Nexion

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and progress.

As we honor this day, we reflect on the importance of understanding our shared history and continuing to build communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

🌈 Proud to Be

As part of our Proud to Be series, we're celebrating the voices that help make our community more welcoming and inclusive.

When asked what being an ally means to her, Terri "TC" Phelps shared that allyship starts with support, understanding, compassion, and respect. She believes in continuing to learn, listen, and help create a world where everyone feels valued and accepted.

TC also shared that some of her greatest lessons have come from her LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and colleagues, whose love, friendship, and experiences have shaped her perspective.

Thank you, TC, for sharing your thoughtful reflection and for helping build a more inclusive travel community. 💜

☀️ Summer is officially here, and we're celebrating with a fun travel-themed conversation on the latest episode of the Easy Travels Podcast!

Join Chris and Martin as they discuss some of travel's biggest debates:
✈️ Window seat or aisle seat?
🏖️ Beach getaway or mountain retreat?
🌅 Sunrise or sunset?
🚗 Road trip or flight?

Along the way, they share favorite summer vacation memories, talk about spontaneous travel versus careful planning, and preview some exciting upcoming guests from Oceania Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean.

Whether you're dreaming about your next getaway or already packing your bags, this episode is the perfect way to get into a summer travel state of mind.

🎧 Listen now and tell us: What's your ideal summer vacation?

Are you Team Beach 🏖️ or Team Mountains ⛰️? Let us know in the comments!

Summer Travel Favorites: Beaches, Road Trips & Vacation Memories | Easy Travels Podcast Summer is here, and in this special Easy Travels Podcast episode, C...

🌈 Proud to Be

For Eric Jensen of Pocket Map Travel, Pride is rooted in gratitude.

When asked what Pride means to him, Eric shared that Pride is about being grateful for the people who made it possible—and who continue to make it possible—for him to be his authentic self.

As a travel advisor, that perspective extends to the experiences he helps create for his clients.

"In travel, Pride means helping create experiences where people feel safe, welcomed, and free to be themselves, wherever their journeys take them."

Thank you, Eric, for sharing your perspective and for helping create a more welcoming travel community.

💜🌈

The biggest misconception about being an independent travel advisor?

That you have to figure everything out on your own.

Building a successful travel business requires more than industry knowledge. It takes strong relationships, ongoing education, the right tools, and a community that understands the challenges and opportunities of this business.

The advisors who continue to grow are often the ones who keep learning, stay connected, and surround themselves with people who help them move forward.

What has made the biggest difference in your business?

Was it mentorship? Education? Supplier relationships? Technology? Community?

Share your experience below. 👇

🌈 Proud to Be: Mitch Platt

This Pride Month, we're celebrating the voices of LGBTQIA+ community members and allies across the Nexion community.

For Mitch Platt of Azamara Cruises, Pride means the freedom to exist without apology and to live as his most authentic self.

"Pride means the freedom to exist without apology."

Mitch shared that he navigated adolescence without LGBTQ+ role models and now sees the importance of helping create visibility and support for future generations.

Thank you, Mitch, for sharing your story and reminding us how powerful authenticity and representation can be. 💜

🎓 Congratulations to our latest Virtual Essentials graduates!

Last Friday, this group of dedicated advisors completed Nexion Travel Group's Virtual Essentials program, taking an important step forward in their travel advisor journey.

Success isn't about knowing everything. It's about never stopping learning.

Please join us in celebrating these advisors for their commitment to professional development, growth, and building strong businesses for the future. 👏

Congratulations, graduates! We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.

🌈 Proud to Be: Robin Bandong

This Pride Month, we're celebrating the voices of LGBTQIA+ community members and allies across the Nexion community.

For Robin Bandong of Outlander Travel, Pride has been shaped by the LGBTQ+ people closest to her, especially her children.

"The LGBTQ+ people in my life, especially my own children, have taught me that living authentically takes real courage."

Robin shared how watching her children navigate the world with honesty and strength has reminded her that the most meaningful journeys begin when we stop trying to fit into someone else's expectations and start embracing who we are.

Thank you, Robin, for sharing your story and for helping create a more inclusive and compassionate community for everyone. 💜

🎉 Congratulations to Nexion advisor Jackie Matthews!

Last night at the TravelAge West WAVE Awards, Jackie was recognized as a Trendsetter Award Runner-Up for Best Group Booking Effort, an honor that celebrates travel advisors who are making an impact through creativity, innovation, and exceptional service.

We are especially proud to share that Jackie is a graduate of Nexion's Veterans in Travel program. Her achievement is a wonderful example of the talent, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit found throughout our advisor community.

Please join us in congratulating Jackie on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

🏆 Congratulations to Jackie Friedman!
We are proud to share that Nexion Travel Group President Jackie Friedman was honored with the prestigious Legend of the West Award at the 2026 TravelAge West WAVE Awards. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the travel industry and helped shape its future.
For more than two decades, Jackie has been a champion for travel advisors, helping thousands of entrepreneurs build successful businesses while fostering a culture of education, collaboration, and community.
This recognition is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to supporting travel advisors and strengthening our industry.
Please join us in congratulating Jackie on this well-deserved honor! 💙