My early days in the travel business proved to set the tempo for an exciting and rewarding career: After working as a flight attendant, I developed Braniff Airline’s renowned Reservations Tour Department. Then, when I joined Great Getaways in Leawood, Kansas in 1993, my love of matching people with the perfect destination had become a true passion.

While I like Central and Eastern Europe, cruises, decadent spa getaways, Italy, France and Mexico, my absolute favorite warm weather destination is Hawaii. I’ve vacationed there almost 45 times, and was married in the Islands. Over the years I’ve sent countless couples, families and individuals to the world’s most energizing, refreshing and breathtaking haven. In addition to a rich cultural heritage that always delights visitors, Hawaii offers unparalleled scenery, one-of-a kind adventure, fresh ethnic cuisine and world-class hotels and resorts.

Because of my intimate knowledge of Hawaii -- coupled with Great Getaways’ Virtuoso designation -- I’m able to offer clients the crème de la crème. Whether it’s a Hawaiian family spring break, generational trip, romantic wedding and honeymoon or simple getaway to paradise on Earth, I can create an experiential vacation to match your dreams.

I was honored to be selected by Condé Nast Traveler in 2000 as one of the world’s Top 100 Travel Specialists, and have received this coveted industry award every year since! My clients -- from all parts of the world -- depend on my attention to detail, creative planning and above all – enthusiasm! The choices of travel are limitless, exhilarating and fascinating – it’s my primary job to make each and every client have a “wow” experience.

Let’s face it: Cookie-cutter vacations are great … if you’re a cookie cutter. I take great care in collaborating with my clients’ desires, and taking them to the highest level of perfection: In short, I deliver the luxury of experience.

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Northeast Region
Ronnie Liadis, CTC
Liadis Travel, Ltd.

When I graduated from college I told my mother I would work in her travel agency for one summer and then I would get a real job. That was 26 years ago, now as President of Liadis Travel I can’t imagine any other job being more rewarding or exciting.

My clients tell me that my love for Greece is contagious. What’s not to love when you are talking about a country full of ancient sites, beautiful resorts built into cliffs overlooking the sea and breathtaking private coves of powdery white sand? Being from a Greek family, I know the islands and mainland of Greece as well as the customs, traditions and cuisine.

One of my favorite islands is the island of Zakynthos. The secluded beaches, accessible only by boat, should not be missed. The accommodations range from a private villa on the Ionian Sea to deluxe hotel rooms with private pools.

One of the greatest compliments paid to me during my many years in retail travel has been my inclusion on Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s list of “Top Travel Specialist”. I have been named in the magazine for the past 4 years for my specialty in travel to Greece.

I have arranged custom vacations for honeymoons, family reunions and everything in between. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a remote beach, visiting ancient sites or chartering a yacht – I can do it all.

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Southeast Region
Stacy Small
Travel Experts

After 15 years of covering luxury travel for national trade and consumer magazines, including Elite Traveler, Stacy Small launched her own home-based luxury boutique travel firm called Elite Travel International. An affiliate of Raleigh, NC-based Travel Experts, Elite Travel International specializes in customizing high-end honeymoons, romantic getaways, family vacations and special occasion vacations to warm-weather destinations worldwide.

Based in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, Stacy Small has always preferred warm weather to cold. The same is true, she finds, for many of her clients, who contact her regularly to arrange luxury vacations in “hot” spots — literally — around the world. Small has spent countless hours personally inspecting top hotels worldwide, and has firsthand knowledge of most of the destinations she recommends to clients seeking warm-weather getaways, including islands throughout the Caribbean and Hawaii, both coasts of Mexico, California, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Additionally, she specializes in planning summer vacations to Europe — where warm weather is a given throughout Italy, the Greek Islands, Spain, Turkey, the French Riviera, and the coast of Portugal. She is a strong proponent of luxury cruising as a way to enjoy multiple warm-weather destinations in one vacation and enjoys matching clients with the right type of vacation for their unique needs, be it a week at a quiet and peaceful luxury resort on the beach, a 12-day luxury cruise or a kid-free vacation at a destination spa.

In 2006, Small was named “National Woman of the Year” by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after raising $85,000 through her unique Trips for Cancer campaign. In 2007, she re-launched the innovative campaign based on her mission to combine luxury travel with charitable giving, and raised over $90,000 for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

From the California to the Amalfi Coast and all the Hot spots in-between, Stacy’s intimate knowledge of destinations, cruise lines and hotels are sure to make your vacation one you will never forget.

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Central/Canada Region
Valerie Songergeld
Central Travel

A veteran of the travel industry, Valerie has been with Central Travel for 33 years. As you might expect, she has traveled the world, but her specialties and interests lie in the Caribbean. She has experienced all the major islands of the Caribbean at least once. Valerie is a Certified Travel Consultant, a Certified Sandals Specialist, an Aruba Specialist and has attended the American Airlines Caribbean Travel Mart that takes place in San Juan each year.

A few of her favorites include; Hawaii - America’s jewel of the Pacific with diverse culture and an incredible beauty, Jamaica – with great all-inclusive properties for couples only such as Sandals or Couples, Mexico - with Cancun being one of the most popular choices for honeymoon/weddings and romantic resorts to choose from such as Palace Resorts, and El Dorado Royale, Costa Rica - with a variety of sightseeing excursions offered for the soft adventure such as, hiking, water-water rafting, hot springs and canopy tours and The British Virgin Islands - "Natures Little Secret" with is a beach to suit every mood.

Valerie has experienced all the major cruise lines in the Caribbean, as well as many that service the European waterways. In addition to her personal cruise experience, she has also received the designation of Princess Expert with Princess Cruise Lines.

Her most recent visit to the Caribbean was to Jamaica (the 12th visit). Valerie stayed at Royal Plantation, located in Ocho Rios, set on two flawless white sand beaches

As a Lifestyle Specialist (LS) for honeymoons and destination weddings, Valerie has the expertise to make these experiences the best. She has helped couples plan weddings, renewal of vows and romantic getaways in The Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii.

Her personal travel experience will make your next warm weather get away the best!

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Maximize your Travel Experience
Our featured specialists are five of over 6,000 agents in the Virtuoso network, all specializing in different destinations, cruise lines, hotels, resorts and other travel opportunities. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you get the most out of your next getaway. What if the cruise you wanted isn't available? Virtuoso travel specialists don’t just say "No," they provide you with other options. Virtuoso agents, know your time is valuable and respected. When you call our Virtuoso Consumer Liaisons, they will find the specialist who is right for you.

If you would like Judi, Stacy, Valerie or Ronnie to plan your next warm weather escape or would like to find a specialist to orchestrate your travel dreams, contact a Virtuoso Consumer Liaison and we’ll put you in touch with a specialist! Please call us toll-free at 1-866-401-7974 or send an email to travel@virtuoso.com

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