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Laurie Walter, Travel Agent in Baltimore, MD

Laurie Walter

Baltimore, MD Travel Agent
Super Agent

Laurie Walter

Baltimore, MD · 25+ Years of Experience

Designing Travel, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(15)
100% Recommended
Laurie planned an incredible family vacation at an all-inclusive resort for us. She took the time to understand exactly what our family needed—relaxation, kid-friendly activities, great... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Duck Key

Interests:

Beach Vacations, Family Vacations, LGBTQ+ Travel, Water Sports, Sailing & Boating

About Me

I’ve traveled the Florida Keys to Key West many times and it’s still a favorite.  Driving the Overseas Highway (US Rt 1) is a favorite scenic famous road trip.  It’s about 150 miles from Miami to Key West and can take about 4 hours but there are many roadside attractions to see along the way.  Key Largo is a fav with lots to see and do.The Great Whaling Wall Murel featuring manatees, rays, dolphins, turtles and more.  Jules’ Undersea Lodge is a unique underwater motel where visitors dive 21 feet with full scuba gear to get to their room.  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is home to only living coral reef in the continental United States best known for its underwater beauty offering swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and camping. There’s also a glass-bottom boat tour that gives you a peek at the underwater world if you’re visiting with kids or people who aren’t going to be able or interested in snorkeling.

Islamorada, (about halfway to Key West) fun, laid-back, cool and interesting village atmosphere and known as the “Sport Fishing Capitol" of the World”.  Visit the fascinating History of Diving Museum. a really special place for anyone interested in scuba diving. Then there is Robbie’s of Islamorada a conglomeration of food, art shops, souvenirs, boat rentals and more. Famous for feeding tarpon. There are also snorkeling and sandbar tours that leave from Robbie’s.  There is history here too like the monument commemorating the devastating 1935 Labor Day Hurricane that killed over 400 people and destroyed much of Flagler’s railroad to Key West. It may be a more somber attraction, but important part Florida Keys history.  See Hemingway’s boat, the Pilar inside the Bass Pro Shop – Worldwide Sportsman Islamorada where there’s a vintage cocktail bar upstairs. Visit Florida Keys Brewing Company, the Upper Keys first microbrewery offering tours of the brewery, and live entertainment.

Key West a vibrant, tropical, bohemian style, laid-back atmosphere offering rich maritime history,  lively nightlife and dining options ranging from waterfront fine dining and bustling bistros on to casual seafood shacks and historic spots.Visit the Hemingway Home for literary heritage and 6-toed cats, Fort Zachary Taylor National Historic Monument for maritime military.  The park also offers a beach for picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, paddling and fishing.  Truman’s Little White House, described as a “working retreat” allowed the president to conduct official government business in a quiet, warm and secure location as ordered by his doctor due to health issues.

Key West is home to some of the most iconic bars known for the lively activity on Duval Street. Famous spots include Hemingway's favorite Sloppy Joe's, the live music hub Green Parrot Bar, a locals fav, and the rustic Captain Tony's Saloon. Other top, historic, or must-visit locations include Hog's Breath Saloon, founded and owned by Clint Eastwood for 27 years, Schooner Wharf Bar and Turtle Kraals on the docks.

Key West is renowned for its historic, dining featuring prized local seafood and waterfront locations. Visit Blue Heaven for Floridian-Caribbean cuisine & key lime pie with al-fresco dining.  Known for unique, delicious breakfasts and roaming roosters. Sloppy Joe's Sloppy Joe's Bars’ rich history dates back to the 1930s when it was Hemingway's favorite haunt. Offering live music and dancing all day and night.  Yes, there is a Sloppy Joe sandwich on the menu!  Louie's Backyard premier upscale dining in a romantic, historic converted Victorian home offering stunning views of the sunset. Creative cocktails make for an ideal spot to visit to watch the sunset.   Ocean Key Resort and Spa hosts the famous Sunset Pier where the Gulf meets the Atlantic featuring breathtaking views, indulgent tropical culinary delights and live daily music – not to mention the best seat in town for our sunset celebrations Key

