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About Beyond The Square
NYC is big. Planning it doesn’t have to be.
Hi, I’m Lora, the founder of Beyond the Square. I help travelers experience New York City with confidence, clarity, and joy. Over the past 15 years, I’ve explored the city the way I believe it should be experienced: on foot, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood. I’ve learned the rhythm of each block, the soul of each neighborhood, and the places that make New York unforgettable.
My love for helping others discover this city began naturally. Friends and family started asking me to plan their trips, and I noticed something important. They weren’t looking for a list of ideas. They were looking for relief.
They were overwhelmed by too many options and didn’t know how to arrange everything into a smooth, efficient plan. They couldn’t tell what was “actually worth it” compared to what was just trending. So I began creating personalized itineraries for them, and every time I watched them go from stressed to excited. That transformation became the heart of my business.
“You helped us go from overwhelmed to excited.”
From Counseling to Curating Calm Travel Experiences
Before launching Beyond the Square, I spent 20 years in private counseling practice. That work shaped me in a profound way. It taught me how to listen deeply, understand people’s needs, and guide them through experiences with clarity and care.
When I closed that chapter, I didn’t just start a business. I created a new niche in the travel world: a service-centered NYC trip planning approach rooted in trust, communication, and thoughtful detail.
I’m not a travel agent who earns commissions by sending you places. I’m a planner who earns your trust by prioritizing your travel style, your pace, and your budget.
One of the things I love most about this work is the variety of travelers I get to help:
- Luxury travelers looking for five-star experiences
- First-time visitors sticking to a careful budget
- Families navigating nap schedules, picky eaters, or strollers
- Travelers with mobility or dietary needs
- Solo adventurers searching for “only in NYC” gems
- People who want as many free or low-cost activities as possible
Everyone deserves a great trip, and everyone deserves to feel supported while planning it.
Whether you choose a $149 Travel Consultation or a fully planned, fully booked multi-day itinerary, you’ll receive the same level of care, expertise, and communication.
What Working With Me Feels Like:
“I feel so relieved.”
“I’m excited again.”
“This is money well spent.”
That experience is the foundation of my work.
I take the stress out of planning so you can focus on the fun parts. I communicate clearly, proactively, and often. Clients never need to wonder where things stand or when something is coming. I deliver what I promise, when I promise it (and usually early), and I design trips that genuinely feel like you: thoughtful, intentional, and full of fun.
A Business Built on Trust, Service, and Heart
Since founding Beyond the Square in 2019, I’ve helped hundreds of travelers from around the world experience New York City in a way that feels effortless and meaningful.
I’ve built strong partnerships with local vendors, developed a loyal base of repeat clients, and grown a thriving referral-based business. All of it comes from a simple belief: when travel is planned thoughtfully ahead of time, people get to be fully present for the experience.
Let’s Plan Something Incredible
Whether you’re dreaming of your first New York adventure or returning for your tenth visit, I’d love to help you create a trip that feels perfectly aligned with your interests, your pace, and your personality.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s take the overwhelm off your plate and replace it with excitement. I look forward to working with you!
I CAN HELP YOU PLAN THESE TYPES OF TRIPS (AND MORE!):
- Special Diet (ex.Vegan/GF)
- Food Focusd
- Large Travel Party
- Family
- Limited Mobility
- Celebrations
- Holiday Travel
- Adventure Focused
- Budget Conscious
- Layover
- Luxury
- Couples
A Single Day in NYC
Custom NYC Vacation Planning for any length of trip!
Will you be in NYC for 10 hours or 10 days? Likely, it’s somewhere in between. Beyond the Square can help you plan an unforgettable trip for any length of time. Watch this video to see how much you can do in a single day!
WATCH THE VIDEO >
