Samantha Joy Blair is the owner of Wander Joy Vacations. After a decade in the corporate world as a successful Marketing and Event Manager, making contacts all over the world, Sam decided to put her skills and passion together to create Wander Joy Vacations. Samantha holds two bachelor’s degrees in Theater Arts and English from California State University, Fullerton and was recently featured on ABC7 News and KCAA radio as Southern California’s travel expert and has led the industry during the pandemic. She was also nominated for the Champion of Women, National Women of Influence Award for 2021. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is her son, Levi Pilot. Sam is the proud mother to a heart warrior and is a strong advocate for CHD Awareness and helping other heart moms with advice and medical travel. Samantha’s life goal is to help people experience their dream destinations and considers it a true joy to share her love and knowledge of travel!
FWM: After a decade in the corporate world as a successful Marketing and Event Manager, making connections all over the world, you decided to launch Wander Joy Vacations. Tell us about your company.
Wander Joy was founded about 4 1/2 years ago and has been a leader in the industry since inception. We were recently featured on ABC7 and KCAA radio as Southern California’s Travel Expert and strive to be progressive in the travel world. Our mission is simple – we want to help people make their vacation dreams come true. We understand the impact and importance of travel and experiencing new places and cultures and we help our clients do that in a creative, professional, custom and safe way.
FWM: You were nominated for the Champion of Women, National Women of Influence Award for 2021. What does this mean to you?
This is an absolute honor. Being recognized for my dedication to my business pushes me to be better and better. I have always wanted to have a charitable aspect to Wander Joy and have really leaned into that this past year. My son, Levi, had open heart surgery in Dec 2020 and we were surrounded by an incredible group of doctors and nurses. But another resource that was immensely helpful was this community of Heart Moms that stepped forward to offer advice, a listening ear and a sense of understanding. I knew that I wanted to give back in my own way so over the past year I have made it my mission to help any heart mom (or medical mom) with their travel needs and always put them as my priority. I believe that this was a factor in my nomination and if I am thought of as a Champion of Women for these brave moms and their warrior kids – then I am humbled and proud beyond words.
FWM: The holidays are approaching, are you seeing an influx in getaways?
Absolutely. The majority of holiday travel this year seems to be more local but there are so many amazing destinations, nationally, that embrace the holiday spirit. Williams, AZ is always a hit with their magical Polar Express experience on the Grand Canyon Railway. Asheville, NC has the National Gingerbread House Competition and the spectacular Biltmore. Austin, TX has their Trail of Lights and Denver, CO has an amazing European Christmas Market. Vegas and New York are, as you can imagine, breathtaking with great holiday shows to see too! No matter where you are, there is a fun, festive option close by!
FWM: Take us through the process of working with Wander Joy Vacations.
At Wander Joy, we love creating itineraries that are extremely custom and personal so before we send quotes we love to get to know our clients. Are you a movie buff? Foodie? Adventure seeker? Nature lover? We want to know these details so that we can make every itinerary one-of-a-kind. We are happy to send numerous quotes and make tweaks to any reservation until it’s perfect. One aspect of Wander Joy that makes us really stand out is that with every itinerary we also include a list of recommendations for restaurants, attractions and special events based on the clients likes and dislikes. If the client would like us to purchase tickets or make reservations in advance, we provide that service as well! In addition, we are available 24/7 while you are on your vacation for anything you might need. We really are like a travel concierge. A one-stop-shop for all your travel needs!
FWM: Can you share a few of your favorite vacation places globally?
I’m actually in the process of writing a book that will really outline some of the best destinations in the world but there are definitely places that hold a special place in my heart and that I think should be experienced at least once! Nationally, I think that San Francisco, Dallas, New Orleans, Chicago and New York have the perfect combination of food, entertainment and adventure! Internationally, Western Europe has so many iconic cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Venice and Rome that are must-sees! The Greek Islands are stunning and there are a lot of hidden gems in Eastern Europe. If you are an animal lover – an African safari needs to be at the top of your bucket list and Thailand is the ideal destination for both fun and relaxation. If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort for the family – I would recommend Mexico, many places in the Caribbean or a cruise! I could go on and on!
FWM: What can people expect when working with you?
I am completely obsessed with and extremely knowledgeable about travel. It’s my joy to help others travel the world and that comes across in my work. Every detail is planned and executed professionally and I make sure every perk and special moment is available for my clients while they travel.
Why is Wander Joy Vacations the perfect place for travel? Wander Joy is the perfect place for travel because we go above and beyond for every client and don’t charge any fees. We are industry experts with a heart for our clients and consider it a true joy to share this knowledge and love of travel with everyone.
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