Our Story

The Joy of Travel began in my small hometown with just two traffic lights—Eufaula, Oklahoma. It was there that I opened a little brick-and-mortar travel agency in 2005, never imagining how quickly the dream would grow.

By July 2008, thanks to incredible client support, business was booming—so much so that I was working six days a week, twelve hours a day, with 97 unanswered voicemails still waiting. I made a pivotal decision to move the agency into a detached apartment at my home just outside town. That choice turned out to be a blessing, allowing us to weather the financial crisis later that year with virtually no overhead. We survived—and kept going.

As travel rebounded and demand grew again, it became clear I couldn’t do it alone. In 2012, two very familiar faces joined me: Lori Curtis and Shawnda McAlester. Both had been longtime clients who became friends, then family. They understood our heart for service because they had experienced it firsthand. Inviting them to join the agency was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Over the years, more incredible people found their way to The Joy of Travel in much the same way—through shared experiences and genuine connection. Joslyn White first traveled with us on a Mexico anniversary trip and quickly became someone I adored. Eventually, she joined our team, bringing not only her talent but a special hometown connection as well.

One of the most meaningful chapters in our story is the addition of my daughter, Leigh Ann Lane. When she was considering a move into school administration, I offered her another opportunity instead. Today, she runs the business with precision and care, allowing me to focus on what I love most—creating unforgettable travel experiences. She’s the organizer and perfectionist; I’m the big-picture dreamer. Together, it’s a perfect balance.

In 2025 we were excited to welcome Christine McGlashen and Shelley Perry to The Joy of Travel team. Both bring a wealth of experience and a shared desire to offer escorted group travel—an experience that allows advisors to travel alongside their clients and create deeper connections through shared adventures. Their addition strengthens our commitment to thoughtfully curated journeys and expands the ways we serve travelers seeking unforgettable, well-guided experiences around the world.

As our escorted group travel offerings have continued to grow, we’ve been honored to collaborate with fellow agency owners who share our heart for meaningful, well-guided journeys. One such partnership is with Molly Friend, owner of Friendly Travel. While Molly continues to operate under her own agency name, she partners with The Joy of Travel to book and escort group travel experiences. This collaborative relationship allows her clients to enjoy the personalized service they know and trust, combined with the resources, support, and group travel expertise of The Joy of Travel—creating exceptional experiences for everyone involved.

We’re also honored to welcome longtime clients and dear friends, Tony and Patty Stoudemire, to The Joy of Travel team. Their hearts are especially drawn to faith-based travel, and they’ve joined us for the joy and privilege of escorting Christian journeys that blend spiritual enrichment with unforgettable experiences. Devoted Christians with a deep love for people, Tony and Patty are passionate about creating trips where faith, fellowship, and fun come together naturally. These thoughtfully curated tours offer meaningful moments, joyful connection, and the kind of shared experiences that turn a journey into a lasting memory.

What began as a small-town storefront has grown beyond anything I ever imagined. Our story truly feels like a fairytale—and one I’m deeply grateful to live every single day.

Grateful beyond measure,
Joy