Zelek International Ltd

Fantastic experience: Lauren, Roxxy, Maddie + the entire team at Zelek International were FANTASTIC to work with! I reached out to Lauren about two months before we were planning to leave for Tokyo and Kyoto with 11 family members for Cherry Blossom season. She immediately jumped in and helped us get things across the finish line. From large group reservations at high-end spots to transportation, ADA Wheelchair accommodation, and cultural excursions with English-speaking guides — they covered it all. Without their help, this trip wouldn't have been possible and we are BEYOND grateful for all they did to ensure it was a success for my Grandmother's 86th birthday. Considering it was the busiest time of the year to visit and we were a VERY large group in Japanese standards, this was nothing short of a true miracle to pull it off. So grateful and excited to work with their team again!

Fantastic experience: ZI did a fabulous job setting up my visit to Japan after a 10 year absence! I lived in Japan from 2003-2015 and it was special! ZI made my return exceptional! Hotels, restaurants, and travel were done accurately and noteworthy. They also arranged a side trip from Tokyo to Hakone for 3 days of R&R in the hot spring onsens in the mountains! Lovely! I highly recommend you choose ZI for your Japan travel!

Fantastic experience: We used Zelek International for our recent 27 day trip to Japan & I can say without a doubt that our trip was better because of it. Their support and assistance from the initial call, during our trip and even post trip, Lauren and her team were excellent. They were extremely helpful in arranging activities, purchasing tickets even helping get us a babysitter service in multiple cities so my wife and I could get a few nights out. I highly recommend that if you are looking to visit Japan, and you're seeking a real travel "agent" partner then look no further than Zelek International.

Fantastic experience: In April 2023 Lauren and her team helped us plan and pull off a very memorable and special multi-generational family trip to Japan, specifically to Tokyo and Kyoto with a memorable high speed bullet train journey in between. The especially notable part was that she did this in a way with respect to logistics and itinerary that allowed to us enjoy Japan while traveling with our son who was 9 months old at the time. We were able to fit in all of our “must see and do” parts of our itinerary in the relatively short amount of time (5 days) that we allocated to our first visit to Japan on our way to Cambodia and Thailand for the next part of that trip. We were looking to travel to Japan during what happened to be one of its busiest and most popular periods in its tourist history ever due to its recent reopening after shutting down for tourism for an extended period of time during the height of Covid and due to it being cherry blossom season, which historically is one of the most popular times to visit Japan in general. Lauren was very realistic upfront with us about the challenges that planning a last-minute trip during this time would pose, but she remain hopeful and optimistic that it could be done and she was correct. Our guides were superb and the trip flowed smoothly without any issues. We felt independent there and able to explore while still benefiting from the itinerary being mapped out and having guides for all pertinent portions of the trip. I have no doubt that her experience and her can do attitude allowed us to have a wonderful time whereas if we attempted to plan this on our own, we would have likely been unsuccessful for this trip despite our ample travel experience. We can’t wait for another another trip to Japan in the future and will surely be reaching out to Lauren for her expertise again. We are a very well traveled family, and are thorough and discerning about who we entrust our travel planning to. I can confidently say that you’ll be in excellent hands with Lauren and her team.

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing experience with ZI in Tokyo. They helped us plan an amazing day that was beautifully executed with their guide, J. Could not have been better. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Lauren’s warmth and kindness really helped me feel welcome in a country that I had never been to. She gave me solid advice on how to deeply respect the culture, as well as useful information on how to use the metro system and where to purchase my metro card. My stay in Tokyo started out just right with Laurens help! She granted me a lot confidence in a country that was very foreign to me, and for that I am very thankful!

Fantastic experience: My three-week journey in Japan, facilitated by Lauren's team, was an absolute delight from start to finish. Lauren and her team were instrumental in curating an unforgettable experience for me. In Tokyo, I had the pleasure of being guided by Rory, whom Lauren's team connected me with. Rory's expertise not only encompassed the city's attractions but also delved into the rich history of Tokyo, enriching my exploration significantly. Transitioning to Kyoto, Lauren's team arranged a guided tour through MK Taxi and a delightful stay at the Genji Hotel. Both experiences were meticulously planned and surpassed my expectations. However, the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly my two-day retreat in Nagano. Thanks to Lauren's personal connection with the owner of Sakaeya Ryokan, I was treated to a luxurious suite boasting a breathtaking balcony view of Yamanochi. The private hot tub, fed by the local hot spring, offered serene relaxation amidst nature's splendor. Each meal, curated by the hotel's talented chef, was a culinary masterpiece, enhancing the overall experience. Working with ZI was seamless; they seamlessly translated my interests into an unforgettable journey through Japan. Without a doubt, I'll be entrusting them with my future travel plans. Thank you, Lauren and the ZI team, for orchestrating a truly magical adventure.

Fantastic experience: Great trip. Kyoto arrangements went smoothly. Easy to communicate with.

