Susan Whitson Travel

21/03/2024

When you’re in Miami for the F1 Grand Prix, we recommend you join the ranks Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill & stay at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. Timeless luxury, with celebrated dining and a world-class spa to the Surfside shores.

14/03/2024

Lindsey here! We’re so thrilled to have all your new faces here - welcome! Here’s a bit more about me:

- I had a wonderful and surreal start to my career as Mrs. Laura Bush’s personal aide, where I was fortunate to travel to over 70 countries and all 50 states.
- After my time in the White House, I directed the global community investments portfolio for Hunt Consolidated, Inc., a group of entities with global operations in oil and gas, real estate, and ranching. Prior to being the luckiest gal in the world and joining Susan Whitson Travel, I served as the Director of Leadership Programs at the George W. Bush Institute.
- While I can find a gem just about anywhere on the map, I particularly enjoy planning trips to Central and Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
- When I'm not exploring and scouting the next exciting destination for clients, you can find me spending time on the water with my family in our home state of Texas.

Thank you for being here with us on this journey!

04/03/2024

For the new faces here, welcome! I’m Susan! Here’s a bit more about me:

- I've been designing unforgettable travel adventures since 2014.
- It's been an honor to be recognized as a Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure as a Top Travel Specialist since 2020.
- Before diving into the travel industry, I served as White House press secretary to Mrs. Laura Bush.
- With stamps from over 70 countries across 6 continents and exploration of 49 US states, my travel experience is extensive.
- My expertise lies in planning trips to emerging destinations.
- I'm deeply passionate about planning travel adventures in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, French Polynesia, Spain, Scotland, and South America.
- When I'm not exploring the world, you can find me enjoying the beauty of the Virginia countryside with my family.

Y’all, I’m so glad you’re here!

01/03/2024

Y’all, I’ll admit there’s not much that surprises me in life. But I just about choked on my coffee a few weeks ago when I got an email from Travel + Leisure magazine naming me to their A List of the most influential vacation specialists in the world, vetted by the editors at Travel + Leisure.

Thank you @‌travelandleisure ! And a big ol’ thank you to my incredible clients, terrific worldwide travel partners, and my sidekick, Lindsey, who helped me earn this honor! Thank you over and over! Let’s make some amazing travel happen together!

22/02/2024

Meet Shealah Craighead, a world renowned documentarian and former Chief White House Photographer. Shea is a dear friend; she traveled with us to Puglia to document our trip, and can travel with you and your family too.

Having your phone out on vacation to snap a photo can quickly lead to checking email, texts & social media. Our fingers are on autopilot - without realizing it, we’ve brought ourselves out of the experience and into low-grade (or high-grade!) stress.

Enter Shea, who has the ability to blend into the background while capturing cherished moments between you and your fellow travelers. To boot (Italy pun intended), Shea is an absolute delight to have around.

Shea has documented history for the world’s most prominent figures, and now, she’ll do the same for your family.

19/02/2024

That’s a wrap on Puglia! Where in the world will we be talking about next?⁠
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It’s home to hundreds of languages and dialects⁠
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This country has one of the world's oldest urban settlements, dating back to over 2500 BCE⁠
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It was a central hub in ancient maritime trade⁠
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01/02/2024

Puglia, Italy's sun-kissed heel, is an architectural gem boasting unique trulli, the iconic conical-roofed limestone dwellings of the Itria Valley. This region also impresses with the baroque splendor of Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," famed for its ornate stonework and glowing limestone buildings. Dotted with Romanesque cathedrals and fortress-like castles, Puglia's landscape showcases its historical influences, from Norman to Byzantine. The coastline reveals luxurious masserie, fortified farmhouses that blend rustic charm with modern luxury. This architectural diversity is a beautiful testament to Puglia's vibrant cultural history.

26/01/2024

Exploring Italy's Cultural Gems: Alberobello and Matera stand out as must-visit destinations for those seeking a captivating culture off the beaten path. Explore the ancient caves and astonishing views throughout Sassi Cavioso, or stay at the Sextantio hotel for breakfast served in a XIII Century Cave Church.

Inquire to learn more about customized itinerary options for your next 🇮🇹 trip! ✈️

19/01/2024

Where in the world are Susan and Lindsey going next? Here are a few hints:

This location is home to unique conical-roofed trulli houses

It has a shoreline on two seas

You can sip a full-bodied Primitivo while you watch the sunset

27/12/2023

Getting our clients exclusive access and behind-the-scenes experiences is just part of what we do at Whitson Travel.

"Surely the starriest fashion exhibition London has ever seen"⁠
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✨From Beyoncé's Grammy glamour to the elegance of Georgian court attire, the Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace unveils over 200 captivating objects. Witness the dazzling evolution of fashion, spanning from Lizzo to the 18th-century Royal Court.

