Shelly Baron

When I took early retirement from the corporate world, I had already traveled the globe with my husband, so I decided to turn my passion for travel into my next career. My own travels had taught me the value of a good travel agent, and I knew I had the detail- and service-oriented personality and breadth of experience to organize exceptional journeys.

I worked at Liberty Travel for about ten years. Then, I decided to move to an agency that would support the value-added amenities, pricing, and upgrades and VIP experiences that my luxury clients appreciate. I interviewed with several companies before joining Protravel International in 2006, and my clients and I have been happy ever since.

As my client, you will benefit from working with someone who has been to the places you are considering and knows them first-hand. I’ve been to practically every country in Europe, and South America. My travels have taken me to bucket list destinations from Japan and China to the Galapagos, and I have cruised with almost every major cruise line. Plus, I usually have stayed at the hotels that I recommend.  

Travel planning is not about me, though. It is about you, and if you trust me to plan your trip, you’ll find I ask a lot of questions before I start making suggestions. I want to know about you as a person, where you have been and what you’ve enjoyed on previous trips. That way, I can plan a trip and know you will be happy. 

For example, one couple came and asked me to plan a trip to Italy. It was our first time working together, and based on their culinary interests, I suggested some private cooking classes and wonderful behind-the-scenes foodie experiences that they loved. 

Another couple asked me to send them to Africa. It’s a huge continent, and since they were not sure what they wanted, I began throwing out options. The result was a trip to South Africa tailored to their interests. We included a few different safari experiences. Since they love to parachute, I arranged for them to fly off a mountain with a trusted operation in Cape Town. Another of their shared interests was wine, so I set up special private wine tastings in two of South Africa’s wine regions. 

Wherever you go, I’m there for you throughout your vacation. I know if your flights are delayed or when weather or other situations are brewing. And if there is a problem, I become the energizer bunny, so you can relax and know I will handle whatever arises. For example, I had clients in Hawaii whose itinerary was impacted by the volcanic fog. I rearranged all their fights and hotels on the spot. 

From the time you start planning until you return home, I work to ensure that your travel adventures will be all you dream of and more. As one of my long-time clients recently wrote: “When you plan my trip, I know that you’ll have thought of and taken care of every detail and that all I have to do is delight in it all.