We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Shook recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery and reflection. For me, it involved many things like exploring varied interests to see what resonated with me and what I found meaningful, self-reflection, trusting my intuition, embracing change, and goal-setting. Ultimately, finding my purpose has been an ongoing journey. It’s about continuously learning, growing, and aligning my actions with what truly matters to me.
I recall that on every interview that I went on, I always mentioned that I wanted to grow and develop with a purpose. This was a key factor in pursuing a career in the luxury travel space. I was drawn to the idea of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others, which aligned with my personal values and passions.
I ventured outside of the country for the first time at 9 years old and so began my love affair with travel. One vivid memory from that trip was visiting a bustling market with my family, where I was fascinated by the vibrant colors, diverse cultures, and the stories behind each item on display. This experience ignited a curiosity in me that has never waned. At the age of ten, I started making detailed guides and itineraries, allowing me to explore different cultures and destinations through meticulous planning and research. This early passion laid the foundation for my career in travel.
Fast forward to today, my unquenchable desire and enthusiasm have led me to explore over seventy countries. Each destination taught me something new and helped shape my understanding of the world and my place within it. Whether it was hiking Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan, experiencing the serene beauty of Japanese temples, or navigating the historic streets of European cities, each journey contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Now, I own my independent luxury travel agency, TripMe, which I launched in October 2022. This venture allows me to combine my passion for luxury travel with my desire to make a meaningful impact, providing clients with exceptional experiences that they will cherish. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing from clients about how a trip I planned became a life-changing experience for them. It’s moments like these that reaffirm my purpose and fuel my passion for what I do.
Through my travels and professional journey, I’ve developed a keen sense of empathy, cultural awareness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. These qualities not only define my approach to business but also guide me in my everyday life. My purpose continues to evolve, but at its core, it’s about connecting with people, sharing the beauty of the world, and making a positive impact through the experiences I create.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
From a young age, I was captivated by the magic of travel. When I travelled outside of the country for the first time to Greece, the experience was transformative, igniting a passion for exploration that has only grown over the years. This wanderlust propelled me to create detailed guides and itineraries, fascinated by the idea of meticulously planning every detail to ensure an unforgettable experience. This early passion laid the foundation for my career in the luxury travel industry.
Today, I am the proud founder of TripMe. My agency was founded on the principle of letting curiosity awaken your soul. We provide full-service, luxury planning services by leveraging our diverse experience, unique collection of premium travel partners and resorts, and first-hand adventures around the world. Our goal is to offer intimate access to the world’s most incredible hospitality partners, ensuring our clients experience the world through the most genuine and gorgeous lens. Our motto at TripMe is “luxury travel in high definition.” TripMe is a proud Virtuoso agency. We are also preferred partners for some of the globe’s most prestigious and esteemed hotel brands such as Rosewood, Belmond, and Marriott, to name a few.
At TripMe, we create unique experiences that inspire storytelling. We believe that travel is more than just visiting a new place; it’s about creating memories and stories that last a lifetime. Each journey is a narrative waiting to unfold, filled with moments of discovery, connection, and personal growth. These stories become part of our clients’ lives, enriching their perspectives and inspiring future adventures.
Storytelling is a powerful tool that enhances the travel experience. It allows travelers to share their experiences with others, creating a sense of community and connection. Through storytelling, we celebrate the diversity of cultures, the beauty of landscapes, and the richness of human experiences. It transforms travel from a mere activity into a meaningful journey that resonates deeply with the soul.
Before launching TripMe, I honed my skills on a top team at Ovation Travel Group, crafting bespoke trips for high net-worth clientele. I then accepted a role as Agency Manager & Lead Advisor for a tech-driven, millennial-focused start-up travel agency, where I oversaw the entire advisor team. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to travel planning and client service.
In recognition of my work, I was named a Rising Star by Travel + Leisure in 2021 and was honored at ILTM in Cannes. In 2022, I was recognized as a Top Ten Hyatt Privé Advisor, a member of the Celestial Club by Marriott International, a selected member of Querido Rockstars, and one of Travel Agent Central’s 30Under30 Travel Advisors. These accolades are a testament to my dedication and passion for the industry. Today, I serve as a member on Belmond’s new advisory board, Horizon, and hope to continue to engage the next generation of travelers for years to come.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that seem to have been most impactful are my passion and curiosity for travel, attention to detail and planning, and professionalism and sophistication.
From an early age, my love of travel has been a driving force. My passion for exploring new places and creating detailed guides and itineraries has fueled my career and business ventures. This curiosity not only broadened my personal horizons, but also equipped me with invaluable first-hand knowledge of different cultures and destinations. I highly recommend others to never stop exploring and learning. Commit yourself to being a lifelong learner. Travel as much as possible and immerse yourself in different cultures. Keep a travel journal or blog to document your experiences and reflections. In addition, stay informed. Continuously educate yourself about the travel industry. Attend webinars, read industry publications, and network with other travel professionals to stay updated on trends and opportunities.
My early hobby, later turned passion, for creating detailed guides and itineraries demonstrates a meticulous approach to planning. This skill is crucial in the travel industry, where the success of a trip often hinges on careful preparation and attention to detail. Planning and preparation go hand in hand in the travel industry. I would advise that those wanting to break into this field really develop their organizational skills. You can practice making detailed plans for hypothetical trips to hone your skills.
Lastly, my travel background and accolades at a young age, highlight my professional approach and sophisticated understanding of the luxury travel market. This professionalism has established me as a trusted advisor and peer in the industry. Build your brand and be the driving force behind it. Maintain a high standard of professionalism in all of your interactions. Develop a personal brand that reflects your expertise, reliability, and commitment to quality. Learn from industry leaders and seek mentorship opportunities. Participate in professional development programs to enhance your skills and knowledge continuously.
All-in-all, follow your passion! Identify what excites you and pursue it relentlessly. Passion is a powerful motivator that can drive you through challenges and setbacks. Next, be a lifelong learner. The travel industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Commit to lifelong learning to stay ahead. Lastly, network and build relationships. Establish connections with other professionals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and insights that can propel your career forward.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is savvy, sophisticated, curious, and most importantly, trusts me. As a specialist of 5-star luxury, my ideal client values high-end, bespoke travel experiences. They seek unique, premium services and are willing to invest in luxury accommodations, exclusive access, and top-tier amenities. A dream client is someone who has a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to explore new cultures, destinations, and experiences. They are enthusiastic about discovering hidden gems and unique places that offer more than just the typical tourist experience.
I like to align myself with clients who appreciate meticulous planning and attention. My ideal client values well-organized itineraries that cover all aspects of their travel, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. They also seek personalized service and experiences tailored specifically to their preferences, interests, and needs. They appreciate the effort put into understanding their individual tastes and creating a custom travel plan that reflects their unique desires.
Building long-term relationships with clients who trust my expertise and are loyal to my brand is crucial. These clients will return for future travel planning and recommend my services to others, contributing to your business growth. My business is highly referral-driven. I plan 40 honeymoons a year on top of other trip planning and really enjoy knowing that the majority of database is made up of repeat clients. This is the biggest form of flattery in our industry.
I appreciate clients who are experience-driven and who value storytelling. As an avid storyteller myself creating memorable experiences for clients really aligns with TripMe’s philosophy. Those looking for travel experiences that are not only luxurious but also rich in culture and adventure should turn to TripMe for their next getaway as we really allow our clients to experience “travel in high-definition.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tripmetravels.com
- Instagram: @travellaur / @tripmetravels_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-shook-8a740b24/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
