As the year winds down and the holidays settle in, reflection feels almost inevitable. At J5Travel, this season has always been marked by a simple tradition: sharing our annual “Top 10” favorite travel photos from the year.
This year, though, we’re doing things a little differently.
Instead of starting with sweeping landscapes and far-flung horizons, we’re beginning somewhere closer to home. This week, we’re sharing six deeply meaningful team photos from 2025—moments that shaped us not just as travel advisors, but as people. Next week, we’ll return to our full Top 10 favorite travel shots. But it felt important to pause here first.
Because while our work takes us around the world, these images remind us why we do what we do.
Beyond the Destination
Every day, our team helps clients plan extraordinary journeys—bucket-list destinations, once-in-a-lifetime cruises, and experiences that linger long after the suitcase is unpacked. But behind the scenes, we’re living full lives too. These photos pull back the curtain on that reality.
They aren’t about perfect scenery or iconic landmarks. They’re about the moments where professional passion met personal meaning: time with family, shared laughter, quiet milestones, and the people who ground us when the itinerary is finally closed.
They’re a reminder that while travel inspires us in countless ways, it’s the connections we carry with us that matter most.
Planning for What Truly Matters
As we look ahead to 2026, our conversations aren’t just about where to go next. They’re about who we want beside us—and the moments we don’t want to miss.
Travel, at its best, isn’t an escape from life. It’s a way to mark it. To celebrate it. To create space for reunions, traditions, and memories that don’t fit neatly into a brochure but stay with you forever.
The year ahead is a blank canvas for your own “most moved” moments. And there’s no better time than now to make sure those experiences—the big milestones and the quiet in-between ones—have a place on your calendar.
So consider this our invitation. Join us in prioritizing the moments that matter most.
We’ll begin the countdown with a glimpse into our own year—starting with the moments that remind us why we do what we do, and who we do it for.
Kendall
You likely know Kendall as our Director of Luxury Sales and resident expert on all things Hawaii and Italy (and more). But this year, Kendall embarked on her most personal adventure yet. In May, surrounded by the beauty of Charlottesville, she and the wonderful Chad were married in a ceremony that was a beautiful testament to the power of shared memories. As Kendall begins this new chapter with a move to Pennsylvania, her journey serves as a heartfelt reminder that while the world’s horizons are vast, it is the people by our side who truly give them meaning. She continues to bring that same spirit of ’imi loa - that constant sense of wonder - to every 2026 itinerary she crafts, ensuring your own family milestones are just as unforgettable.
Sara
While Sara is famous with our clients for her cruise expertise and meticulous attention to detail, she spent much of this year anchoring a major milestone at home.
We were proud to celebrate her husband James as he officially graduated from PA school - a journey that required immense dedication and, naturally, plenty of teamwork. With the textbooks finally tucked away, Sara and James are looking forward to more of those precious "unplugged" moments in 2026, and she is more inspired than ever to help you carve out time for the people who support your own biggest dreams.
Shanna
Shanna spent much of the year navigating the heights of the luxury travel world - most recently representing J5Travel at the prestigious ILTM Cannes on the French Riviera. But even amidst the glamour of the world’s finest hotels, Shanna’s most meaningful highlight was a step back into simplicity during a getaway to the British Virgin Islands with her partner, Bryce.
"Returned to one of my favorite escapes in 2025 - the Virgin Islands (US and British). The Baths of Virgin Gorda are absolutely breathtaking with pristine white sand beaches and hidden rock pools".
Kristin
From our trip planner and Operations expert extraordinaire...
"This is my favorite photo of the year because it captures such a pure moment. My family and I woke up extremely early to meet a private tour guide who was showing us all of Gaudí’s major accomplishments throughout the city of Barcelona. We started in Park Guël, a testament to Guadi’s whimsical imagination and engineering mastermind. The entire park feels like a Dr. Seuss page came to life. The early wake up call was well worth it to experience the park almost empty, giving us ample time to sit on the mosaic benches that curved like a serpent or view the city below. Between our guides unique fun facts, such as telling us the origins of how they measure carrots in diamond rings, to the food hall at St. Joseph’s, where every food lovers dream comes to life, this was one of our all time favorite travel days.
Sarah
Adding to our highlights is Sarah, whose dedicated behind the scenes work on our websites and social media makes us look really good, right?
But this beautiful snapshot with her husband, Jake, and their two little ones, Skylar and Liam, really captures the heart of what we do. It’s a vivid reminder that while we can always revisit a destination, we can never get these specific, fleeting years back.
In her own words...
"This is a photo of my little family, all smiling (in some form), which honestly feels like a small miracle. It was Mother’s Day, and in the Pacific North West that means it was chilly and cloudy - but no rain so that was a win. We took a walk near the water to get some fresh air, burn some kid energy, and captured a moment that feels very us. I love this photo because it freezes a season of life that’s busy, loud, and a little chaotic - but full of lots of laughs, love, and proof that sometimes we really can all smile at the same time."
John
I have a small confession: much like Sarah’s experience, finding a photo where my entire family is smiling at the same time is a minor miracle, and I am almost always the one to blame. Whilst my brain is convinced I’m beaming like Arsenal have just won the Premier League, my lips clearly don’t get the memo, usually resulting in a look that says "I’m doing complex math" rather than "I’m having a great time." However, as we celebrated my 60th birthday just two weeks ago, the stars (and my facial muscles) finally aligned for what might be our best family photo ever.
Turning 60 has a way of narrowing your focus. It’s a vivid reminder that while I’ve spent my second career chasing the world’s most exclusive views, the real "luxury" is simply the people sitting around the table. As we look toward 2026, my goal for J5Travel is to help you capture these same "miracle" moments. Whether it’s a milestone birthday of your own or just a long-overdue reunion, let’s make 2026 the year we put the people who matter most at the very top of the itinerary.
Ready to start planning the moments that matter most? Let’s talk about what you want 2026 to hold. Click the button below to get started.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
