Jus Adventures celebrated an exciting milestone this year with its 5th Annual Friends & Family Trip, bringing together travel advisors, clients, friends, and family for an unforgettable six-day adventure in Lisbon, Portugal.

Our Founder, Samantha Hammond, and Host Agency Manager, DebraLee, recently had the pleasure of attending an exclusive Pure Grenada Travel Advisor Dinner hosted by the Grenada Tourism Authority at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse in Manhattan. The evening brought together travel advisors from across the Northeast for an immersive look at the tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Guests received valuable destination updates, connected with tourism partners, and learned about exciting opportunities for travelers looking to experience one of the Caribbean's most authentic destinations.  A highlight of the evening was hearing remarks from Grenada's Minister of Tourism, Adrian Thomas, who shared the destination's vision for continued tourism growth and emphasized the important role travel advisors play in introducing more visitors to the islands. Known as the "Spice Isle of the Caribbean," Grenada is famous for producing nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices that fill the island with unforgettable aromas. Beyond its rich agricultural heritage, Grenada offers pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs, and world-renowned diving—including the Caribbean's first underwater sculpture park. Visitors can also explore historic forts, colorful local markets, chocolate estates, and a thriving culinary scene that showcases the island's rich culture and warm hospitality. With expanded seasonal nonstop service from JFK to Grenada, traveling to the destination has become even more convenient for travelers throughout the Northeast. These additional flight options make it easier than ever for travel advisors to introduce clients to everything the islands have to offer. At Jus Adventures, we believe that staying connected with destination partners and participating in educational events like these allows us to better serve both our travel advisors and their clients. By keeping up with the latest destination news and building strong industry relationships, we can continue providing valuable knowledge and unforgettable travel experiences. A sincere thank you to the Grenada Tourism Authority and Minister of Tourism Adrian Thomas for hosting such an informative and memorable evening. We look forward to sharing these new insights with our advisor community and inspiring more travelers to discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Pure Grenada.

Recently, Debralee Lebron, Host Agency Manager of Jus Adventures Travel Services, along with a few Jus Adventures advisors, joined fellow Long Island travel professionals for a memorable sunset Tiki Boat cruise sponsored by AIC Hotel Group, Aruba Tourism Authority, and the Globus Family of Brands. The evening provided an excellent opportunity to connect with industry partners, strengthen supplier relationships, and learn more about the destinations, resorts, and travel experiences that continue to inspire travelers around the world. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Long Island waterfront, the event combined professional networking with a relaxing evening on the water. Opportunities like these allow travel advisors to build meaningful relationships with supplier partners while staying informed about the latest offerings and developments within the travel industry. We extend our sincere thanks to AIC Hotel Group, Aruba Tourism Authority, and the Globus Family of Brands for hosting this wonderful event. A special thank you to Brian Ehlers of Globus Family of Brands for his continued partnership and support of the travel advisor community. At Jus Adventures Travel Services, we are committed to providing our advisors with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow through meaningful industry relationships and experiences. We look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate with our valued travel partners and continue strengthening the travel advisor community.

At Jus Adventures, we believe that the best travel experiences begin with firsthand knowledge. That's why we're always looking for opportunities to connect with destinations, tourism partners, and industry leaders from around the world. Recently, our Founder, Samantha Hammond, had the pleasure of attending the Discover Ibiza event hosted by the Ibiza Tourist Board in New York City. The exclusive evening brought together travel professionals for networking, destination education, and an inside look at one of Spain's most captivating islands. While Ibiza is often recognized for its legendary nightlife, the event highlighted a much broader story. Located in Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza is a destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can wander through the cobblestone streets of Dalt Vila, the island's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, discover centuries-old architecture, browse local markets, and experience authentic Spanish cuisine in charming seaside villages. Beyond its cultural treasures, Ibiza is home to breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, hidden coves, dramatic coastal cliffs, and spectacular sunsets that have made the island one of Europe's most sought-after destinations. Travelers can enjoy everything from luxury resorts and wellness retreats to hiking, sailing, snorkeling, and exploring picturesque towns filled with local artisans and family-owned restaurants. The event also provided valuable updates on new tourism initiatives, accommodations, experiences, and travel opportunities available to visitors. Connecting directly with the Ibiza Tourist Board gives our team the latest destination knowledge so we can better support our network of travel advisors and help them create personalized vacations for their clients. At Jus Adventures, we know that today's travelers are looking for more than just a vacation—they're looking for meaningful experiences. Whether your clients dream of relaxing on pristine Mediterranean beaches, exploring historic landmarks, enjoying world-class dining, celebrating a special occasion, or experiencing Ibiza's vibrant nightlife, the island truly offers something for every type of traveler. We're grateful to the Ibiza Tourist Board for hosting such an informative event and look forward to sharing everything we learned with our travel advisor community. Experiences like these allow us to stay ahead of industry trends and continue providing the knowledge, resources, and destination expertise our advisors need to deliver unforgettable journeys for their clients. Here's to discovering new destinations, building stronger partnerships, and helping travelers experience the very best the world has to offer—starting with the beautiful island of Ibiza.

