Lara Ashbaugh
Independence, Missouri Travel Agent
Magical Moments Vacations with Lara Ashbaugh, an independent agent with Magical Moments Vacations, OH, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Family and Romance Specialist
Overlooking Paris
I'm Lara Ashbaugh - My core value in life is Work hard/play hard. As my client I will work hard to find, organize and book the trip you've been imagining. And I play hard meaning I still travel myself - I walk the walk and have been to many of the destinations I send my clients to.
I have the professional experience and the personal experience to take your vacation to the next level.
I've been an avid traveler since my first trip with my family at 5 years old.
My favorite memories from my childhood are of our family vacations. Some were small weekend trips and others were multi-week affairs - plus everything in between.
That's why I'm a family travel specialist. I believe the in the value of experiences and connections made on a vacation together. Whether it's a small family trip or a multi-generational family reunion - I'm there to help with the planning and organization.
I'm a mom to a 3 year old - who took his first plane trip at 9months old. I understand the unique challenges that traveling with a child brings. I'm had moments where I questioned my decision to take the trip altogether and I've had moments where his smile and excitement make all the challenges fade away - and remind me WHY I did this in the first place.
My husband and I have been married for over 15+ years - we had many years of travel with just the two of us. So, in addition to a family specialist I'm also a romance specialist. I know the value of time spent with your significant other. Relationships take work to grow and maintain - you learn a lot about someone when you travel together!
I'm passionate about travel, I'm organized, and I'm knowledgeable. I'd love to help you with your travel dreams!
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Master of Adventure with Royal Caribbean
Commodore with Princess Cruises
Rocky Mountaineer Specialist
Japan Travel Specialist
La Colleccion Expert
More beauty and culture than we could fathom!
Reviewed By Lacey - Ozark | Traveled to Rome ~ Italy ~ Europe
Lara was so wonderful in helping us navigate what was important to us when traveling abroad! She gave us time between flights but not so much that we spent too much time in airports. She arranged transportation and wonderful activities we enjoyed!! So many sights in Italy we would have not seen, heard of or known how to arrange on our own! The beauty of Italy is indescribable. Plus our hotel in Venice was quiet and beautiful with a window overlooking a church and statue! I felt like I took an art history or ancient history class with all that we learned! We had the time of our lives and we owe it to her!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
Disney Halloween trip for spooky loving kiddo
Reviewed By Maxwell - Kansas City, MO | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Lara really helped plan an amazing trip for my family. We went to Disney World during Halloween because our little guy loves the holiday. She got us tickets to the special Halloween after hours party and kiddo had a blast seeing all the villains and Jack Skellington and trick or treating. She also got us reservations at excellent restaurants that catered to my wife’s gluten allergy. We were not over scheduled at all and were able to relax and have fun. Saved me a bunch of time in researching and bargain hunting I normally have to do. Excellent agent.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
First Trip to ITALY?
Reviewed By Traftons 3 - Kansas City, Missouri | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
If you are trying to decide if you need Lara’s travel support for your first trip to Italy - the answer is yes!My husband and I are savvy travelers, so after some on-line research, we sketched out a three-city Italy agenda. But when we met with Lara, we quickly discovered how much we didn’t know! Lara knows when advance tickets are required, the best day to visit, Italian customs, which tours are worthwhile, safe and economical hotels near train stations, plus tips for navigating each city —only an insider would know. With Lara’s help, our customized trip to Italy avoided common pitfalls/stress - which maximized our time for fun.
Lara’s agenda was easy to follow and worth the investment. Thanks to Lara, our first trip to Italy was magical!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Amazing Eurotrip
Reviewed By Rachel B. - New York, NY | Traveled to Europe
Lara was very on top of all details of the trip and gave us a multitude of options to choose from. She was great to work with every step of the way and I'd recommend her to everyone I know.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Our best vacation experience
Reviewed By JC & MC - Overland Park, Kansas | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Lara helped us plan every step of our destination wedding and honeymoon. She went above and beyond all of our expectations and helped all of our guests have a smooth easy experience.From booking rooms, flights, resolving issues and even making a website for our guests Lara made sure our trip was perfect.
I highly recommend using Lara to book your destination wedding/honeymoon. She made our trip stress free and an amazing booking experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Destination Wedding
Reviewed By Lauren S. - Tulsa, OK | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Lara was amazing from start to finish! She made our first international trip extremely seamless for us. We were lucky enough to have her services for my cousin’s beautiful wedding in Mexico. We hope to use her again in the future! Thank you, Lara!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Destination Wedding of Our Dreams!
Reviewed By Erica Montgomery - Prairie Village, KS | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Lara was amazing to work with. When my husband and I started to plan our destination wedding, we we overwhelmed with the amount of options we had. We gave Lara some must-haves and she quickly came back with some spot on ideas-one of which was the resort we ended up choosing. We have zero regrets about anything and the wedding was such a dream. Our wedding guests informed us Lara was always prompt, courteous, and helpful in her correspondence. She even included helpful travel tips, which was very much appreciated and shows that she went above and beyond. So many of our guests have said this was the best wedding they've ever been to-and we have to agree!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Smooth trip
Reviewed By Joule - Kansas City, Ks | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Lara was very responsive and always kept us up to date.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Smooth trip
Reviewed By Joule - Kansas City | Traveled to Mexico
Lara was extremely responsive and always kept us up to date on our trip. We traveled to Mexico for a destination wedding.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Destination wedding
Reviewed By Kelly - Denver, CO | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Lara was fabulous from start to finish! Super quick communication and always very informative. Would definitely recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Lara Ashbaugh responded:
Thank you so much! My pleasure to help and support!
Thank you so much! My pleasure to help and support!
This trip was perfect from start to finish!
Reviewed By Mikey & Manders - Liberty, MO | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Lara was SO helpful from the moment I met her at the wedding expo to the moment we returned from our vacation! My husband and I are already talking about her booking our next trip with our kids. We couldn't have asked for a better travel agent!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Honeymoon Vacation!
Reviewed By Abby and Eric - Kansas City, KS | Traveled to Mexico
Lara has be so much help! My fiancé and I are going on our honeymoon in August. She’s been able to help us find the perfect destination, resort, flights, etc. We are really looking forward to our trip. It’s been really nice not having to worry about planning a whole trip AND the wedding. She is helping my roommate and her fiancé plan their honeymoon trip as well! I highly recommend!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 12 people found this review helpful