Susan's Travel Services

06/08/2026

If a summer reset is on your mind, Rhode Island might be the answer.

Weekapaug Inn is a Relais & Chateaux property in Westerly, Rhode Island, on Quonochontaug Pond, and it delivers on a very specific promise: a restorative coastal New England experience without the crowds that have overtaken most of the region's better-known destinations.

The inn is adults-forward and activities-inclusive. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and naturalist programming are all part of the stay. The dining program takes the local fishing community and farm connections seriously in a way that coastal New England food deserves.

Advisor Tip: Rhode Island is consistently underestimated as a destination. Newport's Gilded Age mansions, the Block Island ferry, and the food scene in Providence all merit time if you're building a few extra days around the stay.

If you’re interested in a New England trip, message me.

06/08/2026

2027 river cruising just opened up.

Unpack once and move through Europe’s most iconic cities and hidden gems, with room to relax and take it all in.

Ready to plan what’s next? Reach out to [email protected] to get started.

06/07/2026

Sometimes a hotel is the reason you book the trip. This is one of those.

Capella Bangkok is on the Chao Phraya River, and the position matters more than most riverfront claims in this part of the world. The property has 101 rooms and suites, which is small by Bangkok standards, and the level of service reflects that. The river views from the upper floors are among the best angles on Bangkok from any hotel in the city.

The spa is one I specifically tell clients to book before they arrive, not after check-in. The treatments are built around traditional Thai protocols: tok sen, herbal compress work, and longer-format sessions. Block off a half day and adjust your plans around it.

Advisor Tip: The river access makes temple visits significantly easier than navigating from most central Bangkok hotels. Wat Pho and Wat Arun are both reachable by boat directly from the hotel's pier.

I'd love to help plan your trip. Message me to start planning!

06/07/2026

One of the best sail-away moments in the world: leaving Sydney Harbour​

Here’s what makes this departure so iconic:​
From the rail, the Opera House slips past. The Harbour Bridge frames the sky as the ship moves through the passage. Kayaks trace the shoreline, ferries cut across the channel, and the city rises directly from the water’s edge. Few ports place guests this close to their landmarks on the way out.​
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Discover Australia and New Zealand journeys with Silversea:​ https://inspires.to/experiences/australia-new-zealand-d2epjj

06/06/2026

Ready to experience Spain beyond Madrid and Barcelona? This is the property I keep circling back to.

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine is in the Duero Valley of Castilla y León, about two hours from Madrid, and one of those regions that hasn't made it onto most Spain itineraries yet.

The estate covers nearly 1,800 acres; the vineyards produce some of the most decorated wines in the country; and the property's restaurant, Refectorio, has held a Michelin star for years.

What makes a stay here different: guests have access to the full estate. Vineyard walks, wine tastings with the winemaking team, and cellar visits that go well beyond what most hotel wine programs offer. The spa is built into the original 12th-century abbey structures, and the courtyard pool, flanked by stone walls and formal gardens, is among the best hotel pools in Spain.

Get in touch to learn more.

06/06/2026

A favorite gourmet evening on board Silversea begins with warm, artisan bread and fine wines from their expert sommelier, and ends with an exquisite soufflé at La Dame.

Experience more with Silversea, contact [email protected] to get started.

06/05/2026

Canada does outdoor adventure better than almost anywhere in the world. And it looks different in every season.

Summer: Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies offer glacier walks, kayaking on Moraine Lake, and wildlife encounters. The Icefields Parkway, connecting the two parks, is one of the great road trips on the continent.

Fall: Quebec and New Brunswick put on a foliage display that competes seriously with New England, with far fewer visitors. Charlottetown and the Gulf of St. Lawrence are both worth building time around. And then there's Niagara Falls, which is worth experiencing at least once from the Canadian side, where the views are significantly better.

Winter: Whistler for skiing that matches anything in Europe for vertical and variety. Quebec City in January for the Winter Carnival, and an atmosphere that doesn't exist anywhere else in North America.

Spring: Tofino in British Columbia for storm watching, old-growth forest walks, and a surfing culture most people don't associate with Canada at all.

What season would you prefer? Get in touch and let's start planning!

06/05/2026

Travelers love experiencing Scotland and Ireland (and more!) with Collette.

On a Collette tour, every day is new and different. Let's unpack the possibilities — there are more than 170 tours to choose from!

Contact me to get started: [email protected] or (480) 360-0309

06/05/2026

There's a version of travel planning that's about finding the lowest price. There's a version that's about getting the most out of what you spend. They require completely different approaches.

Planning smarter starts before the destination is chosen. The right trip for the right season. A property that delivers on what you're actually looking for, not just what photographs well. An itinerary paced for how you actually travel, not how a highlights reel says you should.

It also means understanding where value really lives. Flying business class on a long overnight flight and staying somewhere quieter on the ground often produces a better trip than reversing those priorities. A private guide for two days in a complex city changes the entire experience of being there. And it means knowing when to move quickly. The best rooms at the best properties in the best seasons don't stay available. Waiting to see what's left is a planning strategy with predictable results.

Smarter planning isn't about spending more. It's about spending better. That's what I help clients do. Get in touch to learn more!

06/04/2026

McKenzie released her next blog post about her FAM trip to Fiji! This time, she's giving her review of Nanuku Resort Fiji. Give her blog post a read!

From private beachfront villas and immersive cultural experiences to farm-to-table dining and some of the warmest hospitality we've ever experienced, Nanuku Resort Fiji offers far more than a beautiful place to stay. Discover why this luxury resort has become one of our favorite family-friendly esca...