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.
Extraordinary Travel. Thoughtfully Curated. Uniquely Yours.
Proudly based in Coto de Caza, California, The Point of Travel specializes in creating bespoke luxury journeys for travelers throughout Orange County and beyond.
From luxury ocean and river cruises to African safaris, private escapes, and unforgettable bucket-list adventures, every journey is thoughtfully designed around your unique interests, passions, and travel dreams, with exceptional service and personalized attention to every detail.
Let's Create Your Next Unforgettable Journey!
Your next adventure begins with a conversation. Contact me today, and let's bring your travel dreams to life!
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.
The Art of Luxury Ocean Cruising
Explore the World in Extraordinary Style
Imagine sailing through Norway's breathtaking fjords, discovering Alaska's pristine wilderness, exploring the sun-drenched Mediterranean, or enjoying the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. From intimate luxury yachts to elegant ocean liners and extraordinary expedition vessels, luxury cruising offers an exceptional way to discover the world.
Having personally sailed aboard many of the world's finest luxury cruise lines, I'll help you select the perfect ship, itinerary, and experiences tailored to your interests and travel style. My firsthand knowledge and trusted industry relationships allow me to create bespoke voyages with personalized recommendations and exceptional attention to detail.
Your journey doesn't have to begin or end at the port. I'll coordinate luxury accommodations, private shore excursions, airfare, and customized pre- and post-cruise adventures, ensuring a seamless experience from beginning to end.
Your Extraordinary Voyage Begins Here!
Whether you're dreaming of an all-inclusive luxury cruise, an intimate yacht experience, or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, let's create an unforgettable journey that's uniquely yours.
Discover the World by River
Experience the World in Unparalleled Style
Imagine 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'll help you select the perfect ship, itinerary, and experiences tailored to your interests and travel style. My firsthand knowledge and trusted industry relationships allow me to create bespoke journeys with personalized recommendations and exceptional attention to detail.
Your journey doesn't have to begin or end at the river. I'll coordinate luxury accommodations, private transfers, exclusive excursions, airfare, and customized pre- and post-cruise adventures for a seamless travel experience.
Your Extraordinary River Cruise Begins Here!
From Europe's legendary waterways to exotic rivers in Asia, let's create an unforgettable journey filled with extraordinary destinations and meaningful discoveries.
Bespoke Journeys, Extraordinary Destinations
Iconic Destinations. Unforgettable Experiences.
Imagine exploring the world's most extraordinary destinations through exclusive, personalized experiences designed entirely around you. From private European journeys and luxury African safaris to breathtaking adventures across Asia and South America, your journey should be as unique as you are.
With firsthand travel experience across all seven continents, I specialize in creating bespoke luxury vacations tailored to your interests, passions, and travel style. Whether exploring Italy with a private guide, discovering Japan's rich culture, or embarking on an unforgettable African safari, every detail is thoughtfully curated.
Luxury travel is about more than beautiful accommodations. It's about exceptional service, exclusive access, authentic experiences, and effortless exploration. From hand-selected luxury hotels and private guides to seamless transportation and extraordinary excursions, I'll create a personalized journey that exceeds your expectations.
Your Dream Destination Deserves an Extraordinary Experience!
Let my firsthand knowledge and trusted global connections transform your travel dreams into a beautifully curated adventure that's uniquely yours.
Extraordinary Journeys, Better Together
Unforgettable Memories with Friends and Family
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, every occasion deserves an extraordinary experience.
I specialize in creating bespoke luxury group journeys tailored to your group's interests and travel style. From private yacht charters and luxury ocean and river cruises to European adventures, African safaris, and bucket-list destinations, the possibilities are endless.
Imagine gathering friends for a wine and culinary journey through Italy, celebrating aboard a private yacht, or exploring extraordinary destinations together. I also curate unique group experiences centered around shared passions, including Mahjong, pickleball, food and wine, and corporate retreats.
From luxury accommodations and private transportation to exclusive excursions and exceptional dining, I'll coordinate every detail so you can enjoy the journey together.
Bring Your Group Together for Something Extraordinary!
Let's create an unforgettable group experience filled with shared adventures and lasting memories.
Generations Together, Memories Forever
Shared Adventures. Lifelong Memories.
Some of life's most treasured memories are made when generations explore the world together. 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 exceptional resort escapes, I specialize in creating bespoke multigenerational vacations tailored to your family's interests, ages, and travel styles.
Luxury family travel balances shared adventures with personal freedom. Imagine private guided experiences for every generation, beautiful accommodations with room to gather, exclusive excursions, and memorable dining experiences that bring everyone together.
Coordinating multigenerational travel requires thoughtful planning. I'll arrange luxury accommodations, private transportation, personalized activities, and special celebrations so your family can focus on enjoying meaningful time together.
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Family Is Time Together!
Let's create an extraordinary family journey filled with unforgettable adventures, cherished moments, and lifelong memories.
Explore Beyond the Ordinary
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 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 and remote landscapes that make these journeys truly exceptional.
Luxury expedition cruising combines extraordinary exploration with sophisticated comfort. Enjoy expert-led Zodiac excursions, unforgettable wildlife encounters, elegant accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service aboard intimate 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 coordinating flights, luxury accommodations, and personalized pre- and post-cruise experiences.
The World's Most Extraordinary Places Are Waiting. Are You Ready?
Let's create an unforgettable expedition adventure that's uniquely yours.
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