PASSION, EXPERTISE, &
A True Love for Travel

OUR SPECIALTIES

We specialize in working with individuals and groups who value their time, trust industry expertise, and seek a luxury travel experience.

Do these describe you?

If you answered yes, we would be a great fit!

JESSICA UPTON

Founder & Travel Advisor

I started traveling in my mid-20s when my now-husband began working for a luxury hotel. We seized the opportunity to explore the world, staying at iconic Four Seasons properties around the world.

At that time I had a successful career in high-end event planning. Taking my clients’ visions and turning them into reality was second nature to me. This skill set—along with my attention to detail—laid the foundation for my future in travel.

After planning our own destination wedding in Mexico in 2014, followed by a honeymoon to Thailand and later a babymoon to Italy, I realized my passion for travel was undeniable. Using my experience in event planning, I transitioned into the luxury travel space and began working for a prestigious travel agency. There, I immersed myself in the industry, learning the ins and outs of luxury travel and gaining hands-on experience.

In 2017, I founded J.Upton Travel with a vision: to help others experience the joy of seamless, curated travel. Fast forward 8 years, and now a mother of three, I know firsthand what it takes to travel with kids. Many of my clients are parents as well, and through my own travel experiences, I’m able to anticipate their needs and provide thoughtful solutions.

So whether it’s a group of 150 people traveling abroad, a romantic honeymoon getaway, a long weekend away with a group of friends, or a family vacation with the kids, I have years of experience that allow me to anticipate my clients needs and guide them, taking away the stress of travel planning.

At J.Upton Travel, the mission is simple: to provide personalized, luxurious travel experiences that eliminate the stress and allow you to truly enjoy every moment of your trip.

Amber Hansen​

Client Experience Coordinator

Amber joined J.Upton Travel in 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in managing meticulous details for discerning clients. As our Client Experience Coordinator, she ensures that your travel experience is seamless. Amber’s organizational expertise, sharp attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction are just a few of the reasons why our clients continue to trust us with their most cherished vacations.

When Amber isn’t coordinating travel, she’s homeschooling her three boys, cooking, knitting, or spending time with friends—often enjoying a cozy evening watching her favorite shows or playing board games.

Samantha Been

Travel Concierge

Samantha’s background is rooted in hospitality, with experience spanning from hotels and wedding venues, to Austin’s Visitor Bureau. Her deep understanding of service and natural attention to detail allow her to care for our clients with the utmost precision and warmth.

As our Travel Concierge, Samantha assists clients with details like dining reservations, spa appointments and tee times.

She also handles our hotel-only bookings ensuring that our clients receive the preferred partner amenities and VIP status. Her dedication, organization, and commitment to exceptional service are just a few of the reasons our clients continue to trust J.Upton Travel with their cherished vacations.

When she’s not assisting our travelers, Samantha is busy planning weddings for couples across Central Texas, enjoying peaceful moments at a local park, or spending quality time with her two adorable daughters.

Janessa Smith

Cruise Specialist

Janessa is our resident cruise specialist and the yin to Jessica’s yang. Though these two sisters may be opposites in many ways, one thing they always agree on is the value of a perfectly planned vacation.

Over the past decade, Janessa’s love for cruising has taken her to stunning destinations around the world, igniting a lasting passion for life at sea. She joined J. Upton Travel in 2025, bringing her firsthand experience and enthusiasm to help clients find the ideal cruise line and ship to match their travel style. Whether it’s arranging pre- or post-cruise stays or curating the perfect excursions, Janessa ensures every voyage is effortless, memorable, and perfectly tailored from start to finish.

When she’s not crafting unforgettable cruise experiences, Janessa enjoys spending time with her husband and two children at Landa Park in New Braunfels—the same spot where she said “I do” more than a decade ago. She’s also a big believer in clean living and channels her creativity into designing witty T-shirts for fellow moms.

Grab Your Free Guide

Think you know your next vacation spot?

Think again. Most travelers head straight for the obvious destinations, but the real magic happens when you discover the unexpected. This free guide reveals surprising swaps that turn your next trip into something unforgettable.

PROUD PARTNER

J.Upton Travel is proudly affiliated with Coastline Travel and a member of Virtuoso, an exclusive network of the world’s top travel agencies. Virtuoso connects us with the finest luxury travel partners, including renowned hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators, all committed to delivering exceptional service. This affiliation gives us access to exclusive perks and privileges that can only be unlocked through trusted Travel Advisors like us.

Thanks to our close relationships with Virtuoso’s esteemed partners, we’re able to offer you VIP benefits such as room upgrades, resort credits, complimentary breakfasts, personalized service, and more—ensuring your travel experience is truly extraordinary.

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