About Umbrella Hat Travel
Umbrella Hat Travel started with a group trip, a garage-sale umbrella hat, and a lot of laughter.
While planning a Florida and Universal Studios trip, Joel pulled out a couple of umbrella hats he’d been saving for the “right” moment. I was skeptical — until I tried one on. It was ridiculous, but also surprisingly practical. Sun off our faces. Hands free. Rain handled. And impossible not to smile at.
That small moment changed how we thought about travel.
For a long time, travel felt exciting but overwhelming — expensive, stressful, and too serious. The umbrella hat flipped that mindset. It made travel feel more approachable, more playful, and more human.
At its core, Umbrella Hat Travel is about exploring the world with curiosity and balance, and remembering that travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Meet Lakin
I became a travel advisor at a point in my life where travel finally felt more possible, and I realized how much I genuinely enjoy the process of planning it. I love researching destinations, organizing ideas, and taking something that feels overwhelming and turning it into something clear and manageable.
Travel has always been a way for me to escape, grow, and see life from a different perspective. Over time, I’ve learned how intention and flexibility can shape an experience and make it feel more meaningful.
I want to encourage people to see and experience as much of the world as they can in ways that feel approachable and realistic, and I would truly love to help you with that.