Shelly Phillips
McCalla, Alabama Travel Agent
Travel By That Girl, a Internova Travel Group Network affiliate agency
Email Me
Independent Travel and Luxury Specialist
When I was a young girl, I spent many evenings in my yellow bedroom, reading books that took me to places far away from rural Alabama. Today I am a travel advisor with the same sense of wonder about the world around me, just a more grown-up version.
After many years of being in the restaurant business, I decided that I wanted to put my best skill and interest to use: customer service and travel. With the general public having access to so many online travel agencies, I wondered if I was making the right decision.
It was the right decision for me. The internet can’t send your child a Star Wars light saber when it is time to go to Disney. The internet can’t assure you that the food you see in a picture is pretty close to what you will see on your plate when you arrive at your destination. I can do all of those things and this is what sets me apart as a travel advisor. My clients trust me to recommend hotels, excursions and make suggestions and reservations for dinner.
I spend time that you don’t have to researching and planning your trip and giving you personal attention. I want to know your likes, your hobbies and your children or pets – everything about you helps me to determine the best “fit” for your vacation.
I am all about personal service. Part of that is my enthusiasm for travel and part of it is my southern upbringing! I was nominated by one of my clients and won the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) 2015 Extra Mile Award. It was a tremendous honor and one that meant a great deal to me because a customer had a great experience.
I have successfully completed specialist programs for AmaWaterways, Princess Cruises, Fairmont’s Famous Agents, AM Resorts, Hotel Excellence by Marriott, Disney, and many others. I am also the ASTA Chapter President for Alabama, as well as the Southeastern Director for ASTA and currently serve on the National Board of Directors for ASTA.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
2015 ASTA Extra Mile Award Winner
Dugans Five-Star Agent
Alabama ASTA Chapter President
Southeastern Regional Director ASTA
National Board of Directors ASTA
No Worries!!
Reviewed By Barbie - Brookwood, al | Traveled to Cozumel ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I never really understood the value of using a travel agent until booking a cruise with Shelly, everything was handled from planning to booking to handling any excercusions or any problem that arose (including my son losing his drivers liscense the day we were to depart)! I'll never go on another trip without her help again! 5 stars!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you Barbie for the kind words! I appreciate your review, your friendship and your business more than you can imagine. Shelly
Thank you Barbie for the kind words! I appreciate your review, your friendship and your business more than you can imagine. Shelly
32 of 52 people found this review helpful
Disney or Die
Reviewed By Katina - Bessemer | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
The experience in and of itself was great. Our trip worked out great and we were all very happy with the accommodations. You were amazing to work with and I will do so again. I had to make payments on this vacation, so for months, we did coordinate pretty well for me to make those payments. However, at times, I did feel that your availability was slim. Additionally, I wouldn't offer or promise someone a gas card or gift and not follow through on that, even though I know it was completely unintentional. Other than that, I loved working with you. You have a wonderful personality, and taught me a lot about becoming a travel agent which is still in the back of my head to do one day! I will book another vacation soon hopefully when the money works out.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Katina, Thank you for taking the time to write a review for me. I know my availability is slim sometimes and I'll try to do a better job with that along with making sure my clients get exactly what I promise them! I loved working with you, hope you do become a travel agent and of course if you don't, I want your next vacation business!! Again, thank you. Shelly
Katina, Thank you for taking the time to write a review for me. I know my availability is slim sometimes and I'll try to do a better job with that along with making sure my clients get exactly what I promise them! I loved working with you, hope you do become a travel agent and of course if you don't, I want your next vacation business!! Again, thank you. Shelly
27 of 45 people found this review helpful
Great adult get a ways
Reviewed By Susan - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Shelly is very detailed and knows the properties. A great experience from beginning to end! Will definitely use her again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
30 of 52 people found this review helpful
The best travel agent I have worked with!
Reviewed By Nick Ventura - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
Disclaimer... I put Cabo as my destination, but I have worked with Shelly for over two years on more than five trips around the world. Cabo was just one of many destinations that Shelly has helped me with. Domestic or international, Shelly gets the job done. Now onto the review! Shelly has been absolutely astounding to work with over the past two years. I have booked multiple trips with her and have referred many friends and family to Shelly. She is amazing to work with and will take care of every need, down the the slightest detail. Shelly has become a great friend and I am so lucky to have found her. A+, 5 stars, would recommend to ALL. Don't miss out on an opportunity to work with the best!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you for taking the time to write a review - I KNOW you are a super busy guy! I have enjoyed working with you - I love that you know what you like and what your budget will be for your trips. I appreciate all of your referrals and value you as one of my best clients. Shelly
Thank you for taking the time to write a review - I KNOW you are a super busy guy! I have enjoyed working with you - I love that you know what you like and what your budget will be for your trips. I appreciate all of your referrals and value you as one of my best clients. Shelly
33 of 60 people found this review helpful
Unforgettable Memories!
