Vendor Spotlight: Group Travel by Susan
We’re excited to launch our NEW Blog series – Vendor Spotlight. Each of our featured vendors will answer the same set of wedding-related questions. Up first, one of our Bridal Contest Premium Sponsors, Susan Eliuk from Group Travel by Susan!
What made you get into the wedding industry?
There seems to be a demand for good customer service in this industry, so I decided to get certified as a Destination Wedding Specialist and educated on romantic getaways and event planning.
I have many years serving multiple roles in customer service, therefore I knew this would work out well for me to provide customer service in a very demanding industry.
What makes you differentiate from other vendors?
I am a live person that can communicate with you through every step, whether it is a destination wedding, honeymoon, romantic getaway or a vacation and help with all the details to streamline your process to ease the stress with planning and finalizing your vacation of choice. I am here to listen to what you “visualize” as your perfect wedding day, your special honeymoon or vacation. I can match you to a destination of choice and make it a memorable travel experience.
Working with a Travel Agent doesn’t take the fun out of your searches and to what you like or want. A Travel Agent, like myself, makes everything come together.
There is a level of trust built up working with a real live person versus an online booking engine.
What are the perks of booking with you?
- Booking with me I can take the stress out of all the logistics for booking a simple getaway to a complicated tour in many countries.
- I can help simplify the process since travel has forever changed as to what is required.
- Having a Travel Agent like myself work along with you is like having a life coach in your back pocket. To help you make sure it can go as smooth as possible despite any sudden upcoming challenges along the way.
- Travel Agents like myself are advocates for you to help you get through any process along the way from start to finish.
- I have your best interests at heart.
- I am available more hours than the average 9-5.
- I go that extra mile for my clients.
- Being accessible to my clients is a huge advantage so they can get their questions or concerns answered as soon as possible.
- Plus we can see if there are extra perks from the supplier that would benefit you as the client.
What other fellow wedding vendors do you recommend?
There are lots of wedding vendors out there. You need to work with ones you have a comfort level with. If you don’t feel that vibe after you talked to someone, try someone else. There are too many to list but I suggest looking at Bridal Confidential’s wedding directory. I have gotten to know many and regardless of what you need you can find the right one there, whether for your dress, venue, decorations, flowers, cakes, party favors, jewelry and of course a Travel Agent like me!
What’s the coolest wedding you’ve ever attended?
I have attended many multiple culture weddings. From Asian to European, and have seen Mayan ceremonies. What is unique is that all of them are beautiful. As a Travel Agent, I can make sure your culture, traditions and likes are part of your special day, which sets you apart from other couples.
What is your favorite wedding trend of 2022?
The trend for 2022 has been smaller intimate weddings. Not only for cost reasons but more couples are aware of the environment and want to be eco-friendly. Those weddings can be set up locally or as a Destination Wedding in the country of your choice.
What wedding planning advice would you give engaged couples?
Don’t stress. Get comfortable working with a Travel Agent, they will have your back and lead you to the proper channels for details to be sorted out.
The wedding is about you two starting your beautiful life together as husband and wife, not about trying to outdo the last wedding you attended.
Most of all have fun. Take everything in stride. There will be hiccups, but just get through them knowing the end result will still be a beautiful time with your family and friends whether here locally or abroad with a Destination Wedding.
Have in mind your vision for your wedding – not a vision from someone else. If you can keep that in mind then you won’t be overwhelmed with trying to please other people’s dreams of a wedding.
Stay true to each other. Keep smiling and have fun! That will help keep things in prospective.
