Laurie Bizouard
Travel DesignerWith many years of experience in the travel industry, Laurie specialises in creating tailor-made rail holidays and unforgettable journeys across Europe and beyond. Having lived in Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Indonesia before settling in the UK, her love of travel is deeply rooted in personal experience and a genuine curiosity about the world. These adventures helped shape her understanding of different cultures and travel styles, giving her valuable insight into what makes a holiday truly memorable.
Laurie has particular expertise in destinations such as Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Spain and Canada, but she believes every destination has something special to offer. Known for her thoughtful approach, she takes the time to understand what matters most to each client, carefully crafting itineraries that balance experiences, pace and budget. Her attention to detail extends far beyond the booking itself, from recommending hidden local gems and authentic dining experiences to providing support before, during and after every trip.
A passionate advocate of rail travel, Laurie loves the opportunity it provides to slow down and savour the journey. For her, train travel is about more than reaching a destination. It’s about enjoying the scenery, embracing unexpected moments and experiencing travel at a more relaxed pace.
Laurie loves being part of the Marvellous Escapes team, where a shared commitment to exceptional customer service and creating extraordinary holidays is at the heart of everything they do.
Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, learning Norwegian, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with her energetic cocker spaniel. She is also a keen board game enthusiast.
Personal Travel Philosophy
“Travel is not a list of places visited, but a practice of being fully present in each one. Pack light, slow down, and stay long enough to hear the story a place is quietly telling. The most memorable journeys are rarely found at the landmark itself; they unfold in conversations with the people who call it home.”
Why Choose Marvellous Escapes
Expertly Curated Journeys
Every holiday is crafted around your preferences by your own personal travel designer , no templates, no shortcuts
Explore Without Limits
From Europe’s great rail journeys to adventures across the globe, we offer an unparalleled choice of tailor-made holidays
Support from Start to Finish
From booking to your return home, we’re here whenever you need us with 24/7 on-trip support.
Trusted by Travellers
Rated 5.0 ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, we’re trusted by real customers, many of whom return to travel with us again and again.
ATOL Protected & Trust Account Secured
Your money and your holiday are always fully protected.
Flexible Ways to Pay
Choose from a range of secure payment options, including instalments.
Testimonials & Reviews
Get Questions and answers
What would Laurie recommend for clients who want to experience Canada by rail?
I would pair Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies with a few unhurried nights in Banff and Jasper so the mountains are something you live in rather than simply pass through. For travellers with more time, VIA Rail’s Canadian adds a wonderful sense of scale as the prairies give way to forest and lakes.
Which Spain rail holiday would Laurie suggest for travellers who love culture and scenery?
Andalusia, absolutely, linking Seville, Córdoba and Granada by high speed rail so your energy goes on the Alcázar and the Alhambra rather than the roads in between. I also love the Basque Country, where the coastline, the mountains and the food are every bit as memorable as the cities. Both regions have such a rich and layered history, and both look wonderful from a train window.
How does Laurie make sure a rail holiday feels personal rather than off-the-shelf?
Everything Laurie does is built around that lovely balance of travelling independently without ever having to organise a thing yourself. After many years in the industry she has learned that the difference lies in the questions asked at the very beginning, so during the consultation chat she takes the time to understand your pace, your interests and your budget before a single element is put in place. Laurie is naturally very detailed and organised, with a real passion and dedication to making people happy, and she genuinely loves the moment a client comes home and tells her it all ran beautifully.
What would Laurie recommend clients should know before booking the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express?
No matter how much you read about it beforehand, nothing quite prepares you for being on board. It is more than a holiday, it is a piece of living history, a feeling of nostalgia and of stepping back in time. Very few journeys in the world offer that.
How would Laurie turn the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express into a longer tailor-made holiday?
Everything is designed bespoke around the availability and dates of your journey, and the rest can be as short or as long as you wish. That might be a few restful nights in the Italian Lakes beforehand, a grand return through Switzerland, or something else entirely. It simply needs to suit you, whether you want a short break or a much longer escape.
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