveling, you can barely sit back home.  Barb is looking forward to working with you to ensure a great vacation.

Travel Consultant At Huntley Travel since: 2021

Ashley Kropke

Ashley joined Huntley Travel eager to start a career that can fulfill her desire to explore. She has a passion for helping others and working with clients to create an experience that matches their needs and expectations.

Her current destinations have been to Jamaica and Mexico along with countless cities across the U.S. In the future, she would love to visit Norway, Austria, and various Caribbean Islands.

Ashley can’t wait to turn your vacation visions into reality! She looks forward to assisting you with all of your travel needs.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Sales Assistant At Huntley Travel since: 2022

Linda Kucera

Linda is a retired High School teacher who enjoys talking with clients and assisting them with their travel needs.

Linda loves travel adventures that include hiking, swimming, biking, and capturing the journey with her photography. She also appreciates the culinary and cultural experiences of every new destination.

Visiting National Parks is a passion! Linda has traveled to 21 of the 64 National Parks and aims to see them all.

Linda has cruised the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and plans to cruise the North Sea and the Polynesian Islands.

Linda is certified with Xpedition Mast and has completed courses with Travel Agent University.

Linda agrees with Susan Sontag, “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!”

Mia joined Huntley Travel in 2022 after being encouraged to share her passion for traveling with others. She specializes in Disney & Universal, Mexico, The Caribbean, Honeymooners, and a new specialization in Cruising.

She continues to explore this big beautiful world; gathering firsthand experiences to pass onto her clients and adding to her bucket list daily!

Her travels include Mexico, The Caribbean, Greece, almost all USA destinations and of course everything Disney. “You are never too old for Disney!”

As you think about where you’d like to travel for your next getaway, be assured that you now have someone who will make things easier for you to Just Pack and Go!

Travel Consultant At Huntley Travel since: 2022

Allison Bertany

Allison is new to the travel industry, but that doesn’t stop her from helping make peoples travel dreams a reality.

She was previously a teacher and worked for a long time in the restaurant industry. She has a strong passion for customer service and attention to detail.

Allison enjoys traveling to Caribbean beaches but also loves adventures in places like Yellowstone National Park and taking her family to Disney World. Allison and her family try to go to Disney World once a year.

Allison currently specializes in Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruises and Aulani Resort in Hawaii.

Let her help you plan the most magical vacation for your family!

Travel Consultant At Huntley Travel since: 2024

Begin Your Adventure Today!

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PRIVATE TRAVEL

East Africa

North africa, southern africa.

South Africa

Through its extraordinary wildlife safaris, environmental majesty and ancient traditions, Africa is an epic storybook adventure. Experience unparalleled luxury via rainforest, coastline, dessert and mountain.

Southeast Asia

Intoxicatingly beautiful and rooted in custom, Asia reveals a heightened mysticism and generosity of spirit throughout each celebrated region. Discover centuries of culture and engaging hospitality with every step.

Cayman Islands

Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico

Saint Barthelemy

Turks & Caicos

Choose from an ever-increasing portfolio of luxury resorts and private islands along the azure waters of the Caribbean. Marine adventure, culinary perfection and complete seclusion all have a spot on the day’s agenda.

Central America

Soothing vistas and diverse eco-adventure await in Central America. See the sun rise over the rim of a volcano, roam the ruins of the Mayans, ride through nature conservatories and paddle through jungle mangroves.

Czech Republic

Mediterranean

Netherlands

Switzerland

United Kingdom

A multitude of environs– coast, country and city – make for a feast of diversity in Europe. The unique histories, gastronomic extravagance and cultural riches bring a deluxe profusion of Old World elegance.

United Arab Emirates

Middle East

Ancient cultures and modern pleasures coalesce in the fascinating nations of the eastern Mediterranean and those ringing the Persian Gulf. Encounter pockets of immense historical significance, refined opulence and breathtaking beauty.

North America

For enjoying a stateside sojourn, drinking in Canada’s natural wonders or exploring the magnitude of Mexico, this continent offers spectacular diversion. Find flavours to arouse every taste bud and an array of cultures to match.

French Polynesia

New Zealand

South Pacific

A world of exotic wonder awaits in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Drift through romantic nights and endless days of natural splendour, aquatic adventure, decadent resorts and epicurean delights.

Galapagos Islands

South America

From the beaches of northern Brazil to the southern tracts of Patagonia, this continent is the sum of a thousand parts. Experience ancient cities and heritage haciendas, volcanic hot springs and vibrant café cultures.

Explore a world of luxury

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World Cruises

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Cruise Destinations

Whether you dream of island-hopping your way down Caribbean island chains, connecting the ocean waters with a Panama Canal cruise, or sailing into an exotic Mediterranean port at cocktail hour, our expert Travel Designers can curate the luxury cruise vacation of a lifetime.

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What to Expect on a Safari

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Travel With a Purpose

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What can you expect from a Tully Luxury Travel safari? In a word: magic. You will witness extraordinary wildlife amid untamed beauty and unparalleled luxury. You will take a thousand pictures – and make a thousand more memories.

Luxury Safaris

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Tully Videos

Bespoke Magazines

The Art of Whispered Luxury with Barbara Muckermann

The Ocean State of Mind with Chris Austin

Exploring the Wilderness with Steve Smotrys

Luxury Defined by You: Designing the Most Exclusive Travel Experiences in the World

Luxury travel’s most inspiring stories told by its most celebrated icons. From wildlife experts, fashion designers and artists, to historians, chefs and more, this inspiring podcast series is designed to show you the world’s most exclusive travel experiences through the eyes of the people that know them best.

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Why Travel With Us?

Conservation & Giving Back

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What is the Tully Difference? The most satisfying travel experiences are the ones that captivate and transform you as a person and that deepen your connection to the world around you. It is that belief that fuels our desire to create rewarding travel experiences for people who are passionate about discovering the essence and heart of a destination.

The Tully Difference

Meet The Team

Meet the team

With an unprecedented reputation throughout the travel industry and the global experience to match, these are the people you want in your corner.

The power of the travel professional goes beyond mere planning and processing. It digs deep into the soul of the destination, accessing exclusive opportunities, chasing the perfect travel moment and customizing your luxury vacation from start to finish. The Tully Travel Designers have the refined expertise and the international connections to create vacation memories that will last a lifetime. More than just convenience, this level of travel curation is an art form, putting the entire world at your fingertips.

We live and breathe luxury

Crafting the perfect moments that make travel truly special, the Tully Travel Designers look at the world through a critical lens, examining and refining components and possibilities, evaluating tastes and treasures, building the bespoke luxury travel experience of your dreams. They not only know the destinations you’re interested in like the back of their hands, but they also know what’s not yet on the map – the hotel openings, popular restaurants, new opportunities and VIP experiences you want.

At Tully Luxury Travel, we are more than just colleagues – we’re family. With decades of combined years of experience, our consummate travel professionals work together in perfect sync to deliver your ultimate luxury vacation.

Executive Team

Management Team

Clive Jacobs

Executive Chairman

Entrepreneur, investor, and mentor.

Amelia Murphy

Travel Designer

Detail-oriented! Gets to know clients on a personal level. Has a thirst for adventure.

Andrea Barber

Senior Travel Designer

Loves to travel! Has a passion for life’s special moments. Expert on food and wine itineraries!

Ashley Stillo

Offers seamless service! Cruises and hotel stays are her specialty. No request is too big!

Brenna Keenan

Lead Sales Co-ordinator

Detail-oriented! Supportive and methodical. Efficient in every sense of the word.

Caitlin Bradley

A genuine connector! Problem-solver. Builds personal relationships to make magic!

Cathy Grano

Bitten by the travel bug at an early age. Loves learning about new places. Skydiving experience!

Cheri Ozimac

Sales award-winner! Total adventurer. Food and wine lover. Ample first-hand cruise experience

Colleen Shields

A people-person. Teacher and mentor. Custom-curation travel expert. Serious swimmer!

Darek Mieszawski

Brock University graduate. Fluent in Polish. Has a passion for soccer. Great cook!

Diana Wehrle

Has traveled the globe. Cherishes the little things. Once worked on the Love Boat!

Gabby Freitas

Detail-oriented! Super-organized. Loves incorporating health and wellness into itineraries.

