Travel Shoppe Staff:

Cheri Verrastro President

I am the President of Travel Shoppe, a distinguished professionalized service travel agency in Fresno California  
As a  professional travel agent for more than 27 years, I opened Travel Shoppe in 1992 with just three employees. Today, my business has grown to staff of over 26 expert agents who represent the best in the Travel Industry, each who are proficient in different and concentrated areas of travel.  
Travel Shoppe and its staff specialize in a variety of travel management and destination planning, including personalized, group and corporate travel.  
We work with corporate companies worldwide, government agencies and small businesses planning and manage large and small corporate & leisure travel needs. 
Travel Shoppe also focuses on value and budget travel to help save clients money without sacrificing quality and satisfaction. 
We pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide. With the widespread availability of online pricing tools, many  travelers are convinced they can go it alone, but the more complicated your travel, the more you need a good travel consultant. My staff is available to assist clients with personalized service at anytime from anywhere in the world in the event of a travel emergency.
 With decades of travel experience under my belt, I have seen the world of travel go through many changes and I have been able to stay on top of the travel industry trends and utilize my expertise to provide an exceptional level of service. I look forward to not only meeting all your expectations but exceeding them.
Email me at cheri@shoppetravel.com or call (559) 447-5767

Mariann Adcock

I have been a Travel Agent and with Travel Shoppe for 12 years we truly are a family. I have traveled extensively through the pacific islands; just about very island in Hawaii, swam with stingrays in Tahiti, drank cava in Fiji and bungee jumped in New Zealand, OK maybe I just watched. I am a certified Kiwi Specialist and try to visit this spectacular country often. I also enjoy the history and culture of Europe and toured Ireland, England, France and more recently Italy which I loved! I don’t have a favorite destination or one specific place I want to visit the list is a mile long. I'm experienced in leisure, corporate and group travel and enjoy the challenge of booking a complex itinerary. The best part of working at Travel Shoppe is my 20 knowledgeable and helpful co-workers we have a wealth of experience under one roof. I look forward to booking your next trip please contact me at mariann@shoppetravel.com

 

Hilda Morrison

I have been a Travel Agent for 12 years. I have worked at Travel Shoppe for 2 years. I have specialized in group travel arrangements, corporate travel needs, as well as vacation requests.
I have two favorite places to travel, the first is Disneyland and then comes Disney world. I like the magic and excitement that surrounds both places. I can think of no better vacation than with Mickey and all his friends.
If I could plan my dream trip it would be an around the world trip to visit all the Disney Theme Parks. I would start in Tokyo. Then fly to Paris and spend some time at Euro Disney. Again it would be off to Orlando to spend time at all 4 theme parks. Now I can add in the new Disney Cruise for a relaxing for night getaway. Finally it would be home to where it all started Disneyland.
For travel arrangements you can contact me at Hilda@shoppetravel.com

Ewa Stapinska

I have been a travel agent since 1995, and have enjoyed it very much. My favorite place to go is where Nature is at its best: whether it’s hiking the Canadian Rockies, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, climbing the Alps in Europe, or simply enjoying a stroll along our beautiful California beaches. If I can be of any help to you with your travel plans, please let me know.
You can contact me at Ewa@ShoppeTravel.com.

Shirley Woo

Hi, Shirley Woo is my name and travel must be my game, for I’ve been in the business as a Travel Agent for over 30 years.  I did start early in my life, so I’m really not that old.  It has been over 10 years since I started here at Travel Shoppe and it has been a good professional place to work in, with a great staff.  I have traveled all over the world and I have many favorite places that I’m drawn back to over and over again.  Here are just a few places I’ve been to and some of them more than a few times: Maui, Zihuatanejo Mexico, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, Ireland, Society Islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora), Greece, Switzerland, New Zealand, China, New Orleans, Key West, Caribbean, Alaska, Jackson Hole and recently South America, on a cruise that cruised around the Cape Horn.  I love good food and I try to find great restaurants wherever I go, so I will always advise you of the good ones to find.
That’s right, food and travel is my game. Email me! Shirley@shoppetravel.com and we can talk about where you should eat on your next trip.

Dona Mount

I've been here at the Travel Shoppe for 10 years. I can't imagine a more fun place to work. I've vacationed in 44 states in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, Tahiti, Europe, and the British Isles. Venice is my favorite romantic spot on earth.
I live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and most of my clients reside in the Shaver Lake area. If you live in that area and need travel arrangements, give me a call or contact me at dona@netptc.net.

