Maria Monteleone
East Syracuse, New York Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
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Corporate and Leisure Travel Agent Specialist
Beautiful Bermuda
Years ago, as a young woman, I headed off the college not quite sure what direction my life was headed. I spent about a year and a half doing what I had to do in school but honestly was always looking for something more. Someone suggested I explore the Travel and Tourism program.
That was one of the best piece of advice I was ever given!
Learning about all the wonderful places on our beautiful planet was simply exciting!! I graduated with my degree in Travel and Tourism and never looked back.
38 years later - I own Wilcox Travel Leaders!!
Every aspect of travel planning excites me. From corporate travel to vacation travel. I take pride in getting the corporate traveler from point A to point B with efficiency and cost effectiveness. At the same time, I get excited helping in the planning of a vacation of a life time.
No matter what your travel needs - I'm here to help you get it done with expertise and knowledge.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Globus Family of Brands University - Avalon Waterways Specialist
Globus Family of Brands University - Cosmos Specialist
Seacademy - Gold Certification
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
AMResorts Master Agent
Associates Degree in Travel and Tourism
Travel Leaders University
Certified Travel Consultant
Certified Sandals Specialist
Universal Orlando Resort Specialist
My Travel Stories
Walt Disney Family Fun
Walt Disney has created a World for everyone! Taking a family vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida was a memory filled adventure for the entire family. We played hard, had a ton of fun, laughed and smiled and sang and at the end of the day slept very well! Everything ... Read more from my Walt Disney Family Fun story.
NCL Sky Cruise to Cuba 2018
I recently had to opportunity to sail on the NCL Sky and visit the country of Cuba. It was a wonderful experience I shared with my husband and 20 other Travel Leaders Travel Agency owners. I invite you to look through my album. Give me a call and I'll tell you ... Read more from my NCL Sky Cruise to Cuba 2018 story.
Memorable trip to Greece.
Reviewed By FandL - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
This was our first time working with a travel agent. Maria communicated with us professionally and promptly through all aspects of planning the trip. We were extremely pleased with her choice of hotels and arrangement of transportation (ferry and taxi) in each location. We would highly recommend Maria and Wilcox Travel to anyone considering a trip to Europe and beyond!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
33 of 50 people found this review helpful
Best vacation we've been on without kids
Reviewed By Scott Toukatly - Syracuse NY | Traveled to Aruba ~ Caribbean
Many work related trips, but a great personal vacation she recommended to us this year for an Aruba vacation. Great recommendation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
41 of 70 people found this review helpful
Costa Rica
Reviewed By Tom - Syracuse, N.Y> | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
Professional, knowledgeable, top notch
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
30 of 51 people found this review helpful
Had a wonderful time with kids and grandchildren i
Reviewed By Karen - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Maria was great to work with. She followed through on every detail and kept me informed throughout the process.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
39 of 70 people found this review helpful
Excellent Trip to Paradise
Reviewed By Carol - Canandaigua, NY | Traveled to Antigua ~ Antigua & Barbuda ~ Caribbean
Maria was very responsive to all of our needs and helped us plan a great trip from start to finish.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
Awesome experience!
Reviewed By Sorbie - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Aruba ~ Netherlands Antilles ~ Caribbean
Maria really knows her stuff! Glad we used her travel service to navigate all the complex travel requirements during pandemic times. She found us great accommodations and was very helpful and thorough during the entire planning process.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Much needed Getaway
Reviewed By Sharon Lee - Oneida, New York | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Working with Maria (I have a few times) has been a stress free experience. I let Maria know what I am looking for and how long, dates, and she quickly provides options that meet all of my requests. The hardest part is trying to decide what to chose!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
an unforgettable experience!! Best trip ever!!!!
Reviewed By Sandi - Harrisburg PA | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Maria was extremely thorough and made all the travel plans easy!! She continually kept in contact to assure all that I was happy and enjoy my trip
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
30 of 56 people found this review helpful
Best Travel Agent Ever!!!
