My passion for travel has taken me to all seven continents, giving me a wealth of firsthand knowledge, personal connections, and experiences that I bring to every journey I design. With over 16 years of experience as a highly rated luxury travel advisor, I specialize in creating bespoke, thoughtfully curated vacations that reflect each client's individual interests, travel style, and expectations.
From luxury ocean and river cruising to extraordinary African safaris, exclusive expedition voyages, and immersive cultural experiences, I believe exceptional travel is about more than where you go. It's about the unforgettable moments along the way.
At The Point of Travel, I take pride in providing personalized, attentive service and expertly designed itineraries where every detail matters. My extensive travels allow me to offer firsthand recommendations, insider insights, and carefully selected luxury accommodations and exclusive experiences that go far beyond what you'll find on a booking website.
Whether you're dreaming of a luxury river cruise through Europe, an unforgettable African safari, an intimate European escape, an expedition to Antarctica or the Galápagos, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Japan or beyond, my goal is to make the planning effortless and the experience extraordinary.
Your journey should be as unique as you are. Let's create something exceptional together.
The Best Trip of our Lives!
Reviewed By Kjanics - Coto de Caza, CA | Traveled to Italy | Europe
We LOVE Laura Bender- The Point of Travel! My husband and I just returned from the most AMAZING trip to Italy, perfectly planned for us by Laura Bender - Point of Travel. Laura carefully listened to what we really wanted to see and do and then created an incredible itinerary for us. From the flights, to every transfer, to the beautiful hotels, to the excursions, Laura set everything up so well! It was seamless! It was a trip of a lifetime! We are so appreciative of everything Laura did both beforehand and during our trip to make our time in Italy so wonderful and memorable! She truly is a pro! Five stars are not near enough! We definitely recommend Laura!
A-MAZING trip!!
Reviewed By KimK - California | Traveled to China | East and Southeast Asia
Laura had her hands full when I asked her to help plan a trip from CA to Beijing China, Shanghi, Hong Kong, then directly to Sydney Australia , continuing to Savusavu Fiji and return to CA. And on top of it...I didnt give her a lot of time to plan, and I had 6 people involved with varying itineraries. However, Laura was up for the challenge and did an amazing job!! She booked our airfare, including a new one when our Hong Kong flight was cancelled due to a typhoon. She discussed several ideas I had and had great input and recommendations. She also booked various excursions, transports, and train tickets. Truly, I can not say enough great things about Laura and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER!! Thank you, thank you!
Excellent trip!
Reviewed By rick25 - Coto de Caza, CA | Traveled to Italy | Europe
Laura did a superb job selecting our hotels. Her knowledge of the location and type of hotel for our trip was spot-on. She also knew the highlights we'd like and the best way to see them. Her knowledge of Italy was invaluable to us having a great time. She spent quite a bit of time with us to review the trip details and make sure we understood everything. We are experienced travelers but Laura had knowledge of Italy that allowed us to efficiently see the sights with enough downtime for us to not feel rushed. For trips to Italy, she's an excellent resource.
Fabulous trip thanks to Laura
Reviewed By Jane and Gregg - North East, PA | Traveled to Italy | Europe
I cannot say enough about how wonderful it was to work with Laura. She made our trip memorable and hassle free. She really personalized our trip for us and got to know us. We like nice hotels and great tours and she set us up with incredible hotels in Florence and Venice. Tours were amazing. We also did a Viking Cruise and she walked us through the entire process and it could not have been easier. I will definitely use Laura in the future. Highly recommend.
Graduation Celebration!
Reviewed By Karen H - Laguna Niguel, Ca | Traveled to Germany ~ Europe
Laura helped us plan an amazing trip to Germany and Austria. She made sure all our destinations of choice were included and recommended some of her favorites. She made sure when we had a problem that it was resolved quickly and to our satisfaction. We appreciated her professionalism and guidance.
Explore the World in Extraordinary Style
Imagine sailing through Norway's breathtaking fjords, discovering Alaska's pristine wilderness, exploring the sun-drenched Mediterranean, or relaxing in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Perhaps your dream is an intimate luxury yacht voyage through the Greek Isles or an extraordinary expedition to Antarctica or the Galápagos. Luxury ocean cruising offers an unforgettable way to experience the world in comfort and style.
Having personally sailed aboard many of the world's finest luxury cruise lines, I specialize in creating bespoke voyages tailored to your interests and travel style. From intimate luxury yachts and elegant all-inclusive ships to extraordinary expedition vessels, I'll help you discover the perfect cruise experience.
Your journey doesn't have to begin or end at the port. I'll thoughtfully coordinate luxury accommodations, private shore excursions, exclusive experiences, airfare, and customized pre- and post-cruise adventures. My firsthand knowledge and trusted industry relationships ensure personalized recommendations and exceptional attention to detail throughout your journey.
Your Extraordinary Voyage Begins Here!
Whether you're dreaming of an indulgent all-inclusive voyage, an intimate yacht experience, or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, let's create a beautifully curated journey that's uniquely yours.
Experience the World in Unparalleled Style
Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of Europe's enchanting landscapes, sailing past centuries-old castles along the Rhine, exploring charming villages on the Danube, or savoring exceptional wines in the heart of France. Luxury river cruising offers an intimate, sophisticated way to discover captivating destinations, with exceptional service, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences.
