CruCon Cruise Outlet & Travel Leaders Vacation Center are now "The Vacation Group"
Laura Gidden
Laura Gidden

Laura Gidden

Pensacola, FL Travel Agent

Meridian Specialty Travel

20 Reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Advisor Specializing in the Caribbean and Europe

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!

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Grenada
Turks and Caicos Islands
Dominican Republic
St. Lucia
Netherlands Antilles, Curacao
Virgin Islands
Barbados
Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman
Antigua & Barbuda

Interests:

Air Travel
Groups
All Inclusive
Luxury
Beach Vacations
Couples & Romance
Family Vacations
Honeymoons
River Cruises
Student Groups

Suppliers:

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

My Travel Specialties

Honeymoon, Group and Luxury Travel Specialist

Honeymoon, Group and Luxury Travel Specialist

Cheers to 34 years as a travel advisor helping provide the best experiences in travel, relaxation, fun and entertainmen...

Read More
Luxury, All-Inclusive Stays

Luxury, All-Inclusive Stays

Looking to book your next romantic getaway? Newly married and ready to explore honeymoon options? You're in the right pl...

Read More
Senior Trip Expert

Senior Trip Expert

Since 2007, I have booked senior graduation trips for several local high schools,  varying from 35 to 75 people to exo...

Read More
Book Corporate Travel with Ease!

Book Corporate Travel with Ease!

Over the past 30+ years, I've happily booked flights, hotels, rental cars, etc. for business professionals. When traveli...

Read More

Reviews

20 Reviews
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).
Oscar - Seattle ~ Washington ~ USA
Laura has been the best travel agent we have ever used. She is patient with our decision making and that is a big plus!
Rick - Antigua & Barbuda ~ Caribbean
We had a great time
Perrin - Turks and Caicos Islands | Caribbean

Certifications & Awards

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

Additional Certifications

  • Certified Sandals Specialist
  • Rocky Mountaineer Specialist
  • Luxury Travel Specialist
  • Antigua And Barbuda Specialist
  • Regent Specialist

My Places