Firstly I am going to answer the title's rather rhetorical question from the point of view of our clients, noting that every "category" listed below is absolutely something we can help you plan for.
Then I will answer the same question from the point of view of J5Travel to help you understand what we are trying to achieve with our own travels.
My note: Israel, we are thinking of you on multiple levels. I only hope reason can prevail sooner than later.
- Adventure and Novelty: Travel offers the opportunity to break away from the routine and experience new and exciting adventures. Exploring unfamiliar places, trying different cuisines, and engaging in novel activities can bring a sense of thrill and excitement.
- Relaxation and Stress Relief: Many people travel to escape the daily stress and pressures of life. Relaxing in a serene environment, whether it's a tranquil beach, a lush forest, or a charming city, can reduce stress levels and promote both physical and mental well-being. The change in scenery and pace allows individuals to unwind and recharge.
- Cultural Exploration: Traveling often involves immersing oneself in new cultures. This exposure to different customs, traditions, and ways of life can be a source of happiness and personal growth. Learning about other cultures fosters empathy, broadens one's perspective, and provides a sense of connection with the global community.
- Quality Time with Loved Ones: Traveling with extended family and friends provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and deepen relationships. Shared experiences, from hiking in nature to exploring historical sites, can strengthen bonds and create moments of joy. Spending quality time with loved ones is a significant source of happiness for many people.
- Self-Discovery: Travel can be a journey of self-discovery. When people step out of their comfort zones and face new challenges, they often learn more about themselves. Overcoming obstacles, adapting to different environments, and building self-confidence can lead to a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
- Escape from Routine: Monotony and routine can lead to a sense of stagnation and unhappiness. Travel provides a break from the daily grind, allowing people to rejuvenate their spirits and reignite their enthusiasm for life. The anticipation of a trip can also bring happiness as individuals look forward to something exciting.
- Creating Meaningful Memories: Traveling enables individuals to create meaningful and unforgettable memories. These memories can be a source of happiness long after the journey is over, as people reminisce about the places they've been and the experiences they've had.
- Appreciation for Life: Exposure to different lifestyles and circumstances during travel often fosters a sense of gratitude. Seeing how people in other parts of the world live can make individuals appreciate their own lives and the privileges they enjoy, contributing to a sense of happiness and contentment.
Whether you are looking for just one of the above for your next trip or perhaps a mixture of several elements, we are here to listen to you and make it happen. Your vision, our elevation and implementation.
Top 5 - Why do J5Travel travel?
1. All the above
I think it's safe to say that every team member of J5Travel simply loves traveling itself and has pretty much experienced all 8 of the above categories. Our personal trips remain just that, heading to the places and destinations our true selves want to experience. For me this year, that will be Patagonia next month and last year it was the Galapagos Islands (above and below). But our travel passions run so deep that we can't help but also enjoy the work that goes in to inspiring our clients to maximize their trip in whatever means possible.
2. Travel Conferences
We are in the fortunate position now of being invited to pretty much every meaningful luxury travel conference going. This is a privilege we do not take likely. Honestly, these are not "fun" trips, but do enable whoever attends, and that is several of the team now, to soak up the maximum amount of info in the minimum number of days while still renewing old acquaintances and alliances that mean so much to us and by extension, to our clients. Whether it is Virtuoso Travel Week (above) which 3 of the team attended this past August or DUCO in Florence (below) where our Director of Luxury Sales, Kendall participated in March, we really make the most of these in terms of our networking.
3. Our specialties (above and below)
Mostly, the team's geographic client-facing specialties align with their own travel passions. So Shanna has a long time love for the Caribbean and newly found passions for Portugal and France. Hence she will travel to these destinations for research purposes whenever the opportunity arises, often on a hybrid trip of personal and business travel. This is true throughout the business including our cruise team of Kanise and Morgan.
4. Team Trips
We aim once a year to travel as a team together. As a business owner I view this as a multiple-win trip. We bond as a working unit, we experience what our client's are experiencing, we visit and research new properties, experiences, restaurants and much more. Myself, Kendall and Shanna have just embarked on this year's trip to Italy, and next year with the growth of the team I'm hopeful there will be 6 or more of us heading to a different destination.
But we work really hard during these trips and it is important for our clients to know that we are still available to them. The processes are in place that there is always someone to contact.
As an example of our work, just 2 hours off the plane we visited and toured the iconic Villa d'Este (below) on Lake Como, Italy.
5. Where to Next?
Here's a hard truth to write...
We are pretty darn good here at planning our own travels well in advance. Once we know conference dates and destinations, we are booking the flights and hotels because 95% of the time prices will rise significantly, especially in the current environment.
There are definitely exceptions, but I cannot seem to persuade our clients to use that same philosophy. In a 1-day conference I attended just on Tuesday, I did pick this nugget up from a fellow advisor (thanks Stuart). I'm going to type some of it in bold, so yes it's mildly rude...
We are now members of 11 major luxury hotel brands preferred partner programs. Broadly speaking that equates to room upgrades, hotel credit, included breakfast and other benefits you cannot get anywhere else. Most often there is zero price difference to booking direct.
When you book these properties all over the world they are mainly a credit card guarantee with payment due at checkout and a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel for free until very close up to the travel dates. So these are free option bookings as there is no deposit due.
An example of how to utilize this would be for Summer 2024 holiday travel.
Book the hotels for your trip of a lifetime in the next few weeks as a free option.
By the time April rolls around any decent property will be close to sold out and the rate you are booked at will undoubtedly look very attractive indeed versus the current pricing. If you get to April and you've changed your mind, then cancel for zero cost.
Maybe you can visit Maroma, A Belmond Hotel (above) recently reopened on the Riviera Maya or perhaps the Park Hyatt Paris (below) or one of the other 10,000+ properties where we can elevate your stay.
If you're ready to upgrade your next trip of a lifetime let us know by clicking the button below. We're here to help you elevate your vacation in the most seamless and stress-free way. Let us put our expertise to good use and get you on your way to your next luxury travel experience.
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.
