We met Lauren LaCour

DEPARTURE LOUNGE

“On y va!”, meaning “Let’s go!” in French, is one of my favorite phrases; perfect for my globetrotting lifestyle. I have traveled to all seven continents including 60+ countries.

I’ve lived in Hong Kong, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels and Edinburgh. My time living abroad as an expat has given me an extensive global network and inspires me to help others experience new cultures and beautiful places around the world.

I have a lot of experience planning and taking solo getaways as well as creating “family fun for everyone” – whether that’s introducing a child to the best chocolate mousse in Paris, standing in the shadows of Mount Everest, cruising through Botswana’s Okavango Delta or wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a way of dissolving day to day stress and changing perspectives.

I am an avid sports fan I’ve also cycled across Alaska, surfed in Hawaii, been scuba diving in beautiful waters around the world, participated in London and NYC triathlons, trekked to Everest Base Camp and summited Mt Kilimanjaro. Sports and travel make an exhilarating combination!

Let’s speak with Lauren

Planning 5-star travel is often seen as the dream job by many, when did you start your career as a travel agent ? What prompted you to do it ?

I became a travel advisor 8 years ago after 17 years in financial services, leaving a successful career as an Executive Director at a large US bank in order to pursue my passion. I spent 12 years living across 3 continents, working in 10 different countries and travelling during any free time I had! Living abroad instilled a passion to help others experience new cultures and beautiful places around the world. I am grateful every day that I get to spend my time helping create memorable vacations for my clients.

Knowing wonderful destinations and being able to stay in any hotel must sometimes be difficult to choose what to suggest to your clients. What has been the dream trip you have already taken for your clients ?

There are so many!! I’m lucky to have traveled to 86 countries- some of my most memorable trips have been cruising to Antarctica (the glaciers, wildlife & landscapes are surreal!), seeing polar bears in the wild in Churchill (Canada), marveling at the ancient city of Matera (Italy) dating back to the Paleolithic age and attending the Olympics in Athens & London.

Working with the best suppliers around the world and being used to having impeccable service, what do you think makes the difference when choosing who to partner with ?

Being a successful travel advisor is all about the personal connections I have around the world. Some of the things I look for in a trusted partner are a commitment to excellence, service delivery focus, professionalism and creativity (critical for creating those special moments)!

Among the many experiences that can be organized during a trip why did you decide to try and propose a professional photo service ? What makes this experience so special ?

There is a quote by an Italian poet, Cesare Pavese, that I love, “We Do not Remember Days, We Remember Moments”. A vacation photographer is a fun experience and a great way to memorialize treasured moments together! My sisters and I booked a Pix Around photo shoot in Florence for my mother’s birthday a couple years ago. We are not often all together, and it was just before covid. Looking at our photos brings us back to those moments together- laughing and taking in the beauty of Florence!

Where would you like to have a really special photo shoot ?

A special photo shoot can be anywhere for any occasion that you are together with family or friends! Whether it’s capturing a special occasion (like a honeymoon, proposal, anniversary or birthday celebration trip) or just a time when the family or extended family is all together. Instead of organizing a studio family photo shoot – plan one while you are on the road! Capture travel memories and get that photo for next year’s Christmas card (that is sure to make all your friends envious) at the same time!

Why do you recommend Pix Around ?

I love that Pix Around is a family business with deep roots in the travel industry. Francesca and Alessandro have a passion for life, people and moments. They focus on personal connections and have a fantastic global network. I am confident my clients will be in the best hands with a top-quality photographer regardless of location – and they will come home with the very best souvenirs from their Pix Around vacation photo shoot!