Lauren Cardinale, Founder
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 2024 she was awarded her 4th 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.
Awarded Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast since 2020
Designated as Signature’s Travel Expert Select for France
One of the first advisors recruited to TripAdvisor’s Reco program
OASIS Travel Network’s Chairman’s Club Member.
Member of the American Society for Travel Advisors (ASTA).
Featured in numerous publications as an industry expert.
Certified Travel Advisor from The Travel Institute
THE DREAM MAKERS
Our specialists are at the heart of Travel Design Co. They have traveled extensively, fostered industry relationships and documented it perfectly so you can enjoy your adventures.
Charity Auger
Charity loves non-traditional, off the beaten path traveling. She specializes in individually crafted adventures and experiences such as food & wine, family heritage and exotic locations around the world.
Jennifer Ajsenberg
Jenny takes the stress out of travel planning for people who are too busy or too overwhelmed with the process. She excels in designing custom, handcrafted itineraries with unique experiences.
Diane Stern, VTA
Diane specializes in small groups which include River and Ocean cruises and guided land vacations. She leads one to two groups per year. Contact her for upcoming group trips.
Kristen Bonfiglio
Kristen possesses a rich love for the constantly changing Disney parks and experiences and enjoys imparting the Disney magic into each trip she plans.
Tanya Smalling
With a degree in Tourism, Tanya has a passion for travel – especially Disney! She is our go-to family travel specialist and with two young boys of her own, she has mastered the art of traveling with children.
Lauren Hill
Lauren has always found travel to keep her grounded and ignite creativity. Taking the time to remember who you are, what’s important to you, and what you want to experience in your life. Travel helps her stretch beyond her limits without losing her sense of self.
