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.

Margo Buttino, CTA, DS

Senior Travel Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Europe - Western | Italy | South Pacific |

Margo has been affiliated with the travel industry for 39 years and joined 'Preferred Travel' in January 2005.

She has her CTA (Certified Travel Associate) and DS (Destination Specialist) in the South Pacific.

Margo's travel expertise is in Western Europe where she has traveled extensively both by land and by sea. Her specialty is planning trips to Italy.

Margo loves to cruise and has experienced many ships in the following destinations: Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Australia/New Zealand and the Danube River.

She is familiar with all facets of travel, from airline tickets to individual customized itineraries, including hotel, car, rail, and sightseeing.

Contact Margo 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.

Karen Kelley, CTC, DS

Senior Travel Specialist

Areas of Expertise: British Isles | Cruises | Europe | Greece | Ireland | Italy | Luxury Cruises | Mediterranean | South Pacific | Spain |

Joining Preferred Travel in 2009 and a resident of Naples since 2001, Karen started her luxury travel career at the prestigious 'Neiman Marcus' in Texas. A proud alumni of 'Michigan State' University, she has pursued and enjoyed numerous management positions in Texas and Ohio.

Karen is a certified travel counselor (CTC) and destination specialist (DS) for the South Pacific and France, having had the enjoyable opportunity to live and work in France for many years. She is also proud to have completed an in depth study program with the Spanish tourist board, which allows her to cultivate and maintain a great association with them.

With her great enthusiasm and wonderful appreciation for customized and independent itineraries, Karen takes pride in assuring her clients have the very best travel experience possible. She truly enjoys planning every aspect of travel from honeymoons, cruises, tours and multi generational family travel both by land and sea.

Contact Karen 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.

Ken & Pat Tarvin, MCC

Senior Travel Specialists

Areas of Expertise: Africa | Alaska | Canada | Europe | South Pacific |

Our only husband and wife team, Ken and Pat spent many years as the proud owners of 'Naples Travel Agency' opened in 1973. They decided to merge with 'Preferred Travel of Naples' and have been with the agency ever since.

Having both earned the 'Master Cruise Counselor' designation, Ken and Pat jointly organize and escort cruises and tour groups to many global destinations.

Their expertise lies in Africa, Europe, Alaska, Canada and the South Pacific. Ken also continues to assist in global airline reservations on behalf of his clients.

Contact Ken & Pat via email -- click here.