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- Maria (Ree) Lesher
Maria (Ree) Lesher
Portland, OR Travel Agent· 2 Years of Experience
In Search of Elsewhere Travel, an independent agent with Cornerstone Collective dba Cornerstone Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(16)
100% Recommended
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Iceland, Ireland, Caribbean, New Zealand, AustraliaInterests:
Beach Vacations, Bespoke Travel, Cruises, Bucket List, Car TravelSuppliers:
Cosmos, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, G Adventures, GlobusAbout Me
Cruise & Northern Europe Travel Specialist.
I specialize in thoughtfully planned cruise and land journeys, with a strong focus on Caribbean cruising and Northern Europe travel, including Ireland and Iceland. I help travelers find the right cruise line and itinerary for their travel style — whether that means relaxing sea days, immersive ports, or adventure-forward experiences.
For Ireland and Iceland, I design customized self-driving journeys, guided tours, and cruise-based itineraries, tailoring each trip to your pace, interests, and comfort level. My approach blends firsthand experience, careful planning, and a focus on value to create seamless, memorable travel experiences — whether you’re exploring independently or letting the journey unfold by sea.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Iceland, Ireland, Caribbean, New Zealand, AustraliaInterests:
Beach Vacations, Bespoke Travel, Cruises, Bucket List, Car TravelSuppliers:
Cosmos, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking, G Adventures, GlobusMy Travel Specialties
Cruise & Coastal Travel + Tailor-Made Journeys
▶Cruise & Coastal Travel + Tailor-Made Journeys
Hi there! I’m Ree Lesher, the travel-loving soul behind In Search of Elsewhere Travel—where I help turn wanderlust into reality.I may be a certified travel advisor, but my best training comes from getting out there and seeing the world myself. I’ve cruised the Nile in Egypt, road-tripped Iceland’...Read More ▶
Caribbean Cruise Specialist
▶Caribbean Cruise Specialist
The Caribbean has stolen my heart. I’ve traveled to more than 15 destinations throughout the region, including Cartagena, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and Barbados, and cruising is one of my favorite ways to experience it. The Caribbean is especially wonderful by cruise — it’s relaxed, colorful, and full ...Read More ▶
Iceland Travel Specialist
▶Iceland Travel Specialist
Iceland blew me away in all sorts of ways. Before visiting, I thought I knew what to expect—glaciers, waterfalls, maybe a quick soak in the Blue Lagoon. But standing there in person felt like stepping onto another planet. The Blue Lagoon wasn’t just turquoise; it was milky blue, steaming against ...Read More ▶
Ireland Travel Specialist
▶Ireland Travel Specialist
Ireland has always been part of my story. I grew up hearing my grandmother talk about leaving Ireland, and how when she arrived in New York, “the Big Lady” — the Statue of Liberty — was there to greet her. Those stories stayed with me long before I ever visited myself and shaped the way I thought...Read More ▶
REVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
16 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 16 reviews
A 100% positive experience !
Reviewed By Beja - Santa Monica/California | Traveled to Hungary | Europe
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who proved to be an excellent travel agent. My daughter and I were going to Hungary together, from where she later on was traveling to Croatia, then back to the U.S. Our journey was complicated because I needed a return ticket and my daughter needed multiple one-way tickets with seat reservations. She also needed a Flix- Bus ticket from Budapest to Split and I needed a rental car and a hotel reservation in Budapest. From the moment Ree took over the job everything seemed to work perfectly. Not only was she fast and efficient, she also took care of every details such as recommending us travel insurance, explaining the benefit of it. She has never left any of my questions unanswered and took the "or" out of the ordeal. She did her research and always came back with multiple options to choose from. When it was all done and settled , she sent us a link to "The Magic App" that had all our itinerary and documents in one place, that was so useful and easy to access.
Ree was there for us all the way through our journey as she promised. She sent us a link to "Viator" where we could search for excursion activities including discount codes. I can not thank Ree enough for making our trip a 100% positive experience.
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! This truly means a lot. I loved helping you with this trip, and I’m so glad everything came together smoothly. I’m thrilled the Magic App made things easier too. I’m always here when you’re ready for the next adventure! "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The best trip!!
Reviewed By Erin - OR | Traveled to Costa Rica | Central America
We loved our experience in Costa Rica. Ree helped us so much. Even after we came back she responded quickly to our questions and continued to give us information. Thank you Ree
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Simple and clear
Reviewed By Jen - Fort Lauderdale | Traveled to Florida | USA
Thank you for setting up our hotel and helping find the best location for us. It sure was helpful to have you advice and knowledge when there are many plans and decisions to make.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Care free Cruising!
Reviewed By Annette - San Diego CA | Traveled to Mexico
Ree helped me book a fabulous cruise along the Mexican Riviera. Seven days of care free, stress free fun. I didn’t have to lift a finger. Thanks Ree! You’re frickin’ awesome!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Super supportive planning
Reviewed By Kristen - Portland, OR | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
Ree was a great partner in planning our family trip to Australia and New Zealand. We started with a get-to-know-you phone call where she asked lots of good questions about our travel preferences and what we wanted to get out of this trip. She offered great suggestions to help us make the most of our travels, and kept us organized throughout. I was so grateful to work with her - this kind of trip has so many moving parts, and Ree helped us keep tabs on everything so we could relax and enjoy our time down under! I highly recommend her services and look forward to working with her again.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

Avalon Waterways Specialist

Cosmos Certified Specialist

Globus family of brands Specialist

NCL University - Master's Degree

Princess Commodore Certified

Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure

Seacademy - Gold Certification

Seacademy - Violet Certification

Viking Expeditions Expert

Viking Expert

Viking Oceans Expert

Viking Rivers Expert
My Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
My Photo Albums and Videos
Iceland
View Album
My Travel Stories
Client Testimonials
I had the most amazing experience...
I had the most amazing experience working with Ree with In Search of Elsewhere Travel. She is so knowledgeable and great with investigating. She helped plan two of my cruises recently. I gave her the parameters for my vacation , and she came back in just a few short days with great ideas, great itineraries, suggestions. She has vast knowledge of airlines, cruises and so much more. I am so glad I decided to use her and her expertise..
Toni S., Hillsboro, OR