Monday Minute: Susan Eliuk of Group Travel By Susan

The Monday Minute is a weekly feature in PAX that highlights the movers, shakers, leaders and rule breakers of Canada's travel advisor community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com! 

Name: Susan Eliuk

Business: Group Travel By Susan (Frontliners Travel Group)

Where do you live? London, ON

How long have you been a travel advisor? 13 years

What is your specialty?

Romantic adventure honeymoons for active couples who want both romance and activities to enjoy together.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?  

I would say my curiosity to learn about other destinations. I have a very adventurous spirit — I want to go explore and see for myself. I don't want to just see pictures; I want to go and feel the experience myself in different destinations.

What’s the first trip you ever took? 

The Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island was my favourite.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I see clients wanting to stay longer in destinations. They want to benefit more from their travel experience. Europe has become a more popular destination to visit and explore — to learn about and see history for themselves. Places like Croatia and Montenegro are gaining popularity, while Italy, France, Amsterdam and Ireland remain very popular. More clients want to go beyond the norm to less-travelled places that can give them a new perspective. 

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary and/or travel package are you most proud of? 

Putting together a FIT for an African safari honeymoon adventure in Kenya, along with a stay in Zanzibar to relax and feel the ocean breeze after their busy safari. I organized activities that catered to both of their likes and personalities, such as a cooking class to make original Kenyan dishes and a market tour, to name a few. The couple mentioned that when I put the package together, I listened to what they both wanted out of their honeymoon and made it all possible with the just-right itinerary for them. They came back thrilled with the whole experience.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took? 

There are so many, but I have two outstanding ones. My opportunity to visit Antarctica on an expedition ship with Swan Hellenic — I was totally amazed by the landscape, the penguins, whales, seals and birds in their natural habitat, plus the education and presentations from the scientists about how they want to preserve such beauty. People ask why go somewhere so cold, but the breathtaking views — how the sky changes to such beauty for the sunsets, how the ice glistens with such sparkle, the blue glaciers and vastness — make you appreciate the beauty of the earth. We should always be so grateful for what we have, wherever we live.

The second was Türkiye. My dream of hot air ballooning in Cappadocia came true — staying in a cave hotel, experiencing the history, the people, their cuisine and the variance in the landscape from the hills to the seashore. Stunning.

Where do you see your business one year from now? What are your future goals?  

I still see potential for growth. I would like to offer more group travel adventures. 

What’s one new skill you’ve acquired recently? 

Matching clients to their vacation of choice within their budget.  

What’s one thing you would change about the travel industry? 

I wish it could be more affordable so that not only people with money could travel, but also those who have never had the opportunity. That can be done by informing and educating people who think they can't afford it — showing them that by planning with the right travel advisor, it can happen and doesn't have to be just a dream.

What’s the secret to being successful in this business?  

Listening to your clients, gaining more knowledge, and experiencing [travel] so you can give the best advice and match [clients] to the best destination. They'll see your value as a travel advisor.

What is your motto? 

Be good and kind to people. Show that you care.

What is your number one piece of advice to other travel advisors? 

Keep investing in yourself, especially if you're a new agent. Knowledge is powerful — the more you know, the more confident you are. Your ability to promote and sell destinations with travel experiences that match your clients will provide you with continual growth in your business.

Where are you travelling next? 

I would like to go to New Zealand.

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