Gavin Crawford

Director, Bespoke Experiences

Gavin is a great listener, driven to deliver custom-curated travel experiences from start to finish.

Gerri Grant

Award-winner! Constantly raising the bar. Always working to get the best deal.

Halina Melerowicz

Industry veteran. Has a passion for the cruise industry. A citizen of the world!

Jackie Grittani

MVP Award-winner! A seamless and committed planner. Makes every trip memorable!

Jill Djoleto

A multigenerational travel pro. Skilled agency veteran. Trained as a nurse!

Tenacious golfer. Avid hiker. Top sales producer for the past eight consecutive years!

Laton Leparan

Loves the water! Fluent in Swahili and Maasai. A real keener!

A top producer! Loves the variety travel offers. Great listener!

Louise Ellis

Intrepid traveler! Confident advisor. Genuine achiever and valued decision-maker!

Lorena Ruscio

Excellent communicator! Curious observer. Determined and resolute planner.

Loretta Darcy

Loves making travel memories! Decades of experience. Has the inside edge!

Martha Jacobs

Detail-oriented. A champion of off-the-beaten-path adventure. Travel blogger!

Melissa Capitao

Master of organization. Fluent in Portuguese. Treats people like family!

Meghan Gerovac

Fast responder! Easy to get to know. Brings a personal touch to each reservation.

Michelle Gerovac

Degree in Photography. Animal-lover. Brings a fresh eye to the world of travel.

Monika Koch

Easy rapport with clients and partners! Speaks German and un peu de Francais. An animal lover- a volunteer with the Mississauga Humane Society- rescues and fosters cats!

Nada Zeljkovic

True world traveler! Top seller for Silversea and Regent Seven Seas.

Natalie Thomson

Super-outgoing! Likes making clients’ dreams come true. Diligent and determined.

Nidhi Sharma

Air Specialist

Patient and diligent. Conscientious about details. A magnificent multitasker!

Noah Heagle

Sports-minded. Always in pursuit of the adventure. Passionate about community!

Reena Nauth

The organizer! Passion for cruising. Enjoys multigenerational travel adventure with family.

Saloua Rezgui

Passion for high-end travel! Eager to uncover new insights. Demanding and meticulous.

Sandra Smith

Super organized. Client-focused. Dedicated and direct!

Stephanie Leal

Animal-lover. Eager to elevate the client experience in every way. A Ritz-Carlton fan!

Taylor Oliver

Driven to success! Extremely well-traveled. Bonafide wine sommelier.

Mary Jean Tully

Founder & CEO

Entrepreneur, conservationist, philanthropist, curator of exquisite experiences. “One of the most powerful women in travel” – Condé Nast Traveler.

Julie Boucher

Chief Financial Officer

Forward-thinking authority! Astute financial insight. Cultivates superior corporate performance.

Executive Vice President, Cruise Sales & Marketing

33 years with Tully! A passion for dream-vacation perfection. A revered travel specialist.

Kelly Sousa

Senior Vice President, Cruise Sales & Operations

27 years with Tully! A strategic thinker. Outstanding sales expertise. A passionate leader.

Ralph Crawford

Vice President, Bespoke Sales & Marketing

A respected travel resource! Understands each client’s unique travel interests and ideas.

Ramona Kaminskas

Vice President, People & Culture

A true motivator! Brings out the best in everyone. Helps maintain overall high-quality service.

Ben Murtagh

Vice President, Sales & Business Development (Middle East)

Passionate about hotels! Detail-oriented. Known for his “wild card” travel options.

Let us fulfil your travel dreams

At every step of your journey. Our Travel Designers curate exclusive experiences that are shaped to you, your desires and your passions. Which they do by getting to know you personally: where you've been, where you dream of going, and what unique and special itinerary is going to live on in your memory long after you've arrived home.

Established

Over 35 years’ experience and industry-recognition in curated luxury travel.

Exceptional Service

Work with our award-winning Travel Designers who have lived and travelled all over the world.

Enjoy exclusive access to the finest amenities and upgrades thanks to our preferred partnerships.

Making travel dreams a reality with our unparalleled customer service, attention to detail and expertise.

Mary Jean's vision

To have the kind of international luxury travel experiences you want, you have to secure that singular, upper echelon of travel trust – that’s us.

Sound travel planning begins with someone who can take your ideas and run with them, setting you at the cusp of the smart travel trends. To say that the Tully Travel Designers know what they’re doing would be a glaring understatement. Many of Mary Jean’s cadre of professionals have been with her for more than 25 years – some since the very beginning of the company. In fact, the average tenure of the staff members is 16 years. They are the most respected agents in the entire travel industry, in North America and beyond, busy developing and nurturing successful, global relationships – and loving every second.

Join our team

Luxury travel is not something you throw together in a couple of hours, it takes time – and the care, precision and diligence of a true professional. This is where the Tully Luxury Travel Designers come in. The mere scope of the countries they’ve visited and the oceans they’ve crossed

is staggering. This team brings a whole world of knowledge to their clients on a daily basis, along with decades of combined experience, a massive international contact list and multi-award-winning travel-industry accreditation.

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Meet the Team

At Take Me Away Travel, we have assembled a team of experienced and passionate travel advisors in business who are dedicated to TMAT travelers. Each member of our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you plan the perfect trip. Read on to learn more about our talented agents and their booking specialties. Visit each of their individual pages to connect with them directly.

Agency Owner & Expert Advisor

Chris Davis

Cruise travel advisor.

Michelle Tremar

Experienced travel advisor.

Kristy Klaiber

Disney & universal expert.

Peggi Yeager

Office assistant / travel advisor.

Laurie Horne

Europe & cruise travel advisor.

Meet The Team

Come and meet the team. These are our destination specialists, managers, and our roving account managers, and they are some of the best in the industry.

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Sakina Adamji

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Gemma Adina

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Maya Ahkami

• Destination Specialist
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Michael Alemania

• Client Experience
• Customer Success Manager

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Kanchan Asre

• South Pacific

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Michele Assinck

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RJ Travel LLC » Travel Agency & Tour Operator

Re-writing the concept of tourism and taking you on adventure tours to Iraq, Morocco, Afghanistan, Yemen, Persia, Lebanon, Saudi, Libya, Uzbekistan.

• Adventure tours

Meet the Team

Greetings from RJ Travel – Adventure tour operator ! As the passionate founder of this company, my name is João Leitão, and I’m thrilled to welcome you on board. Your interest in our services marks the beginning of an incredible journey we’re eager to craft for you.

Whether it’s the exotic streets of Kabul , the sweeping sand dunes of Morocco, or the fabulous mountains of Yemen that call to you, I’m personally committed to transforming your travel dreams into tangible, unforgettable experiences. Let’s together embark on a voyage of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.

At RJ Travel, we have a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about creating memorable journeys for our clients.

Depending on the destination or specific tasks within the booking process, you may interact with different members of our team: Loubna , Jamila , Aziz , Anna , Luís , and I, João , work together to ensure that every aspect of your trip is handled with care and expertise.

As you embark on your journey with us, you will find that depending on your chosen destination or specific tasks within the booking process, you may have the privilege to interact with various members of our talented team. Each member brings a wealth of experience, distinct set of skills, and a commitment to making your travel experience extraordinary.

Together, we synergize our diverse skills and shared passion for travel to ensure that every aspect of your trip, from the initial contact to the final goodbye, is handled with care, expertise, and attention to detail. Our goal is not just to meet your expectations but to exceed them, turning your dream travel experience into reality.

RJ TRAVEL LLC – TRAVEL AGENCY & TOUR OPERATOR

Sharjah Branch – United Arab Emirates

João is not only at the helm of our operations but also intimately involved in the design and quality assurance of our tours. Ensuring each journey is nothing short of exceptional is my personal commitment.

You might often find me actively engaged in email conversations and responding to booking inquiries, an approach that allows me to maintain a direct line of communication with you. Maybe you even meet him in Baghdad, Damascus, Isfahan, Kabul, or Jeddah. His hands-on leadership style ensures that every element of your journey meets our high standards of excellence and provides a personal touch to your travel experience with us.

Loubna , your first point of contact, is dedicated to swiftly and effectively responding to your inquiries and cultivating our invaluable provider relationships.

Jamila , our meticulous accounting specialist, ensures the financial aspects of your journey are impeccably handled, from creating vouchers to managing invoices.

