Lauren LaCour Travel

Lauren LaCour Travel Travel Advisor with Departure Lounge LLC a Virtuoso® Agency. Specializing in luxury travel, family & multi-generational vacations and wellness breaks. On y va!

About Me:
“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 and have been lucky enough to call six different countries home. I’ve lived in Hong Kong (1 year), Paris (2 years), London (8 years) and worked in Amsterdam (2.5 years), Brussels (2 years) and Edinburgh (1 year).

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 became a travel advisor after nearly 20 years in international operations & project management, leaving a successful career as an Executive Director at a large US bank in order to pursue my passion. I have high standards for myself and expect the same of service providers. I have a lot of experience planning and taking solo getaways as well as creating “family fun for everyone” – whether that’s finding sports or musical events in a foreign city or introducing a child to the best chocolate mousse in Paris. After living in France, I’ve led many friends on tours around Paris and was excited to guide my parents on a “tour de France” à la LaCour; driving around France’s wine and champagne regions, staying in beautiful châteaux and medieval cities and using a road atlas to help plan our next day’s itinerary! I have a “work hard, play hard” mentality and an appreciation for the need to splurge on a luxury get-away for pampering and rejuvenation in beautiful surroundings. Standing in the shadows of Mount Everest, cruising through Botswana’s Okavango Delta (with a surprise elephant crossing at any turn) 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 and enjoy planning travel around sporting events. I’ve gone to the British Open at St Andrews, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot races, the Tour de France, football (aka soccer) in Madrid and the Olympics in Athens and London. 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! I understand that travel preferences are personal and need customization. What are your favorite travel memories? What’s on your bucket list? I look forward to helping you plan your next adventure. Please contact me if you would like discuss your upcoming travel plans and feel free to share my contact information. About Virtuoso:
Virtuoso, the travel industry’s most prestigious, by-invitation-only network of luxury travel providers. It consists of both travel advisors and travel partners (hotels, cruise lines, tours, etc.) Ultimately, the goal of everyone involved is to make your travel experience special! Working with Virtuoso Advisors provides you with:
1. Personalised Planning - your trips will be tailored to your needs, interests, and budget.
2. Global Expertise and Connections - Virtuoso advisors have relationships with people around the world who can arrange experiences that make a trip truly extraordinary.
3. Value for the Money - Virtuoso advisors have access to the same (and often better) pricing than you can find online, and can secure special perks you can't get yourself.
4. VIP Treatment - Virtuoso travel advisors can get you exclusive access to events, private tours, and other extras.
5. Peace of Mind - In addition to saving you time and money, your advisor is available 24/7 before, during, and after your trip; you can relax and have fun. More information available at:
http://www.virtuoso.com/
http://www.departurelounge.com/

03/17/2024

☘️ Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! from the heart of Ireland, and Partner Ashford Castle.☘️

The soundtrack here is a special one. Commissioned by Ashford Castle in honor of founder Beatrice Tollman’s 90th Birthday, the composition was crafted by local Connemara man Marcus Hernon, and performed alongside his two sons.

Enjoy sights, sounds & inspiration from an estate that enchants visitors all year long.

💚 From the Irish heart that lives in us all, may the best of blessings define all your days. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! 💚

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the bless...
03/16/2024

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”

Our own Irish blessing comes in the form of three Partners across the Emerald Isle, all waiting to provide a warm Irish welcome to you + yours.

☘️ Make your way west to Ashford Castle, the former home of the Guinness family. A multi-year winner of the Forbes Five Star Award, the estate's spa also earned its own Five Star Award this year. A royal escape begins as soon as you enter the grand stone gates.. Enjoy extraordinary dining and fine Irish cuisine, watch hawks soar at Ireland’s first school of falconry, and restore inner peace at the state-of-the-art spa. Warmth defines your welcome and your stay, with staff delighted to delight *you* at every turn.

☘️ Just an hour outside of Dublin, Ballyfin Demesne is at its heart a country retreat nestled within 614 acres of private parkland featuring a 28-acre lake, ancient woods, follies, and grottoes. Long-admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in the country, you'll find 20 bedrooms, magnificent grandeur, and unparalleled seclusion and privacy -- all wrapped in refined elegance with a relaxed approach that is wonderfully warm and welcoming.

☘️ Sheen Falls Lodge is a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel in verdant southwest Ireland, renowned for luxurious accommodations and lush hospitality. Consider it your country house-away-from-home, from which you can also explore and enjoy the surrounding woodlands, picturesque Sheen River, and cascading waterfalls while enjoying hiking, biking, horseback riding, salmon fishing, falconry, and kayaking.

