Our Experts and Their Recommendations
Trish Chandler is a Certified Vacation Consultant with over 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Trish received Travel Certification from the University of Northern Virginia and has been with MacNair Travel for over 15 years. As a cruise specialist, Trish is the one to call when you’re thinking of taking to the high seas. A personal love of cruising has led Trish to be extremely knowledgeable about different cruise lines, their ships, and ports of call. Trish is also a specialist for Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, and Great Britain. Honored in Travel & Leisure Magazine as a Top Travel Super-Agent for 5 years in a row, Trish Chandler will make your dream trips come true.
Trish's Recommendation
Dramatic Alaska. When a monumental chunk of ice splits off a glacier and crashes into the sea it sounds like an ear-splitting clap of thunder. As the ice plunges into the sea it sends plumes of water hundreds of feet into the air! You hold your breath as you catch the moment on film. Glacier Bay has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world. I guess you can tell that Alaska is one of my passions. If you would like to know more about my experiences there, please send me an email at tchandler@macnairtravel.com.
Diana Greer, Certified Travel Consultant at MacNair Travel and Cruises is a graduate of the University of Maryland with over 25 years experience in the travel industry. Diana has lived in a number of exotic places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Iceland. She is a Bermuda, Bahamas and United Kingdom Specialist. Diana also has experience in designing dream trips to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic as well as Riviera Maya in Mexico. Known for her meticulous client profiles, Diana delights in sharing her knowledge, carefully researching each detail to bring her clients the perfect dream vacation.
Diana's Recommendation
The unspoiled scenery of Punta Cana will leave you breathless. Forty miles of pearl-white sand beaches and First Class luxurious beach resort hotels line the eastern coast of this island. Punta Cana has put a priority on its ecological efforts. Vacationers can hike trails and view some of the native and rare species of animals and vegetation while the island's mineral springs offer a cool and refreshing refuge. The Dominican Republic is known for many things, but soon it will be known as one of the premier golf destinations in the Caribbean. I will be happy to work with you and design the perfect vacation to this unforgettable destination. Please email me at dgreer@macncairtravel.com.
Kathleen DiMeglio, Certified Travel Consultant at MacNair Travel & Cruises is a graduate of the University of Maryland and enthusiastic world traveler with over 26 years of experience in the travel industry. As a dedicated Dream Trip Designer, Kathleen's expertise is in luxury travel around the globe. She is a Certified Specialist for Ireland and Italy. Kathleen is a member of the National Italian American Foundation. Every client is in excellent hands because of her persistence and desire to put together a trip that will exceed her client's expectations.
Kathleen's Recommendation
Honeymoon in Italy ~American lovers just love a Roman holiday, the Amalfi Coast and Romantic Venice. I specialize in Italian Vacation packages for the flexibility that you want on your Honeymoon. As independent traveler to Italy, I can arrange private guides and private transfers so you will never have to travel with a group. I can offer you first class hotels in great locations that are city center. First Class trains with seat reservations will speed you in comfort between cities. I can also prearrange for museum tickets, dinner reservations, wine tours and cooking classes, spa treatments. Your Dream Honeymoon combined with all of these options will create a truly unique experience for both of you to cherish for the rest of your lives.
My featured hotel in Italy is the Mezzatorre Resort and Spa, located on the magical island of Ischia.
What a fabulous position this resort enjoys! High above the sea with a breathtaking view, it offers lots of open space, hiking paths through the gardens, outdoor dining (lunch is served by a splendid outdoor pool), tennis, a complete spa, even a helicopter pad - everything necessary to rejuvenate the soul and revitalize the spirit. Accommodations are in five buildings scattered on the 25-acre property and range from suites - Deluxe Tower Suites, Deluxe Open Plan Suites, Bungalow Family Suite, the Grand Suite and Junior Suites - with view of the sea to superior rooms in the 16th century tower. Spa facilities include two large indoor mineral pools offering the ultimate in hydrotherapy, a recently enlarged and well-equipped fitness center, and Finnish sauna, steam bath, and Vichy showers; there is even a medical doctor on staff. A beauty center with all services is also available. In 2007, the hotel hired a new Chef de Cuisine who came from the only Michelin Starred restaurant in Ischia, so look for great plates from this kitchen. With 60 staff, the hotel aims to provide the highest level of service in Ischia. A shuttle bus is available to take guests into the square in the center of town for shopping. Private boat excursions can be arranged for a fee. Rental cars are available on the island. Please email me at kdimeglio@macnairtravel.com.
