Laurie Passard

Grand Rapids, MN

Cruise and Romance Travel Specialist

Snorkeling in Jamaica

After traveling in 1978 as a senior in high school to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Laurie did not have to think twice about getting involved in the travel field. She graduated from National College of Business in Rapid City, SD with a degree in Travel Management. She immediately went to work at a travel agency in Rapid City that had just opened and has been a travel consultant ever since. She also lived and managed an agency in Indiana until 1990. In November of 1991 she purchased Rapid Travel in Grand Rapids, which does business under the Travel Leaders Franchise. Laurie has traveled throughout the United States and several times to Florida, Las Vegas, California, New York, and Arizona. She loves cruising and has cruised the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Greek Isles. Her favorite cruise lines are Regent and Royal Caribbean. She has been to London, Scotland, Iceland, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, France, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa. She is an Aussie specialist and has traveled to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Her latest trip was to Fiji where she cruised on Captain Cook Cruises to the Yasawa Islands. One of her favorite destinations is Mexico, the people are so friendly and the beaches are beautiful. Her favorite hotel is the Marival Residences and Spa in Nuevo Vallarta.

Customer Testimonials

Queen Mary II Cruise from New York to Southampton

Thanks so much for all your help getting our travels squared away. I have to say that the shift from flying to Europe to Cruising for 7 lovely days being pampered on a British ship was a highlight. Although a 20 year old vessel, the facilities were impeccable, clean and comfortable. Both the evening sit-down dinners and the buffet breakfasts and lunches were excellent. The entertainment seemed nearly non-stop, informative lectures, movies, broadway like shows, etc. I particularly liked "Churchills" the cigar lounge on the 9th deck up forward. This is a very civilized means of travel. Although a large ocean liner, we never felt crowded. Our plan now is to book a two or three-week cruise, to see if we should consider a longer round-the-world event. If one has the time, I would suggest that cruising is the only way to go. Oh, I should add that the three weeks in Portugal was also a treat. The flight home was seamless.

Linda and Pat, Grand Rapids, MN

Trip of a Lifetime with a Private Driver!

Nick and I would like to thank you so much for arranging our trip to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It was a trip of a lifetime! Our private drivers were the best and our trip was coordinated flawlessly! Our trip was filled with wonderful memories and we certainly could not have been able to do it without your expertise. The trip was absolutely perfect. We are looking forward to working with you to arrange another trip for us. Thank you for everything Laurie!

Nick and Kathy A, Grand Rapids, MN

Great Partner in my Destination Wedding Journey

Laurie was a great partner in my destination wedding journey. She helped to finalize the selection of resorts and had inside knowledge to help steer us in the right direction that would be a great spot for our wedding, but also a good balance for our wedding guests experience as well. She was also a helpful in finding out details about the resort and connecting me to the wedding planner onsite at the resort Finally she was available and supportive the week of the wedding to ensure everyone got where they needed to be and was making sure as the bride I was all set! Thank you Laurie

Krista L, Chicago, IL

The Natural Wonders of Iceland

I have thought alot about the quality of my vacation and the fact that I was changing my mind alot about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. However, you were not intimidated by my requests and everything went well. Insight Vacations gave me more information about my Iceland trip than any other tour company I have traveled with. They were very complete and our Tour Director was well-versed in the information he gave us. I would recommend this tour and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! I especially appreciate all of the work that you did for me as my first tour was cancelled and you found this Iceland Trip that would work with my same dates I was planning on traveling.

RP, Virginia, MN

Beautiful Mexico Destination Wedding!

Thank you Laurie for booking our destination wedding at the Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas. We had a great time. The resort was beautiful and the service was amazing.

Cheryl & Ed, Grand Rapids, MN

Mexico Destination Wedding Success!

Lena and I would like to thank you so much for handing our trip to Mexico. Everyone had such a great time and we would have not been able to do it without your help. To get all 40 people coordinated was a saving grace for us. We really appreciate all the help you gave us and the flexibility that booking with you offered us. You will always be a bright spot when we think about our destination wedding and how smooth everything went. Thank you for everything Laurie!

Pat and Lena, Minnesota

My Reviews

18 of 26 people found this review helpful

A great surprise for our friend's birthday

Very thorough, knowledgeable and helpful.

By Stephen from Grand Rapids, MN
Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Laurie Passard responded:
Its always a pleasure working with you! So glad you kept your trip to Mexico a surprise and that you felt safe with all the health protocols in place.

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11 of 14 people found this review helpful

Totally rejuvenated in Mexico!

She was very responsive, kind, and through in her work with us. I’d definitely work with Laurie again!

By Michelle from Grand Rapids, MN
Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Laurie Passard responded:
Thank you, it was my pleasure working with you! So happy you enjoyed your trip to Cancun!

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14 of 22 people found this review helpful

Best honeymoon ever!

Laurie is very thorough and she responded to my emails and phone calls promptly. She planned our whole trip and everything went smoothly because of her.

By Megan from Grand Rapids, MN
Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Laurie Passard responded:
So fun to work with both of you on your Honeymoon plans and I was glad you were so flexible in all the changes that happened due to Covid. Congrats again on your marriage!

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29 of 52 people found this review helpful

A Wonderful Experience!!!

Laurie was a joy to work with. She set up all of our itinerary and events without a hitch and was ever so responsive and genuinely interested in our trip and satisfaction.....The Best experience I've had with a Travel Agency in the past 20 years! Highly recommend!

By Bill M from Chandler, Az
Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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7 of 11 people found this review helpful

Perfection in the planning

Wonderful and always ahead of schedule , working with Laurie was nothing but stress free right down to getting us the tickets to shows in the area before we got there!.. n front row seats were waiting for us.. our trip could not have gone better n the time she took checking in on us as our trip progressed and asking if we needed anything… who does that!? …Laurie does!.. as we waited for our last flight we were already talking about the next trip because she made this so easy ..will be booking again!

By 3 generations from Grand Rapids Minnesota
Traveled to Nashville ~ Tennessee ~ USA

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Laurie Passard responded:
I really enjoyed helping you plan this trip with your Mom and son!

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