West Must See’s include: Southernmost Point Buoy: Mile marker “0” on U.S. Route 1 the southern most point in the continental U.S., Only 90 miles from Cuba.  Key West Lighthouse: Climb Lighthouse Tower to experience the best views of the island.  Looking for something unique to celebrate, a proposal, or just a romantic gesture, reserve the Lighthouse for a sunset tour. Duval Street, Shopping Experience your fix of retail therapy strolling Duval St. Browse the art galleries, eccentric shops.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: This nightly tradition must be experienced. Local arts & crafts, stunt performers, live music street performers, food vendors, gather to watch the magnificent sunsets.  Key West offers an abundance of watersports, and world class fishing charters .Plan a day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park for snorkeling and diving.

Accommodation are available for every budget and taste in Key West. From high-end waterfront options, luxury and boutique, resorts and villas to budget friendly hotels.  We’ll discover what’s right for your vacation

 

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
15 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 15 reviews

Mexico-Family All-Inclusive
Reviewed By Rosebud - Johnstown, PA | Traveled to Mexico
Laurie planned an incredible family vacation at an all-inclusive resort for us. She took the time to understand exactly what our family needed—relaxation, kid-friendly activities, great dining, and zero stress. She chose the perfect resort and arranged transportation making sure everything was ready for our arrival. Her level of care and responsiveness is outstanding. It is a memorable family experience to be cherished forever by all. We are so grateful for Laurie's planning and expertise and highly recommend her to anyone looking to plan a worry-free getaway.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Caribbean Cruise
Reviewed By MrT - Maryland | Traveled to Caribbean
Laurie couldn't have done a more thorough job planning our first cruise. She answers all our questions and is very responsive. Laurie listened to our preferences and got it all right. We felt organized, stress-free and that this cruise was personalized just for us. Met every need thanks to Laurie's expertise. Will recommend to all our family and friends!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Family Travel
Reviewed By Patton Family - Pennsylvania | Traveled to USA
Laurie has been planning our family's vacations and getaways for several years. She is always on the ball with suggested destinations and itineraries that meet everyone's needs. Laurie pays attention to details and provides us updates so we always feel we know what's happening and when on all our trips. Highly recommend!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Niagara Falls June 2018
Reviewed By Lulu - Baltimore, MD | Traveled to Niagara Falls | Ontario | Canada
My husband and decided on a last minute road trip to Niagara Falls for our anniversary. We asked Laurie for and itinerary for a 4 day trip. She designed the perfect plan leaving Baltimore and stopping about halfway in upstate NY for the night. We got into Niagara Falls, Canadian side, early afternoon the next day where Laurie booked us a hotel with spectacular views of the falls from our room. We even saw the fireworks display that night. Laurie had secured us tickets for a few excursions while there an even planned our return so we had time to stop in Pennsylvania and to visit relatives. Her planning was right on. We got to see the falls and then some without feeling rushed. Definitely will call Laurie again and highly recommend her services.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Great Smoky Mountains
Reviewed By Jeannie - Annapolis, MD | Traveled to Tennessee | USA
Laurie organized a special family trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She helped us choose the perfect cabin location—peaceful, scenic, and still close enough to hiking trails, towns, and attractions. We especially appreciated the recommendations for easy-to-moderate hikes, which allowed everyone in our group to enjoy the outdoors without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. She planned both outdoor adventure and downtime gave us structure but still left plenty of flexibility to explore at our own pace. We enjoyed breathtaking mountain views, waterfall hikes, and peaceful drives through the park, along with cozy evenings back at our cabin. This was a memorable getaway for us as this park has special meaning to our family. We would highly recommend both the destination and the Laurie's services for anyone looking to experience the Smoky Mountains without the stress of planning everything on their own.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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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.
Institute of Certified Travel Agents
Certified Travel Consultant - CTC

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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