The Travel Mechanic

10/04/2024

Our hearts go out to the communities that are devastated by hurricane Helene. We are donating a portion if every booked trip to myusvc.com which is an amazing organization run by veterans to help disasters and give back to deployed families.

09/19/2024

After a 2 rebooked flights, an overnight in miami and 3 planes later we made it to showstoppers 2024!

Thank you to my clients, Roberto Aic and Kimberly Taylor for joining me! We loved the new AVA resort (soft opening), festivities and meeting new friends!

Full resort review and details are on insta www.instagram.com/thetravel_mechanic

07/17/2024

Calling al my awesome followers... our local The News & Observer is running a "Raleigh's Best" and I would love if you can help us win this year!
1. Click the link
2. Category is "Things to do"--> Travel Agency
3. Submit

THANK YOU!!!!

07/07/2024

Happy Belated Wedding Day! 💍

With a hurricane brewing, one guest denied entry into Mexico and so many changes taking place, we are glad that the couple got to celebrate with their closest friends and family at a gorgeous resort !

If you are an engaged couple and considering not hiring a destination wedding planner, please think again. Why take on all that stress in the midst of what is suppose to be the happiest day of your life! Travel and weather are unpredictable, so why take that chance?

05/31/2024

✨Meet Dina! ✨
Dina is here to help you on your next fun'n'sun vacation! She loves Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawai! She enjoyed traveling with her husband of 32 years and her kids! She has a busy summer traveling to Italy, Aruba and Mexico! Make sure you follow along for her great travel tips and adventures ahead!

05/27/2024

You know that awkward moment where you want to get a family photo but have to stop a stranger and ask? Then you realize that they cut off your feet and your husbands eyes were closed... talk about a missed moment...

My family travel hack is to book a family photoshoot while on your next vacation. DM me and I can send you a link with top photographers! 📸

05/17/2024

Oh hey, summer 👋

In honor of summer being right around the corner, I thought I’d share three of my favorite lake destinations for summer getaways. (because we all know the beaches will be crowded)

Swipe to see my favs ➡️

Lake Tahoe, CA and NV
Lake Abanakee, NY
Lake Louise, Canada

Which lake is your favorite?

Let me know in the comments👇

05/16/2024

05/14/2024

Okay guys, you know when you are in a convo have think of the most perfect thing to say but it’s too late because the moment has passed? UGHHH its the worst!

That’s why when an fellow traveller on one of our tours brought up the fact that they didn’t understand why people use travel advisors because they had recently planned their own trip online.

I was so happy that I got the opportunity to speak up and point out the 20 hours this person could have saved herself by letting a travel advisor do the research and book the trip—this person is super busy with her career and kids!

What I didn’t point out is that by booking their hotel on that 3rd party travel website, they left tons of perks on the table, including late check-out and a possible room upgrade.

And if they need to make changes, they’ll likely be passed from one customer service person to another.

The more you know the better your travels can be! Do you have any questions about travel planning? My DMs are always open.

05/11/2024

I’ve been planning trips to Italy for over 10 years, and the itineraries for my clients keep getting more complex as they travel more and want to dig even deeper into the local food and culture.

But let’s go back to the basics for a minute, shall we?

If it’s your first time in Italy, here are my recommendations:

Stay: For a first trip, I recommend doing a city and a scenic location which is perfect because in the cities you get instant culture, delicious food and Italian flair and the countryside you get to absorb it all!

Eat: You have to try fresh handmade pasta with either the Caico de Pepe (cheese and butter) or Amatriciana (tomato sauce). Don't forget to have some wine with it!

Do: I don’t recommend trying to fit everything in Italy into one trip. I recommend taking your time so you can truly enjoy, and for that reason, I recommend narrowing your focus on 2 main experiences and tours — I recommend something historical, because there is so much history and a cooking/food class for a first-timer.

As you can tell, I love Italy, so if you ever have any questions about visiting, don’t hesitate to reach out!

05/08/2024

🔔I hear wedding bells! 🔔

Does this sound like you: Recently engaged, crazy excited and dreaming of a destination wedding, but not 100% sure where to start?

Allow me to introduce myself! 👋🏼

My name is Lauren and I’ve helped nearly 100 brides book their dream destination wedding all over the Caribbean and Mexico!

From the Cancun to Cabo I’ve got the real scoop on what it takes to plan a destination wedding, from insights on the best venues to guidance with getting a larger group of people to a destination.

Shoot me a DM or book a FREE call with me through the link in bio today so we can get ahead of the game.

