We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us
My name is Susie Strey, and I’ve been a professional travel agent since 2023. I’m blessed to work with some of the most talented women in the industry… So, I’ve learned from the best. I’ve planned trips for my clients to Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, Greece, Spain, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. I love researching new destinations as well as finding new things in places I’m familiar with.
I’ve been married to my husband Tj, since 2011. We have one daughter, Molly. Tj and I decided long ago that we’d rather give gifts of experiences and memories in place of traditional gift giving. So, from the start of our family, I’ve so enjoyed planning our trips. That’s why becoming a travel agent has been such a great fit for me.
MY TRAVEL BUCKET LIST: Ireland, Alaska, Greece, Switzerland, Italy and so many more!!
BEST VACATION I’VE EVER TAKEN: It would have to be Hawaii 2021. It was shortly after the travel ban had been lifted from Covid and we were like everyone else, just ready to get away. We enjoyed getting out in nature while riding ATVs through volcanic areas and part of the Jurassic World set. We sought out local cuisine, stopping at places that were recommended by locals. That led us to several small structures on off beaten paths. Every place was a different and delicious experience. We visited Pearl Harbor and the Haleiwa Farmers Market, where we watched a live show on traditional tribal dances throughout history. One memory I’m still in awe of to this day is being honored to witness a traditional ceremony of tattoo “needle tapping”. There are only 3 artists in Hawaii who still do the authentic traditional style of needle tapping. With my husband being in the industry, he was able to contact one of those artists. This artist only accepts other artists who have studied the history and meaning behind how he goes about deciding what tattoo his client will have. He welcomed us to his home, where we sat on pillows on the ground and proceeded to experience the 4-hour ceremony of the artist picking what type of marking (tattoo) would be best for Tj by his role in life and our family. We became life-long friends that day. It was an experience we will never forget. The perfect ending to the trip was Molly surfing for the first time. She picked it right up and is a surfer to this day.
MY FAVORITE VACATION MEMORY: My daughter has always been a huge Bethany Hamilton fan, the professional surfer who survived a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her arm. Molly would have Bethany’s surfing videos practically on a loop, watching her nonstop. So, to see her finally getting to try the sport her hero was known for, in the same area she was known to surf in, was truly something. Looking through my phone video to zoom in on the small spot that was my daughter out in the giant mass of blue with small white peaks, and finally being able to make out the huge beaming smile on her face will be a memory I’ll cherish forever.
MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RELATED MOVIE: One would be “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”, when they fly to Greece to find their ancestors. The beauty of the streets and villages are just so inviting. My second would be “Letters to Juliet” because of the breathtaking vineyards, cobblestone streets, architecture and the delicious food you can practically smell through the tv!