Maria (Ree) Lesher, Travel Agent in Portland, OR

Maria (Ree) Lesher

Portland, OR Travel Agent
Super Agent

Maria (Ree) Lesher

Portland, OR · 2 Years of Experience

In Search of Elsewhere Travel, an independent agent with Cornerstone Collective dba Cornerstone Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(20)
100% Recommended
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who... Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Iceland, Ireland, Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia

Interests:

Beach Vacations, Bespoke Travel, Cruises, Bucket List, Car Travel

Suppliers:

Cosmos, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, G Adventures, Globus

About Me

Cruise Travel Specialist | Tailor-Made Journeys

I specialize in thoughtfully planned cruise vacations and tailor-made journeys, with a strong focus on Caribbean cruising. I help travelers find the right cruise line, ship, and itinerary for their travel style—whether that means relaxing sea days, immersive ports, or adventure-filled experiences. My destination expertise also includes Ireland, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand, where I plan customized self-driving trips, guided tours, and cruise-based itineraries tailored to your pace, interests, and comfort level. Combining firsthand travel experience with my training as a CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor, I offer personal guidance, careful planning, and a focus on value—from choosing your cruise to arranging hotels, transportation, and shore excursions.

My Travel Specialties

Cruise & Coastal Travel + Tailor-Made Journeys

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Cruise & Coastal Travel + Tailor-Made Journeys
Ree Lesher | Owner & Travel Advisor, In Search of Elsewhere Travel I’m Maria "Ree" Lesher, owner of In Search of Elsewhere Travel, LLC, based in Portland, Oregon. I specialize in cruise vacations, coastal adventures, and tailor-made journeys, helping travelers find experiences that fit the...Read More ▶

Caribbean Cruise Specialist

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Caribbean Cruise Specialist
The Caribbean has stolen my heart. I’ve traveled to more than 15 destinations throughout the region, including Cartagena, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and Barbados, and cruising is one of my favorite ways to experience it. The Caribbean is especially wonderful by cruise — it’s relaxed, colorful, and full ...Read More ▶

Iceland Travel Specialist

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Iceland Travel Specialist
Iceland blew me away in all sorts of ways. Before visiting, I thought I knew what to expect—glaciers, waterfalls, maybe a quick soak in the Blue Lagoon. But standing there in person felt like stepping onto another planet. The Blue Lagoon wasn’t just turquoise; it was milky blue, steaming against ...Read More ▶

Ireland Travel Specialist

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Ireland Travel Specialist
Ireland has always been part of my story. I grew up hearing my grandmother talk about leaving Ireland, and how when she arrived in New York, “the Big Lady” — the Statue of Liberty — was there to greet her. Those stories stayed with me long before I ever visited myself and shaped the way I thought...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
20 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 20 reviews

A 100% positive experience !
Reviewed By Beja - Santa Monica/California | Traveled to Hungary | Europe
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who proved to be an excellent travel agent. My daughter and I were going to Hungary together, from where she later on was traveling to Croatia, then back to the U.S. Our journey was complicated because I needed a return ticket and my daughter needed multiple one-way tickets with seat reservations. She also needed a Flix- Bus ticket from Budapest to Split and I needed a rental car and a hotel reservation in Budapest. From the moment Ree took over the job everything seemed to work perfectly. Not only was she fast and efficient, she also took care of every details such as recommending us travel insurance, explaining the benefit of it. She has never left any of my questions unanswered and took the "or" out of the ordeal. She did her research and always came back with multiple options to choose from. When it was all done and settled , she sent us a link to "The Magic App" that had all our itinerary and documents in one place, that was so useful and easy to access. Ree was there for us all the way through our journey as she promised. She sent us a link to "Viator" where we could search for excursion activities including discount codes. I can not thank Ree enough for making our trip a 100% positive experience.
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! This truly means a lot. I loved helping you with this trip, and I’m so glad everything came together smoothly. I’m thrilled the Magic App made things easier too. I’m always here when you’re ready for the next adventure! "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best trip of the last 10 years!
Reviewed By Denise - Washington DC | Traveled to Dominican Republic | Caribbean
Ree made it all happen. Flawless trip!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The long awaited trip back to Ireland
Reviewed By Tommy Tempranillo - Portland Or | Traveled to Ireland | Europe
I hadn't been back to Ireland over 40 years, after having been there 4 other occasions in the late 1970s and early 80s. I worked and lived there for over a year on one of those. Ree helped me immensely in my travel planning. She has a real professional, yet still casual way of helping you in every aspect of your plans. Thank you, Ree!
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
" Thank you so much for the kind words! ?? It was such a pleasure helping you plan your return to Ireland after so many years — especially knowing how meaningful the trip was for you. I’m so glad I could help make the process easier and enjoyable. Thanks again for trusting me with your journey! ?? "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Girls just wanna have fun, and we DID!
Reviewed By Carolyn - Hillsboro, OR | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Planning is always easy with Ree! Once the trip was set we couldn’t wait to go. Sailed from New Orleans to Cozumel, Roatan, Harvest Caye and Costa Maya. Ship Norwegian Escape. Many fun activities on board and great food and drink. Loved the shopping and our photo sessions!! Ree had an itinerary plan and listed our excursions together. She is very thorough with plans and easy with directions while off the ship. She is always available to answers your questions and make suggestions. I will book with her again!
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! ?? This cruise was such a fun one, and I loved getting to experience it with you! I’m so glad all the planning, excursions, and little details helped make the trip feel easy and stress free. We definitely made some fun memories on this one — shopping, photos, good food, all of it! ?? Thanks again for the kind words and for trusting me with your travels. Can’t wait for the next adventure! ???"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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So many fun adventures!
Reviewed By jan - Ralston ne | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Ree is amazing! Lots of fun. Very well organized . I am definitely going on other trips with her!!
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! ?? This trip was such a blast, and I’m so glad we got to experience it together! Thank you for trusting me with the planning — and for being such a fun travel buddy too. I already can’t wait for the next adventure! ???"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

Cosmos Certified Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
Princess Commodore Certified
Princess Commodore Certified
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor

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 Photo Albums and Videos

Ireland
View Album

    My Travel Stories

    Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

    Off the Beaten Path at the Cliffs of Moher

    Have you ever returned to a place and discovered there was so much more to it than you realized the first time? I first visited the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland in 2012. Like most visitors, I went to admire the spectacular views, but I didn’t know anything about the coastal trail local farmer Pat Sweeney had been working t...
    Read more

    A completely different world—this is Iceland.

    A Country That Stops You in Your Tracks: Iceland

    I don’t always tell people to rent a car when they travel—but Iceland is the exception. This is one place where having your own wheels completely changes the experience. If you want to stop when something catches your eye, change plans on a whim, or pull over just because the light hit the mountains just right, a car gives you that freedom. One ...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    I had the most amazing experience...
    I had the most amazing experience working with Ree with In Search of Elsewhere Travel. She is so knowledgeable and great with investigating. She helped plan two of my cruises recently. I gave her the parameters for my vacation , and she came back in just a few short days with great ideas, great itineraries, suggestions. She has vast knowledge of airlines, cruises and so much more. I am so glad I decided to use her and her expertise..
    Toni S., Hillsboro, OR
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