Sandy Walmsley

I started my career as a travel agent in 1985. I was born and raised in the Fresno/Clovis area and am an alumni of CSU, Fresno. I have been fortunate to travel various regions of the Untied States with my favorite tropical escape being the Hawaiian Islands – each a special destination. Cruising the Islands of Tahiti, Caribbean Islands and our west coast or an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica or Mexico are the most care free ways to travel. Experiencing international sights and the friendly people of Canada, Europe and New Zealand have been amazing. With my experience of helping long-time clients I can find and recognize the best value for your travel needs.
Please call me or email me at Sandy@shoppetravel.com

Debbie Junod

With over 26 years of industry experience as an agency owner, manager and agent, I have gained considerable insight into fulfilling your travel expectations. After more than 15 years of owning my own agency, I decided to join my friend and business associate of over 12 years, Cheri Verrastro at the Travel Shoppe in 2001. This association has allowed me to spend more of my time doing what I love and do best, turning travel dreams into reality for my clients.
The depth of my dedication to relationship-based, personalized service provides the foundation for all I do for my clients. While Hawaii remains my favorite destination for personal relaxation and vacationing, I specialize in planning personalized, custom vacation and business trips in the United States and throughout the rest of the world, including Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. When working with my clients, no request is too great or too small. It is this type of service that has kept many of my clients coming back for over 26 years.
You can contact me at Debbie@shoppetravel.com

Rubina Badvaganian

I have been with the Travel Shoppe since 2003 and have been handling the London Theatre Odyssey since 2004. I have grown to love "The Theatre" and all that it entails.
My favorite places to visit are still the exciting big cities of the world...London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Athens or Amsterdam.
 My specialty is group travel with the emphasis on Theatre Groups.  I would love to plan your next theatre outing so email me at rubina@shoppetravel.com.

Heather Bianchi

Hello!! My name is Heather Bianchi. I started with Travel Shoppe in June 2004, two days after I moved to Fresno from Birmingham, Alabama, where I started my travel agent career 5 months earlier.
I have had the pleasure of being able to travel to many new places in the last couple of years and look forward to seeing a lot more of the world! My favorite city in the whole world is New York City! I am looking forward to being able to visit places like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and like cities and see if any can compare to New York! Can you tell?
I am a big city girl! I do enjoy lazy days on a beautiful beach, however, like in the Mayan Riviera! So Bali, Indonesia is on my list of places to visit! Yes, I do have an anchoring to see a lot of Asia but I do want to see it ALL! Traveling is in my blood and there is nothing I would rather be doing but sending other people on their dream vacations. I would love to help you plan your vacation anywhere else in the world!
You can contact me by calling me at the office or emailing me at heather@shoppetravel.com.

Deanna Hunter

After many years with the ole" Bank of America I wanted to do something different and exciting. A good friend introduced me to the travel business and I now have been emerged in my second career for 18 years. I love to travel and it's always a real joy assisting clients (who many are now my friends) in their vacation planning. Whether it's a family vacation, wedding/honeymoon, second honeymoon, visits to theme parks, cruises, tours or just to get away for some "R & R", it's still a pleasure sharing the excitement of helping to plan the itinerary of their dreams.
There are so many "special" places to visit. One of my most favorite is the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. They truly are "paradise". I am a "Hawaii Destination Specialist" and have been enjoying the islands since 1975. Israel also is a unique place - not so much for its beauty as for its place in the world. For a country small in size it has a great expanse of history. I have hosted Christian group tours to Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy and Germany.
We have the most modern and greatest resources at our finger tips at Travel Shoppe and have the ability to make your dreams come true. When you are planning your adventure I would love to assist you in developing the trip of your desires and share in the happiness it brings to you. e-mail - deanna@shoppetravel.com

Holly Marquez

I have been at the Travel Shoppe for almost years now, but have been a travel agent here in Fresno for years. I graduated from CSU-Fresno in 1979, had my two daughters and then started my dream career of selling travel. So far, I have been very successful.
My expertise is corporate travel but I enjoy planning exciting vacations for my loyal clientele as well. I have traveled extensively all over North America and Europe with Hawaii, the Canadian Rockies and Italy being my top 3 favorite destinations. I have cruised the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and soon the Mexican Riviera. I am here to meet the challenges of the ever changing travel business and to help my clients sort through all the many travel options that exist.
I look forward to helping my clients (and some new ones too!) at the Travel Shoppe in its state-of-the art facility here in North Fresno. Contact me at Star2092@aol.com

Gloria Roman

Hello! I can't hardly believe I have been in the Industry for years now. I specialize in Honeymoons, cruises and love making travel dreams come true...... I have had the opportunity to do extensive travel in the USA to Mexico, Canada, Europe, and most of the Caribbean Islands with Jamaica being my favorite one. My favorite thing to do is cruising anywhere and enjoying the sea air and view of the ocean . I recently started here and love the staff , because everyone lends a helping hand and we all learn new things about destinations everyday. We all communicate and share our knowledge together as a family. I pride myself in helping with every detail to make a wonderful vacation.
Our office is the best in town with all of us having loyal clients who we make happy...
 Contact me gloria@shoppetravel.com

Kelly Martinez

I've had the opportunity of being in the Travel Industry for 19 years with my career taking me from the airlines in to the travel agency, which gave me the experience of seeing the industry from all viewpoints. Today though I truly enjoy working as a travel consultant, planning adventures for travelers, whether it is an airline flight - cruise vacation - escorted tour or a weekend hotel stay. My specialty in travel is planning unique customized vacations in Europe, such as cycling tours - walking / hiking tours - chateau & villa stays - various extras that make the trip exceptional. Ongoing educational training has earned me various achievement certificates such as European Rail Expert, Hawaii Specialist, Latin America Specialist, Thailand Specialist, etc. My focus is always on you - the traveler and making sure your getaway goes along as seamless as possible. I look forward to working with you! If you would like information on a particular resort area or country, or if you’re ready to plan your next vacation - email me at Kelly@shoppetravel.com

