McKenzie with Susan's Travel Services

09/05/2026

My hot take of the day: Australia and New Zealand should be two separate trips.

I completely understand the temptation to combine them. If you’re already flying all the way across the Pacific, it seems logical to visit both while you’re there. But unless you have several weeks to work with, I usually wouldn’t recommend it.

Australia is HUGE, and there is so much more to experience than most people realize when they first start planning. New Zealand may be smaller, but it isn’t a destination that deserves to be tacked onto the end of an Australia trip for a few days either. Part of what makes New Zealand so special is having the time to actually travel through it and enjoy the scenery along the way.

I would much rather plan an incredible two-week trip to Australia and save New Zealand for another vacation than try to fit both into those same two weeks and spend half the trip packing, flying and checking into another hotel.

Sometimes doing less really does mean experiencing more.
So, if you had to pick just one first, which would it be: Australia or New Zealand?

I went into a little more detail about why I recommend treating them as separate trips on the blog: https://susanstravelservices.com/2026/09/australia-and-new-zealand-deserve-separate-trips-heres-why/

Schedule your complimentary consultation here: [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://book.nylas.com/us/17c481fa-c6ec-46c3-8e01-c7f0024cc234/mckenziestsconsultation?organizer_email=[email protected]

08/26/2026

Sometimes the best reason to travel isn't the destination. It's the experience.

On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of Spain, Morocco, and Egypt, creating one of the most unique travel opportunities we'll see in our lifetime. While the eclipse itself will only last a few unforgettable minutes, it's the journey surrounding it that has me excited.

Imagine pairing this incredible event with a luxury Mediterranean cruise, exploring the streets of Seville, wandering Morocco's colorful markets, or sailing the Nile through Egypt. The eclipse becomes the highlight of a vacation you'll remember for years.

If this sounds like your kind of bucket list trip, it's worth starting to plan sooner rather than later. The best itineraries and accommodations are already generating interest.

So, where would you want to experience it? 🌘✈️

Schedule your complimentary consultation here: [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://book.nylas.com/us/17c481fa-c6ec-46c3-8e01-c7f0024cc234/mckenziestsconsultation?organizer_email=[email protected]

08/21/2026

It’s official... I’m a FIJI Specialist! 🇫🇯

Earlier this year, I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to experience Fiji firsthand thanks to Classic Vacations, who sent me to these beautiful islands in April to learn, explore, and experience the destination for myself. (And yes, these photos are from that trip! 🥰)

Getting to actually BE in Fiji taught me so much. I was able to stay at and visit incredible resorts, travel between islands, experience the different ways of getting around, and, most importantly, meet some of the wonderful people who make Fiji such an incredibly special place.

I came home with an even bigger appreciation for the destination... and wanting to learn MORE.

So, after slowly chipping away at my training between planning trips, traveling, and a very busy few months, I can FINALLY say I’ve completed the Fiji Specialist Program through Tourism Fiji! 🎉🇫🇯

For me, earning a specialist designation isn’t just about adding another certificate to the wall. It’s about becoming a better travel advisor for my clients.

There is tremendous value in experiencing a destination firsthand, but even after traveling there, there is always more to learn. Continuing my education helps me better understand the different islands and regions, experiences, logistics, and all of those little details that help me determine which Fiji experience is the right fit for each individual client.

That combination of firsthand experience, continued education, and the relationships we build within the travel industry is such an important part of what we do at Susan’s Travel Services. When you trust us with your vacation, we want to have the knowledge and resources to make thoughtful recommendations based on YOU, rather than simply booking something because it looks pretty online.

A huge THANK YOU to Classic Vacations for giving me the opportunity to experience this incredible destination firsthand and introducing me to a part of the world I absolutely fell in love with. ❤️

Fiji, I think it’s safe to say I know you a little better now. 😉🇫🇯

And next up on my specialist training list? Australia! 🇦🇺

08/20/2026

There is nothing better than hearing, “We had an incredible trip!” from clients after they come home. 🥹❤️

Marsha and Briana just returned from an AMAZING adventure through Thailand to celebrate Briana's birthday, and I have absolutely LOVED seeing their photos and hearing about how much they enjoyed their trip!

And this message from Marsha absolutely made my day:
“Hello McKenzie, I am back at work but I had to tell you thank you for a great trip. You made everything so easy and that allowed us to enjoy every moment even more.” ❤️

THIS is why I love what I do!

Their adventure started in Bangkok at the beautiful Banyan Tree Bangkok, where they tasted their way through the city's street food scene by tuk tuk, cruised the Chao Phraya River by longtail boat, explored incredible temples, and experienced so much of the culture that makes Bangkok special.

Then it was off to Phuket and the gorgeous COMO Point Yamu! 🌴

Here, we slowed the pace down a little, mixing time to relax and enjoy paradise with some pretty unforgettable experiences. One of the highlights was visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, where they were able to meet, feed, walk alongside, and observe the elephants. 🐘 They also explored Phuket's beautiful temples and visited the famous giant water lilies!

This is exactly what I love about thoughtfully planned travel. It isn't about filling every minute of every day. It's about creating the right balance of incredible experiences, beautiful accommodations, seamless logistics, and enough breathing room to actually enjoy where you are.

