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Shannon McEvoy, CTA

Certified Travel Advisor

Shannon McEvoy is a certified travel advisor based in Central Florida. With over 17 years of experience in the luxury hospitality and tourism industry, she is a Certified Travel Advisor and a Certified Autism Travel Professional, and is passionate about helping people with their travel needs and planning. Shannon is the founder of Defying Limits Travel, specializing in traveling with celiac, allergies and special diets, limited mobility and disability travel, and cognitive and behavioral travel.

Education

  • B.S., Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked as the top hospitality management program in the nation and No. 2 in the world

Professional Achievements

  • Owner of Defying Limits Travel and a Certified Travel Advisor
  • Has helped thousands of families, couples, and groups craft unforgettable travel experiences around the world
  • Known for personalized services and expertise, and consistently earns 5-star reviews on both Google and Travel Leaders
  • Defying Limits Travel was honored as one of the top three Travel Agencies in the Best of Central Florida Awards in 2025
  • Has been featured in major publications, including the LA Times, Forbes, GO Magazine, and the New York Post

Certifications & Organizations

  • Certified in Accessible Travel, Group Travel, Destination Weddings, Luxury Travel, Autism Travel, Cruise Travel, and a multitude of destinations around the world
  • Formally trained in Forbes Travel Guide and AAA Five Diamond service standards, with expertise in delivering exceptional luxury service distinguished by personalized attention, anticipatory care, and meticulous attention to detail

Favorite Piece of Advice

  • Don't ever think your special needs rule out traveling somewhere you want to explore.
  • All you really need for your trip is your passport, phone, and credit card. If you forgot to pack something, you can get it at your destination!
  • Get the trip insurance. Vacations are an investment, and they deserve to be protected!

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Forum Comments (6)

Tips for getting cheap AirBnBs or discounts?
Airbnb tends to favor the host, so it can be tricky. But if you search for local property management companies that offer vacation rentals, you can often book directly through their websites—which is cheaper than using Airbnb or third-party platforms. For example, in New Orleans or Florida, there are companies that manage multiple short-term rentals directly.
How and where can I find cheaper flights?
First of all, flying during the week, early in the morning, or late at night is usually cheaper. Flying out of smaller airports—like those used by Allegiant—can also save you money.
Packages that include both flights and hotels often give better overall pricing. Also, some companies do charter flights—for example, Vacation Express does charters out of certain airports.
What's the process to get TSA precheck? How long does it take?
You need to schedule an appointment and pay an application fee—it is currently $78, but you can check online at the official website to confirm that this price is still accurate. You’ll provide documents like a passport or birth certificate, and they’ll take your fingerprints. Once approved, you get TSA PreCheck for 1 to 2 years, depending on the package you choose.
Looking for best places to travel solo travel as a female in the US
It's a great question. For solo female travelers, I’d recommend cities that are walkable and well-populated. Austin, Texas is fantastic. New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles are all solid options. I also love Napa, Seattle (which is one of my favorite cities!), and places like Maine, Salem, and Boston. These are great for solo trips—safe and packed with things to do.
Where are the best places you've traveled to so far?
I love visiting major tourist cities like Paris—they're popular for a reason. However, I also especially enjoy going off the beaten path. In France and Italy, exploring wine country or smaller towns is amazing. One of my favorite places in the world is Verona, Italy. Beyond cities like Rome and Florence, those Tuscan countryside towns are incredible. In Mexico, Tulum was a standout for me. It’s less commercial than Cancun and absolutely beautiful.
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Co-authored Articles (6)

How to Make an Itinerary for a Trip

Design your travel itinerary format from scratch or with a digital template A travel itinerary outlines all elements of a trip, from hotel stops to destinations. It can be indispensable, whether you’re planning a weeke...

How to Arrange Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport: Before or After Arrival

How to get guided assistance and wheelchair service with any airlineAirlines and airports offer a variety of options for individuals seeking wheelchair assistance. From reservations to boarding equipment, there are resou...

How to

Pack for a 5 Day Vacation

Packing for a vacation can feel like its own job and it can seem inevitable that you'll end up packing too much or forgetting an essential item. But by taking a little time to create a thoughtful plan and learning a few ...

How to

Book a Hotel Room

Finding a good hotel and making a reservation can be stressful, especially if you are trying to book a hotel room for a large family or at the last minute. With many hotel reservations done online, there are online tools...

How to

Plan for a Long Weekend

You're likely super excited about your upcoming long weekend, and planning what you're going to do is part of the fun! A long weekend is the perfect time to make memories, whether you take a trip or stay home. To get the...

How to

Be Safe During a Cruise Ship Fire

When you are on vacation the last thing you expect is to have to deal with a fire on board a ship, but being mentally and physically prepared could help avoid damage. Most cruise ships are very safe and emergencies are q...