Reviewed By Tamara - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
Shelly is fabulous in her knowledge and experience that has allowed us to plan family vacations that have been unforgettable. She is responsive to all questions and concerns ... if she doesn't know the answer, she will do her best to track the information down. I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Tamara, Thank you for taking the time out of your day to submit a review for me. Considering your last planned cruise was crazy because of the hurricane, I am super glad that we are already on planning your next vacation. And you keep me on my toes with the questions - gotta love my lawyer friends!! Seriously, I appreciate your business and the opportunity to plan more memories with your family. Shelly
Tamara, Thank you for taking the time out of your day to submit a review for me. Considering your last planned cruise was crazy because of the hurricane, I am super glad that we are already on planning your next vacation. And you keep me on my toes with the questions - gotta love my lawyer friends!! Seriously, I appreciate your business and the opportunity to plan more memories with your family. Shelly
27 of 50 people found this review helpful
Always the best trip ever!
Reviewed By SassyAmy - Panama City, Florida | Traveled to New Orleans ~ Louisiana ~ USA
Shelly is amazing! She has been planning my travel for many years and the trips are always fantastic! I can't imagine getting such personal service from anyone else. It doesn't matter where I tell her I want to go. She is immediately on top of it. She finds the best deals and makes everything seamless and super easy. And she is always available when I have questions. We have NEVER been disappointed and I will never let anyone else plan my vacations!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you! I appreciate your business and can't wait to plan the next trip - there's always one right around the corner!!
Thank you! I appreciate your business and can't wait to plan the next trip - there's always one right around the corner!!
26 of 49 people found this review helpful
A Touch of Disney Magic!
Reviewed By Robin - Vance, AL | Traveled to Cozumel ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I could not have asked for a friendlier or more professional travel planner than Shelly Phillips. My family first used her services in planning a Disney Cruise. She helped me arrange pre and post transportation, shore excursions, and onboard spa appointments, speciality adult dinner and refillable beverage mugs.I was able to call with all my questions and verify my own internet shore excursion research with a seasoned traveler. Just as promised our van pick up was right on time and we were off to a fabulous 7 night Disney Magic cruise. The van driver was friendly and professional. Everything went smoothly. On our return from our amazing cruise the driver was able to drop some of our party at the airport and some at our pre-cruise timeshare. From Mayan Ruins, Beaches, Chocolate, Dolphin swims, and Turtle Farms, we had an amazing adventure with out age 5yo -66yo travel party. I cant wait for our next vacation adventure with Shelly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you Robin and I appreciate that you are letting me book your group cruise - with the turnout much better than either of us expected! I am even more honored that you let me do your Disney stuff because we both know you have more Disney knowledge than anyone else and could easily do it yourself. Your friendship and business is important to me and thank you for the review. Shelly
Thank you Robin and I appreciate that you are letting me book your group cruise - with the turnout much better than either of us expected! I am even more honored that you let me do your Disney stuff because we both know you have more Disney knowledge than anyone else and could easily do it yourself. Your friendship and business is important to me and thank you for the review. Shelly
23 of 43 people found this review helpful
European River Cruise
Reviewed By Sharon - Birmingham, Alabama | Traveled to France ~ Europe
Shelly is the consummate professional and we love working with her. My husband and I had so many questions about a European river cruise and she patiently and thoroughly answered all of our questions. She didn't leave one detail out. She found the most charming hotel for our stay before the cruise and gave us many different options for tours. Everything went very smoothly. We arrived home to a personalized anniversary gift. She had remembered the wine I mentioned I loved and hoped they had on the cruise and gave us the nicest monogrammed glasses. You will not find a better travel agent and her super sweet personality makes her a pleasure to work with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you so much for being a fantastic client - and also writing a glowing review! I enjoyed working with you on your last three vacations and look forward to working together in the future. Clients like you make my job so much fun!!
Thank you so much for being a fantastic client - and also writing a glowing review! I enjoyed working with you on your last three vacations and look forward to working together in the future. Clients like you make my job so much fun!!
