Meet Russ Valvo and Meg LaRou of EzTravel
Meet Russ Valvo and Meg LaRou of EzTravel
Imagine sitting on a dock at Lake Oconee, watching the water shimmer as the sun sets. That easy conversation you’d have with a friend is exactly how Russ Valvo and Meg LaRou approach travel planning. They’re not just agents; they’re travel advisors who live and breathe adventure.
Russ and Meg first caught the travel bug decades ago. Their love of seeing the world led them to help others do the same. In 2012 they teamed up with Cruise Planners and later, Signature Travel, giving them access to a deeper network of vendor relationships. This provides their clients access to worldwide travel experiences and additional amenities.
A Passion for Thoughtful Travel
When Russ and Meg describe themselves as advisors, they mean it. They don’t just take orders and click “book.” Instead, they start with a thoughtful conversation about your wishes, the places you’ve dreamed of, and how you like to travel. They listen carefully, asking about your previous travels, transportation style, dietary needs and desired experiences before presenting tailored suggestions. Because they’re not tied to a single brand, they can compare options and find the best fit. Russ calls this the difference between an algorithm and an advocate.
Clients often come to them unsure how to handle complicated itineraries or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Some don’t trust online booking sites, while others worry about planning flight itineraries or choosing hotels far from the action. Russ and Meg ease those worries by drawing on their own travel experience and relationships with on-site destination experts. They point out which tours include extra perks and which are worth splurging on, and they help travelers avoid common mistakes.
Over the years they’ve seen their clients’ tastes evolve. What started as honeymoons and destination weddings has grown into requests for richer travel experiences. Many travellers in their fifties and beyond now look for cultural immersion, time with local people, food experiences or off the beaten path adventures. Russ and Meg call these trips growth experiences because they help people learn about the world and themselves. Whether you’re wandering a village market in Tuscany or watching the northern lights from a glass igloo, they understand how to craft journeys that expand horizons.
Service You Can Trust
Meg likes to say she’s an advisor, not an order taker. She and Russ handle every detail from the moment you first reach out until you’re safely home. They know that plans can change, so they hold space on your trip while you weigh options. If a flight is delayed or a hotel overbooks, they are on call 24/7 while you are traveling. Russ explains that while they can’t control weather or airline policies, they guarantee peace of mind by being accessible and proactive. Many clients say the true value of their service isn’t just the planning but the reassuring feeling that someone has your back.
They also pride themselves on transparency. They let clients know when a trip might exceed the budget or number of travel days and will suggest alternatives that keep the spirit of the adventure alive. They encourage prospective travelers to call or email even if they only have a rough idea of where they want to go. Planning well in advance ensures they can secure the best options and answer questions along the way. They don’t charge planning fees for typical trips, so there’s no risk in starting the conversation.
What Clients Are Saying
Many of their travelers come to them for bucket-list vacations, once‑in‑a‑lifetime cultural adventures or cruises. They certainly can help clients relax on a Caribbean beach for week as well. They love hearing about their clients’ experiences when they return.
“One of the best trips we’ve ever taken was a ten‑day Paris adventure,” writes Lynne B. “Our advisor planned every detail, from the Paris walking tour to the guided excursions through Normandy, the Loire Valley and Brittany. We even decided to stay two extra days, and she took care of everything. All we had to do was show up and enjoy France.”
For Ryan A., who booked multiple vacations through EzTravel, the personalized guidance has been transformative. “Russ and Meg are excellent at helping pick a location and giving suggestions for trips,” he notes. “Both vacations booked with them were trips of a lifetime.”
Even when it’s not an elaborate tour, attention to detail makes the difference. Rob E. says, “Thanks again for being our travel planner. Great vacation — you made our trip stress‑free. We recommend you often, and we’re already planning next year’s trip!” Joseph T. echoes that sentiment: “I’ve had many amazing experiences with EzTravel. I strongly recommend them.”
Guests who follow Russ and Meg’s travel suggestions rave about the results. Porsha C. calls the Secrets Moxché resort “all you said it would be,” praising the food, service and breathtaking views. And Lynne B. (in a separate note) thanks her advisor for “going above and beyond” by adding extra days and providing a folder with all the important information.
Plan Your Escape
Russ Valvo and Meg LaRou believe travel should be joyful from the moment you start dreaming until the day you return home. They combine years of experience, global contacts and genuine curiosity to help you design a trip that fits your style. From romantic getaways to family reunions, from relaxing cruises to culinary adventures, they’ll ask the right questions, uncover hidden gems and handle every detail so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to start planning? Reach out to Russ and Meg for a friendly chat. Pull up a chair on the virtual dock, tell them where you want to go and let them turn your travel dreams into a journey you’ll never forget.
