Mark Story is a nationally recognized travel expert and the managing director of Now Journey, a luxury small-group travel company specializing in Italy, Europe, the Mediterranean, and immersive cultural experiences. With more than two decades of experience designing and leading boutique journeys, Mark brings a deep understanding of travel trends, consumer behavior, and destination demand.

He regularly analyzes peak booking patterns, airfare trends, and destination surges — including the January travel boom, the biggest travel-shopping period of the year. Mark has led thousands of travelers through some of the world’s most iconic locations and advises guests on how to book smart, avoid price spikes, and make bucket-list trips affordable and attainable.

He is passionate, engaging, and known for translating complex travel data into warm, relatable insights for audiences of all ages.

Inquiries:
Mark @ NowJourney.com

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Areas of Expertise

• Travel booking trends

• Luxury & small-group European travel

• Pricing predictions for 2026

• Italy, Greece, Portugal, France, Japan, & Australia/New Zealand itineraries

• Travel planning for couples, families, and retirees

• Avoiding common booking mistakes

• How to get value on high-demand destinations

Segment Topics

1. Why January Is the #1 Travel Month of the Year — And Why Prices Move Fast

2. 2026’s Most In-Demand Travel Destinations (and Which Will Sell Out First)

3. How to Book Bucket-List Trips Without Overpaying

4. Top 5 Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking a Vacation

5. Travel Industry Secrets: When to Buy, When to Wait, and What to Avoid

6. Is Europe Still Affordable? What Americans Need to Know in 2026

7. How to Travel Italy the Right Way (Trends + Insider Tips)

Why Producers Book Mark

• Delivers fast, clear, segment-friendly soundbites

• Warm, non-salesy on-air personality

• Founder of a respected boutique travel brand

• Brings data + human insight

• Can speak to value, affordability, and real traveler concerns

• Delivers visuals: lists, “Top 3,” “Do/Don’t,” and on-air tips

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  Sample Segment: The January Travel Boom

  What Viewers Need to Know Before Booking 2026 Trips

  Featuring Mark Story, Managing Director & Travel Expert, Now Journey

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  Overview

  January has quietly become the peak travel-booking month of the year—a period when airfare shifts, hotel availability tightens, and bucket-list destinations begin to sell out.
  As a national travel expert and Managing Director at Now Journey, Mark Story helps viewers understand why early-year demand surges, what destinations are trending, and how to plan smartly before prices rise.

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  Key Talking Points

  Producers may choose any combination of these topics for a 3–5 minute segment:

  • Why January Drives the Highest Travel Demand

  Insights into traveler behavior, airline release cycles, and why the first two weeks of January shape the entire year.

  • Which Destinations Are Heating Up for 2026

  Europe (Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain)
  Japan
  African safaris
  …and what’s already booking ahead of schedule.

  • Airfare and Hotel Pricing Trends

  How January demand impacts pricing, and when travelers should lock in flights versus waiting.

  • How Viewers Can Avoid Overpaying

  Simple, practical steps families, couples, and retirees can take to secure better rates and availability.

  • Insider Tips for Bucket-List Travel

  The best timing, routes, and strategies for planning milestone journeys—based on real data and real traveler patterns.

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  Format & Segment Length

  Ideal Length: 3–5 minutes
  Format: Live or pre-taped
  Availability: National • Remote or In-Studio

  Mark provides clear, friendly, concise answers designed for a fast-paced morning show environment.

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  About Mark Story

  Mark Story is the Managing Director of Now Journey, a boutique travel company specializing in curated small-group European adventures. With more than two decades of industry experience, he brings a warm, accessible perspective on travel trends, demand cycles, and destination planning—equipping viewers with practical guidance they can use today.

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Mark Story — Bio

• Mark Story — Travel Innovator, Creative Producer, and Actor Mark Story is a multifaceted entrepreneur known for blending world-class travel experiences with cinematic storytelling and high-touch hospitality. As the owner and Managing Director of Now Journey, he crafts boutique small-group adventures across Italy, Europe, and beyond, redefining luxury travel through curated hotels, immersive Discovery Walks, and a signature focus on connection and service. His work has positioned Now Journey as a rising leader in personalized, experiential travel.

  A lifelong creative, Mark is also the creator and executive producer of the upcoming scripted TV series KILGORE, where he blends Southern charm, mystery, and sharp character writing into an immersive hospitality-driven world. He actively collaborates with writers, directors, and actors to bring the series to life and will be appearing on screen himself — continuing his growing passion for acting and performance.

  Mark’s path has also included years of hands-on leadership, marketing strategy, and guest experience design, helping thousands of travelers discover Italy’s magic while building a company rooted in heart, service, and storytelling.

  Whether he’s leading a journey through Venice, refining a TV script, training Tour Captains, or stepping in front of the camera, Mark brings the same hallmark traits — warmth, creativity, excellence, and a desire to make every moment meaningful.

  Inquiries:
  Mark @ NowJourney.com

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  More on Segment Concepts

  Segment Title:
  “January Travel Boom: What Viewers Need to Know Before Booking 2025 Trips”

  A-Block (Hook)

  • “January is the #1 travel booking month in the U.S.”
  • “Demand jumps dramatically the first two weeks.”
  • “What you book — or don’t book — in January affects your summer and fall travel.”

  B-Block (Why January Is So Busy)

  • Airline fare releases
  • Tour company rate resets
  • Holiday downtime
  • Families planning early
  • Retirees booking bucket-list destinations

  C-Block (Top Destinations Selling Out in 2025–2026)

  1. Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast)
  2. Greece & Greek Islands
  3. Portugal & Spain
  4. Japan
  5. African safaris

  D-Block (How to Avoid Overpaying)

  • Book air early (January–February)
  • Avoid rolling fare categories
  • Prioritize refundable arrangements
  • Leverage small-group operators to secure prime dates
  • Don’t wait until March — that’s when prices spike

  E-Block (Closing Line)

  “January rewards early planners — and punishes procrastinators. Booking early truly matters.”