Susan Blechschmidt has worked in the travel industry since 1984. She started as an agent with Andrew Harper Travel in 2011 on the North America, Caribbean and Mexico team. Of her work she says: “My job here is so interesting; I have learned so much about new destinations, amazing hotels and intriguing places around the world.” She lives in Lisle, IL, with her husband, Tom (they are celebrating 30 years of marriage this year!), her son, Bradley, and her daughter, Cami. Her oldest son, Alec, is in the Navy and stationed on Coronado Island, San Diego.
Three words that describe you:
Passionate, dedicated and caring.
Leisure-time pursuits:
Watching my kids become amazing young adults, spending time with my family, keeping active, enjoying a nice glass of wine with friends and family on my patio in the summer.
Area of the world you specialize in and know like the back of your hand:
North America, Caribbean, Mexico and Disney.
Most unexpected thing you’ve ever discovered on a trip:
The wildlife in the Galápagos. Although you know what you will see, the number of iguanas and the playful sea lions are over the top! I could have swum with the sea lions all day—not the iguanas!
Country you’d most like to visit:
I have always wanted to vacation in Greece but would love to do an African safari or spend some time in Bali.
If you had to live in a hotel forever, which one would it be:
Rancho Valencia, in Rancho Sante Fe, California. The rooms are huge, as are the baths. The patio with the whirlpool spa (and some with the fireplace) are so comfortable, you feel like you’re home!
Most out-of-the-way place you’ve ever found yourself:
Churchill, Manitoba, to see the polar bears, although the Galápagos is a close second.
What makes you a smart traveler:
I research my destinations in advance, talk to people who have been before, watch my surroundings and take it all in.
Natural wonder you can’t wait to see:
Great Barrier Reef or maybe someday Mount Everest with my colleague Juliet.
Most breathtaking scenery you've ever witnessed:
I was just at Amangiri in Utah, and the slot canyons are really awesome! The scenery in Hawaii is always breathtaking, as is the view while skiing in the Canadian Rockies.
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