Fantastic experience: Magical Japan!!! ZI planned a fabulous trip to Japan for my husband and I. We only had a short period of time (6 days) to fly to Tokyo and see Kyoto and Hiroshima. Lauren and her team curated our itinerary, let us know exactly how to book our train tickets, suggested itinerary, found amazing hotels -- especially the boutique hotel in Kyoto -- and gave great restaurant recommendations! We were lucky enough to be there during the peak of the cherry blossom blooms -- and it was just magical! I would highly recommend utilizing their services if you are traveling to Japan!

Fantastic experience: Greatest service! I bought eyeglasses in Japan a few years ago and really wanted a second pair. The team from Zelek International went out of their way to find a pair that matches the ones I have. They must have gone to a lot of shops to find them. Communication over email was extremely polite and helpful. Hands down the best customer service I have ever seen.

Fantastic experience: My daughter qualified to compete for Team USA in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in August of 2019. Tokyo was anticipated to be a high demand venue and trying to book hotels as an individual was not possible because all hotel reservations during the games were locked down. I started working with Lauren (ZI) to make travel arrangements to attend the games when my daughter would be competing and plan a side trip to experience the culture of Japan outside of Tokyo. Lauren was able to use her business contacts to lock in air travel and a hotel at a prime site. She also start planning the side trip to other areas of Japan. We centered in on the Nagano area of Japan. A couple of months after the initial trip procurement in early 2020 the Olympic games were delayed to 2021 and Lauren was once again able to use her business contacts to shift the air travel and hotel to the new 2021 dates. She also continued to work on a revised side trip after the planned games. When the Olympic games were cancelled to foreign spectators in 2021 Lauren went to bat to procure as much refund as possible from the airfare and the hotel. Lauren started the process immediately to keep us from getting lost in the shuffle and was persistent in her followup on the process. The hotel and air refund was possible because of her business contacts. We did not get a benefit of Laurens planning since the anticipated trip did not happen so I cannot rate the quality or value of the trip. However, Lauren was very responsive in her planning activity in trying to put together an appropriate trip that would feature Tokyo and the Nagano areas. Lauren was enjoyable and positive to work with throughout this process. David Achterberg

Fantastic experience: I worked with Lauren after My daughter qualified for the Olympics. It was a dream come true for our family. She helped me figure out the best places to stay and how to get tickets for the games. She also provided amazing support when the announcement came that we would not be able to attend. She is caring and well organized and if I ever need help with a trip I would work with her anytime!

Fantastic experience: Lauren and ZI have provided me with so much information as we head into the 2020 (2021) Games. Thanks!

Fantastic experience: My wife, Terry, and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Lauren Zelek at the Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg, Virginia for lunch and to discuss our mutual experiences in Japan and travel arrangements. Terry and I live in Leesburg and Lauren was visiting town to attend her brother's wedding. Lauren grew up in Japan, speaks Japanese, and has a successful travel company. I spent four years in Japan, attending Sophia University and practicing the art of JUDO. Tokyo is the city for the 2020 Summer Games, and there is a worldwide interest in visiting for the Games and the country to gain a unique cultural experience, much like I experienced in 1964. Lauren has a current, detailed, in-depth knowledge of Tokyo and Japan, is a professional Travel Advisor, and she has a great sense of humor. If you are contemplating visiting Tokyo for the Games or just want to experience the real Japan, Terry and I would highly recommend that you work with Lauren and ZI to greatly enhance your travel experience, enjoyment of a wonderful city and a beautiful country. James Bregman 1964 Bronze Medalist, Judo See More from James Bregman

Fantastic experience: Lauren and I first came in contact with each other over a year ago when she reached out to the 1964 athletes with hopes of aiding those of us who might be planning to return to Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Games. I recognized this as a wonderful opportunity for our Diving Team to gather back in Tokyo for a sort of "homecoming" to experience the Games from the other side of the fence as spectators, not competitors. Taking upon myself I contacted our USA team members and the responses I received were encouraging. However, it revealed much information regarding travel, housing and ticket availability was needed. Lauren through her company, ZI, proved to be extremely resourceful. All our questions and concerns were promptly answered and showed Lauren's extensive knowledge as a travel partner. Later, her understanding of the Covid 19 epidemic and in keeping us informed was invaluable. I would highly recommend using Lauren and her company to anyone looking for professional assistance in planning to travel abroad. Lou Vitucci 1964 Diver

Fantastic experience: The best service ever!

Fantastic experience: We were introduced to ZI by the United States Olympic Committee to help my whole family (10) people to prepare for our trip to Tokyo'. This included airline reservations, transportation to and from the airport and preparation for a variety of sidetrips that we wanted to take before and after the Olympic games. The most important help that we needed was to obtain appropriate housing for the 10 of us. Lauren arranged for two large apartments that were suitable for our group which included adults and children. These apartments were well located and very accessible to the various venues that we would been going to for the different events located all around Tokyo. She negotiated with the landlord and with Air B&B. When Japan decided that foreign guests would not be able to attend the games, it was necessary for Lauren to assist us to get appropriate refunds which she accomplished expeditiously and in a very satisfactory manner. We were able with Lauren's help to get refunds of almost all of our payments. Lauren also arranged several prospective sidetrips in Japan. We would highly recommend her services for travelers going to Japan in the future.