29 of 56 people found this review helpful
Boston and rhode island
Reviewed By Clemmons72 - Alabaster, alabama | Traveled to New Orleans ~ Louisiana ~ USA
I would like to say that my experience with Shelly Phillips was top notch setting up our trip. She took all the worries out of our trip. All we had to do was show up and have a trip to remember forever. She is highly professional, and goes above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your trip worry free. I would recommend her to anyone, and will definitely use her services again on our next trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
23 of 45 people found this review helpful
5 Star Treatment!
Reviewed By mindylou - Connellsville, PA | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Shelly has booked two personal trips for me on top of the countless travel arrangements she has booked for the company I work for. She is professional, has an amazing personality and has always gotten us the best deals! She goes above and beyond for her clients and I have recommended her to anyone I know that is traveling. I will continue to utilize her services any time I travel!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
I miss getting to talk with you and my Arkos guys. I appreciate your travel referrals to me - and I have some new places for you to visit on your next trip to Mexico! Thank you for taking the time in your busy day to submit a review for me. Shelly
I miss getting to talk with you and my Arkos guys. I appreciate your travel referrals to me - and I have some new places for you to visit on your next trip to Mexico! Thank you for taking the time in your busy day to submit a review for me. Shelly
19 of 37 people found this review helpful
West Virginia Gaming whinning $$$$$
Reviewed By Williy - Punxsutawney PA | Traveled to Wheeling ~ West Virginia ~ USA
Shelly Phillips is the most pleasantly person you will ever meet. I would call her all different times of the day and night to get me a hotel room. A few times I would email her because it would be 2:00am and I didn't want to wake her. But within five minutes she had me a hotel. Shelly Phillips goes out of her way to make people happy. I wish more people was like her. I enjoy dealing with Shelly.THANK YOU SHELLY
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Oh Bill, this made my eyes water (seriously, if you knew what a sappy person I am, you'd know I'm a crier too) - you are BY FAR one of the best corporate clients I've ever had and I miss talking with you. And for the record, some of your not-as-sweet coworkers probably didn't get the same service. I appreciated your business and hope to talk with you in the future when you spend all that hard-earned money on vacation fun!! Shelly
Oh Bill, this made my eyes water (seriously, if you knew what a sappy person I am, you'd know I'm a crier too) - you are BY FAR one of the best corporate clients I've ever had and I miss talking with you. And for the record, some of your not-as-sweet coworkers probably didn't get the same service. I appreciated your business and hope to talk with you in the future when you spend all that hard-earned money on vacation fun!! Shelly
20 of 39 people found this review helpful
Best trip so far!
Reviewed By Terry - Gonzales, LA | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Shelly is amazing in every way and was very responsive throughout our planning of our 10 year anniversary trip. We had no idea where to start and planning our trip to Punta, Cana and Shelly definitely knocked it out of the park with her suggestion. We are planning our next trip with her for next year!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
My son's first trip to Disney
Reviewed By Stacey - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Working with Shelly is always a pleasant and worthwhile experience. She has such a calming presence when the stress of travel tends to take over. She handles each inquiry and concern with efficiency and grace.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you Stacey! I appreciate your business and your review!!
Thank you Stacey! I appreciate your business and your review!!
17 of 35 people found this review helpful
Best tripS ever!
Reviewed By Danielle - Vestavia, Alabam | Traveled to Florida ~ USA
She made going to Disney easy. Usually you have so much to worry about but I had nothing. She booked a cheer trip for me and that was the easiest trip ever, gave me all the insight to the hotel and all the little perks they do. It was great
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Shelly Phillips responded:
Thank you Danielle! I love helping plan for you and your girls - they are so much fun. I know you're a Disney expert yourself so I appreciate your letting me help you plan! Appreciate your friendship as well - Shelly
Thank you Danielle! I love helping plan for you and your girls - they are so much fun. I know you're a Disney expert yourself so I appreciate your letting me help you plan! Appreciate your friendship as well - Shelly
25 of 52 people found this review helpful
One in a million !
Reviewed By Katw66 - Alabaster,Al | Traveled to Boston ~ Massachusetts ~ USA
The BEST travel agent a person could ask for! She will go over and above to make a client happy. I have seen this first hand. She truest loves her job and it shows with everything she does and how much all of her customers/clients love her!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
25 of 53 people found this review helpful