Having personally sailed aboard many of the world's leading luxury river cruise lines, I specialize in creating bespoke journeys tailored to your interests and travel style. From elegant suites and exceptional culinary experiences to exclusive shore excursions and authentic cultural discoveries, I'll help you select the ideal ship, itinerary, and experiences.
Your journey doesn't have to begin or end at the river. I'll thoughtfully coordinate luxury accommodations, private transfers, personalized excursions, airfare, and customized pre- and post-cruise adventures. My firsthand knowledge and trusted industry relationships ensure personalized recommendations and seamless planning from beginning to end.
Your Extraordinary River Cruise Begins Here!
Whether you're dreaming of Europe's legendary waterways or an exotic voyage through Asia, let's create a beautifully curated river cruise experience filled with unforgettable destinations, meaningful discoveries, and extraordinary memories.
Unforgettable Memories with Friends and Family
Imagine exploring the world's most extraordinary destinations through exclusive, personalized experiences designed entirely around you. From private guided tours through Europe's historic cities and luxury African safaris to breathtaking adventures across Asia, South America, and beyond, your journey should be as unique as you are.
With firsthand travel experience across all seven continents, I specialize in creating bespoke luxury vacations that go far beyond the ordinary. Whether you're dreaming of a private journey through Italy, an unforgettable African safari, an immersive cultural experience in Japan, or a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list adventure, I'll thoughtfully curate every detail around your interests, passions, and travel style.
Luxury travel is about more than beautiful accommodations. It's about exceptional service, exclusive access, authentic experiences, and the freedom to explore effortlessly. From hand-selected luxury hotels and private guides to seamless transportation and extraordinary excursions, I'll create a personalized itinerary that transforms your travel dreams into unforgettable memories.
Your Dream Destination Deserves an Extraordinary Experience!
Let my firsthand knowledge and trusted global connections open the door to remarkable destinations and exclusive experiences. Together, we'll create a beautifully curated journey that's uniquely yours.
Extraordinary Journeys, Better Together
The most memorable journeys are those shared with the people who matter most. Whether celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a luxury destination wedding, or organizing an exclusive getaway with friends, your experience deserves to be as exceptional as the people you're traveling with.
I specialize in creating bespoke luxury group journeys thoughtfully curated around your group's interests, preferences, and travel style. From private yacht charters and luxury ocean and river cruises to European adventures, African safaris, and extraordinary bucket-list destinations, the possibilities are endless.
Imagine gathering friends for a luxury wine and culinary journey through Italy, celebrating aboard a private yacht, or discovering remarkable destinations with like-minded travelers. I also curate distinctive group experiences centered around shared passions, including Mahjong, pickleball, food and wine, and corporate retreats.
From luxury accommodations and private transportation to exclusive excursions, personalized activities, and exceptional dining, I'll coordinate every detail so you can focus on enjoying the journey together.
Bring Your Group Together for Something Extraordinary!
Whether you're gathering ten friends or organizing a larger celebration, let's create a beautifully curated group experience filled with unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
Shared Adventures - Lifelong Memories
Some of life's most treasured memories are made when generations come together to explore the world. Imagine grandparents, parents, and grandchildren discovering extraordinary destinations, celebrating special moments, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
From luxury cruises and private yacht charters to African safaris, European adventures, and spectacular resort escapes, I specialize in creating bespoke multigenerational vacations thoughtfully curated around your family's unique interests, ages, and travel styles.
Luxury family travel is about finding the perfect balance between shared adventures and personal freedom. Imagine private guided experiences that captivate every generation, exceptional accommodations with space to gather and unwind, exclusive excursions, and memorable dining experiences that bring everyone together.
Coordinating travel for multiple generations requires careful planning and attention to detail. From selecting the ideal destination and luxury accommodations to arranging private transportation, personalized activities, and special celebrations, I'll manage the logistics so your family can focus on what truly matters: enjoying meaningful time together.
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Family Is Time Together!
Whether celebrating a milestone or gathering three generations for an extraordinary adventure, let's create a beautifully curated family journey filled with unforgettable experiences and memories to treasure for generations.
Extraordinary Adventures - Exceptional Discoveries
Imagine cruising through Antarctica's breathtaking icy landscapes, observing penguins in their natural habitat, or snorkeling alongside playful sea lions in the Galápagos Islands. Luxury expedition cruising takes you beyond traditional travel to some of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Having personally explored all seven continents, including Antarctica and the Galápagos aboard the luxurious Celebrity Flora, I bring firsthand knowledge to creating bespoke expedition adventures. I understand the remarkable wildlife encounters, remote landscapes, and unforgettable experiences that make these journeys truly exceptional.
Luxury expedition cruising combines extraordinary exploration with sophisticated comfort. Enjoy expert-led Zodiac excursions, intimate wildlife encounters, elegant accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service aboard some of the world's finest expedition vessels.
Whether you're dreaming of Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, or Greenland, I'll help you select the ideal ship and itinerary while seamlessly coordinating flights, luxury accommodations, and personalized pre- and post-cruise experiences.
The World's Most Extraordinary Places Are Waiting. Are You Ready?
Some journeys change the way you see the world. Let's create an unforgettable expedition adventure that's uniquely yours.
From bespoke luxury cruises and African safaris to private escapes and bucket-list adventures, your dream journey begins with a conversation. Contact me today, and let's bring your travel dreams to life!
Proudly based in Coto de Caza, California,
The Point of Travel creates bespoke luxury journeys for travelers throughout Orange County and beyond.
Laura Bender Owner/Travel Agent
(949) 636 3420
Laura@thepointoftravel.com