Staff

I founded Singles Travel International because I have been a single traveler all of my life. After graduating from Northern Illinois University, I worked as a flight attendant for Pan Am, then for a sales promotion agency in New York, where I created incentive travel programs for Fortune 100 companies.

I have always enjoyed taking people to new and exciting places. The problem was that when I went on my own vacation, I didn't always have someone to go with me. After talking to other singles I realized that I was not alone in my dilemma, and a great idea hit me!

Why not try to link single travelers together and make a more rewarding experience for everyone. Since founding Singles Travel International in 1995, we have created custom designed cruise and tour itineraries that accommodate the needs of the single traveler.

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I got involved with Tammy at a very early age; she's my sister! As a member of our family, travel is life. In fact, I was a frequent flyer at the age of 5 and have been accumulating miles ever since. I also had a career as a flight attendant with a major airline but my passion is singing.

With a degree in classical music from DePaul University and as a masters degree student of music at North Texas University, I find escorting singles tours a rewarding combination to balance my life. Of course, you'll usually hear my performances in some of the most wonderful places around the world.

Mary Delia Allen is a frequent Singles Travel International travel director. She has escorted groups to Scandinavia, Russia, Ireland, South America, US cities and throughout the Caribbean. While on a cruise with Mary Delia you may join the Nickel Tours through every port. The Nickel Tour is an exclusive Singles Travel International offering and is a laid-back way to explore ports of call. The Nickel Tour has three rules - it always includes three sites of interest, it immediately pauses for a drink and coffee stop if there is any inclement weather and it is always fun! Usually the Nickel Tour chases down unique experiences and puts an emphasis on unusual facts about a new place! Mary Delia adds her personal touches to every aspect of your vacation, making you feel warm, welcome and comfortable no matter how exotic your destination.

Mary Delia holds a Masters degree in multicultural communication from DePaul University in Chicago. She spends 50 days a year at sea escorting leisure travel groups aboard luxury passenger ships and another 150 days on the road handling the on-site logistics for leisure and corporate travel clients including Merrill Lynch, the International Reading Association, Nickelodeon, Bank One and the National Football League. Mary Delia is the owner of MaryDelia.com Catering which specializes in high style parties in private homes in Chicago. If you are joining a trip with Mary Delia please contact her at MaryDelia@marydelia.com.

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Jen Whalen, the newest member of the STI team, grew up in a Navy family, so travel is in her genes! She holds a Tour Director certification from the International Tour Management Institute and has escorted groups of all ages throughout the United States and Canada. Jen's personal adventures have taken her to over 30 foreign countries, and it is her desire to share her knowledge and cultural experiences with other single travelers that has brought her to us.

When she's not "on the road," Jen operates a small business called NeatPro Professional Organizing. She can often be found revamping the closets, garages and offices of family and friends. Because of the event planning experience she gained while working for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Jen is also called up to organize birthday parties, family reunions and wedding receptions. Organization might just be Jen's middle name!

Jen holds an Elementary Education degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and uses her teaching skills to develop well-researched and colorful "destination presentations" for anyone fortunate enough to travel with her. Jen is dependable, fun-loving and committed to customer service at the highest level. You will surely notice the personal care and meticulous planning that go into every trip she leads. Look for her on your next STI adventure!

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Leslie Minoff, who has recently joined STI, has worked with singles groups on cruises for over 6 years. She has escorted many groups to the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas, as well as planned pre-cruise get-togethers for the groups. Her smiling face and warm personality, as well as her strong sense of organization and attention to detail are well known to those who have both cruised and worked with her.

At home in Miami, Leslie is very involved with the singles community and helps coordinate activities involving singles who are seeking travel adventures, friendship, love and networking opportunities. As a single woman herself, Leslie enjoys participating in activities for singles and understands the interests of other singles.

Leslie is a graduate of the University of Maryland, (she is originally from Baltimore, MD) and holds degrees in both accounting and psychology. As a CPA, she has held the position of Controller in a variety of different industries and looks forward to meeting you on your next vacation.

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Michael Katz, from New York City, is no stranger to the singles travel industry. Having had an extensive background in the music industry, he enjoys entertaining people, and makes sure that everyone has a great time on their adventure. Having been a cruise coordinator for the past 5 years, he has led singles groups across the globe, from the Caribbean, to Alaska, to the Mexican Riviera, and to Europe throughout the Mediterranean. Michael is also a singer and a dance instructor, and can be found giving Salsa/Cha Cha/Merengue lessons to his cruisers, and encourages them to join with him in entering the Guest Talent Show while onboard as well. The emphasis is in having "FUN!" This is your vacation, and Michael will do everything he can to make your journey a "Trip of a Lifetime!"

When he is not traveling, and back on planet Earth, he has a successful business called Miche Permanent Cosmetics. As a Board Certified Technician and Instructor, Michael performs and teaches Permanent Make Up, enhancing Eyebrows, Eyes, and Lips on clients that need to have definition restored in these areas. He is on the Board of Permanent Make Up in New Jersey, and also performs medical tattooing for Cancer patients, and Scar Camouflage for accident victims. When not at work, you can find him dancing at some of the best dance studios around New York City. And yes, he is still pursuing his musical career, and is currently working on a CD with ex-Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick.

A graduate of Queens College, and a born and bred New Yorker, Michael looks forward to meeting you on your next STI vacation...and don't forget your dance shoes!!!! (Michael will be escorting our Queen Mary 2 Dance Cruise from New York City to Paris in July 2008)

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