Meet the team:

João Leitão

João, our visionary Product Manager and dedicated CEO of RJ Travel LLC, not only orchestrates our sales and partnerships but also ensures an unparalleled firsthand experience for all our offerings. With a personal touch, João has visited almost all of the hotels we partner with, personally meeting our guides, and ensuring we deliver an authentic, high-quality experience. Moreover, he has journeyed to nearly all of the destinations we sell, embedding his personal knowledge and insights into every tour. João’s commitment extends beyond the business – he’s been there, experienced that, and wants you to have the same unforgettable journey.

Follow João : Travel Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube .

Jamila Al Qadi

Jamila, our meticulous Office Specialist, whose exceptional management skills ensure that every aspect of our office runs seamlessly. From meticulously creating vouchers to efficiently managing invoices, Jamila handles all the necessary logistics and financial details with precision. She also plays a vital role in nurturing our provider relationships, and connecting financial accuracy with the logistics of your tour. Beyond numbers, Jamila is the guardian of coherence for all our operations, diligently ensuring that every piece of your travel puzzle fits perfectly. Her commitment to keeping all tour components up-to-date and correct lays the foundation for your flawless and worry-free journey.

Loubna Mouhdach

Loubna, our dedicated Sales Representative , is your first point of contact and the friendly voice behind our email correspondences. Her deep understanding of our travel products combined with a warm, responsive approach ensures your inquiries are handled swiftly and effectively. In addition, she nurtures our invaluable provider relationships, ensuring seamless coordination for your every journey. With Loubna on board, each client experience is treated with care, precision, and personalized attention.

Zaina Nid Abdelkrim

Zaina plays an important role in ensuring seamless communication and data handling as, a dedicated Email and WhatsApp Data Entry Specialist . She diligently collects and organizes client requests, and inputs essential information into our systems with exceptional attention to detail. In addition to her primary responsibilities, Zaina also assists in creating files for our new clients, ensuring the efficient flow of information. to the other team members

RJ TRAVEL SARL – TOUR OPERATOR & DMC

Marrakech Branch – Morocco

Overseeing our Marrakech operations, Aziz meticulously manages provider relationships and ensures the highest standards of service from our drivers and guides.

Anna and Luís , our specialist sales representatives for Morocco, cater to your specific needs with their deep knowledge of the region, ensuring your experience is tailored to your interests.

Anna particularly caters to our valued Polish clientele, bridging cultures and designing unforgettable Moroccan tours .

Aziz El Gasmi

Aziz, the Director of our sister company, RJ Travel Agency sarl based in Marrakech, oversees a dynamic spectrum of roles. He is at the forefront of managing provider relationships, strengthening our network, and maintaining high standards of service. With a firm grip on our on-ground logistics, Aziz meticulously supervises our drivers and guides, ensuring that each journey with us is safe, enjoyable, and memorable. His leadership and operational expertise embody our commitment to providing the best experiences in Marrakech and beyond.

Luis, our Sales Representative specializing in our Morocco tours, is your expert guide to navigating the magical landscapes of Morocco. Providing timely and insightful email responses, Luis is known for his quick turnarounds and in-depth knowledge about Morocco’s rich culture and heritage. His mastery of detail and customer-focused approach ensure that your queries are answered promptly and accurately, setting the stage for your unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

Anna Chojnacka

Anna, our dedicated Sales Representative , specializes in designing unforgettable Moroccan tours for our valued Polish clients. Anna brings her deep knowledge of both Polish and Moroccan cultures to create a bridge of understanding and excitement. Her precise and thoughtful email replies offer insight into Morocco’s unique charms while addressing any concerns or queries you might have. Anna’s comprehensive approach to sales not only secures your trust but also ensures that you will fully enjoy the magic of Morocco, making your travel experience truly seamless and rewarding.

Our motto at RJ Travel is “Adventure tours within everyone’s reach.” We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to embark on exciting adventures and explore new horizons.

Our mission:

We are committed to providing exceptional service and personalized attention to every detail of your travel plans. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling expedition, a cultural immersion, or an exotic off-the-beaten-path adventure, our team is dedicated to turning your travel dreams into reality.

With our dedication and passion for creating extraordinary adventures, we have proudly established ourselves as one of the top adventure tour operators in the world .

Thank you for considering RJ Travel for your upcoming adventures. We look forward to working with you and creating unforgettable memories.

Best regards,

Got a travel idea? Don’t hold back!

Connect with our enthusiastic team, and we’ll be back in touch within 48 hours to help turn your concepts into a memorable trip tailored just for you.

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Meet the Team

Meet our expert travel agent team.

You work hard at whatever your life calls you to do, and you deserve a vacation. But, let's face it: between hectic schedules and the fathomless internet, planning a vacation when you're already stressed can be overwhelming to say the least.

There's a better way, friend! For over 20 years, YDIV has been making it easy to take your dream vacation. Whether you're planning an epic proposal, going on a romantic honeymoon or anniversary trip, taking a girls' trip, or packing up the family for a memorable adventure, YDIV travel agents are here to make it easy. All you have to do is daydream, pack, and have the time of your life!

"It is my pleasure to recommend Queen Meador, her performance in working my destination wedding in St. Lucia was impeccable. Our group consisted of 18 people and she and her team handled all of their bookings, which allowed me to focus on what was important....the wedding!  My favorite part is when she had each person in the group to send her "selfie" pictures when they arrived at the airport so I could relax, knowing that everyone would catch their flight.  Just call her the Olivia Pope of travel because if there was ever an issue, she handled it!"

Nita From Dallas, TX

Traveled from St. Lucia

Your YDIV Travel Advisor Expert Team

When you work with YDIV, your personal travel advisor provides actual experience and knowledge, in-country connections, concierge-level services, and precise planning you can count on. Meet your team!

Queen Meador

Bespoke travel consultant.

Specializes in:

United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Morocco, Madrid, Jamaica

About Queen:

As the president and founder of You Deserve It! Vacations, I specialize in "bespoke destination travel" and turning bucket-list items into realities. For more than 20 years, I’ve lived by a mantra that began with a girlfriend getaway to Hot Springs, Arkansas: You Deserve It! We all deserve to explore the world and expand our horizons for a more fulfilling life. Travel can do exactly that.

As a Bespoke Travel Professional, I like to take traditional itineraries and put a spin on them. I truly believe that having a traditional itinerary to some destinations is perfectly fine, but there should be something unique and/or personalized in that itinerary just for you. It's all about the everlasting memories that you can talk about for years to come.

Love for family is fundamentally the reason for my success, and it has informed my perspective as a travel professional. Being a wife and mother underscore the importance of living a high-quality and eventful life, so planning family vacations and luxury getaways for friends enables me to share my expertise with others in meaningful ways.

My education built a solid base for skills needed in the travel industry, including a BBA in Human Resources from the University of North Texas and a subsequent MBA from the University of Phoenix. After receiving my Travel Agent Certification from Brookhaven College, I’ve continually expanded my knowledge base with a host of certifications qualifying me as a specialist in the world of travel. They include a CTA (Certified Travel Agent), a Certified Jamaica Specialist and a Certified Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialist.

I’ve personally been to at least 34 countries and have a network of relationships that now benefit fellow travelers who put their trust in me. When my clients need or want anything, it's an email or phone call away. My agency has a hashtag of #BeenThereDoneThat, reflecting our deep level of expertise in traversing the globe. We want everyone to experience off-the-beaten path journeys and receive VIP treatment from us that exceeds impersonal online travel bookings.

I love making people’s dreams come true. When not pouring my time into doing that, you’ll likely find me seeing more of the world or enjoying life at home in Texas: dancing, playing cards and making memories with my husband.

Mallory Jones

Managing luxury travel advisor.

Italy, Greece, Dubai, Southeast Asia and various bucket-list destinations

About Mallory:

I am a dedicated luxury travel specialist on a mission to transform your vacations into unforgettable experiences. With nearly two decades of customer service and travel industry experience and a passion for exploration that ignited when I first glimpsed the ocean at the age of nine, I'm here to make your travel dreams a reality.

My approach to luxury travel is all about crafting exceptional journeys that leave you with the 'wow' factor you truly deserve. I've carefully curated itineraries that blend indulgence and adventure, working closely with a select group of elite suppliers to ensure every aspect of your trip is extraordinary, from luxurious accommodations to unforgettable dining experiences.

