Meet Our Staff

Esther Alvarez

Travel Consultant

Areas of Expertise: Caribbean | Europe | South America |

Born and raised in Venezuela, Esther began her travel career in 1980 at one of the most prestigious travel agencies in Caracas, Venezuela before relocating to Naples, Florida in 1993. Esther is very involved in the Spanish Community in Naples, writing in the D'Latinos Magazine and appearing on the D'Latino television show.

With Esther's vast knowledge of Venezuela, South America, the Caribbean and Spain, she can provide you with local history, language and customs to help you have a very memorable holiday. Esther is an expert in arranging custom itineraries to paradors in Spain, chateaus in France, and river cruises throughout Europe. Her favorite historic Parador is in Santiago de Compostela, "Hostal Los Reyes Catolicos", considered to be the oldest and most luxurious hotels in the world.

Click here to see the latest video clip from Esther's D'Latinos travel television segment.

Contact Esther via email -- click here.

Manfred Baehr

European Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Business Travel | Cruises | Europe | Europe - Central | Europe - Cruises | Europe - Western | Family | Luxury Cruises | Mediterranean | Sport |

Manfred's career has encompassed a combination of wonderful travel agencies, tour operators and airlines. He has traveled very extensively throughout the world, and has specialized in planning tours and vacations to nearly every country in Europe. Manfred's clients value his expertise, wealth of insider information and numerous industry resources.

Manfred's greatest skill is creating individual and group custom itineraries. Born and raised just north of Frankfurt, Germany, Manfred has traveled extensively throughout the world. He has skillfully executed travel for groups of 50 to 1800 including pharmaceutical and healthcare conferences, sporting and musical events with particular attention to important details.

Manfred can plan your tour of Germany, Spain, France, Italy or England. Allow him to help you plan a glorious drive through the beautiful countryside of Ireland, Norway or Poland. Leisurely cruise the Rhine, the Moselle, the Danube, the Rhone, the Volga, or the Norway coast. Visit Europe's historical cities of London, Paris, Rome, Florence or Prague. Manfred, with his valuable resources, knowledge and passion for arranging custom European packages, will help you to see, feel and experience the world at its best!

Contact Manfred via email -- click here.

Diane Becker

Cruise Specialist

Areas of Expertise: Bahamas | Caribbean | Cruises | Cruises - Canada | Europe - Cruises |

For over 25 years, Diane has been selling and delivering specialized cruises to a wide variety of upscale travel destinations. She will put together a collection of worldwide destinations customized to enhance your travel experience.

Diane takes pride in having cruised to The Mediterranean, The Mexican Riviera, Canada, New England, and the Panama Canal. Also, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the beautiful eastern, western and the southern caribbean islands.

Contact Diane via email -- click here.

Kathy Borelli

Agency Concierge / Trade Show Coordinator

Areas of Expertise: Bermuda |

Kathy oversees the daily operations at the front desk to assure that clients are given the highest degree of service possible, while providing a professional company image.

She serves as liaison to support outside and traveling sales agents. She is also responsible for scheduling vendor presentations for staff training.

Kathy brings her design background to "Preferred Travel" as their creative tradeshow coordinator. Working with many vendors, she supports them in creating a wonderful presentation at show.

She is a Dept. of Tourism "Bermuda Specialist" who knows and loves the island from her many travels there. She has also traveled to Aruba, Hawaii, Jamaica, Canada, and the Cayman Islands.

Contact Kathy via email -- click here.

John Burgess

Manager Leisure Division

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.