💚 And as Partners, all properties extend priority upgrades and an elevated experience to guests who book with me. 💚

Gong hei fat choy!
02/10/2024

Gong hei fat choy!

🎇 Happy New Year! 🎇All the best for you and yours as we head into the bright, shiny new year. 🥂 cin cin, salud, prost, s...
12/31/2023

🎇 Happy New Year! 🎇

All the best for you and yours as we head into the bright, shiny new year. 🥂 cin cin, salud, prost, stáinte, l’chaim, kanpai, cheers, santé! 🍾

Is mountain gorilla trekking and discovering the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa on your bucket list?  If so…two stunning...
12/03/2023

Is mountain gorilla trekking and discovering the awe-inspiring beauty of Africa on your bucket list? If so…two stunning One&Only Rwanda properties can make those dreams come true.✨

🦍 Feel at one with nature at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, a luxury resort set against the historic mountains of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Stay in one of 21 treehouse-style lodges or suites framed by eucalyptus and rain-forest views. Savor local, seasonal cuisine and bespoke cocktails in the jungle-chic Nest Restaurant or Nest Bar. And when it’s time to explore, the resort offers a range of truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from drumming circles to once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounters.

🦍 At One&Only Nyungwe House, you become attuned to the lush surroundings: a working tea plantation set on the edge of ancient rain forest in mountainous southwest Rwanda. Clusters of rustic villas house 22 rooms and suites designed to frame the stunning landscape. Extended balconies create private havens to watch wildlife. And the earthy interiors showcase local textiles and artwork, with beamed ceilings and crackling fireplaces. Expect organic, farm-to-table cuisine and highly tailored experiences, ranging from locally-inspired spa treatments to chimpanzee tracking.

And at both: Rwandans gather together to give back to local communities, with opportunities for guests to join in and take part in infrastructure, environmental, and other projects.

Also at both properties: the type of elevated treatment + amenities extended to my clients. Let me know if you’d like to plan this bucket list adventure!

Have you checked your passport recently?  The U.S. Department of State recommends getting your passport BEFORE booking i...
09/16/2023

Have you checked your passport recently? The U.S. Department of State recommends getting your passport BEFORE booking international travel. Give yourself at least 6-9 months to apply for and receive your new or renewed passport. There are expeditor services for those who can’t be without their passport for long (like me) but don’t wait until the last minute! Many countries also require six months of passport validity to enter and/or two blank pages for visa stamps. Check your passport & apply early to be prepared.

Ritz-Carlton has taken to the high seas in high style in the form of the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.  Designed to...
09/04/2023

Ritz-Carlton has taken to the high seas in high style in the form of the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Designed to combine the elegant style of The Ritz-Carlton and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, timeless luxury meets a spirit of exploration.

Calling on unique and distinguished destinations alike, voyages offer overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore. And true to the spirit of Ritz-Carlton, the focus is on delivering their renowned white glove, personalized service, along with elevated dining and luxury amenities.

As a Partner, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection also enhances my clients’ journeys with the following:
* A cooking class or demonstration, followed by a tasting experience with the team from specialty restaurant, S.E.A.
* In addition, on hosted Virtuoso sailings, clients also receive the choice of $260 per person onboard credit, Half-Day Private Car and Driver, or a Virtuoso Hosted Shore Excursion.

Let me know if you’d like to set sail in the most elevated style!

Congratulations to   Partner Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for winning the Best of the Best award in the River Cruise ...
08/25/2023

Congratulations to Partner Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for winning the Best of the Best award in the River Cruise Line category recently announced at Virtuoso Travel Week‘s gala celebration!

To know one ship is not to know them all — Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is modeled after their sister company, the five-star Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Known for their destination-inspired interior décor, gracious service and carefully selected amenities—the ethos translates beautifully on water and provides an intimate, elegant and relaxed experience.

Think of each boutique river cruise ship as is its own stylish, floating hotel-- complete with inviting spaces, exquisite antiques, custom fabrics and original works of art. Even better, it’s a luxury hotel that just happens to deliver you to — and through -- countries all over the world.

Let me know if you’d like to plan an award winning river experience!

Back to school….or back to beach? 🐚 The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos is looking to make the decision e...
08/07/2023

Back to school….or back to beach? 🐚

The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos is looking to make the decision easy.

