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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Outstanding customer service!!
Reviewed By ThePops - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Europe
Let's start by saying we couldn't have been more pleased with the service we received from Maria. We initially heard about Maria through mutual friends as we were planning a group trip to Europe. At that time it was Maria's idea to meet us in person which gave us a more personal connection. Working with her we found her to be very accessible, informative and responsive. These qualities gave us peace of mind and we knew things would be taken care of. Due to an error on the part of the airline upon check in, we contacted Maria (it was early in the morning) and she immediately made phone calls and corrected the issue. We will always use Maria going forward with our travel arrangements knowing if there were any issues, she would address them immediately. She is extremely wonderful to work with.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for your very kind words! You all were so wonderful to work with. I'm so glad that your group has these special memories together. I look forward to working with you all again in the near future!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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An unforgettable trip to Italy.
Reviewed By NoelePug - Syracuse, New York | Traveled to Italy | Europe
When my husband and I first considered going to Italy, I was overwhelmed with the idea of planning a trip abroad on our own. We met with Maria and she helped us break down the trip into segments. She asked us what parts of Italy we'd like to visit and how long we intended to stay. She made a list of our prefernces regarding accomodations and we discussed various ways to travel between cities while in Italy. She also talked to us about tours and excursions we might want to book sooner rather than later. After our first meeting with Maria, I was feeling much better about traveling abroad. Between more meetings, emails and phone calls, Maria was able to help us plan an unforgettable family trip to Italy.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I am so happy that you had such an unforgettable vacation with your family. You were so wonderful to work with. I truly appreciate you asking me to help!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Wonderful Ireland, England and Scotland trip
Reviewed By Maria's the best - Traverse City, Michigan | Traveled to Dingle | Ireland | Europe
Maria provided exceptional service for us from start to finish. She was so knowledgeable and responsive. Her expertise for our planes, trains and ground transportation all went seamlessly with her help. She curated beautiful unique hotel options that allowed us to find local experiences that we would not have found on our own.
I enjoyed working with her so much that she is currently helping with another trip.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. I'm so happy that you all had such a nice time on your special girls trip to the UK! So many special memories made!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By JP - Syracuse NY | Traveled to Italy | Europe
Maria was great in every way and was helpful from start to finish. From suggestions on hotels to guided tours and private excursions. She helped give us all the options available so we could make the best choices. We all have memories of a lifetime
Maria Shepherd responded
"So glad you have memories for a lifetime with your beautiful family! Thanks for asking me to help with this unforgettable family vacation!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Incredible Trip Ran Like Clockwork
Reviewed By jsdispen - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Nice | France | Europe
We had Maria plan a trip to the French Riviera for my family of five (3 teenagers!!). We had a vague idea of what we wanted to see but nothing concrete. Maria gave us the opportunity to weigh many different options to get a sense of what we wanted. After that she coordinated multiple excursions, all of which had amazing hosts. We also had some last minute changes and she helped coordinate those as well. We left feeling we saw and did all the things we wanted and lots more besides. I would absolutely recommend Maria to plan your trip for you and I will definitely be using her again.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad that you all had such a fantastic time in the French Riviera! I look forward to many more years of helping your beautiful family travel the world!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Honeymoon
Reviewed By Sarah - Utica, NY | Traveled to Greece | Europe
Maria was absolutely fantastic with every little detail with regard to our honeymoon. We were always in communication via email and had several FaceTime calls throughout the planning process. On these calls and emails we discussed flights, hotels and other modes of transportation that would be available to us while abroad, initial thoughts and ideas for the different locations we wanted to visit and then from there we narrowed it down by the day to day itinerary which was super helpful for keeping us organized. One thing that we found particularly helpful while abroad was that if we ran into a hiccup along the way, after a quick message to Maria she was able to get us back on track. We had run into a transportation issue briefly as well as required new copies of electronic tickets for a local tour; She was able to send us the information we needed to carry on with our scheduled itinerary without delay. When we returned from our trip we were able to meet with Maria in person and recount our whole honeymoon where we got to talk about our favorite parts, not so favorite parts, things that were helpful and suggestions for future travelers that maybe interested in a similar itinerary.
We have since had Maria help us plan regional weekend getaways and she is currently helping us plan our Summer 2026 vacation. We highly recommend Maria if you're interested in or need help planning a vacation!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thanks so much for your kind words. I am so glad that you two had such an amazing honeymoon in Europe! And thank you for coming back to me for more family vacations! You guys are the best!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Once you go Maria Shepherd, you never go back!!!!
Reviewed By PaulG - Camillus, NY | Traveled to Europe
We recently had the pleasure of working with Maria Shepard as our travel agent, and our experience was exceptional from start to finish. Maria impressed us with her extensive personal knowledge of destinations, offering guidance that matched our interests, preferences, and budget. Her recommendations were thoughtful and well-suited to our needs, whether we were looking for adventure or relaxation.
