TRAVEL ADVISORS
Harold Panel
Travel Advisor
My career in the travel industry began with Eastern Airlines and continued with my entry into the travel agency business. With almost 50 years in the industry I use my knowledge and experience to insure that each client receives the value they deserve and expect with each trip they take. I have had many wonderful personal travel experiences and arranged travel for clients to destinations around the globe. My work is exciting, interesting and fullfilling. I look forward to each work day always anticipating what destinations I'll be researching for my clients. I realize that each trip is an investment in your quality of life. I realize that you are committing time and financial resources and my goal is to maximize the experiences for your expenditure.
Destinations:
Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, Bermuda, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Russia, Puerto Rico, Mexico
Interests:
Air Travel, Escorted Tours, Independent Tours, Ocean Cruising, River Cruising
Logan Persons
Travel Advisor
I have been loved selling travel to all my wonderful customers for over 25 years. Nothing makes me happier than a client returning from a trip with the best memories.
Destinations:
United States-All, Ireland, United Kingdom, Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, France, Italy, Jamaica, Vatican City
Susan Zuffelato
Travel Advisor
I am a Travel Agent that specializes in Business Travel. I also do Vacation Travel, and enjoy Honeymoons, Family Vacations, Cruises etc. I enjoy booking the Honeymoons for the children of my Business Clients. Its exciting to plan their Honeymoon after years of booking their High School Graduation trips. I have had the same clientele for over 25 years and I am known to have excellent customer service.
Destinations:
Ireland, United Kingdom, Cayman Islands, Italy, Mexico
Interests:
Beach & Sun, Family Travel, Food & Wine, Honeymoons, Hotels
Jane Howard
Travel Advisor
My love for travel began in the late 60's with a family trip to Mexico. In college, I traveled to Europe and knew I wanted a career in the travel industry. I began selling travel in 1981 and enjoyed 19 years of travel consulting and agency management. I was an independent travel consultant with Travel Experts when I retired in 1999. From 1999 until 2015, I continued to plan occasional group trips. In 2015, I renewed by relationship with Travel Experts and am primarily arranging international group travel
John Grannan
Travel Advisor
I have been selling travel as a professional travel agent since 1983. I was partner in a brick and mortar agency for 16 years prior to going out on my own and have never looked back. I love my profession and am totally committed to helping my clients make their travel dreams and goals reality. Travel is life changing and life affirming. What a wonderful way to make a living!
Destinations:
United Kingdom, Argentina, Belize, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Austria, Mexico
Interests:
Adventure, Food & Wine, Culture, History & Arts, Air Travel, Independent Tours
Eileen Anderson
Travel Advisor
Looking for an energetic adventure, health/wellness experience, cultural immersion, or quiet retreat?
I enjoy customizing upscale individual trips by client preference, including river and ocean cruises, romantic honeymoon/anniversary trips and African safaris.
My professional certifications include Viking Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Western Europe Destinations and Ireland Specialist.
Numerous travel adventures have taken me to Europe, India, South Africa, Uganda, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and throughout the Caribbean and Canada.
I keep clients informed of travel trends and desirable destinations through quarterly newsletters, my travel blog and via Instagram.
On every trip, I seek out reliable local guides who provide me with valuable support and assistance for clients' future visits.
Developing long term relationships with clients is my ultimate goal, many of whom have become treasured friends.
My favorite trip? Your next one!
Destinations:
Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, Aruba, France, Iceland, India, Italy, Austria, Cuba
Interests:
Adventure, Food & Wine, Safari, Independent Tours, River Cruising
Elaine Smith
Travel Advisor
Travel has been my life and is my passion!
I have spent the last 30+ years in the travel industry and as a result I am often asked, "What is your favorite place?" I find it difficult to name only one!
My travels have taken me to so many wonderful and different destinations, from cruising on some of the best cruise lines on the high seas to experiencing fine dining in the best restaurants around the world.