But it's not just about the destination; it's about the journey itself. I believe in the power of travel to inspire, and I'm here to encourage you to seek adventure and discover the world's greatest sights and cultures. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a group trip, my commitment is to provide you with a personalized experience that goes above and beyond your expectations.

As a certified travel advisor with extensive training and knowledge in the luxury travel market, I stay on the cutting edge of trends and offerings, ensuring that you receive nothing but the best. Your itinerary will be personalized, and the entire process will be stress-free, allowing you to effortlessly explore and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Let's embark on a journey that's not just about travel but about creating moments that define a lifetime. Together, we'll make sure you travel in a way that works for you, making every trip a unique adventure designed with thoughtfulness and creativity. Your adventure begins with me, and I'm here to take care of you every step of the way, providing assistance and answering any questions.

Whether you're dreaming of European travel, girls' getaways, romance travel, bucket list adventures, or anything else, I have the expertise to design the perfect itinerary for you. Your adventure starts here.

Looking for peace of mind? My certifications include:

• Certified Luxury Specialist
• Certified Travel Advisor
• Certified Travel Counselor
• Certified in Multiple Destinations
• And, Travel Age West named me one of 5 Future Travel Industry Leaders to Watch Out For.

Elizabeth Culpepper

Travel advisor.

Wellness Travel, Mexico, Dominican Republic

About Elizabeth:

In 2008 I discovered my passion for crafting unforgettable vacations and embraced the mission to transform lives through travel and experiences as a dedicated travel consultant with You Deserve It! Vacations.

Now, with a keen focus on wellness tourism, I specialize in curating experiences that go beyond traditional travel experiences. My goal is travel that allows the traveler to maintain, enhance, or kick-start a healthy lifestyle and support in their pursuit of maintaining or enhancing personal wellbeing. I excel in blending relaxation with exploration whether it’s a rejuvenating retreat, a wellness-focused family vacation, a mindfulness honeymoon, or simply getting you out of your comfort zone. Just ask the family I helped overcome their fear of heights by organizing a soul enriching climb up the Grupo Coba pyramid in Quintana Roo!

As a travel professional, I see my role not just as a job but as a mission to enhance lives through travel. I believe in the transformative power of exploration and am driven by the limitless possibilities for YOU in the realm of wellness travel.

My certifications:

• Wellness Travel Certification
• Mexico Destination Specialist
• Palace Pro Agent
• Master Agent AMResorts

Yolanda McGee

Luxury Cruise Advisor

About Yolanda:

Flash forward to adulthood and I still want the window seat on planes so I can watch the world  go by. I still enjoy plane rides and spending time immersing myself in a destination, but I have  discovered my passion for cruising. On a cruise, I am still that little girl looking out the window.  Well, actually I am either sitting on the balcony or lounging at the wake amazed by the beauty  and sounds of the ocean. Cruising for me is more than one destination because the ship itself is  a destination. I love the opportunity of waking up in a different county every morning. Spending time at sea for me is paradise. I will admit to being a bit of a culture junkie. I love beaches as  much as anyone else, I also enjoy reading the history of the locations I visit. This is the reason I  decided to join the travel industry. I have been planning and scheduling trips for family and  friends for years. I have always done more than just make reservations; I made itineraries. I  tailored trips for whoever asked. I did not realize at the time I was developing the skills that I  would need to be a successful cruise advisor. 

I honestly wish that I could say that I have many, many years of cruise experience, but I don’t.  What I lack in experience I make up for in knowledge. I study cruise lines, ports of call, and  excursions. What I want for every client is exactly what I expect of myself and that is to have an  amazing travel experience. I want them to participate in all the fun activities aboard the ship as well as discover those quiet spaces that can be found even on the most crowded vessel.  Cruising is more than beaches, there are cooking classes and dancing classes with locals. You  should never be bored on a cruise unless you want, and I can help with that as well. I believe even if you have never thought about a cruise there is still a perfect ship for everyone. It’s my  task to find that cruise. My goal is to make sure clients have an experience not only to  remember but they will seek to do it again and again.

Brittany Schulik

Luxury Travel Advisor

Tahiti, Seychelles and Costa Rica

Meet Brittany:

DAY IN THE LIFE: (WHAT DOES YOUR DAY TO DAY LOOK LIKE)?   Every morning, I spend time with my baby girl and get us both ready for the day. Once she's ready for a nap, it's time to get to work! Depending on what my day looks like, I may drop off her at my parents' house so I can have some undistracted time to focus on planning my clients' trips. Without a doubt I have made it home with coffee though! While coordinating with vendors and building intineraries, I am definitely dreaming of what my family's next trip with be. Researching destinations only makes me want to travel more! Before it gets too late, I start on dinner and am always excited to try a new recipe! After dinner, it's bedtime for our baby so we read a few books together as a family and then my husband and I have a little time to catch up on each other's days (and let's be real - check our emails) before we head to bed and look forward to doing it all again the next day! 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING TOWARD?   (business and personal) Professionally, I am working on building my client base and leveraging social media (IG handle: explore.the.world.go.travel) to help others see the value in travel advisors. I strive to be the travel advisor that is known for curating my clients' itineraries so perfectly that they feel like I know them better than they know themselves!  Personally, I am trying to be the best mom I can be to my baby, the best wife I can be to my husband, the best friend I can be to my friends I do life with, and always trying to be a better version of myself. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?   Travel of course! When I'm not traveling, my husband and I love to play games with family and friends. We also love to take our baby girl to the zoo or take our whole family, which includes our two dogs, on a local hike. I also love checking out new spots in town. A new coffee shop, a new brewery, a new ice cream shop, etc. - I'm there! 

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT BRING YOU JOY? Seeing my baby girl explore the world and get excited about the littlest things brings me so much joy. So does traveling to new destinations and trying unique dishes (yes, I've had bat curry before!). I also love that first sip of an iced coffee. It just makes me excited to take on the day!

FAVORITE PART OF THE WORK YOU DO?   My favorite part of being a travel advisor is when I hear how much fun my clients are having on their trip and get to see all the pictures and videos they took! Seeing an itinerary come to life and hear how it suited that traveler or family so perfectly is why I work in this industry. If I don't make my clients happy and want to travel more then I'm not doing my job! 

FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED?   Hands down, without a doubt, no question - the Seychelles! They are unlike any other part of the world I've traveled to. I particularly love the island of La Digue. The primary mode of transportation is bicycles and you can bike the entire island in one day. Imagine going beach hopping, drinking fresh fruit smoothies, and watching the sun set over crystal clear water - that's the beauty of La Digue. 

WHAT DO YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT?   My loofah - yes, that spongy circular shower accessory! It's a must have for me. To be honest, I forgot it on a trip to Europe and popped into so many stores until I found one in Italy. I also never travel without my packing cubes - they're a must for organizing and they are how I bring more clothes than I'll ever wear on any trip I go on. 

YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY?   This is a really difficult question to answer! If I only had to pick one, I would say snorkeling on our last trip to the Seychelles! Not only did I get to swim with manta rays but I also swam in the middle of a huge school of fish! I was completely surrounded by fish at one point and when I stopped, they stopped and when I swam, they swam! There was no one else around but my husband at the time and it felt like for a moment time had just stopped. 

Wine Travel, Safari, Skiing and Park City Utah

Meet Bailey:

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING TOWARD?   (business and personal) Creating a Travel Advisor empire and being known as the number 1 person to go to for all things travel! 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?   Cook, hang out with my pups & husband, travel, drink wine

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT BRING YOU JOY?   My Australian shepherd Castello and cooking, recreating meals/recipes that I had on vacation. 

FAVORITE PART OF THE WORK YOU DO?   Making clients happy! Hearing how much they enjoyed my recommendations, best feeling! 

FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED?   South Africa with the elephants + all beautiful wine countries 

WHAT DO YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT?   My Australian shepherd hahaha! phone charger so I can take photos + sunscreen 

YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY?   Our trip to Napa when my husband proposed to me and I met my now bff who almost ruined my husband's surprise engagement. 

