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Maria Shepherd
Syracuse, NY Travel Agent· 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 >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Australia, France, Walt Disney World, Haleakala, Maui, BahamasInterests:
Accessible Travel, Adventure, Cruises, Disney Vacations, Beach VacationsSuppliers:
Disney, Disney Cruise Line, National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions, Royal Caribbean, Disneyland ResortsAbout Me
My Travel Specialties
My travel specialties include Disney, cruising, Hawaii, and Europe - all destinations and experiences I genuinely know and love through years of personal travel. I’ve explored all four main Hawaiian islands over the past 25 years, with Maui holding a special place in my heart for its beauty, peaceful spirit, and aloha culture. I’ve cruised throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Northern Europe, and the South Pacific, and love the ease and relaxation that cruising brings while still allowing travelers to experience multiple destinations. As a lifelong Disney fan, I’ve visited both Walt Disney World and Disneyland many times and especially love Disney Cruise Line for the perfect mix of magic, fun, and adventure. My love for Europe began while studying abroad in Spain and has continued through travels across Italy, France, Switzerland, Ireland, the UK, and beyond. I love helping families create meaningful travel experiences filled with connection, culture, and unforgettable memories.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Australia, France, Walt Disney World, Haleakala, Maui, BahamasInterests:
Accessible Travel, Adventure, Cruises, Disney Vacations, Beach VacationsSuppliers:
Disney, Disney Cruise Line, National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions, Royal Caribbean, Disneyland ResortsMy Travel Specialties
Cruise, Disney, Europe & Hawaii Travel Expert
▶Cruise, Disney, Europe & Hawaii Travel Expert
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 ...Read More ▶
Falling in Love With Cruising
▶Falling in Love With Cruising
Cruising has become one of my favorite ways to experience the world, something I never expected when I first stepped onboard. I used to imagine feeling confined on a ship or running out of things to do, but instead, I discovered a style of travel that feels relaxing, exciting, effortless, and sur...Read More ▶
The Hawaiian Islands Have My Heart
▶The Hawaiian Islands Have My Heart
Hawaii has held a special place in my heart for more than 25 years. Over the years, I’ve explored Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii, and what I love most is that each island has its own unique personality, beauty, energy, and rhythm of life. No matter which island you visit, there i...Read More ▶
Discovering Europe One Memory at a Time
▶Discovering Europe One Memory at a Time
Europe is one of the places that first made me truly fall in love with travel. My passion for European travel began while studying abroad in Spain during college, where I had the incredible opportunity to not only immerse myself in Spanish culture, but also travel extensively throughout Western E...Read More ▶
The Magic of Disney Awaits
▶The Magic of Disney Awaits
Disney has been a part of my life for more than 35 years, and over time it has become so much more than just a vacation destination for me. I’ve visited Walt Disney World Resort many times throughout the years and have also explored Disneyland Resort several times, and what continues to amaze me ...Read More ▶
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 Photo Albums and Videos
Boston, you have my heart
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Oh, Disney Cruise Line, how I love thee :)
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Hawaiian Sunsets
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Beautiful, Amazing Sydney!
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