Jacquelene Clark fell into the travel industry strictly by accident. Eleven years ago, she answered an ad for an administrative assistant. The job was with a company that chartered sailing yachts in Greece. Greece was her first major trip alone and it sealed the deal – this was HER profession. Her motto is, “Everyone needs something to look forward to.” She considers a vacation something EVERYONE should look forward to. She prides herself on knowledge about popular destinations, but she also loves “the hotel find."
Jacquie’s Recommendation
Anything in the Caribbean and Mexico, of course! I highly suggest my new “two-for-one” vacation. Start with the island of St. Martin. Because one side is French and the other side is Dutch, you’ll experience two different types of destinations on one island. The Dutch side offers casinos, shopping, nightlife and huge high rise hotels. I adore the French side with the smaller hotels, upscale shopping and excellent food. Anguilla has some of the most upscale resorts, finest restaurants, and incredible beaches in the world. Email Jacquelene at JClark@macnairtravel.com.
Born in Istanbul, Turkey and raised in Alexandria, Virginia – Deniz Artemel has appreciated the Art of Travel from a very young age. Traveling was part of her education – and being a part of two cultures allowed her to indulge in her curiosity of different places, cultures and countries. Her professional career began after college with a local travel agency – then further exploring the industry working for a tour operator…learning both sides of the business. After several years of a successful real estate career – she has returned to her first and true love - travel. With extensive travel throughout Europe, Turkey, the Caribbean, United States and beyond – Deniz loves discovering unusual and hip locations – and is excited to share her knowledge with her clients. As an agent, Deniz has finely tuned negotiation skills, the energy to find just the Dream Vacation for her clients and a wide knowledge of the ever changing industry.
Deniz’s Recommendation
Turkey (of course!)…it’s the ideal location for those interested in a country rich with civilizations of history – beautiful waterways, beaches and natural wonders – not to mention the famous hospitality and cuisine. Istanbul is the new chic Paris…with a renowned Jazz Festival each year, boutiques, first class dining, romantic Bosphorus…it should definitely be considered for a unique and cultural experience. Those that visit once, always go back! Email Deniz at DArtemel@macnairtravel.com.
Thomas Otto spent so much of his free time planning trips for family and friends he decided to make a career of it. With degrees in Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, and History, he loves exploring new places, getting to know all their nooks and crannies. With a passion for arts and culture he has traveled all over for operas, orchestras, art and architecture. But no matter where he goes, his favorite place to be is off the beaten path, pretending to be a local. For those who find themselves rushing through their travels, Thomas suggests slowing down with a book, a journal, or a sketch pad. Whether sitting on a rock overlooking the ocean, or sitting in a medieval cathedral, taking time out to read, write, or sketch can slow you down long enough to really appreciate the moment.
Thomas’ Recommendation
Australia! Whether you want action and adventure or peace and relaxation, this continent-sized country has something for everyone. Australia is like a fabulous parallel universe where things are familiar and exotic all at the same time. The flora and fauna are unlike anywhere else and the climate, while varied, is generally sunny. The people are some of the friendliest on the planet and the cuisine is fresh with local flair. While you are there you can snorkel or dive along the Great Barrier Reef, surf Bondi Beach, or cruise along the Great Ocean Road. You can visit one of Australia’s 60 different wine regions and some of the world’s best wineries, or hit bustling Sydney with its iconic Opera House on the harbor and its world-class shopping with an Aussie twist. And where else can you see Kangaroos, Koalas, and Wombats? You can bite off as much or as little as you want. Australia will not disappoint. Email Thomas at TOtto@macnairtravel.com.
