Travel Shoppe: Staff

Travel Shoppe Staff:

I have been a professional Travel Advisor for over 27 years! I have seen the world of travel go through a lot of changes..... In 1992 I opened Travel Shoppe with 3 Travel Advisors and have seen my business grow to our present staff of 26.
My favorite travel destination would be without a doubt Italy!!! From famous monuments, fine cuisine, breathtaking views, rich culture, wine and history, Italy offers you so much to see and do. I am confident Travel Shoppe offers the most talented group in the Travel Industry and I am sure that as you get to work with them you will agree. We realize how important our clients are and will do whatever is necessary to earn your business. We take great pride in the level of service we provide and are sure we will be able to meet or exceed your expectations.
We also specialize in management of corporate travel... We are able to assist you in managing all your large or small corporate travel needs. Travel Shoppe will be able to help you save money on your travel budget and provide you with the highest level of service.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail Cheri@shoppetravel.com

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.

Joanie Bluhm

I have been a Travel Agent for 23 years and have worked with Travel Shoppe for 4 years. My favorite place to travel is anywhere that has a beach and a view of the ocean..
I have two dream destinations that I want to experience. The first is Tahiti, with beautiful turquoise water, miles of white sand beaches and Bali Hai one can truly enjoy paradise. My second dream destination would be Alaska. To experience the movement of glaciers as eagles soar by truly makes you in awe of this natural wonderland.
You can contact me at Joanie@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 came to the Travel Shoppe one year ago with an extensive background in the Hotel Industry. I have learned so much in this short year while having the time of my life.
My favorite places to visit are the exiting big cities of the world...New York, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Athens or Amsterdam.
My specialty is group travel. I would love to plan your next exciting adventure...email me at Rubina@shoppetravel.com and together we'll plan your trip of a lifetime.

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 two years now, but have been a travel agent here in Fresno for 20 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

Gloria Roman

Hello! I can't hardly believe I have been in the Industry for 19 yrs 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...

Moriah Turnbull

I have been a travel agent at heart beginning with my first trip to Europe when I was 16 years old. Right there and then I decided I wanted to be a travel agent. My parents tried to convince me other wise, since the money is not the greatest and the benefits suck (such as insurance, 401ks, pensions, etc), so I decided to marry a hard working man to support me and do what I love to do.
So here I am 25 years later doing my continued dream job! Honestly I’ve been in the business since 1992, but serious about it since 2001 after our girls grew up and left home. My clients considered me the traveling travel agent, since I book myself somewhere every month, what a life! I can’t help it I’m addicted to travel. What I try to sell my clients is my passion for travel. I truly believe it makes you a better person, more tolerable, appreciative, and widens out your perspective of people and cultures. I always strive to give my clients the best service at the best price. I’m not afraid to tell them to book it elsewhere if it means the same service at a better price. I’ve built my business purely on referrals and love the continued pat on the back when someone says ‘so and so has recommended’ me. By the way I Hablo Espanol!
Please feel free to call or e-mail me at moriah@moriahstravel.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

My immense love for travel and appreciation of the varied cultures found throughout the world were the inspiration for my decision to become a travel agent over 14 years ago. Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable experience in numerous aspects of travel, including corporate bookings, large and small group arrangements, as well as organizing and planning family dream vacations, be it 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. In fact I have just become a Specialist for Princess Cruises. This adds to my list of other special classes I have taken. I am also a Destination Specialist for the Caribbean, Hawaii, Central and South America, and Alaska.
I have been at Travel Shoppe for over a year and it has been an exciting transition for me. I look forward to the opportunity of assisting you with your travel arrangements for that special trip and the memories that will last forever. Please contact me at julia@shoppetravel.com.

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!