Luxury Ambassador of the Month
Lauren Shook, Founder of TripMe · U.S.A.
What sparked your passion for luxury travel?
"I ventured outside of the country for the first time at 9-years-old and so began my love affair with travel. What started as a childhood wonder has since become an unquenchable desire to see the world, leading me to explore seventy countries to-date. Along the way, my immersion in diverse cultures and exposure to the world’s most inspiring luxury hotels ultimately shaped my path and inspired me to pursue a career in the luxury travel industry. What I love most about the travel industry is the human connection at its core. It’s about more than just hotels and itineraries – it’s about building lasting relationships with clients and partners around the world. Every trip is an opportunity to create trust, share stories, and forge bonds that make travel deeply personal and meaningful."
Career
- 2021: Rising Star Recognition by Travel + Leisure & ILTM Recognition
- 2022: Industry Honors – Top Ten Hyatt Privé Advisor, Member of Marriott International’s Celestial Club, Querido Rockstar, Travel Agent Central’s 30Under30
- October 2022: Launch of own independent luxury travel agency TripMe
- 2024: TripMe becomes a Virtuoso Member Agency
- 2025: TripMe becomes a Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Why did you decide to start your own business?
"I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build something truly special that could make an impact. For me, TripMe was never just about selling travel – it was about creating a brand that reflects my values, my vision for what luxury travel can be, and the high-touch service my clients deserve. Building my own agency gave me the freedom to innovate, to tell stories in new ways, and to craft client experiences with thoughtfulness at every touchpoint. I’ve always told myself, 'if you bet on yourself, you'll never lose,' and launching TripMe was the ultimate expression of that belief. It has pushed me to grow, strengthened my resilience, and allowed me to leave a lasting mark on the industry."
Which regions or travel themes do you specialize in?
"I specialize in crafting once-in-a-lifetime journeys, with a particular passion for honeymoons – I plan more than 40 each year! While I design trips all over the world, my expertise shines in Southern Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, and African safaris. What I love most is weaving together romance, culture, and adventure – whether it’s a sun-drenched escape to the Amalfi Coast, a culinary deep-dive through Japan, or a safari that connects travelers to the magic of Africa. Each trip is about creating meaningful, high-definition experiences that clients will remember forever."
What do you think is the greatest challenge travel agencies face today?
"One of the greatest challenges for travel agencies today is the rapid pace of technology and how it has reshaped the way people plan and book travel. With so much information – and misinformation – online, clients can feel overwhelmed trying to sort through it all. The real challenge is proving the value of a human advisor in a digital-first world: showing that no algorithm can replace the insight, relationships, and personal touch that transform a trip from ordinary to extraordinary."
What was the most emotional goosebump moment you ever experienced on a trip?
"This powerful moment happened most recently, while gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Singita. After hours of hiking through dense rainforest, suddenly locking eyes with a silverback at arm’s length was nothing short of life-changing. Their presence is so commanding yet tender, their expressions uncannily human – it stirred something primal, a mix of awe, humility, and deep connection. In that instant, I felt both the fragility of these precious animals and the urgency of protecting them. It’s a moment etched into my soul forever. That experience reminds me why I do what I do, and I hope more of my clients will have the chance to feel that same magic for themselves."
Which destinations are still on your personal bucket list?
"Even after exploring more than seventy countries, my personal bucket list is still long! I’m especially drawn to the Indian Ocean islands like the Seychelles and Mauritius for their blend of raw beauty and barefoot luxury. Sri Lanka, with its tea plantations, ancient culture, and stunning coastline, is another destination I’m eager to experience. The Philippines also calls to me with its idyllic islands, turquoise waters, and rich traditions. In Africa, Madagascar remains a dream for its one-of-a-kind wildlife, while Namibia and Botswana promise vast, untamed landscapes and safari experiences like nowhere else. And on the other side of the globe, I long to journey through Argentina’s wine regions and Patagonia before finally ticking off the ultimate frontier: Antarctica."
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