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Debra Shapiro
Debra Shapiro

Debra Shapiro

Plymouth, MA Travel Agent

Stardust Journeys Travel

15 Reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Travel Expert with an eye on the world!

Meet Deb Shapiro, Founder of Stardust Journeys and Paws From Afar. Deb is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and a seasoned travel advisor with over 20 years of experience in the events and travel industry. As the founder of Stardust Journeys and Paws From Afar, Deb seamlessly blends her love for exploration with her commitment to helping animals in need, creating a unique travel experience that allows adventurers to make a positive impact on the world while enjoying unforgettable journeys.Throughout her extensive career, Deb has faced and overcome numerous challenges, always striving to provide the best possible service to her clients. Her innovative approach to travel includes integrating visits to local animal sanctuaries and shelters into customized itineraries, ensuring that every trip is not only enjoyable but also meaningful.

Deb's dedication to animal rescue is evident through her work with Paws From Afar, where she rescues dogs from Alabama and Texas, giving them a chance at a better life. Her own rescue dogs, Pietsal with the best underbite, Love the tripawd, and Izzy the blind wonder dog, play an integral role in her life and even make appearances during Zoom calls.With a firm belief in the power of giving back, Deb has established the 'Travel for Good' program at Stardust Journeys. This initiative donates a portion of travel bookings to animal rescues, making a tangible difference in the lives of animals around the world. Deb's passion for travel and animal welfare shines through in every aspect of her work, making her a trusted advisor and an inspiration to those who share her love for animals and adventure. Embark on a journey with purpose with Deb Shapiro and discover how travel can be a force for good.

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Italy
Bulgaria
Eastern Europe
Ireland
France
Croatia
Germany
Malta
Spain

Interests:

Animals & Wildlife
Bespoke Travel
Escorted Tours
Luxury
Holiday Travel
LGBTQ+ Honeymoons & Destination Weddings
Luxury Cruises
Global Travel
Small Ship Cruises
National Parks
River Cruises

Suppliers:

Celebrity Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Viking
Globus
Hyatt Hotels
Marriott Hotels
Cosmos
InterContinental Hotels Group

My Travel Specialties

Back to All Specialties
Travel Expert with an Eye on the World

Windstar, Star Legend, March 2024

Travel Expert with an Eye on the World

<p>Have you ever said, "I want to be treated the same as royalty?" Now is your chance. I have had the privilege of planning trips for the Royal Family of Dubai, bringing a wealth of experience and a touch of luxury to every journey.</p>
<p>My love for hiking and cycling has led me to some of the most scenic trails and routes across the country, and I delight in sharing these experiences with fellow adventurers. Moreover, I am always on the lookout for the best coffee shops, making it a point to find the finest brews wherever I go.</p>
<p>Having traveled to 48 states, I have a deep appreciation for America's diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Whether you're seeking the vibrant energy of New York City, the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, or the serene tranquility of the Pacific Northwest, I can help you uncover the hidden gems that make each destination unique.</p>
<p>In Europe, I make it a habit to wander down quiet streets and venture off the beaten path to discover the unfound gems that truly capture the essence of each city. Whether it's a quaint café tucked away in a hidden alley, a vibrant flower market bursting with color, or a charming boutique selling unique local crafts, these off-the-radar spots offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of European culture. My travels have taken me to many enchanting locales, where I've found that the most memorable experiences often lie beyond the well-trodden tourist routes.</p>
<p>As the founder of Stardust Journeys and Paws From Afar, I am deeply passionate about both animal welfare and creating unforgettable travel experiences. My dedication led me to establish the 'Travel for Good' program at Stardust Journeys, where we donate a portion of travel bookings to the animal rescue of your choice. For bookings between $1,500 and $5,000 USD, we donate $25, and for bookings over $5,000 USD, we donate $50. Additionally, we integrate visits to local animal sanctuaries and shelters into our customized itineraries, providing meaningful experiences for travelers.</p>
<p>Join me on a journey with purpose and discover how travel can be a force for good. Whether you are enjoying luxury travel, LGBTQIA-friendly travel, cruising, touring Italy or France, taking a safari through Africa, or exploring other customized itineraries, I am excited to provide you with white glove service. At Stardust Journeys, I craft each adventure with care to ensure your experience in this big beautiful world is nothing short of extraordinary.</p>
<p>As your travel agent, my goal is to create seamless, memorable vacations that cater to your unique interests and preferences. From the moment we begin planning until you return home with unforgettable memories, I am dedicated to ensuring every detail is perfect. My extensive knowledge and personal experiences allow me to offer tailored recommendations and insider tips that elevate your travel experience.</p>
<p>Whether you're embarking on a solo journey, a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group adventure, I am here to make your travel dreams come true. Let’s transform your travel dreams into reality and embark on a journey you'll never forget.</p>