Recently, our Founder, Samantha Hammond, and Host Agency Manager, Debralee, attended a training session hosted by Royal Caribbean International, focused on the latest updates to CruisingPower.com and ESPRESSO. The session highlighted new enhancements designed to support travel advisors, including improved tools for group bookings, client servicing, marketing resources, and streamlined workflows to help increase overall efficiency and ease of use. These updates are aimed at helping advisors better manage their day-to-day operations while enhancing the client experience from inquiry to booking and beyond. A special thank you to Drew Poisson for sharing valuable insights and updates that will help our advisors make the most of these powerful tools. At Jus Adventures, we remain committed to staying informed, connected, and equipped with the latest industry knowledge so we can continue supporting our advisors with the tools they need to grow and succeed.

The Jus Adventures team recently had the privilege of touring Norwegian Cruise Line's newest vessel, the Norwegian Aqua, during an exclusive visit while the ship was docked in Manhattan. The pre-boarding experience gave us the opportunity to explore the ship before guests arrived, allowing our team to get an up-close look at the accommodations, public spaces, dining venues, lounges, and many of the unique features that make this ship stand out. As travel professionals, firsthand product knowledge is invaluable. Walking the ship, experiencing its atmosphere, and learning about its offerings allows us to better guide our clients and equip our hosted advisors with the insights they need to create unforgettable cruise vacations. The visit concluded with a wonderful hosted lunch and the chance to connect with our travel industry partners. We extend our sincere thanks to Amanda Lutricuso, Director of Member Relations at Ensemble , and Gina Mancuso with Norwegian Cruise Line for their hospitality and for providing such an informative and memorable experience. At Jus Adventures, we believe the best recommendations come from real-world experiences, and we're excited to bring what we learned aboard the Norwegian Aqua to our clients and advisor community. Norwegian Aqua at a Glance: • Year Built: 2025 • Guest Capacity: 3,565 (double occupancy) • Overall Length: 1,056 feet • A new generation of cruising designed for unforgettable adventures

Jus Adventures Founder Samantha Hammond recently returned as a featured co-host on the Host Agency Reviews Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 Podcast, joining host Shayna Zand for another engaging discussion focused on real-world questions submitted by travel advisors. The weekly Friday 15 series provides practical guidance for travel professionals by tackling common industry challenges in a conversational and educational format. During this episode, Samantha drew from her experience as a travel advisor, host agency founder, and longtime group travel organizer to answer questions about hosted group trips, client communication, and the role of Destination Management Companies (DMCs). (Watch the episode below) Building Your First Group Trip Drawing from her years of experience organizing hosted group trips, Samantha encouraged newer advisors to first understand their host agency's policies regarding client payments and package pricing. She emphasized the importance of clear terms and conditions, transparent communication, and starting with a smaller, manageable group before expanding into larger hosted experiences. Building Client Relationships Without Being Sales-Focused The second question focused on client retention and communication. An advisor had booked a high-value cruise client on multiple sailings but was unsure how often to follow up regarding pre-cruise hotel accommodations and travel insurance without appearing overly sales-oriented. Samantha's response centered on relationship-building rather than selling. Because the client's travel date was still far in the future, she recommended periodic, low-pressure check-ins that focus on providing support rather than generating additional revenue. Her advice reinforced a key principle many successful advisors embrace: clients want to feel supported, not marketed to. Throughout the discussion, Samantha highlighted the importance of meeting clients where they are, understanding that life often gets busy, and recognizing that delayed responses do not necessarily signal a lack of interest. DMCs, FITs, and the Bigger Picture Beyond Commission When discussing DMCs versus building custom FIT itineraries, Samantha acknowledged that independently built trips may sometimes generate higher commissions. However, she encouraged advisors to look beyond commission alone and consider factors such as time, client experience, local expertise, and risk management. She noted that many successful advisors utilize a hybrid approach, combining the flexibility of FIT planning with the support and destination knowledge of trusted DMC partners. Most importantly, Samantha reminded advisors that their value extends far beyond booking logistics. Advisors remain the curator, advocate, and trusted resource for their clients, regardless of which suppliers or partners are involved behind the scenes. Empowering Advisors Through Practical Education Throughout the episode, Samantha shared practical, experience-driven advice designed to help advisors make informed business decisions while delivering exceptional client experiences. Her insights reflected Jus Adventures' ongoing commitment to supporting travel professionals through education, mentorship, and real-world industry expertise. (Watch the episode below)

For travelers seeking the perfect blend of timeless New York history and modern luxury, the newly restored Waldorf Astoria New York is preparing to once again become one of Manhattan’s most unforgettable destinations.

At Jus Adventures, we believe that firsthand experience is one of the most powerful tools a travel advisor can have — and recently, our Host Agency Manager Debra had the opportunity to experience that firsthand during an incredible Travel Advisor FAM trip hosted by Dome Travels.