(15 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Lori Wentworth

California, MD
Custom Travel Planning Expert

My passion for travel started at a young age, when I lived abroad. I have kept that passion up by traveling extensively every year to check out new destination and re-visit old ones. I love to build the perfect trip for my clients taking care of a...
Learn more about me.

Saudi Arabia Expert

Hegra
Hegra

As an individual who spent eight years of childhood in Saudi Arabia and visited the Kingdom in December 2021 and 2022, I have a unique perspective on this fascinating country. Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformation, becoming more inviting to tourists while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Let me share my insights into the easy visa system, the new freedoms women enjoy, and the must-see destinations like Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Hegra in AlUla, and the Red Sea.


Living in Saudi Arabia for eight years allowed me to immerse myself in its culture and traditions. From the bustling markets to the serene desert landscapes, my childhood was a blend of exploration and education, helping me understand the Kingdom's essence deeply.


Returning to Saudi Arabia December 2021 and 2022, I noticed remarkable changes that reflect the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative. Modern infrastructure blends with historical sites, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Each trip back felt like rediscovering a place that beautifully merges past and present.


One of the most significant changes is Saudi Arabia’s streamlined visa process. The eVisa system allows tourists to apply online and receive approval in minutes. This simple process has made the Kingdom more accessible, encouraging global travelers to explore its wonders.


Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in empowering women, especially in travel and tourism. Women can now explore the Kingdom independently, without needing a chaperone. Though traditional attire isn't mandatory, dressing modestly is advised. Loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees are generally appropriate, offering comfort while respecting local customs.


Every city in Saudi Arabia has its unique charm:Dammam: This administrative hub boasts beautiful beaches, museums, and markets. King Fahd Park and the Corniche are must-visit spots.


Riyadh: The capital blends heritage and innovation. Visit the historic Al Masmak Fortress, shop at the Kingdom Centre, and enjoy diverse culinary delights.


Jeddah: Known as the Gateway to Mecca, Jeddah features stunning architecture and a rich history. Explore Al-Balad, the old town, and relax at Jeddah Corniche by the Red Sea


Hegra, also known as Madain Salih, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in AlUla, showcasing Nabataean civilization's ingenuity. The sandstone monoliths and rock-cut tombs against the desert backdrop create a surreal atmosphere, offering a photographer’s paradise and a history buff’s dream.


The Red Sea is famed for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The Red Sea Project aims to position this region as a luxury destination with eco-friendly resorts. Underwater activities range from snorkeling to deep-sea diving, revealing a colorful marine world.


A highlight of my recent trips was visiting the Maraya Concert Hall in AlUla. This mirror-clad building, holding a Guinness World Record, blends into the desert landscape and hosts various concerts and events. Attending a performance here is an unforgettable experience.


Winter in Riyadh means Riyadh Season, an annual event featuring concerts, theater performances, sports events, and food festivals. The city transforms into a hub of excitement and creativity, offering something for everyone.


Spending a night in the desert with Bedouins provides an authentic cultural experience. From sipping traditional Arabic coffee around a campfire to listening to stories under a starlit sky, these stays connect the past and present, creating lasting memories.


Saudi Arabia is renowned for its dates, and visiting the world’s largest date farm was fascinating. I learned about the stages of date cultivation, from pollination to harvesting, and sampled some of the finest dates, making this visit both educational and delightful.


Saudi Arabia is a land of contrasts where ancient traditions meet modern advancements. With its easy visa process, increased freedom for women, and diverse attractions, the Kingdom warmly welcomes visitors. From Hegra’s historical wonders to the Red Sea's underwater marvels, and from Riyadh's vibrant cityscape to serene desert nights with Bedouins, Saudi Arabia offers a rich tapestry of experiences.Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah, attending concerts at Maraya, enjoying Riyadh Season, or visiting vast date farms, Saudi Arabia invites you to discover its unique charm. Embrace the journey and let the Kingdom's magic unfold before you.