Throughout the planning process, Maria demonstrated remarkable flexibility. As our itinerary evolved and travel dates shifted, she adapted quickly and always responded with patience and creativity. It was clear that Maria was willing to go the extra mile to ensure our trip was everything we hoped for. She uncovered hidden gems, gave us insider advice on local attractions, and even suggested ways to make our journey more memorable.
Maria’s advice was invaluable—she helped us avoid common travel pitfalls, provided tips on navigating airports and local customs, and shared helpful insights on accommodations and transportation. Her follow-up was outstanding; Maria checked in regularly before our departure, kept in touch throughout our travels, and followed up afterwards to make sure everything had gone smoothly.
When we encountered an unexpected disruption during our trip, Maria’s support made all the difference. She responded swiftly, handled the situation with professionalism and care, and found solutions that minimized the impact on our plans. We felt reassured knowing that Maria was looking out for us, turning a stressful moment into a manageable one.
We highly recommend Maria Shepard to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated travel agent. Her expertise, flexibility, and commitment to excellent service set her apart and made our travel experience truly outstanding.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for such a kind review! You all were so wonderful to work with, and I am so happy that you had such an amazing time on your vacation! I look forward to helping you again in the future! Thank you!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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What a great trip
Reviewed By LoveAZ - Jamesville | Traveled to Sedona | Arizona | USA
We had such a wonderful time! Maria suggested our destination based on conversations we had and took great time and effort to match our preferences to our hotel selection, tours and activities. She was so knowledgeable and helpful.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time together! I look forward to helping you with your next vacation :)"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Amazing Honeymoon Trip!!
Reviewed By Justin H - Utica, NY | Traveled to Santorini | Greece | Europe
Maria was amazing with booking our honeymoon! She took the time to know us, what we liked/didn't like, entrainment/attractions she would recommend and made a step by step itinerary that made the trip effortless! Would highly recommend Maria and looking forward to booking a trip with her in the future!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you! I absolutely loved working with you both and look forward to helping plan more vacations in the near future!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The Perfect Honeymoon!
Reviewed By AshleyH - Utica, NY | Traveled to Santorini | Greece | Europe
Maria was amazing at helping us plan our amazing honeymoon to Santorini, Greece! She was attentive and listened to all of our needs and wants. This was our first international trip and we were nervous. After our first meeting with her she calmed all of our nerves and reassured us thay everything would be perfect! She set up all the excursions and private transportation throughout the island. Maria provided us with a full detailed itinerary prior to leaving, making our trip seamless and carefree. She is patient and will answer any and all of your questions any time of day! I highly recommend using her for all of your travel needs. We will continue to use Maria for all of our future trips!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words. You both were absolutely wonderful to work with, and I'm so happy that your honeymoon was everything that you hoped it would be! "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Flawless Disney Planning Experience!
Reviewed By LBrennan - Syracuse NY | Traveled to Orlando | Florida | USA
Maria was absolutely amazing to work with while planning our trip to Disney World in November 2025. From the very beginning, she was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to meet with me, answer all of my questions, and make sure every detail was clear and stress-free.
She truly went above and beyond, creating a personalized itinerary, helping us secure reservations, and guiding us through signing up for Lightning Lanes so we could make the most of our time. Her expertise made the entire process seamless and enjoyable.
I am so appreciative of everything Maria did for our family. I will absolutely continue to work with her for future trips and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful, organized, and dedicated travel agent!
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words. You were truly a joy to work with, and I am so grateful that you asked me to help with your family's very first Disney vacation!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Simply the best
Reviewed By gomariago - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Caribbean
In an era when it seems like everything can be planned online or with ChatGPT, I wasn't sure a travel agent was still necessary. I was wrong.
Maria is outstanding. She genuinely loves what she does and is deeply invested in creating the best possible experience for her clients. She has arranged multiple trips for our family and is exceptionally knowledgeable about Disney destinations, cruises, and family travel.
One of Maria's greatest strengths is helping us navigate the overwhelming number of options. She starts by providing a clear overview of a destination or travel experience, sharing her own firsthand insights and highlighting what makes each option unique. She listens carefully to our needs and thoughtfully considers how to create memorable experiences for children, parents, and grandparents alike.
I am especially grateful to Maria for coordinating a surprise trip for my parents. She handled every detail—from hotels and transportation to dining recommendations and travel insurance—allowing them to enjoy a completely stress-free vacation.
What truly sets Maria apart is her level of service. She checks in before and during each trip to answer questions, address concerns, and ensure everything is going smoothly. Her attention to detail, expertise, and genuine care have made every trip easier and more enjoyable.
I recommend Maria without reservation and would not hesitate to use her services again.
Maria Shepherd responded
"Thank you so much! I have absolutely loved working with your family for all of your trips over the past few years, and I am so grateful that you continue to ask me to help plan your family vacations! Here's to many more amazing vacations!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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