Cruise, Disney, Europe & Hawaii Travel Expert

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Maria Shepherd, Travel Agent in Syracuse, NY

Maria Shepherd

Syracuse, NY Travel Agent
Super Agent

Maria Shepherd

Syracuse, NY · 3 Years of Experience

Traveling Familia, an independent agent with Inteletravel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
Maria is awesome! From our first chat over coffee, with me telling Maria that I have no idea where to begin to our post-trip coffee, with... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Australia, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, USA

Interests:

Accessible Travel, Cruises, Disney Vacations, European Culture, River Cruises

Suppliers:

Disney, National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions, Rocky Mountaineer, Small Luxury Hotels, Viking

About Me

That's me at the top of the Sydney Bridge!
That's me at the top of the Sydney Bridge!

I believe some of life’s most meaningful moments happen when we step away from our routines and experience the world in a new way—whether that’s watching a sunset in a place you’ve never been, exploring a new culture, or simply spending uninterrupted time with the people you love. That belief is what drives my passion for travel and the work I do every day.

I have been a travel advisor since 2023, but I have been a lover of travel since as long as I can remember. Over the years, I have been very blessed to have explored more than 20 countries on four continents and 48 of the 50 U.S. states. This includes time spent living, studying and traveling throughout Europe as well as a cross-country road trip across the United States. These firsthand experiences allow me to offer more than just recommendations. I provide thoughtful insight and trusted guidance so you can travel with confidence.

Over the years, I’ve really fallen in love with cruising. I love how it allows you to settle in, unwind, and still experience so much of the world in a way that feels relaxed and just right. From ocean voyages to river cruises, it’s a versatile and enriching way to travel—whether you’re planning meaningful time with family, a relaxing escape, or a more immersive, extended experience.

Helping families create meaningful vacations is especially important to me. I love designing trips where loved ones can truly reconnect, slow down, and enjoy time together—whether that’s experiencing the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands or creating lasting memories cruising aboard Disney Cruise Line. I love working with couples and retirees who are ready to explore the world in a more refined and intentional way. Whether it’s a luxury cruise, a guided journey through Europe, or an extended stay in destinations like Italy or Spain, I focus on crafting travel experiences that feel enriching, well-paced, and seamlessly planned.

With specialized knowledge in destinations such as Hawaii, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and U.S. National Parks, along with experience planning Disney Cruise Line vacations, I’m able to tailor each itinerary with carefully curated recommendations and insider perspective.

What truly sets me apart is my firsthand experience and my commitment to making every trip personal and effortless. I take the time to understand what matters most to you, then manage every detail with care so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

Travel has given me so much, and I genuinely love helping others experience that same sense of connection, joy, and discovery. Whether you’re dreaming of a special family getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime journey, or a longer, more immersive adventure, I would be honored to help you create a travel experience that is not only memorable, but truly exceptional.

Additional Languages
Spanish

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 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 18 reviews