My Travel Albums

Saudi Arabia Dec 2021
Habitas Main Pool Saudi Arabia

My Reviews

58 of 88 people found this review helpful
Thanksgiving in Venice
Our second full day in Venice, Italy Nov 23, 2017 Thanksgiving in the US. No turkey anywhere in sight! Funny, tho, we didn't even miss it!. Lori Wentworth of Travel Leaders did a suburb job of arranging the things we definitely wanted to do, while leaving us time to just explore and take it all in.
By  CarolW  from  Leonardtown
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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97 of 174 people found this review helpful
20th Anniversary Celebration!
Lori has been helping us plan wonderful vacations for over 25 years and we couldn't imagine planning a trip without her. Whether a cruise or an all-inclusive resort, her knowledge of the ships and resorts is incredible. Lori's amazing personality, infectious smile and genuine concern for ensuring you have a memorable trip is what keeps us coming back. For our 20th wedding anniversary, she took great care in helping us plan a 12 day Mediterranean cruise that not only included all the destinations (and more) we hoped to explore but she also arranged a renewal of vows ceremony which was performed on the ship by the Captain. It was a trip and anniversary we will never forget!
By  Perry & Robin  from  Leonardtown, MD
Traveled to  Mediterranean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Lori Wentworth responded:
Thank you Robin and Perry. 25 amazing years planning your world adventures. You are more than clients, you are family at this point and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for the kind words and I look forward to helping plan many, many more adventures for the two of you. Lori

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98 of 182 people found this review helpful
A trip to remember!
Lori coordinated my daughter's 21st birthday bash to Las Vegas. Everything was fabulous hotel, flight,special events and most of all we made memories that we will always cherish! Lori is the "Best".
I would highly recommend her for all of your travel needs. She is professional, enthusiastic and an absolute joy to work with in planning any trip!
By  Margie  from  Coltons Point,Md
Traveled to  Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Lori Wentworth responded:
Margie, Thank you for the memories on booking your daughters birthday party. It was a challenge, but I am so glad that everything worked out. My favorite part of the whole planning experience was the special excursion you took with just the girls. Lori

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58 of 104 people found this review helpful
Absolutely Epic Honeymoon
Working with Lori to plan our honeymoon was great. We gave a bunch of suggestions and told her the places we were interested in. She gave us detailed itineraries that same day. Based on our interests, and her experience, she also suggested Belize, which we never even considered. After seeing what Belize had to offer, we instantly fell in love with it, and it became our top destination. We stayed at multiple resorts, requiring multiple land/water transfers. We were a little nervous when we landed, but Lori had everything squared away. The transfer company found us when we got off the plane, and they handed us paperwork with vouchers for each transfer, explained all the details, and had people lined up waiting for us at each destination. Greatly exceeded our expectations. Lori was always available for all our questions and made numerous tweaks to our plans as I'm sure we were far pickier than the normal customer. We'll definitely work with Lori to plan our next vacation!
By  Summers  from  Lusby, MD
Traveled to  Belize ~ Central America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Lori Wentworth responded:
Mike and Brie it was fantastic to work with you. I am thrilled that Belize was so wonderful for your trip. That is the best thing of using an agent is we are able to find the right vacation/destination for you and not putting you in a cookie cutter vacation. I can't wait to meet with you to hear all about the trip. Thank you for the photos they were perfect. All the best in your new lives together as husband and wife. Lori

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100 of 189 people found this review helpful
TOUR OF ITALY
Couldn't ask for a more professional, courteous and knowledgeable travel agent! Lori takes the time up front to get to know her customers and their likes/dislikes and then fine tunes her recommendations to craft the perfect trip. Her knowledge of the varied destinations is very extensive... she has a wealth of knowledge on trips, hotels and cruise/tour packages. She is readily available and more than once has been able to make last minute changes, even when we were in the middle our trip in Europe!

Lori is so good that we plan to use her as our travel agent via the internet/phone after moving down to GA!!!!!!!
By  RFBLBB  from  Pooler GA
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Lori Wentworth responded:
Thank you Ray and Lisa. You are amazing clients and I am overwhelmed at the kind words. Looking forward to planning many, many more of your adventures. Lori

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Destination Expert:

  • Riyadh
  • Alula
  • Jeddah
  • Dammam
  • Red Sea Project

Travel Specialist:

  • Luxury Hotels
  • Beach Vacations

Top Travel Partners:

  • Hilton Hotels
  • Small Luxury Hotels
  • Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
  • Leading Hotels of The World
  • Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Certifications/Awards:

  • Boy Scout Troop 413 Logistics Officer
  • ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor)
  • CTS (Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist)
  • CSS (Certified Sandals Specialist)
  • Destination Wedding/Honeymoon Specialist

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