☀️ Visit in September for 3 nights, and enjoy 30% off for travel through October 4th, 2023. (Tempted? Read on...) ☀️

Voted the Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World in 2021 and 2022, the island-inspired suites offer brilliant ocean views and access to a private stretch of sheltered Long Bay Beach. The shallow, waveless shore is perfect for water sports and is known as the best kite surf beach on the island. ⛱

Raise a glass by candlelight over Peruvian-Japanese fusion fare, deep dive by moonlight in one of the four distinctive pools, or find your “ahhhhh” at the Dune spa. (Homeschooling or a long weekend? Jungle Jam kids club entertains children, ages 4 - 12.)

🌴Play hooky…we mean BOOK… by September 30th to experience all the best this Partner has to offer; including $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for 2, priority upgrade, and the warmest of welcomes. 🌴

Let me know if you’d like an extended summer in Turks.

I’m here to stage a summer intervention. And with the help of   Partner Quark Expeditions, it’s about to get positively ...
07/19/2023

I’m here to stage a summer intervention. And with the help of Partner Quark Expeditions, it’s about to get positively polar around here. (You're *welcome*!) 🐧

❄ As a leader in Polar adventures, Quark explores the Polar regions differently from everyone else. And when you travel with Quark Expeditions, you’re exploring alongside the most experienced polar experts on Earth, setting foot where few ever will, and doing what few ever dream.

Do you want to explore off the beaten path? 🏔 Quark can take you to where there are no paths at all. Will you be content to cruise at sea-level? Or would you also like to cruise 1,000 feet over the untouched polar wilderness in a twin-engine helicopter? 🚁 (Sail on the Ultramarine, and that can happen!) With Quark Expeditions you won't just be on vacation—you’ll be on the expedition of a lifetime.

🔹️ Even cooler: when you book with me, you’ll receive $250 shipboard credit in addition to exclusive offers.🔹️

Show summer who's boss and plan your polar escape today ❄

I travelled to Antarctica with Quark and I can assure you, it’s a trip of a lifetime!

Located in Basque Country, San Sebastián takes bite-size cuisine seriously. Go on a pintxo crawl and enjoy quality Basqu...
06/23/2023

Located in Basque Country, San Sebastián takes bite-size cuisine seriously. Go on a pintxo crawl and enjoy quality Basque tapas with txakoli.

https://tinyurl.com/2l6fvqfo/

Image: Richard James Taylor

Dublin is a great city to go pub and library-hopping. Here’s how you can spend a long weekend in Ireland’s capital city....
06/21/2023

Dublin is a great city to go pub and library-hopping. Here’s how you can spend a long weekend in Ireland’s capital city.

https://tinyurl.com/2cxvut8s/

Image: The Shelbourne Hotel

Just an hour’s drive north of Dubrovnik, Peljesac Peninsula is the perfect day excursion for wine and oyster aficionados...
06/16/2023

Just an hour’s drive north of Dubrovnik, Peljesac Peninsula is the perfect day excursion for wine and oyster aficionados.

https://tinyurl.com/25rcdll7/

Image: Richard James Taylor

It’s game on in Provence! Pétanque, the most popular boules sport in France, still brings people together to make memori...
06/14/2023

It’s game on in Provence! Pétanque, the most popular boules sport in France, still brings people together to make memories after over a hundred years.

https://tinyurl.com/238mnz8o/

Image: Clara Tuma

06/12/2023

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is serving up the inaugural Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, a three-day food celebration featuring the best in gastronomy, wine and mixology.

Showcasing award-winning local and national talent as well as an unbeatable line-up of experiences, the Culinary Classic connects chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, friends and neighbors in the name of culinary creativity. All in dedication to the aloha spirit of Hawai’i.

Hosted over Labor Day weekend, Thursday August 31 - Sunday September 03 2023, tickets are available a la carte for any of the six title events. Or you can go whole hog with an All Access Pass that grants entry to all the Culinary Classic events plus an “After Hours” meet-and-greet with the chefs, a VIP champagne and caviar reception prior to the Culinary Classic Dinner, and an exclusive Sunday Brunch with the chefs.

Foodie paradise while in paradise? Yes chef!

And as a Partner, Mauna Lani is offering our clients who attend the Culinary Classic special room rates while availability lasts.

Get ‘em while they’re hot and reach out for more information today.

