For many people, booking a holiday is a transaction. For us at Once in a Lifetime Holidays, it has always been something far more personal.
That is why we are incredibly proud to announce that our founder, Joan Jones, has been named a Finalist for Luxury Travel Designer of the Year 2026 at the prestigious TTG Luxury Travel Awards.
For Joan, this recognition is not simply about awards or titles. It represents more than 35 years of dedication to the travel industry, thousands of unforgettable journeys created for clients, and a lifelong belief that exceptional travel should never be left to chance.
When Joan first started in travel over three decades ago, the industry looked very different. Holidays were booked in person, recommendations came from trusted experts, and relationships mattered above all else.
Fast forward to today, and the travel world has become flooded with online booking engines, endless websites, AI-generated itineraries and price comparison tools. While technology has transformed travel, one thing has never changed: people still want reassurance, expertise and someone they trust when planning the trips that matter most.
From luxury honeymoons and milestone celebrations to multi-generational family adventures, expedition cruises, scenic rail journeys and tailor-made itineraries across the globe, Joan has spent her career helping clients turn dreams into reality.
Her approach has always been about more than simply finding a hotel or flight. It is about understanding people - how they want to feel, what inspires them, and how to create memories that last a lifetime.
The TTG Luxury Travel Awards are among the most respected accolades in the UK travel industry. To reach finalist stage is an incredible honour - and for Joan, it is also a timely reminder that experience still matters.
After 35 years in travel, she has navigated airline collapses, volcanic ash clouds, a global pandemic, shifting regulations, strikes, political unrest and rapidly evolving travel trends. Through every challenge, one thing has remained constant: clients value having a knowledgeable expert by their side when things do not go to plan.
Today's travel landscape is more complex than ever. Airline schedule changes happen daily, travel regulations continue to evolve, and over-tourism is affecting many popular destinations. Online information can be overwhelming - and often misleading. A trusted travel expert brings something technology alone simply cannot provide:
At Once in a Lifetime Holidays, we believe travel should inspire, reconnect and create memories that stay with you forever.
This finalist recognition is not just a proud moment for Joan - it reflects the passion and dedication of our entire team of Creative Travel Directors, who work tirelessly each and every day to deliver extraordinary experiences for our clients.
We are deeply grateful to every client who has trusted us with their precious holidays over the years. Your loyalty, recommendations and continued support are the reason we do what we do.
And whilst awards are a wonderful form of recognition, the greatest reward will always be hearing the stories our clients bring home from their travels.
Because in the end, luxury is not just about where you stay.
It is about how a journey makes you feel.
