What an incredible year for travel! This year our amazing STAR agents helped our clients to book over 1800 vacations to destinations across the Globe. It is truly our honor to be entrusted with your precious family memories. Looking into 2026, we are excited to be hosting cruise groups (check them out here!), increasing our travel knowledge, and helping even more families experience the magic of a well-planned vacation.
We saw more clients than ever before going “over the pond” to explore destinations abroad both on land and sea. Some clients even explored by adventuring on African Safaris, traversing river cruises in Asia, and journeying to destinations to view the Northern Lights. With so many great bucket list locations, it can be hard to decide where to go! And just as our clients traveled, so did our STARS! We’ve explored multiple countries this year with plans for more in the coming year.
Not sure where to go next or what may be new? Travel saw expansion in many areas! Walt Disney World debuted the new Starlight Parade, opened The Beak and Barrel and Geo82 Lounges, and made headway on several new areas including the new Monsters Inc area! Universal premiered the brand new, highly-anticipated EPIC Universe theme park – the first new theme park in several years! Disneyland Resort began its 70th Anniversary Celebration including a new Walt Disney animatronic. In cruise news, we saw the launch of several brand new ships: Disney Destiny, Norwegian Aqua, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, and Celebrity Xcel as well as many new river cruise ships. There is huge growth in small cruise ship sailing and expedition cruises. We also got announcements regarding new all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean… always a popular destination especially in the cold months!
Personally this year, I have enjoyed traveling to the Disney parks on both coasts, Epic Universe/Universal Orlando, Cancun, Antigua, Punta Cana, Star of the Seas, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the Disney Destiny. I am very much looking forward to getting back to Europe next year, and I can’t wait to share my adventures with all of you!
Upon a star Travel & Concierge owner, Jennifer Novotny
I firmly believe that traveling and experiencing other cultures and ways of life is better than any lesson from a history book. There is just something special about exploring a new destination, eating delicious food, and being immersed in something different than the “usual.”
Each time I leave and come back, I realize that it truly is “a small world after all.” One of the best gifts you can give to your family (and yourself!) is the experience of somewhere new—the gift of travel!
At the heart of what we do is a deep passion for travel! Our Upon a Star Travel planners want everyone to experience the world in new and fresh ways… and it is our honor to help you on your journey. We promise to take care of your family’s memories. Thank you for your trust!
Here’s to an amazing 2026.
Jennifer Novotny, Owner & CEO Upon a Start Travel & Concierge