Lauren Cardinale, CTA, VTA
Chief Experience Officer
Lauren knows the travel industry inside and out and approaches travel planning with an insider’s eye. After working for 5-star hotels and global tour operators, she has spent over a decade as a travel advisor to couples, families, leisure and corporate groups, and high-profile clientele from Hollywood to the NFL. In 2025 she was awarded her 5th consecutive Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, a recognition reserved for “industry superstars who pull off the impossible.”
She shares her secret sauce: “The best way to describe my job is as a memory maker. When designing a vacation, I tailor it to your custom wishes while encouraging you to step outside of the box. I have the local connections and personal destination knowledge to make sure your vacation meets then exceeds your expectations.”
The best way to describe my job is as a memory maker. And I don’t take that designation lightly.
Lauren currently lives in her hometown of New Orleans, LA, although she has called Seattle, WA and Auburn, AL home over the years. She is married to her best friend and biggest stowaway, *ahem* supporter, Doug, They enjoy sharing the world with sons Luca and Max and daughter Camila Kate.
My Insider Tip
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of trip research and the opinions of others, but remember: the magic of travel is in the experience, not the reviews. While it’s great to be prepared, don’t let internet rabbit-holes or well-meaning friends set your expectations for you. Go into your journey with an open heart and a sense of adventure—some of the best memories are made when you leave room for a little mystery and let the destination surprise you.
My Travel Specialties
I specialize in crafting highly personalized, luxury travel experiences—whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime European adventure, a private jet getaway, a river cruise, or a custom-tailored group journey. My passion is connecting clients with exclusive, vetted partners and in-destination specialists, ensuring every detail is seamless, safe, and extraordinary. From family milestones to affinity group travel, I’m here to be your travel bestie, advocate, and insider guide—so you can live your best life, one unforgettable trip at a time.