Other Specialties

Travel for Good: Explore Animal Sanctuaries

At Stardust Journeys, we believe that travel has the power to change lives—not...

Read More
Italy, with zesto and love

With a deep passion for Italy and its timeless charm, Deb Shapiro has become a s...

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Cruise Expertise, River, Ocean, Small Ship

With extensive cruise experience and certifications from Celebrity, Royal Caribb...

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Luxury Travel while Doing Good

Meet Deb Shapiro, Founder of Stardust Journeys and Paws From Afar. Deb is a pass...

Read More

Reviews

15 Reviews
For an unforgettable adventure with my best friend, we chose a Western Mediterranean cruise with Windstar. Coordinating our flights to meet in Boston, we flew to Rome together, setting the stage for an incredible journey. Starting in Rome, we explored historic wonders like the Colosseum, and Trastevere before boarding our elegant Windstar yacht.<br/>Our journey took us to the stunning Amalfi Coast, where we explored Amalfi&#39;s beautiful cathedral and waterfront. In Portofino, we enjoyed colorful houses and boutique shops. We marveled at the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.<br/>In Monte Carlo, we visited the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Prince&#39;s Palace. Our adventure concluded in vibrant Barcelona, exploring the Gothic Quarter, Gaud&#237;’s masterpieces, and indulging in delicious tapas.<br/>Deb Shapiro’s meticulous planning ensured every detail was perfect, making this trip an unforgettable experience filled with culture, history, and luxurious rela
Gary - Monte Carlo ~ Monaco ~ Europe
Deb meticulously planned our trip to Las Vegas for the National Financial Conference, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.<br/><br/>Accommodation:<br/>Our stay at a luxurious 5-star hotel on the Strip was spectacular, with spacious rooms and stunning city views.<br/><br/>Conference:<br/>The state-of-the-art conference facilities and excellent AV support allowed us to focus on the event. <br/><br/>Flights:<br/>Deb managed all flight arrangements efficiently, including check-ins and transfers, ensuring a hassle-free experience.<br/><br/>Spouse Program:<br/>Deb organized a program for spouses, including spa treatments, shopping tours, keeping them entertained throughout the trip.<br/><br/>Golf Outings:<br/>Deb arranged fantastic golf outings at top Las Vegas courses, blending relaxation and networking.<br/><br/>Optional Excursions:<br/>Exciting excursions like Grand Canyon helicopter tours, shows, and fine dining experiences.<br/><br/>Deb Shapiro&#39;s exceptional planning made our trip an outstanding success.
Norm - Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
Our recent trip, planned by Deb Shapiro, was filled with numerous unavoidable issues. Flights were delayed by hours, connecting flights were missed, and cruise embarkations had to be rearranged in Budapest for our Uniworld cruise. Despite these disruptions, Deb’s calm and proactive response was remarkable.<br/><br/>She efficiently managed rebooking flights, rearranging schedules, and ensuring smooth cruise embarkations. While these challenges were beyond anyone&#39;s control, Deb&#39;s professionalism and quick problem-solving minimized the impact on our travel experience.<br/><br/>Deb’s dedication and expertise turned a difficult situation into a manageable one. We highly recommend Deb Shapiro for any travel planning needs, knowing she can handle even the most unpredictable circumstances.
Alan - Eastern Europe ~ Europe

Certifications & Awards

Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist

My Places