While enjoying these experiences for myself, my clients are never far from my thoughts as I'm constantly evaluating these experiences and thinking of ways to tailor them to create memories of a lifetime.
Destinations:
Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Bermuda, Costa Rica, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, United States-California, United States-Hawaii, United States-Southeast
Interests:
Food & Wine, Honeymoons, Independent Tours, Ocean Cruising, River Cruising
Vivian Taylor
Travel Advisor
I became a travel agent because I want to bring the joy of travel to people's lives and help change the world, one trip at a time. I have a special interest in elephants and am an avid endangered species advocate. I also collect wine and enjoy entertaining.
Interests:
Food & Wine, Culture, History & Arts, Air Travel, Hotels
Cornelia Crawford
Travel Advisor
I have always loved to travel, so in 1999 I decided to incorporate my love of travel into a job. I started with small trips and I slowly built up a luxury clientele where I specialize in unique one of a kind trips all over the world. I meet with my client's and we pick a country, then we discuss what they want to see and do while they are traveling. I then plan the trip for them and from the time they leave their home until they return, everything is taken care of. I book their flights, hotels, transfers, tours, even restaurant reservations and unique one of a kind experiences depending on their personal interests.
I also specialize in travel to Africa , honeymoons, cruises and family vacations.
I travel as much as I can to actually experience the countries and culture, so I can plan the perfect trip for my clients.
Interests:
Beach & Sun, Honeymoons, Safari, Independent Tours, Ocean Cruising
Becky Hayes
Travel Advisor
I have been so fortunate to have had many “trips of a lifetime.” From trekking in the Himalayas, to cross country skiing near the Arctic Circle, to snorkeling in the Caribbean, my passion for travel has led the way. I have watched the sun rise over the temples of Angkor Watt in Cambodia and the sun set over ancient Etruscan walls in Tuscany. I’ve sipped wine in Parisian cafés and tea in Istanbul’s Spice Market. I’ve barged in Burgundy, been on safari in Africa, and climbed the ruins of Machu Picchu. Each destination was captivating and made up of the most wonderful people and cultures. Although my quest is not over, now as an independent travel consultant my desire is to put that firsthand knowledge to work for those who likewise relish all that traveling has to offer.
When I decided to strike out on my own in 2007, I chose to partner with Travel Experts, a host travel agency also located in Raleigh. One of the most important benefits of our partnership is having direct access to Virtuoso, the industry’s leading network for leisure travel. As a member of Virtuoso, I can tap into exclusive products, services, and worldwide contacts that allow me to offer my clients a higher level of travel experiences. As a Virtuoso traveler, you are recognized as one of the most prestigious guests in the world!
So now that you know a little bit about me, let me learn about you and what type of travel experience you are looking for. The opportunities are truly endless so let’s design that perfect journey together.
JoBeth Corsi
Travel Advisor
I enjoy putting together itineraries that spell adventure, beach time, family, romance or celebration! This may be Australia/New Zealand to you, or London/Scotland/Ireland, or a cruise to Alaska (the last frontier), a getaway island in the Caribbean or Fiji, or Hawaii or Dubai. I am a Sandals Specialist and I really enjoy meeting couples that are starting their life together on their honeymoon. I always provide a wedding gift to honeymooners that book their honeymoon with me. Our daughter got married this past year and I can definitely relate to couples that have just gotten married. I am learning about the rivers of the world and I would love the opportunity to book your trip! I also book airfare. I am a corporate agent by heart. I have always enjoyed taking care of my corporate clients when they travel. They know they can count on me to be there when they call and to help them out of their flights are cancelled, etc. I have access to preferred seats with multiple airlines and access to sales staff when problems arise. My clients rely on my expertise and I am their ambassador/adviser when traveling. Our son, Chad, is now working with me part-time. It's a family business! We look forward to working with you to make your dream trip come true. Give me a call or send me an email. We look forward to meeting you!
Shirley Deifer
Travel Advisor
Travel is my passion!
