Hi, I’m Karen, and I am the founder of La Vida Travel, your local, independent travel agency, where we encourage you to keep dreaming of your next holiday. There is no request too big or too small, and we go above and beyond to ensure that you have an exceptional experience.

Tell us when you opened La Vida Travel and why?

We will shortly be celebrating our ten-year anniversary of opening in South Wales. We often say we are Wales’ best kept secret!

I have worked in travel for over 30 years, starting my career overseas before moving back to the UK after marrying my Spanish husband, and started working in a high street travel agency. After years of experience, I saw a gap in the market for a completely independent, bespoke travel agency. And just like that, I’ve never looked back.

You offer bespoke resorts in some of the most beautiful places in the world. Where is on the 2023 must-see list?

Ikos has just opened a brand new hotel on the gorgeous island of Majorca, Ikos Porto Petro. Contact us today for prices! They have a collection of unrivalled luxury beachfront resorts, nestled across most spectacular Mediterranean coastlines. Offering haute cuisine, endless activities, and memorable experiences in a stylish haven where virtually everything is included in your stay.

Any new holiday trends post-pandemic?

Bucket list holidays are definitely back! People are booking that holiday they’ve been putting off. Thailand, Australia and New Zealand are extremely popular destinations at the moment.

What makes you different?

We are fully-independent, but we have the facility to book with your favourite companies, such as Jet2, TUI, EasyJet and Emirates, and we can also tailor-make your bespoke holidays to worldwide destinations. We have a Cruise Specialist Team with extensive knowledge, with the Celebrity Beyond ship being our favourite.

We have flown out to visit various destinations wedding venues so we can recommend from personal experience, not just from what we have read online. The special secret with La Vida Travel, however, is my wonderful team! Everyone has a strength and are wonderfully well-travelled.

Tell us more about your awards?

We have won various awards in the travel industry, and we are very excited to be shortlisted to the final five for the Top Travel Agency in Wales with the star-studded event to be held in April!

Our Cardiff branch has been open for three years and we have built a loyal, friendly following. Being a holiday giant is not in our DNA- we want to ensure we are your preferred travel agency in Wales.