05/03/2024

The best summer weekend getaways from Raleigh for families...( )

Bookmark this for later and keep reading for 3 short and sweet getaways 📌

All of these are within 4ish hour car ride away 🚗

Charleston, SC and stay on the beach at wild dunes! Enjoy cocktails on the beach, taste ice scream and nearby Sullivans Island (the Oliver Oil gelato is TDF) and rent bikes to go along all the trails!

Hilton Head Island, SC not the favorite in the dead of summer but try to co mid-week to avoid the crowds. We love Sea Pines area with lots of dining options right on the water, the Beach Club ar Sea Pines resort (has lots of golf and tennis). Make sure to day trip to Daufuskie island, where you rent a gold cart and explore all day!

Savannah, GA if you have not been, I recommending heading out and staying at the JW Marriott right on the water. It is part museum and part hotel so it is perfect for a quick trip. The hotel is on the river and walkable to all the things!

Should I share more trip ideas close to Raleigh? Tell me in the comments! ☀️

04/30/2024

Summer trip inspiration incoming ☀️

What are the best islands for summer getaways to the Caribbean?

It’s hard to choose favorites. There are so many things to se and do on every island, but these three are my particular favorites during the summer months.

Turks and Caicos- Spend a week just looking at the water color (it is amazingly clear) and play with the unique breed of dogs (potcakes) only found on this island (they are too cute)

Jamaica - I always book ATVs or horseback riding for clients and always suggest Club Monday so they can be felt like a true VIP

St. Lucia- taking a helicopter up north is amazing and a great way to get to the resort in a flash since the island is very big, I also suggest checking out local fish fry which is a must-do in the Caribbean.

Which island is your style?

04/29/2024

Here‘s why relying on the internet may not be your best option for booking a trip.

Those sparkly hotel photos you see plastered all over Google?

They‘re not always accurate representations of reality. Take it from someone who’s visited many of them in person.

And don‘t even get me started on the reviews — because what ‘wows‘ one person might totally disappoint another.

This is where I come in — I put the microscope on everything for my clients.

I give you the raw facts on everything you need to know about trips you’re considering – from what to really expect from your rooms and amenities to tips on how to make the most of your time.

My recommendations aren‘t based on pretty pictures or popular opinions — they’re based on facts and first-hand experiences.

Because let‘s face it, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a state of underwhelm when you should be living your best life in the sun (or snow, if that’s your thing).

Have any burning questions about travel planning? Drop them in the comments below.

Or send me a DM to chat about your travels.

04/27/2024

Ah, the joy of getting lost in a good book while soaring through the sky! ✈️ There‘s just something about reading with the clouds around you that hits differently.

This is for my bookworms.

Here’s my top three favorite literary gems to add to your reading list for your next flight.

1️⃣ One Italian Summer by Rebecca Steele (5 ⭐️)
2️⃣ 5 star weekend by Erin Hilderbrand (4.5 ⭐️)
3️⃣ Book Lovers by Emily Henry (4 ⭐️)

What are you currently reading? Share your top picks in the comments below so I can start adding to my collection!

04/25/2024

Feeling stuck in a cycle of ‘someday‘ when it comes to your travel wishlist?

Let me remind you that a vacation is more than just a getaway.

➡️ It‘s a chance for you to reset and an act of self-care

➡️ A chance to learn new things about yourself and the world

➡️ It‘s REAL quality time with the people who mean the most to you.

Don’t let it be the thing that keeps getting filed away for later.

Whether it‘s a tropical escape to relax, getting back in touch with the outdoors, or a cozy low-key escape somewhere off the beaten path, I’m here to make the planning a breeze for you.

Let‘s make it happen — link in bio to book a complimentary planning call with me.

04/23/2024

Looking for a sign to delegate that family trip planning? Here it is, and the clock is ticking ⏰

Here’s a little inspo to light you up:

🚗Adventure through Iceland (fun and off the beaten path)
🌆City and Beach escape Portugal (unique and cultural)
🏝Laze around on the beach in Mexico (inexpensive and quick)

Which one sounds like your ideal family vacation?

PS - if none of these trips light you up, I can help you plan something custom and unique to your needs. I’m a call or email away, just send me a DM.

04/21/2024

Close your eyes and picture yourself hearing the sounds of the French pacific waters lapping against the beach.

Imagine the sunrises 🌅

The sounds 🕊️

The delicious cuisine 🥥

Ok, back to reality!

One of my clients is making honeymoon dreams come true and will be heading to Tahiti- including Moorea and Bora Bora in a few months.

I couldn‘t resist sharing a sneak peek into the itinerary I’ve been crafting for them.

