Lauren Pilholski

Ask Lauren anything. Her travel wisdom spans 88 countries and all 7 continents, via ships from 16 to 2,200 guests, and a variety of wilderness lodges. She is an encyclopedia of sea travel, with entries covering Antarctica to the Arctic, and many places in between. Some favorites include New Zealand, Jordan, French Polynesia, Patagonia and the Mediterranean.

From trekking to Machu Picchu to polar plunging at the North Pole, Lauren is sure to have a story to inspire and inform your own adventure. She thrives on making unfamiliar destinations feel easy to explore, or helping clients experience a familiar destination in a more enriching way.

Lauren is known for being thorough and an open book, not sales-driven. She draws on personal stories and experiences to inform decisions, and will go down the research rabbit hole if needed. Honest answers and probing questions are a cornerstone of how Lauren shows care for her clients and crafts their ideal trip.

How Lauren’s Experience Benefits You

• Endless options by working with over 65 travel suppliers
• Firsthand insights from 16+ years working in the cruise industry
• Problem solving should travel twists occur
• A thorough & thoughtful advocate working for you

“I appreciate your thoroughness” is often heard from Lauren’s clients, and why they book with her instead of direct with an operator. Working with Lauren means an ongoing conversation, with room for follow-up questions. She cares for her travelers throughout the process: from research and booking to packing and preparation, and from takeoff to the return home.

Lauren has helped travelers make last-minute changes, reunite with lost luggage in remote destinations, find unpublished discounts, and secure spots on sold out excursions. Her repeat clients value this support that’s backed by deep experience and strong travel industry relationships.

Credentials & Professional Training

• IATA Accredited Travel Agent – International Air Transportation Association (IATA)
• Alaska Certified Expert – Alaska Travel Industry Association
• Certified Adventurist – UnCruise Adventures
• Expedition 360 Certified – National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
• Polar Pro Certified – Quark Expeditions
• PONANT Explorer Certified – PONANT

Personal Roots & Hobbies

Lauren grew up moving around the country, from the bustling tri-state area to the expansive deserts of Arizona and sun-soaked terrain of California. So life at sea, constantly on the move, was a natural fit after earning her degree. Lauren’s collegiate focus on environmental studies adds strong ties to AdventureSmith’s brand of conservation-minded, wildlife-focused exploration. Like many of her clients, Lauren loves spending time outdoors—hiking on trails (or snow!), paddling the waves, watching for wildlife, and sharing those experiences with loved ones (often alongside her two dogs).