Intentional Journeys

You’re searching for trips with meaning

You are constantly plotting your next trip (or 5!) in your head.

Travel makes you feel alive, connected, and expanded.

The trips you remember most fondly are those that touched your soul.

Those moments that lit your heart on fire, sparked your curiosity, changed your perspective, expanded your comfort zone, and opened your eyes.  

But how do you find those experiences?

You want more of those life-altering moments on your next trip.

But you don’t know how to PLAN for that - nor have the time - to spend hours wandering around the internet not even sure what to search for.

Consider it serendipity that you came across this page, right now.

Serendipity plays a big role in the magic of transformational travel.

That’s exactly what I help clients do!

We don’t just pull together “typical” experiences in each destination and call it a “customized” itinerary. 

We dig deep into what matters to you - your dreams, values, priorities, etc.

This isn’t JUST about the trip.

 It’s about how to use travel to achieve bigger outcomes in LIFE.

Because traveling is the best time to shake things up in life to get what you desire most.

I’m your intentional travel matchmaker

I am passionate about “matchmaking” clients with intentional travel experiences that fit their unique goals and vision.

Our speciality is finding those meaningful experiences that touch your soul and building the itinerary around that.

This is a very different approach than how most people - or even other professionals - plan a trip.

Imagine

  • Being personally matched with meaningful experiences that fulfill your dreams

  • Not having to make ALL the travel decisions on your own

  • Saving DOZENS of hours researching, planning, and agonizing over all the details

  • Receiving a beautiful customized travel itinerary filled with meaningful experiences that fulfill your unique goals

  • Getting tailored checklists galore to make trip prep a breeze

  • Being guided on how to hold onto your “Vacation-Self” when you return home 

Now is the time to try this new approach to travel

Taking a trip is a big investment both for time and money.

You want to make the most of that trip and investment.

Instead of taking another “normal” vacation, why not intentionally plan to have those soul-touching moments that make you feel ALIVE?

Think of the ROI on transforming an average trip into a life-changing one…

  • More truly moving memories to cherish 

  • Personal growth that will benefit you for the rest of your life

  • Deeper connections to your travel companions, locals, and the planet 

  • Maybe even a truly life-altering outcome that changes everything for you

The possibilities are endless, but it’s up to you to take the first step towards that brighter future…

That’s why I created 

Intentional Journeys

One-on-one service to plan and prepare for an intentional trip

This highly personalized service takes you from a vague idea of what you want to a detailed customized itinerary to make your dream a reality.

We guide you through the entire process of planning and preparing for meaningful PLUS guidance when you return home to keep those positive vibes flowing.

Here’s how it works

2. Collaborate

We’ll collaborate to create a highly personalized trip that meets your unique needs and preferences. We go deep on what matters most to YOU for THIS trip.

3. Curate

We create a curated itinerary proposal that brings your dreams and trip vision to life, complete with all the details and logistics to make it a reality.

4. Decide

We review the proposal together and provide expert guidance to make the best travel decisions for you and your unique situation.

5. Prepare

You’ll be guided on how to best prepare personally, professionally, financially, and mentally for your journey. Everything from what to pack to how to get in the right headspace will be covered.

6. Discover

You’ll depart for your big adventure full of customized, meaningful experience that will allow you to explore the world - and yourself - with intention.

7. Return

An important and often overlooked part of traveling is how you integrate what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown from your trip into your daily life. A key service that sets Carpe Diem Traveler apart is our post-trip support to really make the most of a trip instead of sliding back into autopilot mode.

8. Repeat

Once you experience the wonder and magic of traveling with intention, you’ll want to do it again in a new destination! The good news is that once we work with you once and gain a deeper understanding of what you value, each trip gets even better!

  1. Connect

Click the “Book a Call” button to schedule a time and answer a few questions about your trip. We’ll chat and if we’re a good fit, we’ll move on to Step 2! If not, I’d happily refer you to another travel advisor that would better serve your needs.