Reviewed By Eric Shaffer - Tully NY | Traveled to Aruba ~ Caribbean
Best travel agent ever! hands down! off to Aruba my wife and I went. Set it all up a year a head of time and Maria did all the leg work. Well as you all know plans never go as they should. To me you find out what kind of person you are dealing with when things go off track. United canceled our very first flight and we were looking at waiting another 24 hour or to try and get out or go late and spend the night in DC, DC it was. Maria jump all over the change and got all the plans updated and got us the extra night stay in Aruba. Again you don't find out the true person you are dealing with until you need them. Maria spent countless extra hours on the weekend doing all she could to get us taken care of, late into the night. Our vacation went great and we loved Aruba even got to see baby turtle hatch and swim into the ocean!!! We are so glad we have Maria and will sue her for sure again!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
we had an awesome vacation
Reviewed By Rebecca - Syracuse | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
This was the BEST travel agent ever. Where do I start to much to say so ill sum it up we had flight /airline problems which was beyond her control and ours one of the worst airline treatment ever .She worked with us for 12 hrs. on the phones and on hold for hours well we where in airport .Maria also stayed up to 1 am making sure we got to another airport for a different connecting flight the next day and calling hotels for us to stay all well . Oh and this was all well her son was having a birthday party . Maria also got us an extra day at our resort due to us loosing a day due to the airline .If you want a Travel agent who has your back well Maria is your person.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
Wilcox clients for life
Reviewed By Lynch’s - Syracuse New York | Traveled to Caribbean
Maria and the Wilcox team is amazing! They have helped us with two Caribbean trips to Sandals resorts, one for a honeymoon and one during covid. Both experiences were seamless and stress free thanks to Wilcox! We will be using them for all our vacations!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
9 of 15 people found this review helpful
Tauck Bridges Grand Family Safari
Reviewed By Sherry - Richmond, VA | Traveled to Tanzania ~ Africa
Maria is fabulous. She stuck with me all through covid changes, and has always help make all of my trips planned through her agency perfect. She’s wonderful to work with, and I look forward to planning my next trip with Maria.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Best Family Vacation!
Reviewed By Abbie H. - Reading, Pa | Traveled to Grand Canyon ~ Arizona ~ USA
Maria was awesome to work with in planning our family trip! We had an absolute blast and everything along the way was seamless. I would highly recommend Maria!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Feeling safe on every trip and return
Reviewed By Polli - Cazenovia | Traveled to Caribbean
Everyone ask Why do you have a travel agent? this is why...1st trip 10yrs ago, we booked thru Wilcox Travel. We got there with no problems but when it was time for us to come home I received a call from our agent and said that our flights were canceled. OMG my head was spinning, but Wilcox Travel came thru in no time. They had us booked on another flight heading home by passing NYC, straight into Syracuse.
With that experience I have entrusted all my travel plans thru Wilcox Travels. They got my back.
We have book several more trips thru Wilcox Travels. All went well, Even this one we just took. Covid placed on a 6 month delay. Once again Wilcox travel had our back and worked hard for 6 months to make our trip happen and they did.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
15 of 28 people found this review helpful
Amazing Italy
Reviewed By Cina - Jamesville, NY | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
I recently worked with Maria to plan a multigenerational trip to Italy for a family of 14 and the experience was extraordinary. Throughout the planning process, Maria was easily accessible and always returned phone calls/emails in a very timely fashion. Maria planned a 12 day Italian adventure and provided our family with a variety of experiences and memories to last a lifetime. The trip was first class and this was a result of the dedication that went into coordination of flights, transportation, accommodations, tours, and meals. Our family will be forever grateful for the long lasting memories of our Italian Adventure!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
24 of 46 people found this review helpful
An Amazing First Time Experience
Reviewed By Bri - Remsen, NY | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
My experience was amazing, I am a first time traveler and it was my first time using a travel agent. Maria made the entire experience from start to finish easy and way less stressful. She communicated with me regular about what my interests are in regards to booking appropriate excursions and ran through the entire trip process step by step a few days prior and even the day before my actual trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Fantastic trip on a cruise up the Danube!
Reviewed By Mark and Darlene - Camden, New York | Traveled to Europe
Our experience with Maria was fantastic! What comes. to mind is: Professional, caring, thoughtful, organized, helpful, courteous and prompt. She answered all questions we had and sent us all the pertinent information needed for our trip, and followed up on it. We highly recommend Maria to take care of your travel plans.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
Everything went perfect as planned
Reviewed By Chicagotheband - Fayetteville, New York | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
Thoughtful, great attention to detail. Price friendly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
10 of 19 people found this review helpful
Big Anniversary Vacation
Reviewed By Michele - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Mexicali ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
Exceptional! This was our first overseas vacation and Maria took the time to ask great questions & listen to what we wanted (and didn't want) for our trip. She nailed it! The vacation exceeded all of our expectations. Prior to the trip Maria was so available and responsive to questions, we felt truly valued through the entire process. We will 100% call Maria as soon as we start thinking about planning out next trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
8 of 15 people found this review helpful
Maria es fantastica!
