Honeymoon, Group and Luxury Travel Specialist

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Laura Gidden, Travel Agent in Pensacola, FL

Laura Gidden

Pensacola, FL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Laura Gidden

Pensacola, FL · 25+ Years of Experience

Meridian Specialty Travel, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(23)
100% Recommended
Laura is the best!! It is wonderful to deal with one agent that knows exactly what airlines seats, hotels, cars and vacation destination we like so... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Turks and Caicos Islands, Curacao, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda

Interests:

Groups, Luxury, Family Vacations, River Cruises, All Inclusive

Suppliers:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Rocky Mountaineer, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Delta Vacations, Abercrombie & Kent

About Me

Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos

Cheers to 34 years as a travel advisor helping provide the best experiences in travel, relaxation, fun and entertainment to my clients!  I have a wealth of experience in leisure and corporate travel, groups, luxury, all inclusive, river cruises, family vacations, graduation trips, bachelor/bachelorette trips, destination weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries…whatever your needs may be, I have got you covered!  I like to focus on the individual needs of my clients and customize their dream vacation around their specific wants, likes, and budget. 

I am totally committed to the satisfaction of my clients and can navigate everything from planning the entire trip, booking hotels and transportation, to ensuring any added shows, excursions, and special perks.  I also like to ensure my clients get the most mileage out of their credit cards, including rewards points, bonus discounts, and the best possible deals on vacation packages and incentives.  My secret lies not only in my long time experience in the travel industry, but also from my own personal love of traveling, which serves as the driving force behind my career choice as well as the reason why I so thoroughly understand all of the little nuances and attention to details that are necessary in planning the perfect trip.  I recognize the importance of operating on my client’s needs and preferences, and can be as hands-on or as hands-off as clients wish. 

Some of my favorite destinations include warmer climates with beautiful ocean views and beaches such as, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, (I do love me some rum!), St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominican Republic, US and British Virgin Islands to name a few. 

No matter your preference, I look forward to helping you book and plan the vacation of your dreams.  Contact me today to get started and let me leave you with 10 vacation/travel mantras to live by: 

1.  I might not know who I am but I know where I want to be.  Right here in paradise!

2.  My best stories are found within the pages of my passport.

3.  I haven’t been there but it’s on my list.

4.  Wanderlust:  a strong desire to travel.

5.  Join me on my next adventure!

6.  Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

7.  All I need is Vitamin Sea.

8.  I like taking the scenic route.

9.  Take advantage of every opportunity you get because some things only happen once in a lifetime.

10. Fill your life with experiences so you always have a great story to tell. 

Happy travels y'all!

Testimonials from previous, happy travelers!

Laura is the best! It is wonderful to deal with an agent who knows exactly what airline seats, hotels, cars, and vacation destinations we like so there are no surprises. She is quick and responsive, reliable, and a superstar when travel plans change (weather, trip changes, cancellations).

If you're looking for a travel professional who excels in communication, makes planning a breeze, and delivers an unforgettable experience, look no further!

Laura has helped me arrange three trips, including two complicated international trips during the pandemic, one of which required rescheduling from my end, not hers. She was knowledgeable about local intelligence (where to stay/eat and what to do). Laura is the best travel person I have ever used.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
23 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 23 reviews

Most conscientious, great follow through !
Reviewed By Oscar - Haymarket | Traveled to Seattle ~ Washington ~ USA
Laura is the best!! It is wonderful to deal with one agent that knows exactly what airlines seats, hotels, cars and vacation destination we like so there are no surprises. She is quick and responsive, incredibly reliable, and is a superstar when travel plans change (weather, trip changes, cancellations).
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Great Trip
Reviewed By Rick - Meridian, MS | Traveled to Antigua & Barbuda ~ Caribbean
Laura has been the best travel agent we have ever used. She is patient with our decision making and that is a big plus!
Laura Gidden responded
"Thank you"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Large/medium group
Reviewed By Family Trip - Milton , Florida | Traveled to St Lucia | South Africa | Africa
I have worked with several travel agents in the past scheduling luxury trips for our group of twelve people . None have matched Laura's : knowledge of options ; positive recommendations ; quick response to question ; technical assistance ; and friendly personality . We found her to be a delight to work with and when our last trip had problems out of everyone's control she immediately took action , I consider above and beyond , to complete our trip with a happy ending . We give her our highest recommendation .
Laura Gidden responded
"Dick, it was a pleasure taking care of you, Bonnie, and your extended family to St Lucia. I really appreciate the kind words. "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Joyce Family St. Lucia
Reviewed By TLee - Maryland | Traveled to St. Lucia | Caribbean
She was wonderful and worked so very hard for all of us!
Laura Gidden responded
"Thank you, and hopefully the next family get together won't include "extra vacation days" :-)"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Laura rocks!
Reviewed By Bob - Vicksburg | Traveled to New Zealand | Australia & New Zealand
My wife and I were invited to join our daughter and her family (kids ages 11 to 6) to do a Christmas holiday trip to New Zealand. With some feedback re general interests, Laura coordinated travel plans both from San Francisco (they) and from Jackson (us), found accommodations during NZ’s high season only a month or two out, and secured access to fabulous activities both for us in Auckland (we arrived early) and for the three generations all over the North Island. Our five accommodations were perfect for each stop. The activities were fun and worked for all ages even including a thrilling day of ziplines through the canopy of an ancient forest. NZ is a special place especially when a special travel agent organizes and makes the wishes happen. Thanks, Laura! You rock!
Laura Gidden responded
"Thank you Bob, it was a lot of fun putting together a trip like this. I just wish I had pictures of y'all zip lining through the forest! Thank you again for the kind words."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
World Azamara Academy
World Azamara Academy
Certified Sandals Specialist
Rocky Mountaineer Specialist
Luxury Travel Specialist
Antigua and Barbuda Specialist
Regent Specialist

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
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