About Lauren
Learn About Lauren
The Journey That Started It All
My love for travel didn't begin in a guidebook: it started with a simple desire to see what lay beyond the familiar. Over the years, that curiosity has taken me from the Midnight Sun in Norway to the raw, untouched beauty of New Zealand's fjords. I've navigated the many areas of Russia, traveled the country by train to see hidden lands and national parks, wandered cobblestone streets across Europe, and stood in awe on one of Alaska's glaciers.
But here's what I've learned: the most meaningful trips aren't just about where you go. They're about how you feel when you get there—and who helps you make it happen.
Today, I specialize in designing luxury travel experiences for families who want to explore the world without the stress of planning every detail. I handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters: connection, wonder, and those moments that become stories you'll tell for years.
What I Do Best
Luxury Cruises/Expeditions – From Alaska's Inside Passage to Antarctica's icy horizons, I design cruise experiences that balance adventure with comfort. I know which ships offer the best family suites, which itineraries deliver the most authentic experiences, and how to secure the perks that elevate your journey.
Alaska & Polar Expeditions – Few places inspire awe like Alaska. Whether you're watching whales breach in Glacier Bay or standing on the deck as your ship navigates through ice, I create itineraries that capture the magic of the far north—without the overwhelm.
Private Guided Experiences – Sometimes the best way to see a place is with a local expert by your side. I arrange private tours that let you explore at your own pace, skip the crowds, and dive deeper into the destinations that fascinate you.
Train Travel – I'm currently exploring the art of luxury rail journeys across the US and Canada and beyond. There's something powerful about watching landscapes unfold through a train window—reaching places you'd never see from a highway, all while enjoying a level of comfort that makes the journey itself unforgettable.
Why I Love Working With Busy Moms
Because I get it. You're juggling schedules, managing logistics, and somehow trying to plan a vacation that works for everyone—from your adventurous eight-year-old to your teenager who just wants Wi-Fi.
You deserve a trip where someone else handles the details. Where you don't lose hours comparing cruise cabins or wondering if the excursion you booked is actually age-appropriate. Where you can trust that every piece of your itinerary has been thoughtfully designed with your family's needs in mind.
I work with busy moms who want extraordinary experiences without the exhausting planning process. You shouldn't have to become a travel expert to take your family on an unforgettable trip—that's my job.
How I Make It Effortless
I don't just book trips. I design experiences rooted in years of personal travel, trusted industry connections, and a deep understanding of what makes luxury travel truly worthwhile. I know which cruise lines offer the best kids' programs. I know when to book, how to negotiate upgrades, and which destinations deliver on their promises.
Most importantly, I make the process easy. You share your vision, I handle the rest, and you show up ready to make memories.
If you're ready to explore the world without the overwhelm, let's talk. Your next adventure is closer than you think.
Skip the Drake
I created Skip the Drake for travelers who dream of reaching Antarctica without crossing the rough Drake Passage. These fly-cruise expeditions combine the thrill of exploring the 7th continent with the comfort of luxury travel. By flying directly to Antarctica, you skip the unpredictable seas and spend more time where it matters most, walking among penguins, cruising past icebergs, and experiencing one of the most extraordinary places on earth in comfort and style.
Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours FAQ
What is a cruisetour, and do I need one?
A cruisetour combines your cruise with a multi-day land package, usually into Denali National Park and the interior of Alaska, before or after your sailing. If you only cruise, you'll see the coastal towns, glaciers, and wildlife from the water, but you'll miss Denali, the interior wilderness, and the chance to see the mountain up close. I add a land portion whenever it makes sense for your trip/
Which cruise line is best for an Alaska cruise?
It depends on what you want out of the trip. I work with many different cruise lines based on what you are looking for in Alaska. Princess Cruises and Holland America are the leaders in mainstream cruises and have benefits in Alaska that other cruise lines do not receive. There are expedition-style options like Uncruises and National Geographic for a more immersive, small-ship experience for people wanting a more in-depth in the land. These are just some of the parnters that are great in Alaska, but there are so many more! I'll walk you through which one actually fits your travel style once I know what you're looking for.
What is the best time of year to cruise Alaska?
The season runs May through September. Late June and July give you the longest days and the most reliable weather for glacier viewing. May and September run cooler with fewer crowds and sometimes better pricing. I help you choose based on what matters most to you, whether that's wildlife, budget, or avoiding peak crowds.
Should I book a balcony stateroom, and does the side of the ship matter?
Yes to the balcony for most Alaska itineraries. Watching glaciers calve and wildlife pass by from your own private space is a big part of the experience. The side of the ship does matter and depends on your specific itinerary and route, which is exactly the kind of detail I sort out for you rather than leaving to chance.
Do you help with flights and hotels before and after the cruise, or just the cruise itself?
The whole thing depends on your preferences. I build in pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel stays, coordinate flights around your sailing and land tour, and make sure your timing actually works together instead of leaving gaps or overly tight connections for you to discover on arrival. Some clients use points to book flights or pre-night stays. We can discuss what your preferences is and we can work together.
Is Alaska a good trip for kids, or is it more of a couples' destination?
Both. Families come to Alaska for real, tangible adventure: whales, glaciers, wildlife up close, and a sense of scale you don't get anywhere else. I also plan a lot of milestone trips for couples, anniversaries and retirements especially. I'll tailor the itinerary, excursions, and pacing depending on who's traveling. I have taken my son when he just turned 4 to Alaska and grandparents with mobility issues and everyone had the best time ever. There is something for everyone in Alaska!
Ready to stop planning and start packing?
From the first conversation to the final day of your journey, you’ll enjoy a beautifully planned itinerary, thoughtful details, and the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of. All you have to do is enjoy the memories.