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- Maria (Ree) Lesher
Maria (Ree) Lesher
Portland, OR Travel Agent· 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
(19)
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 >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Iceland, Ireland, Caribbean, New Zealand, AustraliaInterests:
Beach Vacations, Bespoke Travel, Cruises, Bucket List, Car TravelSuppliers:
Cosmos, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, G Adventures, GlobusAbout Me
Cruise & Northern Europe Travel Specialist.
I specialize in thoughtfully planned cruise and land journeys, with a strong focus on Caribbean cruising and Northern Europe travel, including Ireland and Iceland. I help travelers find the right cruise line and itinerary for their travel style — whether that means relaxing sea days, immersive ports, or adventure-forward experiences.
For Ireland and Iceland, I design customized self-driving journeys, guided tours, and cruise-based itineraries, tailoring each trip to your pace, interests, and comfort level. My approach blends firsthand experience, careful planning, and a focus on value to create seamless, memorable travel experiences — whether you’re exploring independently or letting the journey unfold by sea.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Iceland, Ireland, Caribbean, New Zealand, AustraliaInterests:
Beach Vacations, Bespoke Travel, Cruises, Bucket List, Car TravelSuppliers:
Cosmos, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, G Adventures, GlobusMy Travel Specialties
Cruise & Coastal Travel + Tailor-Made Journeys
▶Cruise & Coastal Travel + Tailor-Made Journeys
Hi there! I’m Ree Lesher, the travel-loving soul behind In Search of Elsewhere Travel—where I help turn wanderlust into reality.I may be a certified travel advisor, but my best training comes from getting out there and seeing the world myself. I’ve cruised the Nile in Egypt, road-tripped Iceland’...Read More ▶
Caribbean Cruise Specialist
▶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
▶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
▶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
19 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 19 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.
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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.
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The best trip!!
Reviewed By Erin - OR | Traveled to Costa Rica | Central America
We loved our experience in Costa Rica. Ree helped us so much. Even after we came back she responded quickly to our questions and continued to give us information. Thank you Ree
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! ?? I’m so happy you loved your time in Costa Rica! It was such a pleasure helping with your trip, and I’m always happy to answer questions and help however I can — even after you’re home."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

Avalon Waterways Specialist

Cosmos Certified Specialist

Globus family of brands Specialist

NCL University - Master's Degree

Princess Commodore Certified

Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure

Seacademy - Gold Certification

Seacademy - Violet Certification

Viking Expeditions Expert

Viking Expert

Viking Oceans Expert

Viking Rivers Expert
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
Iceland
View Album
My Travel Stories
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