And the fact that Marsha and Briana have already been sharing my name with their friends and neighbors since before even coming home? 🥹 That might be one of the BEST compliments I could receive.

Marsha and Briana, THANK YOU for trusting me to help plan such a special adventure and for letting me share some of your beautiful photos! And Briana, I hope Thailand made for one VERY memorable birthday celebration! 🎂🇹🇭❤️

Happy birthday, Briana, and welcome home, you two! Thailand looked VERY good on you! 🇹🇭✨

08/19/2026

Planning Fiji? Now is an exceptional time to do it. 🇫🇯
Book now through October 31, 2026 to take advantage of an exclusive Fiji promotion available when you plan your stay with Susan’s Travel Services.

For travel through July 31, 2027, a collection of featured Fiji resorts is offering special benefits designed to add even more to an already extraordinary escape.
Depending on the property and dates selected, your stay may include:
✨ Complimentary nights
✨ Resort credits
✨ Daily breakfast or included meals
✨ Complimentary transfers
✨ Exclusive savings and added amenities
✨ Plus a $200 instant booking credit on qualifying stays of 7 nights or longer

Imagine waking up in a private island retreat, spending the afternoon surrounded by Fiji’s impossibly blue water, and ending the day with dinner overlooking the South Pacific. The right resort makes Fiji incredible. The right added benefits make the experience even better.

Booking Window: Now through October 31, 2026
Travel Window: Now through July 31, 2027

Available at select featured Fiji properties
Each participating resort has its own promotion, inclusions, and travel dates, so we’ll help you determine which options offer the best fit and value for the experience you’re envisioning.
If Fiji has been on your list, this is a beautiful opportunity to start planning. Send us a message to explore the featured resorts and exclusive benefits available for your stay. 🌴

08/17/2026

We just got back from Virtuoso Travel Week 2026, and what a WEEK!

Susan and I each walked more than 75,000+ steps, spent our days in fast-paced 8-minute meetings with travel partners from around the world, caught up with industry friends we've known for years, made some exciting new connections, filmed TikToks between appointments, and somehow survived 7:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. days.

But through all of it, we kept thinking about our clients.
We'd sit down with a new partner and think, “I know exactly who would love this.” We'd hear about an incredible experience and immediately start imagining a trip around it. We'd reconnect with people we've trusted for years and remember exactly why these relationships matter so much.

That's really why we go to Virtuoso Travel Week. We don't come home with a list of things we want to sell you. We come home with people we can call, places we understand better, new ideas, deeper knowledge, and relationships we trust with the people who trust us.

We went to Las Vegas, but we went with YOU in mind!
Read the full story from our week in Vegas below!
https://susanstravelservices.com/2026/08/we-went-to-las-vegas-with-you-in-mind-inside-virtuoso-travel-week-2026/

07/29/2026

Susan's in Hawaii! She wrote a wonderful newsletter on LinkedIn (don't forget to subscribe there!) and also created a fantastic blog post! Check it out here:

Discover what a family vacation in Hawaii taught a luxury travel advisor about the true meaning of luxury travel, connection, and unforgettable memories.

07/23/2026

Just Got Back | Grand Wailea, Maui
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is hearing that a trip exceeded every expectation.

The Schlitt family has just returned home after seven unforgettable nights at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and I couldn't have been happier to hear how much they loved their stay.

Nestled along Maui's stunning Wailea coastline, Grand Wailea is one of Hawaii's most iconic luxury resorts, offering expansive tropical grounds, exceptional dining, an incredible collection of pools, and the kind of warm, genuine hospitality that keeps guests coming back year after year.

While every vacation is special, there's something particularly exciting about finding a property that truly feels like their place. Hearing that this has become one of those "we'll definitely be back" resorts is exactly why I spend so much time matching my clients with the right destination and the right hotel, not simply the most popular one.

Schlitt family, thank you for trusting me with another wonderful Hawaiian getaway. I loved following along with your adventure, and I already can't wait to help plan the next one.

McKenzie McCarty
Susan's Travel Services
Luxury Travel. Personalized for You.

07/23/2026

Just Booked | Maui & Oʻahu
Some vacations are about discovering somewhere new. Others are about returning to a place that already feels like home.

Next spring, Anna and her friends will spend nine unforgettable nights experiencing two of Hawaii's most iconic islands.

Their journey begins on Maui, where they'll spend five nights at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaʻanapali. With beachfront mornings, spectacular sunsets, and plenty of time to simply slow down, it's the perfect place to reconnect with everything that makes Maui so special.

From there, they'll continue to Oʻahu for four nights at the legendary Royal Hawaiian, where timeless elegance meets the vibrant energy of Waikīkī. Known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," this historic beachfront resort offers the perfect setting to soak in the island's culture, world-class dining, and unforgettable ocean views.

One of my favorite parts of planning this trip was knowing that Anna gets to return to a place she loves while sharing it with friends experiencing it together. Those are often the journeys that become lifelong memories.

Anna, thank you for trusting me to help plan another Hawaiian adventure. I hope this trip is filled with everything you love about the islands and even more unforgettable moments with your friends.

McKenzie McCarty
Susan's Travel Services
Luxury Travel. Personalized for You.