Here‘s a glimpse:

They‘ll be staying at the amazing Hilton Moorea- the only 5 star on the island in a beach bungalow with private pool. This offers the perfect amount of privacy and steps away from the beach. Then they will head to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort, known for its epic over water bungalows with perfect views of the mountains and sunsets.

My client is big on relaxation and culture, so their itinerary includes some tailored experiences like swimming with the eco-sharks, heading to a barefoot style restaurant with fresh catch of the day and a surprise dining establishment which only has 6 tables... talk about romantic!

And, if I‘m honest, this is truly a top notch honeymoon that offers the most romantic experiences...

Is Tahiti on your list of places to visit this year?

My DM‘s are always open for your questions.

04/10/2024

Move over Amalfi, lets check out the newest upcoming area... Puglia!

Want a sample itinerary? Shoot me a DM and I will send it straight to your inbox!

04/04/2024

You‘ve got your coffee in one hand, mouse in the other, and your determination hat on.

Your mission?

Plan the ultimate getaway. But as you tumble down the Google rabbit hole, you realize you‘re in for a wild ride.

Who knew researching [Best gelato/best beaches/best tacos] could lead to a crash course in [Italian/Caribbean/Mexican] culture?

Let‘s make this journey a little less chaotic, shall we?

If you’re planning a galavant to Italy in the near future, here’s how I can help:

→ Giving your clarity on where to go, and when, and how much time to spend at each place.

→ Laying out our itinerary and getting everything booked so you don’t have to go down the rabbit hole.

→ Authentic tour recommendations personalized for you.

→ Hands on support along the way and tailored suggestions

You keep sipping the coffee, but slide that to do list right on over here so I can get that trip planned for you.

Let's chat. Send me a DM

03/30/2024

Not nearly enough travel blogs or influencers are talking about the fact that when you book your trips online, you’re leaving a ton of value on the table.

An influencer may get the red carpet rolled out for them, but what about people who don’t have thousands of followers?

The quickest way to more perks, room upgrades, special pricing, etc, for that family getaway is to work with industry insiders.

That’s me, friend! 👋🏼

I have a personal relationship with countless hotel managers around the world, access to those special perks I mentioned above, and the inside track on the latest information at different hotel properties — because nobody wants to pick accommodations that are undergoing renovations.

Have questions about planning and booking travel with me? Comment below or send me a DM!

03/28/2024

POV: you need ideas for your next getaway and you love exploring new places and eating your way through a city, you‘ve come to the right place.

Choose Unique Day Trips like,

🏎️ Race a car on speedways at the Ferrari headquarters

🚝Train and Ferry hop to Cinque Terre

🐕 🍄Truffle Hunt in Tuscany

That‘s all for now. Come back soon for more inspo, tips and travel advice on your next vacay!

03/26/2024

Not nearly enough travel blogs and influencers are talking about the fact that when you book your trips online, you’re leaving a ton of value on the table.

An influencer may get the red carpet rolled out for them, but what about people who don’t have thousands of followers?

The quickest way to more perks, room upgrades, special pricing, etc, for that family getaway is to work with industry insiders.

That’s me, friend! 👋🏼

I have a personal relationship with countless hotel managers around the world, access to those special perks I mentioned above, and the inside track on the latest information at different hotel properties — because nobody wants to pick accommodations that are undergoing renovations.

Have questions about planning and booking travel with me? Comment below or send me a DM!

03/21/2024

That LIFE-CHANGING moment when you realize you don’t have to be the mastermind behind every single trip you take.

It turns out there’s a girl for that.

I’m your girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️

You can absolutely have the sun-kissed beaches and off-the-beaten-path experiences without having to spend one minute (Let alone 20-30 hours like my last client!) down a Google rabbit hole trying to pin down the details of your trip.

It’s as simple as a quick call to me to hand over the reins of your travel planning so you can say hello to stress-free travel. Link in bio to book a complimentary call!

This is a pic of me getting "saged" for instant relaxation.. you can opt to have your immersion in the spa instead of outside!

03/19/2024

👋🏼Hey google...

What are the top all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean?

Reports pop up in 2.5 seconds and you start clicking and researching the options. You click through some pics, you see some low pricing of $200 a night.. you are dreaming of yourself with a drink in your hand....

then your phone dings... and you are distracted and close the tabs...

Then that evening, when exhaustion sets in, you type in that same resort and then you and back down a rabbit hole and 40 minutes goes by and you need to go to sleep. '

Still no trip booked... you have made little progress.

If this has happened to you, consider reaching out to me to help you offer NON-BIASED advice and something to hep you get your trip booked!