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• HEROES TRAVEL
• For Heroes, By Heroes.
• Meet The Team
• Beyond Duty Podcast

Andrew is a current first responder who is dedicated to the community in which he works. Just like his work as a first responder, he is committed to planning an unforgettable vacation your family deserves.

CLIA Certified Agent EMBARCID #00452810

Jala is a current 911 Communications Dispatcher for a law enforcement agency. She is dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for you and your family. 

CLIA Certified Agent EMBARCID #00525053

Loves fetch, treats, and belly rubs.

Shailee is a US Air Force Vet, a 911 Communications Dispatcher, and a Mom of 3. Her dedication to providing you and your family with a perfect vacation is proven by her track record as a first responder and military veteran.

Heroes Travel

We are a travel agency dedicated to this nation’s first responders and military veterans. 

Contact us today for a free quote!

• Tucson, AZ USA
• (520) 256-6918
• [email protected]
• www.heroestravel.co/contact

Information

• HT: Beyond Duty - Podcast

👻 Dare to enter the realm of darkness at "The Exorcist Believer" haunted house, a bone-chilling masterpiece of terror. 👁️‍🗨️…

• Small & Medium Business Travel
• Sports Travel
• TV, Media & Music Tours
• Group Travel
• Multi-Destination Travel
• Active Travel
• Cruise Travel
• Special Occasion Travel
• Food & Drink Travel
• Beach Travel
• Family Travel
• Australasia
• Middle East
• North America
• South America
• Inspiration

Meet The Team

Head of Business Development

I am the current Head of Business Development at Simplexity Travel. Simplexity Travel is one of the leading travel management companies in the UK. We arrange both business and leisure travel on behalf of busy professionals who seek luxury and an outstanding service. As the Head of Business Development I am tasked with both identifying new business prospects and servicing an extensive list of clientele, from large companies to ultra-high net worth individuals. I have a vast wealth of knowledge when it comes to executive travel management. I was first appointed to the role in 2011 when Simplexity launched.

I am also part of the key booker team at Simplexity. Here, I have a direct role in the company’s business activities and in particular helping clients with their travel needs, often at extremely short notice. I feel like I excel in this role and together with Simplexity, we have built a formidable reputation in the Travel Management industry.

In my spare time, I – predictably – love to travel, with some of my favourite destinations being Thailand, South Africa, Dubai and New York.

Aki Achillea

Corporate travel manager.

I have worked in the travel industry for over 30 Years, my experience has covered many different aspects of travel, everything from working in a high street travel shop, to working with tour operators, to Marine travel. I wanted to make a change and work with a boutique luxury travel company and Simplexity seemed like a perfect fit.

I work in the corporate sector of Simplexity as a Corporate Manager and booking consultant, I love the challenge of finding my clients the best prices and quickest routes to save them the most valuable commodity, time. I enjoy working with clients from all across the world, having a second language of Greek definitely helps. Working at Simplexity travel I get to work with a fantastic group of people who are passionate about what they do, I also really enjoy the philosophy of Simplexity that is to offer exceptional level of service while treating our customers as clients and not numbers.

As you can imagine I love to travel, Cuba & Jamaica are favourites of mine along with exploring the Mediterranean and the West Coast of America. I hope to get the opportunity to travel to and explore China, Maldives, Australia and Africa. When I’m not working or travelling I love football, music and most importantly spending time with my family.

Martin Fredrick

Events & hospitality manager.

I have worked in different areas of the Music and Entertainment business for the past 35 years, from booking promotional tours for Artists, Tour Management, Artist Liaison, through to large scale Event Production and Management. Working at Simplexity gives me the opportunity to make use of my wealth of experience and knowledge within the Luxury Travel Business.

Simplexity has a diverse clientele many of whom require more than having just their travel needs fulfilled. Working alongside the fantastic team of professional Travel Managers here at Simplexity, I’m able to complement, support and enhance our clients travel experience, wherever they may be in the world. Whether it’s providing Concert & Event tickets, arranging Private Tours, or engaging World Class Entertainment for parties and celebrations, I aim to provide and deliver a personal and bespoke service.

For any event or entertainment enquiries please feel free to email me at [email protected] .

I have a long-standing love of music and still enjoy going to gigs and discovering new talent. As much as I love city life, escaping at weekends (or any other time) to the country is always a welcome treat. Obviously travel is important and there are so many places I’d still like to visit, so any invitations are always welcome!

Claire Jackson

Technology manager.

After travelling extensively for five years on cruise ships, travel has become more than a career for me. I have had the good fortune to visit 72 different countries, during which time I have loved experiencing so many different cultures, trying incredible food and making lifelong friendships.

My travel journey has taken me from working as a consultant in both corporate and leisure travel, to building and implementing technology systems to improve and simplify travel bookings for clients.

I enjoy keeping active and generally have a challenge or two on the go. These have included walking the Great Wall of China, running five half marathons and taking part in charity bike rides round Yorkshire.

As well as travel, I am passionate about photography, particularly landscapes and architecture. I’ve enjoyed cataloguing the thousands of images I have captured on my adventures around the world.

Robert Davis

I have a wealth of experience in travel, booking for both corporate and leisure clients. After taking a degree in Geography and travelling the world, working in travel felt like the perfect career. My passion for travel and love of Geography mean I get immense pleasure from helping my clients realise what initially seemed impossible.

It’s great working at Simplexity, I’m surrounded by so many passionate and knowledgeable travel experts who thrive on the challenges each day brings.

Naturally, I love travelling, I have extensively travelled The Americas, New Zealand and Spain. Whether its visiting a thriving metropolis like Buenos Aries or hiking in the remotes of North Cascades national park, I find great happiness in travelling. I follow virtually every sport you can think of and have a real passion for music and music history.

Abdurrahman Bobat

Leisure travel manager.

My passion for travel was first ignited by my adventures abroad as a young child. Putting this into practice I then embarked on a degree in tourism which took me to Australia. I lived and studied in Sydney for six months, which gave me the opportunity to explore elsewhere in the Pacific.

Having worked in travel for over five years, I have been fortunate to have visited numerous countries, both independently and leading escorted groups.

Favourite destinations have included Japan, Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Australia to name a few. So far, the current count is just over 40 countries and I hope to add to that total soon.

I have a strong interest in aviation, be it aircrafts and airlines, the use of points and miles or the latest in premium cabins and configurations, and I love nothing better than putting together a complex itinerary!

Working in tailormade travel, I have arranged all types of trips to a range of destinations worldwide, from luxury honeymoons and touring itineraries to family holidays and escorted group tours. I love to share my experiences and knowledge with clients to ensure they have the best trip possible.

Lorraine Short

Commercial manager.

A passionate travel professional with over 35 years’ experience, I have been lucky enough to work across multiple areas of the industry.

I began my career with Virgin Atlantic, before moving into the world of tour operators, helping to grow and develop a specialist agency for travel industry employees where I also oversaw all contracting.

Looking to further my knowledge of other areas, I then moved to travel management company, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, where I managed multiple teams and offices. My next career move was in the field of global supplier relations and then as part of a hotel solutions team, compiling and managing hotel programmes for global financial companies.

To get a fully rounded understanding of travel, I took up the opportunity to segue into the technology side, working for Worldspan where I was responsible for hotel customers across EMEAA, before joining Dubai Holdings and Jumeirah International as Director of Global Sales.

Seven years later, I took a step back from global travel to have a family before joining the Simplexity Travel team.

As an active person I love to keep busy, walking my dog, swimming and generally enjoying the great outdoors. Travel is still a passion, and I love visiting new places and experiencing different cultures.

Liz O’Grady

Finance\executive assistant.

My career in travel started back in 2007 when I joined the STA Travel team, switching my career from an air conditioning engineer to something a little less routine.

From there I moved to a large corporate travel company, starting as a trainee business travel consultant, from there working as a floater agent, 24 hr emergency responder and finally implant head.

I also spent two years as a VIP leisure travel agent where my diverse responsibilities included ticket and accommodation booking agent, VIP concierge, the organisation of large group tours and escorting clients as part of the onsite support team.

On joining Simplexity Travel I decided to hone my skills further by learning back-office procedures.   I enjoy every aspect of my current role, immersing myself in finance and operations. I have also returned to my technology roots, helping to resolve any technical issues that may occur with the various systems we use here.  

