Caribbean & Mexico All-Inclusive Travel Expert

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Shanon Merkel, Travel Agent in Clovis, CA

Shanon Merkel

Clovis, CA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Shanon Merkel

Clovis, CA · 10 Years of Experience

Apple - Merkel & Associates - Dream Vacations, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(37)
100% Recommended
Shanon is the best travel agent I have worked with. Always has good recommendations. Experienced with excursions. Checks flight & seats when available.... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Cancun, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Puerto Vallarta, Caribbean

Interests:

Adult Only, All Inclusive, Family Vacations, Beach Vacations, Couples & Romance

Suppliers:

Funjet Vacations, Classic Vacations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Nobu Hotels, Hyatt Hotels

About Me

Secrets Riveira Cancun - Swim out view
Secrets Riveira Cancun - Swim out view

As a California-based travel advisor specializing in Caribbean and Mexico vacations, I help couples, families, and groups find the right destination, resort, and vacation experience to match their travel style, preferences, and budget. Whether you're dreaming of a luxury all-inclusive resort, a romantic adults-only getaway, a family-friendly beach vacation, or a special celebration with friends, I provide personalized recommendations and professional guidance to help you make the most of your vacation.

My expertise comes from a combination of firsthand travel experience, extensive resort visits, and ongoing professional training. I have visited Cancun four times, personally experienced more than 20 resorts, and traveled extensively throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. My destination experience includes Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Honduras, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, St. John, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, Curaçao, the Bahamas, Saint Maarten, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico.

I continually invest in destination education and resort training to stay informed about the properties and experiences available to my clients. In 2024, I attended the ALG Vacations Ascend conference, where I participated in specialized training with leading travel suppliers, toured resort properties, and expanded my knowledge of Caribbean destinations and all-inclusive vacations.Choosing the right resort is about more than finding a beautiful beach. I help travelers compare destinations, resort locations, accommodations, dining options, amenities, and overall atmosphere. From adults-only luxury resorts and romantic beachfront retreats to family-friendly all-inclusive properties with activities for all ages, I focus on finding the best fit for each traveler rather than recommending the same resorts to everyone.

My vacation planning services can include flights, resort accommodations, private or shared airport transfers, excursions, and travel protection. I can also customize vacation packages when traditional bundled options don't meet your needs, giving you greater flexibility in how your trip is planned.

My service continues well beyond making the reservation. I provide destination-specific travel information, important entry requirements, and pre-departure guidance so you know what to expect before leaving home. My goal is to take the uncertainty out of vacation planning and help you enjoy a relaxing, memorable getaway with the confidence that the important details have been handled.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
37 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 37 reviews

Great Service & Support
Reviewed By James - Clovis, Ca | Traveled to Venice | Italy | Europe
Shanon is the best travel agent I have worked with. Always has good recommendations. Experienced with excursions. Checks flight & seats when available. Sends reminder notes. Uploads itineraries to the app. Always a great experience. Highly recommend using her services.
Shanon Merkel responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! It has been such a pleasure helping you plan your travels and making sure all the details are taken care of along the way. I truly believe the little things, like reviewing flights, helping with excursions, organizing itineraries, and sending reminders, make a big difference in creating a stress-free experience. Thank you for trusting me with your adventures. I look forward to helping you plan many more amazing trips!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Consistently the best there is!
Reviewed By Soleil's Aba - San Francisco | Traveled to Galapagos Islands | Ecuador | South America
I first met Shannon in 2019 when we were planning our trip to Italy. She was able to provide us with the best itinerary for us after listening to our needs, well before she really knew us. Of course, we couldn't take our trip in 2020, but we eventually did in 2022. Unfortunately, I got Covid at the end of the trip and was stuck in Naples (I know that sounds like it doesn't suck) and it was unclear when I would be able to get home. Shanon was with us every step of the way, helping us navigate the hotel issues as well as the flight issues. She checked in on us and made sure we were doing OK and was always there if there was a concern. Needless to say, we made it home just fine and got to spend an extra 10 days in Italy! Since then, Shanon has planned our trips all around the world. Always finding us great itineraries with people who know the country and are willing to work with our needs and preferences. We've had amazing experiences in Japan, New Zealand, Israel, and last year, the Galapagos islands. She found the most awesome cruise that was perfect for us. We already have our African safari trip planned and I'm sure it will be just as amazing when we go next year. There's a reason we keep coming back year after year and that's because Shanon is consistently the best there is.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Had a wonderful time
Reviewed By Gail - Fresno ,Ca | Traveled to Caribbean
Shannon is very good and very helpful. She is lovely to work with
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Fall Colors
Reviewed By Khicks - Fresno, CA | Traveled to Boston | Massachusetts | USA
Shanon is a joy to work with. I appreciate her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and attention to details. I tried to plan this vacation on my own but was confused and frustrated. Shanon rescued me and relieved me of all that stress. I will definitely be contacting her for our 2027 vacations. Although Shanon has not been to my vacation destination, she researched and provided great lodging, flights and suggestions for us to maximize our experience.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Alaska Land Tour
Reviewed By RR - Waxahachie, TX | Traveled to Alaska | USA
We had a great time! Everything was seamless and orderly, Shanon thought of everything!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

Ascend Agent 2024

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Most Booked Destinations

  • Cancun, Quintana Roo: 50 bookings
  • Caribbean: 24 bookings
  • Jamaica: 5 bookings

Destinations I've Visited

  • Caribbean: 23 trips
  • Jamaica: 1 trip

Client Testimonials

Amazing Italy Vacation
Shanon helped arrange the most amazing trip through Italy for my daughter and myself. It's an experience we will never forget. Unfortunately, at the very end I was diagnosed with Covid and had to stay an extra 10 days before being able to fly back to the U.S. It was an extremely stressful time, but Shanon was there for us every step of the way and made sure we got back home as soon as possible. She certainly went above and beyond what I expect from a travel agent. I will certainly be working her over and over again.
Jonathan S.
How I Met My Agent
My daughter booked a trip to Maui and was very happy with Shanon. When the fire broke out in Lahaina she contacted my daughter to see if there was anything they needed. Things were crazy, but she made sure transportation picked them up and they got out on their flight. They had a great trip and with her help they made it back without an issue. After hearing about Shanon, I called her about several trips. She was very informative, provided good guidance and was super nice. I booked a Viking river cruise in Europe, a family trip to Playa de Carmen and a trip to the Riviera Maya for my wife and I. She made a great recommendation for a all inclusive family resort in Playa and modified our reservation several times until we got it set. The Viking cruise is a surprise gift for my wife. Shanon is working to keep this a secret until we get closer to the date. Not a simple task. I appreciate her personal service going above and beyond along with all the experience she brings to the table.
James B Clovis, CA
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