Meet Our Staff

John Burgess

Manager Leisure Division, Senior Travel Specialist

Areas of Expertise: All Inclusive | Asia | Australia | Bahamas | Bermuda | British Isles | Canada | Caribbean | China | Cruises | Cruises - Canada | Cruises - Mexico | Europe | Europe - Central | Europe - Cruises | Europe - Western | Family | Great Britain | Greece | Greek Isles | Hawaii | Hong Kong | Indonesia | Ireland | Italy | Las Vegas | Luxury Cruises | Mediterranean | Mexico | Mexican Riviera | New Zealand | Pacific | Safaris | Scandinavia | Scotland | South America | South Pacific | Spain | Tahiti | Thailand | Vietnam |

As a former travel agency owner of 'McDaniel Travel' in Naples, and after nearly 17 years in the travel business, John is familiar with all aspects of the travel industry from cruises and tours, to custom-designed upscale individual and small-group arrangements.

Having lived in Europe, he is extremely well-versed regarding travel in England, Scotland, Ireland, Morocco, France, Spain & Portugal, Italy, Greece, The Netherlands & Belgium, Switzerland & Germany, and Austria. In addition, he has traveled extensively in Australia & New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia, Canada and South America.

His business is almost equally divided between upscale cruises (Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Oceania, Celebrity) and custom designing one-of-a kind personal travel, utilizing such well known and highly respected companies as Abercrombie & Kent, Tauck, Travcoa, Micato and Orient Express.

Whether you're interested in River Cruising through the heart of Europe, visiting the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, China or exploring the islands of Tahiti, John's experience will help make your travel dreams become reality.

Contact John via email -- click here.

Cheryl Chegwidden, CTA

Senior Travel Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Adventure | Africa | Alaska | All Inclusive | Australia | Canada | Caribbean | Central America | China | ClubMed | Cost Rica | Cruises | Cruises - Canada | Cruises - Mexico | Disney | Egypt | Europe | Europe - Central | Europe - Cruises | Europe - Western | Family | Great Britain | Greece | Greek Isles | Hawaii | Honeymoon | Hong Kong | Ireland | Italy | Luxury Cruises | Mediterranean | Mexico | Mexican Riviera | New Zealand | Pacific | Safaris | Scandinavia | Scotland | Ski Trips | South America | South Pacific | Spain | Sport | Tahiti | Thailand |

Cheryl has been in the Travel Industry since 1991. She has been fortunate enough to have lived iand experienced Southern Africa extensively.

She is familiar with all aspects of the travel industry, from tours and cruises to custom designed independent travel.

Cheryl is an avid adventure traveler and has spent time traveling Southern Africa, (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa), England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, United States, Alaska, Bahamas and the Caribbean.

She has received her CTA (Certified Travel Agent) and DS (Destination Specialist) designations for the South Pacific and Adventure Travel from ICTA.

Cheryl has also been recognized by 'Travel + Leisure' magazine's 'A-List' of top travel agents in 2002. She strives towards providing her clients with the ultimate travel experience!

Contact Cheryl via email -- click here.

Connie Moody, CTA, DS

Senior Cruise Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Alaska | Asia | Canada | Caribbean | China | Cruises | Cruises - Canada | Cruises - Mexico | Europe | Europe - Central | Europe - Cruises | Europe - Western | Greece | Hong Kong | Indonesia | Russia | South Pacific | Spain | Thailand | Vietnam |

Connie has over 22 years of experience in the travel industry.

Her accreditations include CTA (Certified Travel Agent) and DS (Destination Specialist in the Pacific Rim).

She has traveled to and specializes in over 90 countries including most of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Borneo, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore. Also, has traveled to most of Europe including Greece, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, France, Monte Carlo, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, Canada, and Alaska (6 times.) She has also traveled to many of the Caribbean Islands, including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao, Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, Tortola, Bonaire, and Nassau.

She has hosted over 75 cruises to worldwide destinations.

Contact Connie via email -- click here.

Kris Tripp

Travel Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Adventure | All Inclusive | Caribbean | Central America | ClubMed | Cost Rica | Cruises - Canada | Cruises - Mexico | Europe - Cruises | Italy | Las Vegas | Luxury Cruises | Mexico | Spain |

Kris embraced the hospitality and travel industry nearly 25 years ago.

Her career began with the regional airlines, and then expanded to hotel and concierge experience. 'Preferred Travel' was only a natural transition and her love for travel inspired her to seek a position as a travel consultant. Her fine attention to detail, organization and her adventuresome spirit, will help you in planning your next dream vacation.

She handles travel arrangements of all types from cruising to land programs, as well as air, hotel and independent foreign travel. If you looking for a villa or private home rental, that is offered in many destinations contact me for details.

Destinations Traveled: Her specialty is Costa Rica, where she has traveled extensively over the last 4 years. This is truly an adventure destination! She is Certified as an I.C.T. Costa Rica Tourist Board Destination Specialist.

Countries and cities visited most recently: Chile, Ixtapa, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Prague, Jamaica, Caribbean Islands and Las Vegas.

She has cruised with most of the major cruise lines and stays current with all of the latest cruise line happenings.

Accreditations include:
Certified Italy Specialist, International Airlines Travel Agent Network, Member Crystal, Regent, Oceania, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Specialist, Club Med All-Inclusive Specialist

Contact Kris via email -- click here.

Shirlee Vann Barcic, CTC, MCC

Cruise Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Caribbean | Cruises | Cruises - Canada | Cruises - Mexico | Europe - Cruises | Las Vegas | Luxury Cruises |

Being in the business for over 30 years, Shirlee has considered travel a lifetime activity. For more than 30 years, she has provided travelers with the best service and expertise possible.

As a prior agency owner and operator, she has traveled extensively to worldwide destinations. With groups as a specialty, she has the experience to reduce complexity and ensure smart choices.

An avid community volunteer and award winner, Shirlee offers something exceptional and exciting when planning your next cruise or group vacation!

Contact Shirlee via email -- click here.