Making your "Dreams Come True" is my goal
The travel bug bit me long before I entered the travel world professionally. With 35+ years of personal travel experiences traveling to domestic and international destinations, participating in destination specialist programs, attending educational seminars, and visiting resorts and cruise ships for onsite inspections , I have gained a wealth of knowledge to share with you when planning your "trip of a lifetime!"
Using my resources, such as Virtuoso, I have established personal working relationship with many vendors giving me the opportunity to offer you some special amenities.
Staying up-to-date with the ever changing travel industry is a top priority for me. These are the tools I use to provide the best customer service to my clients!
Sandra Williams
Travel Advisor
Every client is unique and I tailor fabulous adventures and vacations to satisfy each traveler's needs and desires by creating memories for a lifetime.
I can suggest a small country inn in the Tuscan countryside, or a quaint local trattoria, you won't find in a guide book. I have developed lasting relationships with many of my clients, based on my dedication for excellent service.
With over 48 years in the travel industry, living in Italy and Hawaii for numerous years, I have gained knowledge, experience and destination expertise to insure that each client receives the value they deserve for each trip they take. My travel knowledge comes from extensive personal travel to a wide range of destinations. With a passion for arranging detailed travel for my clients I specialize in luxury arrangements with an emphasis on cruises and customized itineraries.
As a preferred agent of the Italian Tourism Board I am invited to return to Italy each year to stay abreast of current travel trends. As a graduate of the Hawaii Travel Academy, I am well versed in itinerary planning to visit all the Islands.
My affiliation with Virtuoso provides me with worldwide connections, product, and destination expertise. I have personal relationships with the world's most respected cruise, tour and hotel representatives.
My husband and I are accredited Virtuoso Voyages hosts. As a Virtuoso traveler, you will be traveling as a member of the most prestigious and established travel network in the world.
Patti Pake
Travel Advisor
I was born to work in the travel Industry!
As the daughter of a career Air Force officer I came naturally to globetrotting. My travels began with my birth in Vienna, Austria, I graduated from high school in Japan and taught school for 4 years in Athens, Greece. About 30 years ago I decided to turn my passion into a career.
Since becoming a travel expert I have visited over 100 countries and taken numerous continuing education courses for destination specialization. My proudest achievement was being selected as 1 of 100 agents to be recognized by Australia tourism as a "Premier Aussie Specialist".
I credit my success to my relationships with my clients. Their numerous referrals confirms my high level of service and expertise.

My goal for YOU is to match your budget to your dream vacation. I look forward to the opportunity!
Gayle Smith
Travel Advisor
As the wife of a chief medical officer — who has been in the healthcare industry for more than a decade — I’ve seen first hand the kind of stress healthcare leaders and professionals are put under constantly. We lived it. I have watched as my husband has been paged and called back to the hospital, even if it was his day off.
Whether you’re a member of your hospital’s C-Suite or a healthcare practitioner on the front lines, I bet you can relate to always feeling “on” for work. After a devastating illness and a long recovery, we realized something had to change. On a whim, I booked us a trip to Hawaii. The change in my husband was remarkable. He relaxed. The importance of taking time to recharge, reconnect and relax cannot be overstated.
I have planned our trips to England, China, Peru, Italy, Hawaii, Canada, and all over the U.S. And now, I help other stressed-out and over-worked healthcare executives and providers do the same. I’d love to create that space of self-discovery and reconnection for you.
I invite you to schedule your complimentary consultation call to discover how Prescription Travel can design the perfect travel experience, just for you.
Destinations:
United Kingdom, Central African Republic, China, Egypt, France, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Turks And Caicos Islands, Vatican City, United States - Hawaii
Interests:
Beach & Sun, Culture, History & Arts, Safari, Escorted Tours, River Cruising
Margie Schwartz
Travel Advisor
I've been a travel agent since 1995 & am thoroughly enjoying the experience!
I've traveled to many wonderful destinations that I can revisit vicariously through my clients!!!
Some of my favorite vacations have been Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Spain, Germany,England,Austria, France, Italy, Majorca, Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico & various wonderful places in the US.