Travel is not only my career, but also my passion. I love exploring new places, whether it’s Turkey, the US, Italy or Hungary. My absolute favourite is Cyprus, where I met my husband nearly 14 years ago; it has been our number one destination to visit ever since. I also enjoy travelling within the UK and immersing myself in all aspects of its incredible nature, architecture and history.

Roz Yusukhan

Accounts receivable.

I come from Kenya where life tends to revolve around the travel industry and this is where my interest in the industry began at a very young age.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines our wonderful world has to offer. I have travelled to most major cities in the US and also covered some parts of Asia. South America is still a mystery to me and maybe one day I shall enjoy the sights, sounds and food this continent has to offer.

I feel travelling opens your mind especially when you get a chance to explore off the beaten paths, learn about local history and wildlife. Also I find visiting the same destination in a different season can sometimes offer a totally different experiences

My leisure time is mostly spent with my family. I have worked in the travel industry (mostly in finance) since late 80’s with a few breaks in between.

Joram Antwi

Crm manager.

I’m a tech enthusiast born and raised in the dynamic city of London, where I was exposed to a plethora of cultures and constant development.  

Growing up in this fast-paced environment, I found myself contemplating ways to leverage technology to streamline our daily tasks and actions.

With an educational background in computer science, I started my career as a full-stack web developer, honing my skills in this domain for four years. However, I later ventured into working on CRM systems and discovered its immense potential for future development and effective use on all types of businesses, which ignited a strong interest in me.

When I’m not behind the screen, I love exploring new cultures and cuisines by travelling to different places. Additionally, I’m an avid boulderer and enjoy staying active by indulging in activities like boxing and gym sessions. Fun fact I’m an undefeated white collar amateur boxer.  

Harry Green

Marketing executive.

As someone who is young and has a willingness to learn something new every day, I don’t see myself losing my appetite for exploring and trying new things anytime soon. From the Arctic Circle to pink sand beaches in Bermuda, I feel as if I have already experienced a lot!

I have a unique educational background, with degrees in Philosophy and Management (with a focus in marketing). I wanted to combine my interests in philosophy and business to enhance the way I tackle and think about everyday issues. I showed this when I worked with clients based in the US when I was a talent partner specialising in data & analytics.

Outside of work I am a fan of many sports including football, horse racing, darts, F1, and more. I have a season ticket at Chelsea and have travelled around Europe supporting the team and immersing myself in the culture of the various places I visited.

Holly Calvert

 leisure travel account manager.

Leisure Travel Account Manager

I have worked in the travel industry for more than ten years, during which time I have particularly enjoyed specialising in the field of tailor-made experiences.

I worked as a rep for Thomas Cook for five years which entailed living in a number of overseas destinations, Lake Garda, Cancun, Lanzarote, Antalya and Bodrum among them. I was also very involved with the weddings team and would often assist with the in-resort planning.

These roles, and the time I spent as a chalet host in Les Deux Alpes, really sharpened my customer service skills and instilled in me a desire to go above and beyond for my clients.

My passion for travel extends to my private life too. Among my all-time favourite destinations have been Delhi, New York, Florence and Isla Holbox in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

In my spare time – what there is of it with a three-year-old! – I love going to concerts, cycling and swimming.

Clark Tsathy

It executive.

I began my career working in the IT division of a leading manufacturing company.

My job entailed a lot of travelling, primarily to Italy, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and France, where I was sent to troubleshoot an array of technical issues.

As well as honing my customer service skills, this experience also awakened in me a love for travel.

Now as IT executive for Simplexity Travel I can combine my skills with my passion for exploring new horizons. I firmly believe that the best adventures come from travelling outside of your comfort zone, something that my current position definitely entails.

Aside from wandering the globe, I also love sport, reading and taking long walks with my family and friends.

• New Zealand
• Maldives & Seychelles
• Hawaii / Mexico / Caribbean
• South/Central America
• Ocean Cruises
• River Cruises
• Luxury Cruises
• EXPERIENCES

About The Travel Team

Travel Team agents have been creating dream vacations for over 42 years. We specialize in tailor-making vacations to suit your DREAMS! Our company has been planning rewarding travel experiences in over 75 countries for more than 100,000 travelers. Our agents take pride in creating dream vacations for our clients, whether planning a trip to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, South Pacific, a River or Ocean Cruise. Our typical travelers are couples, honeymooners, solo travelers, adventure enthusiasts, and groups.

Each client has unique and different expectations, so our agents take the time to learn where you want to travel, what things you want to see and what activities you want to experience; whether you want to plan a family trip, business vacation, group travel or special occasion trip, Travel Team can turn your ideas into the perfect vacation for you!

From planning group vacations for large and small groups, first time trips to exotic places such as Bora Bora, Tahiti or Fiji, African safaris, River or Ocean Cruises & more, contact a travel team agent to get started on planning your next trip!

How We Work With You

Planning a vacation takes a lot of time and research; from finding the best airfare prices, the top hotels, car rentals and tours, there are a lot of moving parts to coordinate. The beauty of working with a travel team agent is that we do all of the planning and coordinating for you, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation without having to figure out the fine details. We also don’t charge a fee for planning your trip!

Start by contacting a travel team agent with your basic information, your email address, phone number and name and one of our travel experts will get back to you.

Click here to get started

We are a small boutique agency that opened in 1978 in Seattle, Washington and are now located in beautiful Flathead County, Montana,  Every one of our travel team trip designers has been planning vacations for a minimum of 10 years, some with over 25 years of trip planning experience! We service clients all over the United States and Canada. Our travel agents have traveled to the destinations you want to visit, so we offer first-hand travel experience in planning your dream vacation.

More Than Just a Travel Agent

We bring our own first-hand travel experiences and relationships with the tour companies, hotels and operators to custom create a unique travel experience for your needs. Travel team agents work with you every step of the way to make sure you have the best experience possible. From start to finish, we will learn what you want to see, what your budget is, and answer any questions you have.

Why use a TravelTeam.com Trip Designer?

•  Our 42nd year designing fabulous vacations in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific & throughout the world
• We opened in 1978 in Seattle, Washington and are now located in beautiful Flathead County, Montana,
• Every Travel Team trip designer has been planning Custom vacations for a minimum of 10 years
• We are open normal North American business hours
• All of our prices are in U.S dollars
• Never a credit card currency exchange charge or worry about exchange rates
• 24/7 emergency assistance while in the South Pacific
• Same price (or LESS) as booking your own vacation
• We are paid by the airlines, hotels and tour companies

Meet The Travel Team

The Travel Team Crew Being in the travel business for 42 years has given all of us the experience to create amazing, life-changing adventures for each and every one of our customers. Each travel package, tour, or cruise we put together is tailored to your unique, individual interests thereby giving you the best of what your desired destination has to offer. Traveling allows one to explore different cultures, develop friendships across the largest oceans and gain an understanding of our differences in the world. From all of us at The Travel Team to you, may many journeys bring you joy and happiness in your life’s travels.

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” ~Hilaire Belloc

• PRIVACY POLICY

Travel Team Sales 173 Palmer Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901 800-788-0829 / 406-991-1155 Travel Team (Old Office) 3837 13th Ave W, Suite 109, Seattle, WA 98119 800-788-0829 / 206-301-0443 ©1998-2024 The Travel Team. All rights reserved.

Meet the Team

Gary E. Smith, MBA, ECCS, CB, HoF

Owner and ceo.

Founder: Leisure Travel Benefits Specialist & C.E.O

Gary fell in love with cruising at 14 when he went on his first Caribbean cruise. At 17 he started his first business and eventually moved into the event planning business more than 25 years ago. He founded and grew a convention management firm from scratch to handling over 70,000 attendees annually, including a city-wide convention of over 20,000 each year. As an off-shoot of that work, Gary started doing events on cruise ships. 

Gary is one of the few travel agents with both a meeting planner background and an incredible resume of leisure travel experiences and sales. This varied experience makes him uniquely capable of understanding the needs and desires of his clients.

Prior to re-branding as TravelPerks, Gary grew his leisure travel business to the largest of over 920 Dream Vacations franchises (now almost 1200) in the United States. Along the way, he has won virtually every award possible - including being named one of the top 25 travel agents in America for 2013.

Gary loves cruising and travel of all types, and with 13 river cruises already completed and numbers 14 and 15 already booked, he is a wealth of information on this hot industry segment.