Amazing mother-daughter trip!
Reviewed By M&Ekleb - Milan, Parma, Rome | Traveled to Italy | Europe
Maria is awesome! From our first chat over coffee, with me telling Maria that I have no idea where to begin to our post-trip coffee, with me showing her pictures ~ her excitement was contagious. She doesn’t do this just because SHE loves to travel, she does this because she wants you to love it too. Maria made everything easy. Looking at flights & hotels, info for tickets to certain places, options for transportation, etc. I highly recommend Maria for any travel needs or questions you might have. I cannot thank her enough, and look forward to another trip just to work with her.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful words! I am so happy that you had such an amazing mother-daughter trip to Italy! Here's to more coffee, more chats about travel, and more memories made on future trips!"
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
Malta, Sicily, Florence, Milan, and London--an unforgettable holiday in Europe
Reviewed By HappyRetiree - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Agrigento, Sicily | Italy | Europe
Maria is an exceptional travel agent and person. My wife and I have used Maria for extended European trips in the past few years. Her service has been exceptional. She booked excellent flights for us and worked with the airlines and us to ensure a great trip. Maria really listens to what our desires and needs are. Our most recent trip took us to Malta, a small ship cruise around Sicily with Ponant, two weeks in Florence and time in London. The hotels she recommended were exceptional. Great location. Superb staff. Excellent restaurants. Indeed, we stayed again in a Florence hotel that she found for us the year before. She has worked with concierges to handle details. She did the big things and the little things that really made our experience a breeze. She is a joy to work with. Knowledgeable, caring, experienced, professional. I can’t recommend her enough.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much! I appreciate you being loyal clients and allowing me to help you with all of your amazing vacations!"
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
An experience I'l remember forever <3
Reviewed By QMS10 - Naples, Florida | Traveled to Norway | Europe
My mom and I have always had the travel bug. Throughout my childhood, she believed strongly in the power of immersion and experience through travel. So when I had the opportunity to study abroad in my final semester of college, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would go. The memories I made while studying in my home countries and traveling across Europe are ones I will always hold dear to my heart. However, as my travels abroad came to a close, I realized just how much I craved a new experience like that with my mom. It had been some time since we traveled somewhere new, but that didn't stop Maria. She thoughtfully considered every possible detail of our shared travel history and what we hoped to gain from this new adventure, then proposed somewhere brand new: Norway. This beautiful country had always been on our bucket list, so Maria crafted the perfect itinerary - one that balanced adventure and exploration with immersive cultural experiences and precious mother-daughter time. The thought and care that Maria put into this trip was evident every step of the way. I can never thank her enough for the time and effort she devoted to making this experience unique and memorable. The memories we made this trip I know I will cherish forever <3. Thank you, Maria!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thanks for your very sweet words! I'm so glad that you and your mom had such a memorable time together in Norway! I can't wait to help you on your next mother-daughter 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
Amazingly knowledgeable and helpful!
Reviewed By ChemCzarina - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to London | England | Europe
Maria made our travel plans so smooth and flawless! Flights, car services, accommodations, recommendations all were superb and reliable. And it is so helpful to have an expert (a live person!) to field questions to!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I appreciate your kind words! I'm so glad you had a magnificent time on your incredible European vacation!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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A Perfect Experience!
Reviewed By Cruise Fanatic - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Bahamas | Caribbean
I am a 78 year old female who was always afraid to take a cruise because of the fear of motion sickness. Unbeknownst to me, my daughter gave me a cruise for Christmas. She had contacted Maria Shepherd with Traveling Familia upon the recommendations of friends to book the cruise. I was a bit hesitant at first about the cruise but figured I would try it. Ms. Shepherd handled every single detail of the trip from hotels, tickets, and even selecting off-ship excursions. All we had to do was show up! And. . .I had the absolute best time of my life, all thanks to Ms. Shepherd's help. The excursions were exciting & such great experiences. Everything from planning the cruise to the actual cruise was perfect thanks to Maria's travel experience herself, her vast knowledge of the travel industry, and her desire to make this cruise a memorable one, especially for me. I am definitely going to book another cruise & Maria will be handling the entire process. I would strongly recommend her for any & all of your travel plans as she is personable, professional and goes above and beyond to make your trip the absolute best!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for your very kind words! I am so glad that you and your daughter had such a special mother-daughter trip together and that you have so many amazing memories! I look forward to helping you plan more special trips!"
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

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 Travel Stories

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Big Beautiful Island of Hawaii

There’s something incredibly raw and beautiful about the Big Island of Hawaii, where fiery black lava rock meets brilliant blue ocean, waterfalls tumble through lush green valleys, and every part of the island feels shaped by the power of nature itself. We stayed in Kailua-Kona, but explored all over the island, and every part of it felt ...
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Wai'anapanapa State Park

Oh Maui, Beautiful Maui

The moment you arrive in Maui, you can feel the island inviting you to slow down, breathe deeper, and simply be present. One of the many things that I love about Maui isn’t just the beauty, although it’s everywhere you look. It’s the feeling of aloha woven into the island, the warmth of the people, the peaceful rhythm of life, and the way...
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Beautiful Alaska

Cruising Alaska - An Unforgettable Experience

Cruising Alaska with Disney Cruise Line was one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had. It's the kind of trip that makes you fully appreciate the beauty of nature and wildlife. We sailed in and out of Vancouver, which is such a beautiful city on its own, surrounded by mountains, water, and incredible energy. From there, we ma...
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Beautiful Norway

Cruising Northern Europe with Disney Cruise Line

Cruising Northern Europe with Disney Cruise Line felt like sailing through a real-life storybook. We began in Southampton and made our way through the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, stopping in Olden, Alesund, and Stavanger. Everywhere we looked felt almost unreal with towering cliffs draped in lush green, waterfalls cascading down mounta...
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