Reviewed By Pat - Oneida | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
Maria made our travel experience a breeze! We told her what our objectives were for our journey through Spain and Portugal, and she set us up with the perfect tour company. End result: all objectives met, and then some! She booked the tour and our flights, always checking with us to make sure we were on the same page. Maria sent us reminders when payments were due, and was always sure to have all necessary information so that deadlines were met. When we had questions or concerns, she answered our calls or emails in a timely fashion, and when we returned home there was a "welcome home and thank you" card waiting for us. Because of Maria's attention to detail, knowledge of the travel world and friendly, helpful personality, we always call on her when it's time for our next adventure! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sunshine & Paradise!
Reviewed By Norma - Bridgeport, NY | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Amazingly wonderful!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Beautiful Antigua Made Easy
Reviewed By Pat - Oneida, NY | Traveled to Antigua & Barbuda ~ Caribbean
Maria was fantastic! From the first phone call to the "Welcome Home" thank you card, all details and arrangements for our ten day vacation in Antigua were as perfect as a Caribbean sunset. Maria set us up in style at the St. James Club all-inclusive resort in Antigua...not an easy task with strict Covid protocols in place, and with airlines having minds of their own as far as changing schedules and even canceling service to Antigua in advance of our trip! But Maria worked it all out for us, from setting up a limo service to take us to JFK to figuring our which Covid test the island of Antigua would actually accept, and everything in between! The St. James Club is perfect, with wonderful food, friendly and expert staff, beautiful grounds, great rooms and fantastic beaches. With Maria's expert help, we're ready to sign up for a repeat performance in 2023. Thank you, Maria! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
Best Honeymoom ever!
Reviewed By The Taddeos - Liverpool, NY | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Maria was AMAZING. So attentive to our needs and wants. Got what we wanted in our heads, and made it come true. Maria made the process so easy and simple, it took one less thing of our plates. For our honeymoon, is everything we dreamed of, and Maria made it come true.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 12 people found this review helpful
A trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By Linda - Dewitt, NY | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Maria was extremely knowledgeable and responsive. She planned our trip perfectly! We can’t wait to use her for our next adventure.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Perfect Honeymoon Trip
Reviewed By Shauna & Eric - syracuse, ny | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Maria has helped us with more than just our latest trip and has always been amazing to work with for vacations/our honeymoon! She had great recommendations for our honeymoon and gave us great service. She recommended the Club MoBay VIP services for the airport arrival and departure- it was well worth the money. I am so glad we didn't try to just book something online and do it ourselves because we may have never known about the great services available. We will be using her for more trips to come!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
22 of 45 people found this review helpful
Great Mini Vacation
Reviewed By Sharon - Oneida, NY | Traveled to Key West ~ Florida ~ USA
Maria was very helpful when I was looking to take my Husband on a short vacation for his Christmas gift. She responded quickly and found the best options for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
14 of 30 people found this review helpful
Great to get away after Covid!
Reviewed By The Tuckers - Peterboro, NY | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
This was the first time we had worked with Maria and I'm certain it won't be the last. She was always accessible and had an answer for the many questions we had, sometimes once or twice a day. With all the uncertainties with travel these days, we had no reservations whatsoever about taking this trip out of the country with her help. During a delay at JFK, we were impressed and amazed to receive a text from Maria asking "is your plane having mechanical issues?" Which it was and which just goes to show how tuned in she is to her clients. If you're traveling and need assistance, we highly recommend Maria and Wilcox Travel!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 12 people found this review helpful
The Trip of a Lifetime!!
Reviewed By NonnieDeb - East Syracuse, New York | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Maria was exceptionally helpful with my questions and plannned our trip with the outmost detail and professionalism.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 61 people found this review helpful
How to Take the Stress Out of Travel
Reviewed By Pottsy29 - Tully | Traveled to Springfield ~ Missouri ~ USA
She is friendly, quick and extremely helpful. She is a pleasure to work with. For me, it takes the stress out of making reservations for flights, hotels, etc.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 48 people found this review helpful
Amazing Trip
Reviewed By Rich - Lewes, DE | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Maria was very thorough and responsive to questions and concerns. We visited four locations on our trip and the accommodations and transportation arranged by Maria worked out very well.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
22 of 53 people found this review helpful