It's become an end of year tradition here to look through all the photos we have taken on our travels during the year and highlight the Top 10. With a team of 8 now, and with all encouraged to travel extensively, the task has become considerably more difficult, though remaining immense fun. It also gives me a very strong and rooted sense of gratitude that we work in one of the most exciting and rewarding industries in the world.
Happy New Year to all and may 2024 bring you enlightening, memorable and safe travels.
Top 10 - J5's Photos of the Year
10. Bled, Slovenia (above)
In early March 2023 I discovered Slovenia for the first time. I have been singing this small country's praises ever since, so much so that our team trip for 2024 will be a longer sojourn in Slovenia. Lake Bled, which is only a short drive north of the capital city Ljubljana, is a beautiful glacial lake in the Julian Alps with stunning scenery and turquoise waters. Slovenia has it all - beautiful landscapes, mountains, a small but lovely coastline on the Italian side, and food and wine that will absolutely delight and surprise you.
9. The Making of Harry Potter (above)
Warner Bros Studio in Watford just northeast of London is a must-see if you just have the slightest interest in all things Harry Potter. It exceeded my expectations perhaps more than anything else this year. Our Director of Luxury Sales, Kendall (left) and Director of Travel Planning, Shanna (center) enjoyed this half day experience with me with constant smiles and laughs.
Make sure to include this in your plans if you are visiting London in 2024.
Top tip: start planning now as this adventure sells out several months in advance especially in the summer.
8. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town (above)
With huge gratitude to Belmond who hosted me on their annual celebration of top producers, I found myself in Cape Town in June. Located in the Gardens neighborhood, in a garden estate overlooking Table Mountain, this iconic hotel opened in 1899 and is known for its timeless suites and old-style afternoon tea. It was the perfect location for the long list of above and beyond experiences that Belmond lined up for us.
7. Four Seasons Tamarindo, Mexico (above)
One of the host hotels for our network's Top Producers trip this year, Four Seasons Tamarindo is a luxury beach and golf resort set in a private 3,000 acre nature reserve. It has 157 accommodations, including 63 suites, plus private residences. Additional amenities include a 6-mile-long beach, a 35-acre farm and a stunning golf course.
6. Chicago (above)
Perfect weather on our family weekend break to Chicago in early October just served to emphasize what a fantastic venue the city is. We packed it in.....comedy clubs, art museums, nature walks, and some serious foodie stuff. Apparently the pizza is pretty good!
5. Monopoli, Puglia, Italy (above)
As you enter from the outskirts of this quiet, unassuming town, there is not much to suggest the old town founded in 500BC would reveal such stunning architecture. But walk around and you'll discover just that as well as a charming port full with fishing boats. I am so happy that our team trip in October reached this southern Italy destination.
4. Torres Del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Argentina (above)
Known for its three granite peaks, striking views, glaciers, and lakes, Torres del Paine was the highlight of our trip to Patagonia and my wife Helen would wholeheartedly agree. Being blessed with good weather helps, but our two long hikes in the area were simply stunning and sublime. OK, so stunning that you get a bonus photo below...
3. Arno Travel (above)
One of my favorite photos of the year is the above with Urbano, Marusca and Catalina from Arno Travel, taken in Cannes, France earlier this month. If you are a client who has experienced a high end Italy itinerary with us, then you have almost certainly felt the touch of this supplier. I cannot begin to explain the deep level of trust and gratitude the J5 and Arno teams have for each other and our partnership only serves to heighten our mutual clients' experiences.
2. The Shard, London (above)
So the 3 main trip planners at J5Travel, myself, Kendall and Shanna could not stop taking photos of London back in the Spring. While they were pointing at the Tower of London out of shot to the left, I snapped them snapping with The Shard (the tall, pointy one) in the background. I promise you phones do get put away to engage as much as possible and I encourage everyone to do that whenever possible when learning about a new destination.
1. Duomo di Firenze (Florence), Italy (above)
I will totally admit to editing out 2 members of the public from the above photo, but I still have it as my favorite photo of the year. Kendall and Shanna are pausing in awe of what is in front of them, and I just love the power and scale that the image conveys of Florence's main cathedral.
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I love travel and I love travel planning just as much 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.