Here’s what you’ll get

Intentional Journeys  get everything needed to make your dream trip a reality:

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#1 - 4 Power Planning Calls with Susie

We’ll Collaborate, Decide, Prepare & Return

✅

#4 - Intentional Trip Itinerary Proposal

Customized itinerary proposal filled with tailor-made ideas

✅

#2 - Intentional Trip Planning Guide

You’ll be guided on exactly how to plan an intentional trip

✅

#5 - Intentional Trip Itinerary App

Pre-populated app to make on-the-go exploration a breeze

✅

#3 - Intentional Trip Preparation Guide

Prep Personally, Professionally, Financially & Mentally

✅

#6 - Travel Tips & Checklists

Pro tips and detailed checklists to depart with confidence

In these power-packed calls, you’ll be supported throughout the FULL process:

  1. Collaborate (1 Hour Call): Discuss and further refine your vision and goals and ideate on possibilities to fulfill those dreams.

  2. Decide (1 Hour Call): After you’ve had time to review your Intentional Trip Proposal, we’ll discuss your questions, concerns, and most importantly make decisions for your trip with my guidance.

  3. Prepare (30 Minute Call): Before you depart, we’ll connect to ensure you are feeling confident and excited for your adventure.

  4. Return (30 Minute Call): After you return, we’ll discuss your trip and how you can keep the vacation vibes flowing in your daily life.

Here’s what’s Included:

#1 - 4 Power Planning Calls with Susie

Make intentional decisions to create a meaningful trip that fits your budget, timing, and dreams in 5 easy steps:

  1. Define Your Goals: 3-step guided exercise to give you clarity on your goals & unique dreams to fulfill on this trip. 

  2. Remove Roadblocks: Specific solutions for how to take care of work, home, pets, school, etc. while you are away so you can travel without worry.

  3. Calculate Your Costs: Easy-to-use calculators to estimate travel costs and funding sources, along with creative ideas to ensure your trip doesn’t break the bank! 

  4. Find the Time: Step-by-step instructions for how to find - or make - time in your crazy busy schedule for an intentional trip.

  5. Pick Your Destination: Learn how to make an informed decision on where to fulfill your dreams with a handy comparison chart (plus expert guidance)!

#2 - Intentional Trip Planning Guide

You will feel holistically prepared for your journey with this in-depth guidance:

  1. Personally - Take care of all the little things while away from home.

  2. Professionally - Create a win/win proposal to negotiate time off and/or remote work and set yourself up for success upon your return.

  3. Financially - Learn how to manage different currencies, tipping cultures, and handle any financial emergencies while traveling.

  4. Travel - I’ll cover all the nitty-gritty travel details and logistics AND guide you every box you have to check before you depart.

  5. Mentally - Prepare for the highs, the lows & the unexpected on the road and how to ease your transition back home.

#3 - Intentional Trip Preparation Guide

See your dreams become reality with a customized detailed itinerary:

  • Beautifully detailed itinerary proposal including tailored recommendations for accommodations, transportation, activities, insurance, connecting with locals, childcare/education, and coworking spaces.

  • Day-by-day breakdown of how to best use your time in destination based on your unique goals, vision, and priorities.

  • Video walkthrough of each component and why it was specifically selected for you.

#4 - Intentional Trip Itinerary Proposal

Stay organized with a free itinerary app you can access both on your phone and computer:

  • Pre-populated itinerary with sights to see and restaurants to try in your dream location plotted out on a map - perfect for spontaneous exploration!

  • Easily add reservation details to keep all arrangements organized in one place with a day-by-day look at your plans and logistics.

  • You can even track expenses if you want to keep a close eye on your spending (totally optional!)

#5 - Intentional Trip Itinerary App

Gain the knowledge of over 8 years of professional travel planning experience for clients across the globe with these pro tips & checklists:

  • Ultimate Trip Prep Checklist - Detailed checklist of everything you need to plan and prepare for your dream trip including when to complete each task in relation to your departure date.

  • Packing Tips - packing lists, gear recommendations, and a packing tutorial video so you can pack like a pro.

#6 - Travel Tips & Checklists

The investment in the Intentional Journeys starts at 

$999 USD.

Exact pricing is dependent on the duration and complexity of the trip.

Are you ready to take an intentional trip this year?!

I have a unique set of expertise with my personal travels as well as planning dream trips around the world for hundreds of people since 2016.

I’ve traveled to 7 continents and 50 countries, plus worked in Rome for 5 months, London for 2.5 months, and Paris for a month. 

As a former burnt out Management Consultant, I understand the pressures of Corporate America and the value of taking a break longer than a 1 or 2 week vacation. 

