We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura P and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always loved travel, but for years I was balancing a full-time job with a tight budget and limited vacation days. When I realized I had built a system for seeing more with less time, and that friends kept asking me for my itineraries, I knew I could turn that into something bigger. The Travel Bug is Real started as a way to share practical, efficient travel tips online. Over time, it evolved into a platform where I could inspire people with a 9–5 schedule to explore the world without sacrificing their careers or financial stability.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My “art” is creating travel content that blends beautiful storytelling with practical, time-efficient itineraries, because I know firsthand what it’s like to have a 9–5 job, limited vacation days, and a big desire to see the world. What sets my work apart is that it’s grounded in real experience: I don’t just share a highlight reel; I share the planning process, the challenges, and the little details that make trips run smoothly.

I’m most proud of building The Travel Bug is Real from scratch while working full-time. It wasn’t easy, at first, I had no idea how to film a reel, write SEO-friendly captions, or grow an audience. I faced moments where the numbers weren’t moving and it felt like no one was listening. But I kept going, experimenting with different formats, learning from other creators, and most importantly, listening to my audience’s needs.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency and authenticity matter more than overnight success. Travel content can sometimes feel unattainable, but I want my audience to feel like exploring the world is possible for them, even if they can only take a few days off at a time.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my brand, it’s this: The Travel Bug is Real is about more than destinations. It’s about helping people maximize their time, travel smart, and create memories that last a lifetime, all while staying true to their own pace, budget, and style of exploration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience both the iconic side of London and the little hidden gems that make living here so special.

Day 1: Start with the classics: a walk along the South Bank from Tower Bridge to the London Eye, stopping for coffee at one of the riverside cafés. Dinner at Dishoom for a Bombay-style feast to welcome them in style.

Day 2: Explore the museums (my personal pick is the V&A), followed by a stroll through Kensington Gardens. We’d end the evening in Soho with dinner and cocktails – Bar Swift is a favourite for beautifully crafted drinks.

Day 3: A day trip to the countryside, maybe the Cotswolds, for charming streets, tearooms, and a slower pace.

Day 4: East London day: Spitalfields Market for food and shopping, Columbia Road Flower Market if it’s Sunday, and street art spotting in Shoreditch. Dinner at Padella for fresh handmade pasta.

Day 5: Greenwich for maritime history and stunning views from Greenwich Park, followed by a sunset river cruise back into central London.

Day 6: A cultural day: Borough Market for breakfast, then theatre in the West End. End the night with late-night dessert at Chin Chin Labs.

Day 7: A “London at leisure” day, brunch in Notting Hill, Portobello Road browsing, and then a final toast at Sky Garden with its 360° city views.

The best part about London is its variety. In one week, you can go from world-class museums to cosy pubs, from royal palaces to buzzing street food markets. I’d want them to leave with a mix of the city’s big landmarks and the kind of local spots you only find when you live here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d dedicate my shoutout to my husband, who has been my biggest supporter since day one. He’s the one behind the camera for most of my travel content, patiently waiting while I get “just one more shot” and encouraging me to take creative risks when I doubt myself. I’m also grateful to my close friends and family who’ve cheered me on through every new step, even when this path felt uncertain. And finally, I have to credit the online travel creator community, seeing others share their journeys and openly exchange tips has inspired me to keep improving and stay consistent.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelbugisreal/

Image Credits
@thetravelbugisreal

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.