About Travel Tamers

Taking the stress out of travel planning since day one

Our Story

Travel Tamers is a family-owned travel agency that's been helping adventurers explore the world for years. What started as a passion for creating unforgettable experiences has evolved into a modern travel planning service that combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology.

Founded by Debby Harter, Travel Tamers has built its reputation on personalized service and deep industry knowledge. Today, we're embracing new tools like Slack for real-time collaboration, secure document portals for seamless planning, and AI-powered brainstorming to help you discover your perfect destination.

But here's what hasn't changed: our commitment to meeting you where you are. Whether you're tech-savvy and love collaborating in Slack, or you prefer a good old-fashioned phone call, we adapt to your comfort level. We're proud members of the Nexion family of travel agencies, which gives us access to exclusive deals and insider connections worldwide.

Nexion

Why We Love Slack

We've revolutionized how we work with clients by using Slack as our primary planning tool. Your dedicated channel keeps everything organized—itineraries, photos, documents, and conversations—all in one place. No more hunting through email threads! Plus, we're actively monitoring your channel 2pm-10pm EST, 7 days a week.

New to Slack? Learn how it works

Meet Your Travel Tamers

Shane Harter

Shane Mele

Eco & Adventure Travel

Debby Harter

Debby Harter

River Cruising & Group Travel

Elisa

Elisa Siegel

Luxury Travel

Click a photo to learn more about each team member

Shane brings fresh energy and technological innovation to Travel Tamers, specializing in eco-conscious adventures and sustainable travel experiences.

With a passion for environmental conservation and adventure, Shane partners with companies like National Geographic Expeditions and HX Expeditions—organizations that share his commitment to responsible tourism. He's dedicated to proving that extraordinary travel experiences and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Shane is spearheading Travel Tamers' digital transformation. He introduced Slack as our primary client communication platform, creating dedicated channels where you can collaborate with your travel team in real-time. No more lost emails or endless phone tag—everything stays organized in one place. He's also implemented secure document portals, paperless workflows, and AI-powered travel inspiration tools to make planning smoother and more collaborative than ever.

If you're looking for an adventure that challenges you while respecting the planet—and you appreciate modern, streamlined communication—Shane's your guide.

Perfect for: Eco-adventures, hiking expeditions, wildlife experiences, sustainable luxury travel, polar expeditions, tech-savvy travelers, and anyone who wants to explore responsibly with a modern planning experience.
Start Planning with Shane

As the founder and heart of Travel Tamers, Debby has spent years perfecting the art of bringing people together for unforgettable shared experiences.

Although well-versed in all types of travel, Debby specializes in creating exceptional journeys for river cruisers, family groups, and multigenerational travelers. She brings a rare ability to design experiences that delight every age and interest—whether it's grandparents seeking cultural immersion, parents craving connection, or younger travelers discovering the world for the first time.

Her expertise in coordinating complex group dynamics, securing advantageous group rates, and ensuring every member of the party feels included and cared for is unmatched. From selecting the right ship layout for varied mobility needs to balancing activity levels across generations, Debby crafts travel experiences that flow effortlessly and bring families closer together.

Perfect for: Family reunions, corporate retreats, special interest groups, milestone celebrations, charity events, and any occasion where bringing people together is the goal.
Start Planning with Debby

Elisa specializes in curating exceptional luxury travel experiences for our established clients.

With an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Elisa works exclusively with long-time Travel Tamers clients to create bespoke luxury experiences. Her expertise in high-end travel ensures every detail is perfect, from exclusive accommodations to private experiences.

Note: Elisa works with established Travel Tamers clients only. New luxury travel clients are welcomed to work with Shane or Debby, who can provide exceptional high-end experiences as well.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Let's create something unforgettable together. Whether you're dreaming of eco-adventures, group getaways, or luxury escapes, we're here to make it happen.

Get Started