Dear Friends,
With Thanksgiving having just passed and the holiday season in full swing, I find myself reflecting on our journey this year. I am so grateful for the people I have met and the ones I continue to get to know better, the opportunities that have come my way, and the blessings that I had. I want to take a moment to share with you three things that I am most thankful for this year.
I always say family first because they are the most important thing in my life. My oldest son, DJ, is thriving as an interior designer in Birmingham and was the lead designer for a recent project. My younger son, AJ, graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in December and is now gainfully employed as a drafter. Having everyone off the payroll feels great. Last up is Joey, the inspiration for “Flat Joey” who you have seen in my travel pictures. I am pretty sure that Flat Joey does more work than the real-life version, but he is pretty fun to have around.
I have been blessed this year to help plan amazing vacations for some of you and with you. Here are a few of my favorite memories: Traveling to Italy with new and old friends to indulge in pasta and wine, helping a family connect with their roots at an olive grove planted by their great grandfather and bringing some of that oil home, and organizing a surprise trip to Japan for a young man who taught himself Japanese. Each of these experiences reminds me why I love what I do and the joy of helping people create memories that last a lifetime.
I also had the joy of introducing one of my favorite places, Italy, to friends this year. Watching them fall in love with the country reinforced my passion for travel. Stay tuned for Sicily in the fall of 2026! My adventures also included witnessing the majestic Denali in Alaska and sailing on the Rhine River, with its charming villages and castles. Next week, I will be in the Dominican Republic for my annual business retreat, a time for reflection and planning how to continue serving you better.
As we wrap up this year and look forward to the next, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for entrusting me with your travel dreams. It is an honor to be a part of your journeys, and I am excited to continue crafting unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones. Together, let’s make 2025 a year filled with new adventures and cherished memories.
Warmest wishes for the holiday season and the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Sara
