Lawren
Desai

A dedicated traveler since birth, my journeys have been shaped by family connections, film influences, literary discoveries, and persistent curiosity. Travel has been central to my life since childhood. I appreciate varied experiences—cycling through Mexico City's neighborhoods, taking train journeys along Norway's fjords, or oohing and aahing over the geysers in Yellowstone National Park. I seek authentic local encounters, particularly enjoying Iceland's thermal pools and Japan's traditional ryokans and izakayas. I'm a cartophile who reluctantly transitioned to Google Maps and I love researching new destinations and off the beaten path experiences. In my former life I founded an art-house cinema (a/perture cinema in Winston-Salem, NC) serving as the curator and executive director for over 15 years, so places I haven't yet visited I've probably at least glimpsed onscreen in a movie. Transitioning from one curatorial career in film to another in travel has been a natural progression. I find enjoyment from thorough travel planning that combines distinctive accommodations, authentic regional cuisine, and meaningful cultural opportunities (perhaps with a visit to an art house or bookstore for good measure).