I’ve taken a yearlong sabbatical to travel with my husband and have taken three month long sabbaticals as both an employee and an entrepreneur.  

I believe that the more people go outside their comfort zones to meet people of other cultures and experience their way of life, it breaks down barriers and results in a more compassionate and understanding world. 

As a Mom, I viscerally know how one trip like this can be life-changing to a child…and you too. ;) 

Why work with me?

What our clients are saying…

  • " I feel so much more confident about my trip after working with Susie. I wasn’t even sure of what questions I needed to ask before we started! Susie will reassure you that you have considered everything necessary for a successful trip. For anybody on the fence just remember 1) your goals, and 2) it will be the experience of a lifetime! "

    - Kelly J.

  • " Susie broke down the planning process into manageable pieces with helpful tools (goal setting, itinerary planner, budget calculator, checklists, etc.). We now have a realistic budget, and solutions to our biggest challenges and questions. Working with Susie helped us go from feeling overwhelmed to excited. "

    - Dorie A.

Book a Call!

You’re the perfect fit for the Intentional Journeys if…

✅ You want to raise your kids as global citizens and show them the world in a deeper way than what’s possible with a typical vacation.

✅ You don’t want to wait years - or decades - until retirement to live out your biggest travel dreams

✅ You have a deep desire to grow and make a positive impact when you travel.

What are you waiting for?!

As Seen In

Hi, I’m Susie!

II am a travel pro recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as a Top Travel Specialist from 2021-2023. Since starting my travel agency in 2016, I have helped hundreds of people travel around the world, both for vacations and extended adventures abroad. 

Throughout my 13-year career as a Management Consultant, I worked in Rome for 5 months, took a year-long sabbatical, and 2 month long sabbaticals. I also took a month long sabbatical while running Carpe Diem Traveler. I understand what it takes professionally to take a sabbatical both as an employee and an entrepreneur - and the fears that pop up on both sides of the fence!

Lastly, I have a son, so I understand what it’s like to travel with a child and take their needs into consideration for such a life-changing undertaking.

FAQs

  • Planning 9-12 months in advance is not crazy - in fact, it’s a good idea. The best home rentals will be snatched up early. You can book almost all international flights 11 months in advance. Trips booked less than 6 months in advance will require more flexibility. Booking less than 3 months in advance will be a challenge.

  • As soon as possible! I have a limited number of spots per month that I have the capacity to take on for this high touch service. You would be able to start the month I have my earliest opening.

  • You are busy so you need personalized advice, easy tools, and a solid plan to prepare as efficiently as possible. My expertise in planning travel, specifically sabbaticals, will save you countless hours. Due dates & accountability will ensure you achieve your dream.

  • No, I provide recommendations with direct links, so you can get your trip booked in minutes.

    Most clients I work with are very well-traveled and are just looking for personalized recommendations to save them a tremendous amount of time.

    However, if you would like someone to book your arrangements for you, I’d be happy to match you with another travel advisor on a complimentary basis. I’ve got a huge network after being in the industry since 2016!

  • Absolutely! I’m a strong advocate of taking the full month off work if at all possible (I help clients think outside the box to make this happen!).

    However, if that’s not possible or you want to extend your adventure by working remotely, the LIVE Abroad for a Month service is a perfect fit for you. When choosing the destination and accommodations, we’ll factor in key things like time zone, wifi speed, etc. to make sure that you’ll be set up for success on the road!

  • Accommodations are hand-selected for each clients based on their specific needs and preferences.

    In order to “live like a local,” home rentals are generally selected. I like to select properties from a wide range of professionally managed home rentals and villa sites. These are lower risk than most peer-to-peer sites like airbnb. However, the options selected will fit your budget.

  • We spend a lot of time choosing the destination to fit your unique goals, vision, timing, and budget. This is honestly my favorite part of the whole process!

    I have been to 50 countries across 7 continents, so chances are high that I’ve been to a place you are dreaming of so I can speak from personal experience.

  • I help my clients identify the best solutions for their unique situation. There are multiple ways of taking care of each aspect and I’ve got a helpful cheat sheet to make these decisions really quick and easy!

  • If your schedule is packed to the gills, then you NEED this! I help my clients find the time to take a month away.

    It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.