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About Me and My Family

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Welcome to The Traveling Turtle — where your travel dreams meet thoughtful planning and personal care.


I’m Merilee, a travel advisor with a one-of-a-kind background and a heart for creating meaningful, inclusive journeys.

Before starting The Traveling Turtle, I spent over 7 years booking vacation homes for families, couples, and solo travelers. I later became a licensed Private Investigator — a role that sharpened my eye for detail and problem-solving. Today, I use both skill sets to design custom travel experiences filled with ease, joy, and unforgettable memories.

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I’ve been with my amazing partner, Troy Schaffner, for over 10 years, and together we’ve built a beautiful blended family. I’m a proud mom to my daughter Kylee (17) and son Cameron (22), stepmom to Jace (22), Colton (21), and TJ (33), and a foster mom to many more. Family is everything to me — and that care extends to every traveler I work with.

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I’m passionate about making everyone feel seen, safe, and celebrated. I’m experienced in working with clients across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum — including trans, non-binary, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, demisexual, sapiosexual, androsexual, gynesexual, polyamorous, greysexual, drag communities, and more. I also specialize in lifestyle-friendly travel for swingers and open-minded couples, offering discreet, judgment-free support for adults-only resorts, cruises, and private events.

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Just as important, I love creating family-friendly vacations and romantic getaways — from Disney adventures to all-inclusive escapes, nature retreats, and cruises made for connection.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with kids, or with your chosen family — I’m here to make it smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.

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✈️ Let’s plan your perfect journey — together.

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Education

2007-2009

Associates Degree

I earned my degree in Criminal Justice, which gave me a strong foundation in research, investigation, ethics, and problem-solving — skills that I continue to use every day in my work as a travel advisor. During my studies, I developed a sharp eye for detail, a deep respect for diverse cultures, and the ability to navigate complex systems — all of which help me create smooth, secure, and thoughtfully planned travel experiences for my clients. This background also led me to become a licensed Private Investigator, further enhancing my ability to anticipate needs, manage logistics, and advocate for people with care and professionalism.

2008-2014

Training Manager/ Reservation Specialist

Before launching The Traveling Turtle, I spent over 7 years booking vacation rentals for others — a role I absolutely loved. During that time, I was honored to receive an award for booking over $1 million in vacation homes in just six months. That achievement earned me a free vacation, and I used it to take my entire family — brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, my mom — everyone — on an unforgettable trip. I wanted to create memories that would last a lifetime… and oh man, we did. That experience reminded me just how powerful travel can be, and it's a big part of why I do what I do today.

2008- Present

My Many Hats

I wear a lot of hats, but the ones that really matter are the ones I hold the closest. I’m a mom to Kylee (16) and Cam (21), and a stepmom to Jace (21), Colton (20), and TJ (33). I’m also proud to be the wife of Troy P. Schaffner. Over the years, I’ve opened my heart and my home to so many other kids who’ve become part of our family in their own special ways. I’m a foster mom, a private investigator, and the go-to babysitter for my niece Brooklynn’s sweet, medically fragile little boy, Greyson — whose constant smile can brighten even the hardest days. Life is busy, my plate is full, but my heart is even fuller.

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