While running TravelPerks Dream Vacations keeps him plenty busy, he also finds time to travel with his wonderful wife Theresa. In addition, he is a college professor teaching small business management and mentoring over 100 small businesses in his community.

Theresa Graham

V.p. of retail sales.

Theresa has always loved to travel. At age 21, she spent three years at Clark AFB in the Philippines. Spending most of her early travel days in the US and Canada, Theresa enjoyed Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite Park, Edmonton, Calgary, and many more!  She has one amazing daughter, Kathryna Hancock, who is a fashion photographer in Los Angeles.

Theresa's background and early career were in law. She worked in criminal law, business law, and personal injury law, assisting injured workers until 1998 when she began working with the Oregon Attorney General�s office as a paralegal assigned to parental rights termination cases. During her 17-year career, she was twice awarded the Department of Justice Outstanding Service Award for her work protecting children. Theresa worked hard on cases involving children harmed by alcohol, drugs, and domestic violence, specializing in cases involving horrific abuse.

While pursuing her career in law, Theresa met and married Gary and so began her love of cruising. Learning more and more about the travel industry, Theresa began attending travel conferences and seminars, as well as assisting with marketing at trade shows. By 2014, TravelPerks had grown so much that Gary and Theresa decided that it was time she make a huge  career change and transition to their travel agency. Once the transition was complete, she never looked back! 

Since then, TravelPerks has grown to the second-largest franchise in a network of nearly 1200 agencies! Theresa's great love is talking to people about traveling and helping them realize their own dream vacations. As of this writing in summer 2021, she has completed 30 Ocean Cruises, 15 River Cruises, stayed at many all-inclusive resorts, and enjoyed several guided land tours, meaning she has a wealth of information to share with the potential cruise or land traveler! 

Travel Advisors and More!

We have a wonderful team of travel advisors ready to help you plan your dream vacation. Call our U.S.-based travel agency and get ready to take the adventure of a lifetime  541-349-0036 !

From Our Clients...

Easy to work with.

"We loved how easy it was to work with Montika. She was super flexible and provided us plenty of options, even when we kept switching dates and the amount of people, etc."

Spectacular Shore Excursions

Daughter's first disney magic.

"We had an absolute magical vacation thanks to Montika, it was our daughter's first trip to Disney and had such a great time, we already started booking for next year with TravelPerks and Montika."

Assistance every step of the way.

"Although I'm in Florida, Michael Teague assisted us every step of the way. From the beginning of the planning, through the coordinating with family members, getting excursions to fit different family members and even last minute changes to get the best out of this vacation, Michael has been key to us enjoying an amazing family (12) vacation. I will definitely seek him out again!"

Booking a Vacation is FUN!

"In today�s environment, booking vacations is hard. Why? There are a million and one websites out there that all have information on them. You can look at peer reviews until you are blue in the face. Is this ship really that bad? Is it the best thing ever? Is the resort awesome? Was it an isolated incident? Who knows. And sorting through all of them and figuring out what is real and what is somebody making a mountain out of a molehill takes time.

Which is where Theresa comes in. We love working with her for our vacations. It generally involves a quick phone call giving her a budget and the vibe we are looking for. And then go on an awesome vacation. No pecking through reviews and pricing that should be written in hieroglyphics. Just straight-up advice and no-nonsense planning.

Prior to using Theresa�s team, I would spend hours planning and routing and reading. Now? I pick the phone up or I email the awesome team and they take care of me and we get to enjoy our vacation. If you are booking a large group or an intimate vacation, I highly recommend Theresa and her team. Awesome to do business with and they make vacations FUN!"

Ready to go again!

"Words can not explain the marvelous time we had on our very first cruise. Theresa is the best travel agent!! There was not a time when I called with questions that my questions went unanswered . Great customer service, very caring travel agents, always there to help, great prices, and last but not least, I'm ready to go again!!!! If anybody ever needs a travel agent this company will be the only one that I would recommend."

As luxury travel experts & professionals we bring a personal touch to all our clients, from the time you  begin thinking about that next luxury river cruise or resort vacation, through the research, booking process, bon voyage, and welcome home, we are with you every step of the way!  

When is the last time you did something for the first time? Take the trip.

Welcome to Top Tier Travel Group

Meet the team.

Kristal Hicks

Agency Owner

Travel Planning for: Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Europe, United Kingdom, Iceland, Groups, South Pacific & Africa

Shauna Brown

Travel Planning for:

Romance Travel,  F amily Travel, Disney, Groups,  Mexico & Caribbean

Dani Stoddard

Certified Destination Specialist

Travel Planning for: 

Disney Vacations, Hawaii, Alaska,  Cruises,

All-Inclusive Caribbean

Darla Forsnes

All-Inclusive Caribbean , Europe, Japan

Tracy DeWaard

Lorri Mourning

Domestic Travel , Hawaii, Alaska ,

Stephanie Sprague

All-Inclusive Caribbean  & Cruises

Mandy Arispe

Cruises, All-Inclusive Caribbean, Domestic 

Isaac Brenneman

Cruises, All-Inclusive Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa & Theme Park

Jill Barron

Cruises & All-Inclusive Caribbean 

If you are an Entrepreneur who loves travel, enjoys a flexible lifestyle and has a desire to own a business that is exciting, rewarding and creates life-changing memories, join our team!

Why book with us?   Glo bal Connections We have personal connections with travel suppliers around the globe! Continuing Education We travel to stay updated on the latest travel trends, destinations, and services offered globally. This allows us to gain firsthand experience, product knowledge and strengthens our partnerships allowing us to have exclusive offers to pass along to you.   Custom Itineraries We plan and tailor your trip around you and your group! We're flexible If you want to change your hotel, extend your trip, add a friend or family member, it’s fine! We’ll make it happen.   We're discreet If you want a remote hotel secluded villa, or a private island escape, just ask! We’ll arrange it.   We’ve got your back If something comes up, We're available by phone, text, social media, email and WhatsApp .

Our agency certifications: .

5 Secrets For Finding The Perfect Travel Agent To Plan Your Trip

T here are many things that go into planning a trip. You'll need to decide where you want to go, how to get there, where you'll stay, and many more. The number of details to take care of can be overwhelming and so it's no wonder why some people hire the services of a travel agent .

A travel agent can make these and other travel arrangements for you. But, their most important role is that of a matchmaker between your needs and the myriad of businesses that offer travel-related services, such as airlines, hotels, restaurants, and tour providers. And, they make your travel seamless within your budget and preferences.

However, finding a good travel agent — or travel advisor, as they like to be called nowadays — can be difficult. With hundreds or even thousands of travel agents in a state, how do you choose which travel agent to work with? Read on to discover the secrets of how to find a good travel agent.

Ask About Affiliations And Certifications

The first thing you should look for in a travel agent is their affiliation. Being a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), which is the largest association of travel professionals in the world, means your travel agent has been vetted and mandated to abide by strict rules and modes of conduct. Another good indication is if they're a member of the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA), the biggest travel agent organization in North America. Or, if you're looking to book a cruise , a travel agent that's affiliated with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is your best bet.

Membership in a professional network matters because it's how travel agents can provide you with special perks, such as free breakfasts and upgrades. Virtuoso, the premier luxury network in the travel industry, told Forbes that the hotel benefits that affiliated travel agents provide their clients can average over $500 per stay. In addition, you can reach out to these professional networks should you have any complaints about your travel agent.

In addition to membership in professional networks, it's also a good sign if your travel agent is certified by The Travel Institute, a leader in travel industry education and certification in the world. This certification might mean that your travel agent has undergone training on specific destinations or specialties as well as industry best practices.

Look For Local Travel Agents Or Ask For Referrals

When it comes to travel agents, local is the way to go. It's easier for you to determine if a travel agent might be the one if you meet them face to face. If they work in an office, you'll be able to observe how they interact with other customers. And, if in-person meetups are not possible, talking to a travel agent on the phone or via Zoom can help you determine if they're the one for you.

Another great way to find the perfect travel agent to plan your trip is to ask for referrals from friends and families. This is especially helpful if you're having a hard time finding a good travel agent locally. However, just note that your family member or friend might have a different travel style than you, so their travel agent may or may not be a match, but it's a great place to start your search. You can also check ASTA's directory, Virtuoso, or do an online search for travel agents near you — as well as for those who specialize in your preferred destination or travel style.

