Ria Maratheftis
Ria Maratheftis
The Travel Nook® -- Travel & Tours
Born to Greek immigrant parents and a mom who is blind, my entire life has revolved around guiding & hospitality. We traveled a lot growing up. Each road trip was about exploring & sharing. As I grew older, each journey got longer, more intricate & more memorable than the last.
This passion continued & I've been committed to providing travelers with peace of mind, quality service & amazing memories professionally for over 20 years. I launched The Travel Nook® in 2014 & am very fortunate to work with the most reputable hoteliers, airlines, cruise lines, tour providers & transportation suppliers. This is especially important as now travel has changed forever. I am privileged to work with amazing global teams & continuously research, educate myself & inspect destinations to bring you the most current developments, travel trends & best product for your travel needs.
Some of my highlighted services include:
- Refined vacations in far away & inspiring destinations
- Ocean & River Cruising, Events at Sea
- Customized small groups
- Multi-generational & family trips
- Students, seniors, music & sport event trips
Don't see your destination or have special need or request? Just ask! I have a great team & we'll make it happen seamlessly! So whether you're the family decision-maker, a group leader, traveling solo or with your organization -- You'll receive the care, attention & a remarkable travel experience from the early planning stages to well beyond your return. Every step of the way.
Why I do what I do?
Immersing myself in local Curacao culture. 2013
Imagine the delight when my busy day is interrupted by a phone call or media share from clients thanking me, while still away? How about the joy of booking a child's trip, their college venture, honeymoon & then new family trip? How wonderful to be part of a family's history as they grow! Our guests are well informed & are taken care of throughout their entire journey. That's something NO online service provides. This peace of mind sets us apart & keeps them coming back. I love what I do. And although I may never be a millionaire, my passion for making memories has made me rich.
My Areas of Expertise
English
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
My Travel Stories
Awesome
Thank you so much for the opportunity to hosting your mom on her first cruise ever! The process is often overwhelming & it was a pleasure (and so sweet) to attend to her concerns, inquiries and yes... outfit selections! Home visits & hand-delivered documents are often part of our personalized service and what sets us apart from online booking agencies. Thank you for acknowledging our dedication to our Travel Nook family!
Very helpful and knowledgeable
Kristina, We're so pleased to hear about your experience working with us. We pride ourselves on preparing our guests with the best itinerary to suit your needs & all the information to make for it to go smoothly. All you have to do is enjoy! We hope you'll share your experience with friends & family and contact us to assist planning your next exotic adventure! Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Another trip to rave about!
Howard & Vicki, We are so happy that you enjoyed yourselves on your latest adventure. We find It's important to build relationships with your travel family. Learning more about each other, your travel preferences & interests makes the planning process all the more easier... and more fun! We thank you for your continued loyalty and look forward to your next journey! Warmest Regards, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Disney expert extradinaire (sp?)
Dear Skimom, Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be completely overwhelming and time consuming for busy families. From the Princess dinner & Jedi Academy to the Pirate's League we were so happy to help make your twins' first visit a very special one. We can't wait to plan your next family adventure! Thank you for your photos and media referrals. They are a testament to your happiness and satisfaction. They are greatly appreciated. Have a magical day!
Perfect Girls Getaway
Thank you for your kind words & loyalty, Lisa. We like to make things seamless for our guests so all they have to do is enjoy! We look forward to planning new memories in the future! All the best!
The best in good times and bad
Mary, Thank you so much for your kind words. Even when things don't go as planned, we are accessible & fight on behalf of our travel family. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to hosting your family again, when the world is ready. Warmest Regards, Ria
A LIFE SAVER!
Rebecca, We are so happy we were able to make your Ireland trip a success! Part of our services include advising you on particular products or options suitable for your specific travel situation. Being accessible is also something that sets us apart. We are happy to have taken the burden off your shoulders, and your pocket... Leaving you all the time to enjoy in Ireland with your family! Looking forward to your next adventure! Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Most fulfilling trip ever!
Thank you for your kind words! Africa is a very intricate destination that is often very overwhelming & requires it's due diligence. We are grateful that you came to us to assist you; Especially since there were so many components & a strict timeline. Thank you for the opportunity to create this memorable experience with your family. Your photos were mesmerizing. We look forward to working together & planning your future adventures. Ria
White Glove Service!
Being our first time to Cancun as a family of 6, we had reservations about leaving the country in 2017. She listened to our concerns and explained how an all-inclusive would fit our family best. Ria planned the trip from A to Z and everything went smoothly. The resort was amazing and our accommodations are still the gold standard of what our kids consider as a vacation.
In 2019, we hoped to take a trip to Greece. Ria again listened to what we were trying to accomplish and suggested that we were trying to fit in too much in one summer given athletic and camp schedules (at the detriment of her losing business).