For land based or cruise travel, I will give you a vacation to remember!!
Sharon Andrade
Travel Advisor
I am an expert in crafting upscale vacations that allow you to relax and enjoy the finer nuances of any destination. I am trusted to design exciting adventures for my clients, some of which have worked with me for over 30 years. I have been fortunate to assist with the exploration of the world in many forms: relaxing vacations, honeymoons, family trips, and most importantly, bucket list adventures! Discovering what interests each client and incorporating those elements into their adventure is very important to me as I organize their worldwide journeys. I believe it is essential to understand what is important to each traveler in terms of accommodations, sightseeing, and interests in order to tailor their trip to match what they envision.
I am a proud Virtuoso advisor, which allows me to provide my guests with exclusive access, benefits, and frequent complimentary upgrades not accessible to the general public. Through my Virtuoso affiliation, I have a network of global contacts that I work with to make sure that my clients have the finest private sightseeing as well as suggestions for the best restaurant or other accommodations that serve their personal passions. I have hosted many Virtuoso Voyages and I am able to share those experiences with my clients.
I believe in the importance of continuing education through coursework, certifications, and travel. I consistently network with suppliers that cater to my client's interests in order to broaden my knowledge of products, places, and services.
Due to my personal travel and industry expertise, I have been published in Virtuoso’s ‘Best of the Best’ publication and other travel broadcasts.
The three things I love most about my profession are exploring the world and having new experiences, sharing those insights with my clients so I can curate a trip to make their dream vision a reality, and my personal favorite part, hearing about their trip when they return from their adventure.
I am an Accredited Cruise Counselor from the Cruise Lines International Association with specialist status on most cruise lines. I am a destination specialist for the Caribbean, Western Europe, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Walt Disney Vacations, Four Seasons, Belmond, Ritz Carlton, Sandals/Beaches, and snow skiing. I have worked with clients to plan around the world private jet tours and have had a lucky few who have visited all 7 continents!
Travel Experience: The majority of European countries, many countries in Africa, China, Russia, Mexico, Costa Rica, 95% of the Caribbean islands, most of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada. I am very knowledgeable about ski destinations in the US and Canada in addition to golf in the US and Caribbean.
Cruise Experience: Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, Windstar, Holland America, Disney, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Uniworld.
Destinations:
Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Botswana, China, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Kenya, Norway, South Africa, Spain
Richard Muller
Travel Advisor
I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and attended Lycoming College where I earned a BA in English and History. After graduation from college, I studied in Graz, Austria, and became hooked on travel. I spent thirty-four years teaching English, primarily British Literature and writing, at Henderson High School.
I entered the world of travel in 1967 when I planned a trip for friends. Since then I have taken thousands of my students, their parents and families all over the world. As an avid sports fan, I also have specialized in dealing with sports travel. I have arranged international tournaments in Australia, Europe, Canada, and the USA for elite youth soccer clubs {FC Delco) and for universities {Johns Hopkins University].
My passion lies in unraveling the mysteries of the world to anyone who wishes to open their minds and hearts to the similarities we all share as human beings.
Dee Dyer
Travel Advisor
Dee grew up in a family that loved to travel. After visiting all of the states in the US and many provinces in Canada, In her post graduate work Dee decided to spend two months studying European couture and fabric design in seven different European countries. When she married she continued to involve her husband and children in her passion for travel and to learn about the geography and cultures of other parts of the world. We have taken trips from Australia to Russia with many visits between the two. Dee planned many trips for her family and friends to the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, New Zealand, Greece and Costa Rica. Those who have traveled with Dee suggested she uses her knowledge and passion for travel to help others. Dee is a sustaining member of the Memphis Junior League and is very active in her church and in civic affairs. Assisting other to experience their dream vacations has been very rewarding.
One thing I really love doing – creating memorable travel experiences for my clients. Give me a call.