Search For Specializations

Working with a travel agent who specializes in the destination or travel type you have in mind is essential. You'll be tapping into their unique knowledge of the place or travel style as well as their network of travel suppliers. This takes the hassle out of having to research and vet a hotel, tour company, etc. on your own. Plus, they'll be able to offer you a great deal and add on some special perks too, thanks to their already established relationships with local connections and contacts.

ASTA and Virtuoso's directories also allow you to search for travel agents based on their specializations. On Google, simply type "[specialization] travel agent" or a variation of this search term. If you're interested in landing the perfect cruise, you can search for a travel agent who specializes in this area in CLIA's directory.

Interview Or Ask Questions

In your search for the perfect travel agent, you'll find a number who may be a good fit for your needs. However, don't jump the gun before you've interviewed your top choices. You don't have to pick the first one you find.

Once you've found a travel agent you can potentially work with, it's critical that you ask them a lot of questions — and they should do the same in order to understand your travel style and needs. Inquire about their business, and fees and charges. Ask them about previous trips that are similar to what you're looking for and be upfront with your budget. You could also question them about their favorite destinations and personal travel preferences. You can — and should — ask for referrals too.

Bottom line: Look for an agent who listens and accommodates your requests instead of trying to sell you something. Someone who's proactive and offers alternatives is a great find. It's ideal to talk to your agent in person, but as already mentioned, if that's not possible, talking on the phone or via Zoom will do.

Pick The Good Ones, Avoid The Bad Ones

Here's a tip you might not have heard yet: Research your travel agent's name + "complaints." The results should tell you a lot and help with your decision to work with this travel agent or not. Other telltale signs of a bad travel agent include having no real certifications or qualifications, doesn't explain clearly their fees and charges, asking you to pay only in cash, and pushing for items that don't add value or enjoyment to your trip, i.e., looking to make a commission.

On the other hand, a good travel agent understands what you want from your vacation. Asking you a lot of questions is a good indication of this. A prompt response, like replying within 24 hours, is also a sign of a good travel agent. They should also be transparent about fees and charges, and be able to explain clearly the terms and conditions of your trip. In short, a good travel agent is great at communicating. But, they should also be good at finding the best deals as well as be flexible and creative with the options they provide you.

Read this next: It's Time To Ditch These 10 Outdated Travel Tips

Middle East latest: Iran attack on Israel could be 'imminent'; Why some Israeli soldiers are 'refusing to work' near Gaza border

Security circles in the US and Israel have likely accepted that the killing of a top Iranian commander in Damascus earlier this month means Iran will have to "retaliate in some form", with reports suggesting an attack could be imminent.

Thursday 11 April 2024 11:36, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Biden says US support for Israel 'ironclad' on Iran
• Alistair Bunkall : Attack from Iran on Israel reported to be imminent
• Three sons of Hamas leader killed in strike | IDF gives details of attack
• Explained: Who is Ismail Haniyeh?
• Watch: Moment he is told his family has been killed
• Alex Crawford report : Yemeni fishermen face threat of Houthi attack - but on Gaza they are firmly behind the militants
• Live reporting by Brad Young

The Kremlin has called on all countries in the Middle East to show restraint, as the region braces to see whether Iran follows through on its threats against Israel.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asked governments to avoid the region slipping into chaos.

Iran has vowed revenge for an airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus which killed a top Iranian general and six other Iranian military officers on 1 April.

There had been no requests for Russia to mediate between Israel and Iran, Mr Peskov said.

He claimed the Israeli strike was a violation of international law. 

The Biden administration has been very frustrated with Israel over Gaza in recent weeks, but when it comes to Iran, America still has Israel's back, says Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall .

"The Americans have been very worried over the last six months that [the conflict] would spill out. Now that really is a possibility if Iran decides to retaliate and how Iran decides to retaliate."

A "like-for-like" retaliation could involve an attack on something connected to the Israeli government or military, said Bunkall.

This may not be in Israel - it could include an Israeli diplomatic mission abroad.

It may be an Iranian proxy like the Houthi or Hezbollah that carries out such an attack, ratter than Iran itself.

This could "be enough not to force Israel to attack Iran directly".

"The one thing I think is not in any doubt is if Iran does decide to retaliate then it would spell a very, very dangerous and risky moment for a region that is already incredibly tense."

More than 100 female soldiers are refusing to serve in surveillance units on the Gaza border, according to reports.

Fears among the conscripts included that female border observers were among those killed or taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October, Israeli news agency Ynet said.

Of the 346 draftees, 116 would not travel to a border protection corps training base.

This is the third group of draftees that have refused the posting, where soldiers monitor cameras and report potential incidents, since the war began.

In January, Ynet reported a group of 50 female soldiers declined to be taken to the base on the grounds that senior commanders had disregarded warnings from observers ahead of the 7 October attacks.

The vast majority of those serving in the border surveillance unit are female soldiers, according to the Times of Israel.

Israeli forces did not consult senior commanders or Benjamin Netanyahu before killing three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to Israeli media.

Neither Mr Netanyahu nor defence minister Yoav Gallant were told in advance of the strike, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service, senior Israeli officials told Walla news agency.

They said his sons were targeted as fighters and not because they were relatives of the political leader.

The Israeli military did not comment on reports that four of Mr Haniyeh's grandchildren were killed in the attack.

A 23-year-old man from Leeds has been handed a suspended sentence after publishing pro-Hamas content on X.

Ozain Ibn Yousef, of Mexborough Place, admitted posting images of armed soldiers wearing Hamas headbands and sharing Hamas-led videos in October and November last year, according to the UK's counter-terrorism policing group.

He was given a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, on Tuesday.

Since 2001, the UK has proscribed Hamas's military wing as a terrorist organisation. This was extended to the whole group in November 2021.

Yousef was charged on 27 February 2024 with publishing images that aroused reasonable suspicion he supported a proscribed organisation.

Alongside the suspended sentence, Mr Yousef was ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service and he will be subject to a 35-day rehabilitation requirement.

Russia's foreign ministry has told citizens they should refrain from travelling to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. 

The US and its allies believe major missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg reported yesterday.

"The tense situation in the Middle East region persists," said the Russian foreign ministry.

"We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity."

Earlier this morning, German airline Lufthansa said it had suspended flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

German airline Lufthansa has said it has suspended flights to Tehran.

Israel is currently on alert for an Iranian retaliation following a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria earlier this month. 

An Iranian news agency briefly caused concern when it published a report saying all airspace over Tehran had been closed for military drills. This story was then removed and the agency denied it had issued such a report.

Lufthansa says it has suspended flights to and from Tehran from 6 April until probably today.

"We are constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa's top priority," a spokesperson for the company told Reuters news agency.

Lufthansa and its subsidiary Austrian Airlines are the only two Western carriers operating international flights into Tehran, which is mostly served by Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines.

We've just been hearing from our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall , who says reports suggest an attack from Iran on Israel is "imminent". 

Security circles in the US and Israel have likely accepted that the killing of a top Iranian commander in Damascus earlier this month means Iran will have to "retaliate in some form". 

Watch: Attack that killed Iranian commander

That killing was more than 10 days ago, but Bunkall says the Iranians "tend to be quite calculated in what they do" and "don't often act rashly". 

Reports from the US which cite intelligence sources say Iran is planning to target military or government infrastructure, rather than Israeli civilians. 

This would be seen by Iran as a "like for like" response, but Bunkall says it's not clear whether the US and Israel would agree. 

The US has been warning Iran "not to push it too far" as there is a "big risk of it spiralling dangerously out of control".

Bunkall says the Iranians have a "network of proxies around the Middle East that they leverage to their own interests" and they may well use these again for their attack.

Until now, Iran has not wanted to be directly involved in the war with Israel. 

The US president has said that Washington will do "all it can" to protect Israel's security in the face of Iranian threats.

Joe Biden said support for Israel was "ironclad" on the issue, despite his frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu over his approach to the war in Gaza.

Antony Blinken has reiterated US support for Israel when it comes to threats from Iran.

The US secretary of state told Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant in a late call yesterday that Washington would stand with Israel against the threats.

The pair also discussed the effort to release hostages from Gaza as talks over a potential ceasefire continue.

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