In 2020 Ria planned the trip of a lifetime to Greece. Due to COVID we had to postpone but we will definitely will be calling her when the time is righ
Athan, We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughtful words. We work hard to curate the ideal itinerary based on your wish-list, travel style & budget. Offering opportunities to save (even at a loss) is an added value we bring to the table. It shows we really care about meeting guest's needs & a true partnership. We are looking forward for travel to return to plan your family's next adventure! Thanks, Ria
NYC Trip
Richard, It was such a pleasure to plan your long overdue adults-only New York City weekend. We were happy to take all the hassle off your shoulders, so all you had to do was enjoy. We can't wait to plan your next Broadway getaway! Best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Portugal trip was wonderful
Rita & Larry, We are so happy to hear you are so pleased. We strive to keep our guests informed, prepared and treat you like family... Because you are! We want you to feel that no matter how far across the globe, you are in safe hands. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your memory making journeys! Best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
She made it really special
Dear Queen Bee, How lovely to hear we were there for you when you really needed it. Life is full of stressful times, and planning a vacation shouldn't have to be one of them. Thank you for allowing us to plan your special and relaxing event. We look forward to hosting you for your next milestone celebration. Happy Anniversary! Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Anniversary getaway
Amazing Family Adventure Time
Dear Brenda, I appreciate your positive feedback about our travel services. Group travel requires lots of attention, as no two families are alike. We do take pride in catering to our guests’ needs the best way we can. Thank you for being such a great group leader! We welcome you to The Travel Nook family and look forward to planning your next adventure! Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
A wonderful vacation
Thank you so much for your positive review. Destination guidance is just one of the services we offer that separate us from other agencies. We give you the basics, and leave you plenty of freedom for awe, exploration & discovery on your own! We look forward to planning your next journey!
Southern Sunsets!
Benny, Thank you so much for your continued loyalty. Sometimes revisions are necessary... And many times they are blessings as we ended up with an ideal itinerary & one happy family! We are thrilled to have been part of your family outing & look forward to hosting you again soon. Best always, Ria Maratheftis
Best Service Ever!!!
Dear Effie0121 Thank you so much for your positive review and your continued loyalty. We have had lots of fun planning your family trips over the years. With a growing family, we understand you need for specific requests and support. This is what separates us from the rest. Fall has arrived and we look forward to hosting you on your next family holiday outing! Thanks for your referrals and media shares! All the best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Ria to the Rescue
Dear Mary, We thank you for your kind words and continued loyalty. Multi-generational trips are one of our favorites to plan, and despite the hiccups we are so thrilled that we were able to accommodate your family's needs without incident. It is very rewarding to be part of all these wonderful memories & your family history as your family continues to grow! Yours in hospitality, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Life saver!!!
Honeymoon of our dreams
Liz, Thank you so much for your kind words. It is really important, and a mission for us to make sure our guests are confident and well-prepared for their adventures! It also helps when our guests are outgoing and open to many experiences and cultures like yourselves! We are so happy for the opportunity to have taken part in your honeymoon celebration. We hope you'll share this wonderful experience with friends and family! Best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
2nd Surprise Honeymoon...Success!
Dear Coleman Family, Thank you for acknowledging our personalized services and attention to detail. Planning a surprise vacation is so exciting for us! The anticipation of the reveal & the joy it brings is so rewarding. We know these are memories that will remain with you forever and we are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of them. We look forward to celebrating more of your family milestones in the future! All the best, Ria Maratheftis
Requirements and Expectations were NOT MET!
Personality and Professionalism: best combo!
Dear Marge, Thank you for your positive review! Road trips are trips that remain with us forever. We've spent lots of time on the road and are so happy to have made your Florida road trip a pleasant one. Now that you'll be making college trips to Chicago you've hit the jackpot with great destination opportunities! We're ready when you are! Thanks so much, Ria Maratheftis
A Successful Family Trip
Wonderful trip made better....
We can't wait for another adventure using her expertise and guidance
RHK, We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed working with us. We invest lots of time and care into our Guest's itineraries. We work hard to make sure you don't have to! We do hope you enjoyed your first river cruise experience so much that your friends will join you next time around! An official... "Welcome to The Travel Nook family!" We look forward to planning your next journey. Ria Maratheftis Owner, Operator The Travel Nook
flight times perfect
Rob, So glad we were able to help you with your first cruise vacation! We look forward to hosting and assisting you with your future travel needs! Best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Fabulous Florence
Dear Elizabeth, It was such a pleasure to plan your trip to Florence. We worked hard to make sure we strategically planned your must-sees without being rushed, and gave you the destination insight for you to explore during your free time at your own pace. We thank you for your referrals and look forward to planning your next international vacation! Ciao, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
She made planning stress free and easy
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. We have a long history of student group tours and it's always a treat to see young minds learn, explore and have fun! Overnight school trips require specific planning with faculty and parents. You were an excellent and pleasant group leader that made our job easy. We look forward to hosting your school's next outing! All the best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
Trip to Greece - family of 5
Exceptional Holiday Planning!!
Julia, We are so happy you had a wonderful experience visiting Thailand! Having accessible communication and a good support system while overseas is one of our service perks. Thank you for sharing your lovely Thailand photos with us. We look forward to planning your family's next adventure! Yours in hospitality, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook
My Daughters Sweet Sixteen
Richard, Thank you for your positive words. We are so delighted that you chose us to coordinate your daughter's sweet 16th birthday vacation! We are sure the memories will remain with her for years to come. We look forward to having you back with us soon for your family's next milestone celebration! All the best, Ria Maratheftis The Travel Nook.