Mary Shaw

I specialize in arranging custom luxury travel to Australia, New Zealand, and Europe and in matching clients with world-class, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. I’ve been a travel agent in Cincinnati, OH since 1979, so I have a depth of knowledge that enables me to provide the superb experiences my clients are seeking.

Not all Caribbean resorts are created alike. I have visited and sent clients to many all-inclusives, so I’m extremely knowledgeable about the quality of accommodations and service that exist in the various locations. I help clients find resorts that provide superlative accommodations and cater to their particular needs and interests—whether that is simply relaxing on gorgeous beaches, hiking to Mayan Ruins, or swimming with dolphins.  These properties range from family-friendly to adult only, all offering upscale, adult-oriented activities, truly sumptuous dining, full-service spas, and gorgeous furnishings and décor.

I’ve planned countless custom vacations to Europe and Australia/New Zealand. One of my favorites was an Australian tour that included both highlights and exclusive, lesser-known gems. My clients spent time in the exciting cosmopolitan city of Sydney, explored the Outback near Ayers Rock, and snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef.  They also trekked through interior rainforests and stayed on some truly special islands off the coast, where they were treated to spacious, pristine private beaches and luxe accommodations.  

Another fabulous custom trip I created was a Paris/Italy combination. Spending two nights in Paris, my clients took a hop-on-hop-off tour of the city and ate dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant, later viewing the lights of the city from the top. They flew to Naples and were picked up by a driver/guide, who gave them a private tour of Pompeii and then took them to Positano, where they stayed at a hotel with beautiful, Moorish architecture that was set into the cliffs overlooking the sea. They were given a private tour of Capri, including the famed Blue Grotto, and then moved on to a secluded villa in Tuscany, where they visited wine estates and participated in cooking classes. They raved about the scenery of the area, with its gently rolling hills, lush vineyards, and quaint villages. Their trip ended in Rome, with a night at a luxury boutique hotel that was within walking distance of the Pantheon; their room even had a gorgeous view of the ancient landmark! 

My many years in the travel industry give me a level of expertise that allows me to put together a myriad of little details to create a custom experience that not only meets your expectations—it far surpasses them!  

I love to travel, so I’ve been to many of the places where I send my clients; and I’ve probably experienced just about every kind of problem you could possible encounter while traveling.  Clients say that they appreciate the calm confidence I display when they are having difficulty and my ability to quickly and efficiently help them deal with situations like lost luggage and missed connections.  

Knowing how it feels to be in the customers’ shoes makes me want to go above and beyond when planning your vacation. I strive for perfection in all the arrangements—perfection from your point of view, not from mine. I’m extremely meticulous, and I genuinely care about my clients’ experience; down to the last detail I want it to be everything you want it to be—and more. I want you to be excited about your travel the entire time. And I treat your money like it’s my own; so you will be able to relax and enjoy your vacation because you know that you’re getting the best value for your money—whether your budget is $500 or $50,000. 

One of the biggest assets I have to offer clients is my ability to listen. When I ask a question that makes you pause, I don’t jump in; I wait for you to process it and formulate a thoughtful answer. Asking the right questions and listening to your answers allows me to hear information that is crucial to planning your ideal vacation. Another quality that helps me plan your best vacation is my ability to make you feel comfortable—whether I’m speaking with you on the phone or in person. I know that when I’m going to spend a lot of money on a particular item, I’m nervous, which might prohibit clients from relaxing enough to really articulate their needs and wants regarding a vacation. So I really try to make you feel comfortable by proving myself worthy of your trust. 

In our world today, careers are ever changing and no one stays in the same place. But I’ve been doing this job since 1979, and I love it. I’m good at my job; I really value people’s opinions of me after they deal with me. I want them to have a good experience, start to finish.  For me, it’s not a one-time vacation or a one-time contact; I want to establish a relationship with the people I serve.