Destinations:
United States-All, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy
Interests:
Family Travel, Food & Wine, Culture, History & Arts, Ocean Cruising, River Cruising
Andrea Ryder
Travel Advisor
I have been in the travel industry literally my entire career, over 35 years! Ensuring my clients have that trip of a lifetime is my goal. I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing than travelling to a new destination so when I return I can share the experience with my clients.
I have been fortunate enough over the years to travel all over the world and experienced the best resorts, cruise lines and destinations. Of course I do have my favorites including; Bali, Tahiti, London (I lived there for 2 years), Italy, Hawaii, the Maldives, the Caribbean and Mexico.
A number of my clients (and my husband!) love luxury cruising and we have hosted a number of "Virtuoso Voyages" sailings on many of the luxury cruise lines.
The long-term relationships I build with my clients mean the world to me. I’d love to help you plan your next trip of a lifetime somewhere in the world that you will never forget!
Destinations:
United States-All, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Peru, Spain, Mexico
Interests:
Family Travel, Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, Spa Vacations, Ocean Cruising
Martha Hajdin
Travel Advisor
I'm a travel professional with over 35 years of experience. After receiving my B.S. in Business Administration, I received certification in travel and began my career in this exciting industry. My focus is on you, my client and what is in your best interest. My reputation is only as good as your last vacation so I do my best to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
My travels have taken me to Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Mexico, many of the Caribbean islands, and of course from sea to shining sea in the United States. I love helping people to plan their vacations and love to hear of their adventures. I've been helping some of my clients plan their travels my entire career. Their continued patronage means the most to me.
As a born and raised North Carolinian, I make every effort to ensure you experience Southern hospitality at its finest.
Destinations:
Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, United States-Alaska, United States-Hawaii
Interests:
Escorted Tours, Independent Tours, Ocean Cruising, River Cruising
Christopher Koch
Travel Advisor
Talk about wonderful careers -- I work in partnership with my clients to help them accomplish their once in a lifetime travel dreams and goals -- many times sharing the experience with them!
As a UCLA graduate, my first career emphasized law administration and financial advising. In 2004, my wife, children and I traded the rat race of Los Angeles for the greener pastures of North Carolina which allowed me to pursue my dream of working in the travel industry. Now that we've recently relocated across the pond to the heart of London (United Kingdom) we've expanded to a truly global platform.
One of the ways I capture my client's dreams to ask them how they envision their perfect vacation and help me picture what they see. It's your final night's dinner and you're reflecting back on this fantastic trip -- what are you thinking and feeling? What are the moments, memories, and experiences you're longing for? Let's talk through those and we'll design a trip to make sure they happen.
Experiences are the most tangible thing we leave to the next generation, and travel is a primary source of experiences. Let's work together to make sure your vacation is the best it can possibly be.
Destinations:
United States-All, Chile, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Turkey
Interests:
Adventure, Culture, History & Arts, Safari, Escorted Tours, Independent Tours
Linda Bailey
Travel Advisor
Travel has been my life and is my passion! I have spent close to 25 years in the travel industry and as a result I am often asked, “What is your favorite place?” I find it difficult to name only one. My travels have taken me to so many wonderful and different destinations, from cruising on some of the best cruise lines on the high seas to experiencing fine dining in the best restaurants around the world. While enjoying these experiences for myself, my clients are never far from my thoughts as I’m constantly evaluating these experiences and thinking of ways to tailor them to create memories of a lifetime. Over the years, I have been afforded the opportunity to form relationships with many industry representatives which in turn provides me with even more opportunities to visit incredible destinations, and to extend additional amenities to my clients during their travels. This has only helped to increase my knowledge of the best destinations in the world! My experience in the travel industry has taught me that developing meaningful relationships with my clients is paramount to creating their experiences of a lifetime because it allows me to provide personalized service where no detail is overlooked.
Destinations:
Italy, South Africa, France, Greece, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, United States – All, Australia, Argentina, Chile
Interests:
Adventure, Food & Wine, Honeymoons, Safari, Independent Tours