Ride like a superhero on a multiday cycling tour and cruise! Bike on former railroad trails or pass through villages for...
06/09/2023

Ride like a superhero on a multiday cycling tour and cruise! Bike on former railroad trails or pass through villages for an impromptu coffee break.

https://tinyurl.com/2xqtqr4q/

Image: Ulf Svane

Navigating Europe’s northern waters reveals grand cities, tiny islands, and Arctic adventures. Set sail on these cruises...
06/07/2023

Navigating Europe’s northern waters reveals grand cities, tiny islands, and Arctic adventures. Set sail on these cruises to see what the continent has to offer!

https://tinyurl.com/2knb5nq6/

Image: Azamara

If you want waterside fun with a French twist, then plan a trip to Montréal this summer! Use this city guide to see what...
06/01/2023

If you want waterside fun with a French twist, then plan a trip to Montréal this summer! Use this city guide to see what restaurants and places to visit.

https://tinyurl.com/2epj9d4u/

Image: Dana Dorobantu

Sometimes the best cocktails are just around the corner from the check-in desk. Here are our favorite hotel bars in Los ...
05/31/2023

Sometimes the best cocktails are just around the corner from the check-in desk. Here are our favorite hotel bars in Los Angeles.

https://tinyurl.com/2jhknxel/

Image: Pendry West Hollywood

Ecuador’s capital city is ready to step into the culinary spotlight. These restaurants are drawing diners to Quito's Old...
05/25/2023

Ecuador’s capital city is ready to step into the culinary spotlight. These restaurants are drawing diners to Quito's Old Town.

https://tinyurl.com/2kg9y5al/

Image: Casa Gangotena

From my time living in Paris - one of my favorite activities is wandering on foot to soak up the atmosphere. During your...
05/23/2023

From my time living in Paris - one of my favorite activities is wandering on foot to soak up the atmosphere. During your next trip to Paris, take the time to stroll and take in its beauty.

https://tinyurl.com/2k47et7y/

Image: Joann Pai

Slow travel doesn’t mean less adventure! On a train trip, you’ll ride in style and have a front-row seat to showstopping...
05/19/2023

Slow travel doesn’t mean less adventure! On a train trip, you’ll ride in style and have a front-row seat to showstopping views.

https://tinyurl.com/2quskf7k/

Image: Rocky Mountaineer

Award-winning chef Sean Brock shares his picks for family-friendly spaces, soul food classics, and marathon tasting menu...
05/13/2023

Award-winning chef Sean Brock shares his picks for family-friendly spaces, soul food classics, and marathon tasting menus.

https://tinyurl.com/2o44z2r3/

Image: Emily Dorio

Explore Alaska’s picturesque sites like Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands, and the Bering Sea.  https://tinyurl.com/2n...
05/04/2023

Explore Alaska’s picturesque sites like Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands, and the Bering Sea.

https://tinyurl.com/2nrxgyb4/

Image: Luis García

04/29/2023

“When we connect with nature, we heal ourselves. When we protect nature, we heal the planet.” - Ted Turner

A living tribute to Earth Month every day of the year, Ted Turner Reserves offers epic getaways situated across over one million acres of New Mexico’s majestic Southwestern landscapes. Created as a way to support the conservation efforts of the properties, Ted Turner Reserves experiences are committed to restoring, sharing and safeguarding America’s wild places for future generations, while providing an inspiring guest experience that showcases our planet’s natural treasures.

Vermejo, Ted Turner Reserves covers over 550,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness — more land than many national parks. Ride horseback through open fields, explore turn-of-the-century charcoal kilns, fish for the Grande cutthroat trout in one of the 19 fishable lakes, and get about as close to a safari experience as you’ll find in the U.S.

The Hacienda at Armendaris embodies high desert luxury. The private 4-bedroom home sits on 360,000-acres and is a true invitation to adventure; with access to treks through semi-desert landscapes, encounters with unique wildlife, and access to the Jornada lava flow.

The Ladder sits on 156,000 acres — a natural oasis situated by four Rio Grande tributaries. Petroglyphs, pottery shards, and adobe ruins invite exploration into the mysteries of the past.

Connect with me to connect with nature in a way that gives back in the most beautiful of ways while enjoying the elevated experience + additional benefits that come from booking with Departure Lounge.

Your ship will have the port to itself at these underrated Mediterranean island outposts this summer.  https://tinyurl.c...
04/29/2023

Your ship will have the port to itself at these underrated Mediterranean island outposts this summer.

https://tinyurl.com/2pdhuvhd/

Image: Malta Tourism Authority

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