Julia Hamilton

This past year has been one of my most favorite memories that I can pass on to my clients. Russia and Fiji have been on my "BUCKET LIST" for a long time. I was able to travel to the Baltic’s, mainly St. Petersburg and Fiji all in one year! Where is your Bucket List? Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable experiences in numerous aspects of travel, including corporate bookings, large and small group arrangements, as well as organizing and planning family dream vacations, whether it is budget conscious or luxurious. I’ve been extremely blessed with the opportunity to travel the globe. From numerous destinations throughout Europe, Asia and the continental United States to the scenic grandeur of Alaska and Canada to the sandy beaches of Hawaii, Mexico, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. And while I love all forms of travel, my favorite (and my specialty, by the way...) is cruises. I am Commodore Specialist with Princess Cruises. This adds to my list of other special classes I have taken. I am a Destination Specialist for the Caribbean, Hawaii, Central and South America, and Alaska.
I have been in the industry for over 14 years and at Travel Shoppe for over 5 years. Travel Shoppe is now my home. I look forward to the opportunity of assisting you with your travel arrangements for that special trip and the memories that will last forever. Contact me at julia@shoppetravel.com and together we can make your BUCKET LIST come true!

Carol Smith

Looking for an FIT specialist?  Flexible Independent Travel --- that’s me.

Because I was lucky enough to grow up in an airline family, I’ve been traveling all my life.  After graduating from college I continued this exhilarating experience by choosing an 8-year career as an International Flight Attendant.  This led me, in 1980, to my second career as a travel consultant, which allows me to use my first hand knowledge and extend my continued love of travel to the individualized and detailed itineraries I plan for my clients.  I bring travel dreams to reality, and would enjoy the opportunity of creating a personalized trip for you to your special destination.  Call on me, also, for family reunions or for genealogy tours if your group is seeking their roots and researching their heritage.  I’m very proud to be associated with Travel Shoppe, where the very latest technology and resources are at our disposal.  So for that special trip call me or email carol@shoppetravel.com.  I look forward to working with you.

Cherry Coles

Hi...I'm Cherry Coles ....stop no further all your travel wishes and needs will be accomplished at Travel Shoppe! I joined this wonderful team of travel agents 3 years ago and can truly say the agency well deserves its 2007 nomination as Fresno's best travel agency....we are definitely the best group of travel agents you will ever find!
 
I was born in London, England and have lived in Europe, Australia and USA and became a seasoned traveler from an early age, and after graduating joined a large international airline and continued my travels and career with them enjoying many exciting globe trotting years, visiting all corners of this wonderful world.    After leaving the airline the most natural progression was to become a travel agent and this has been my life for the past 20 years having been involved in all aspects of travel, corporate travel being my forte.   My greatest satisfaction is to give each client a wonderful memory of their trip, however big or small, and hope they return for me to add more photos and memories to their book of life.    Please email at cherryfcoles@comcast.net and I will be only to happy to assist!

Jim Klug

I’ve always dreamed of the South Pacific - even as a child, when I had no idea if I would ever be able to go.  My first visit was almost 20 years ago, going to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora - and it was love at first sight!
 
I love the enchanting tropical islands in the warm, clear blue waters with the colorful corals, tropical fish and other amazing life forms that fill the lagoons and ocean, as well as the wonderful, friendly people with their distinctive history and culture.  The diving, of course, is some of the best in the world!
 
A 20 plus year travel business veteran and Certified Tahiti and Fiji Specialist, I owned my own agencies for nearly 10 years and was an agent with a tour wholesaler for another 10 years – selling Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands and Vanuatu for most of that time.
 
I’ve been lucky to visit Tahiti and Fiji several times each, seeing most of the islands in each area and staying at several resorts and hotels, while touring many, many more. 
 
You absolutely should experience these wonderful areas – and I would love to work with you to plan the trip of a lifetime to any of these incredibly beautiful and magical places. 
 
Email me at jimklugtravel@earthlink.net to start planning YOUR South Pacific trip!

Kelly Rankin

I have worked in the travel industry for one year, and I have learned so much during that time. I have had the privilege of traveling all over North America and Europe. I spent a month traveling through Western Europe where I experienced so many different, beautiful cultures. I saw Big Ben and Parliament while on the London Eye, climbed to the top of the Swiss Alps in Lucerne, saw the infamous Red Light District in Amsterdam, experienced the Discotecas of Florence and Rome, laid on the beaches of Spain, and rode a camel in Morocco. North America has also left me with many fond memories such as the beautiful Butchart Gardens in Canada, strolling down the renowned Bourbon Street of New Orleans, learning American history in Boston, Washington DC and Gettysburg, but most importantly visiting the World Trade Center before 9/11. My best summers (and tans!) were spent in Maui and the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, which I hope to return to someday. It would be my pleasure in helping you create your travel experience, please let me know what I can do at kellyr@shoppetravel.com.