This isn't just a showcase; it's a journey through time, style, and the artistry that defines glamour. Don't miss this unprecedented fusion of past and present supported by Garrard, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Cunard.⁠
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25/12/2023

Step through the doors of this festive season and into a world of travel wonders! ✈️ ❄️ Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season ☃️⁠
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Here’s to a new year filled with exploration, discovery, and joyous adventures with Whitson Travel!⁠
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-Susan & Lindsey 💌 ⁠
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23/12/2023

The spirit of the season at the Lanesborough: where luxury meets sustainably for a memorable holiday experience. ⁠
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17/12/2023

Introducing my daughter to the world of ballet and the charm of afternoon tea: UKs refined tradition of afternoon tea—where delicate flavors mingle with delightful company. A timeless ritual of elegance and conversation. 🫖🍰 ⁠
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The Lanesborough

16/12/2023

In the heart of London, each visit at The Dorchester resonates as an exquisite celebration—a sentiment echoed in the joyous birthday curated for my ballet-loving daughter amid this iconic hotel's grandeur.

Its refined interiors and impeccable service extend beyond a mere stay; they beckon you to embrace sophistication and craft enduring memories.

Explore why immersing yourself in The Dorchester's splendor intertwines seamlessly with the opulent tapestry of London's most iconic landmarks.

13/12/2023

Recently, my daughter and I had the joy of experiencing the Belmond Pullman. It was like stepping back in time to a world of luxury train travel. Every detail, from the plush seats to the exquisite dining, spoke of a bygone era. We shared stories, laughed, and simply soaked in the elegance around us. A truly unforgettable journey!

11/12/2023

On our mother-daughter trip, we strolled along the Thames, diving into the heart of London. It was a day of discovering the city's lesser-known gems, each with its own story. We loved learning about the history and culture that makes London so unique. It's these little adventures that turn into cherished memories on trips with your family.

09/12/2023

Step into a world where sophistication meets adventure as the Belmond British Pullman takes you on a journey like no other!🚂 ⁠
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08/12/2023

Hop aboard the Belmond British Pullman for a day trip that's all about old-world charm and elegance! It's like being in a storybook as you glide through stunning landscapes, including the famous Highclere Castle.⁠
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Being part of the Belmond Bellini Club, our clients get lovely surprises to make the journey even more special.⁠
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Our favorite part of the journey was stepping into the world of Downton Abbey!⁠
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04/12/2023

Come explore the classic charm and exceptional service at The Dorchester in London. Now home to the beautiful Vesper Bar, it’s a perfect blend of historic elegance and contemporary style. Imagine waking up to the serene views of Hyde Park, in a room tastefully designed by Martin Brudnizki. As a member of the Dorchester Diamond Club, we ensure our clients are treated like royalty. Enjoy perks like complimentary breakfast, early booking upgrades, and hotel credits. It’s more than a stay; it’s an experience where every little detail spells out luxury. Why not see for yourself? ✨🍸

27/06/2023

Oman is one of the most charming and welcoming countries in the Middle East and has become one my personal favorite places I’ve discovered in my recent travel. Oman offers travelers beaches, desert camps, gorgeous mountains, outdoor pursuits and rich culture. The people are among the friendliest I’ve met anywhere and it’s a safe country to travel.

While I was in Oman working with our ground partners, all of our guides were men, as is common in the Middle East. However, having a female guide for our female clients would help provide a more personal experience and would open doors culturally.

Working with my ground partners, we set up a female guide training program and now these women guides stand alongside their male counterparts to offer our clients a woman’s perspective of Oman while providing these women guides gainful employment.

12/06/2023

I can’t recall exactly what made me laugh so hard while visiting the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, but I do know a great guide makes all the difference in truly experiencing a place when we travel.

My guide in Oman had the biggest, most wonderful personality and left us all laughing, which is a universal language.

When I knew we needed women guides for our female clients traveling to Oman, he helped us set up a female guide training program. And now his daughter is one of the women guiding our female clients in Oman.


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31/05/2023

Taking your kids on a trip to India can be a wonderful opportunity to immerse them in a vibrant and diverse culture. Here are some ways you can connect with the local culture and enrich your kids' experience.

29/05/2023

Today we remember and honor those soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have defended freedom around the world.

Did you know there are American military cemeteries in 17 countries around the world which you can visit and pay your respects? These cemeteries commemorate the service and sacrifice of Americans who served in World War I and World War II, and are among the most beautiful and meticulously maintained shrines in the world.

Today - and every day - we honor these fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to America.

🇺🇸🇮🇹 Nettuno, Italy
Established in Nettuno, Lazio the majority of these men died in the liberation of Sicily, in the landings in the Salerno Area and at Anzio and Nettuno, and in air and naval support in the regions. The site also includes a chapel whose white marble walls contain the names of 3,095 of the missing.

🇺🇸🇫🇷 Meuse, France
This World War I cemetery contains the largest number of American military who died in Europe. More than 14,000 interred here lost their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

🇺🇸🇬🇧 Cambridge, England
Located between the villages of Coton and Madingley, this cemetery remembers those airmen who died over Europe and sailors from North Atlantic convoys, including jazz band leader and trombonist, Glenn Miller, who disappeared over the Atlantic.

🇺🇸🇳🇱 Margraten, Netherlands
This is the only American military cemetery in The Netherlands. Nearly 10,000 service members are memorialized here, including 172 African American soldiers found to have been buried at Margraten and the role they played in the liberation and restoration of the Netherlands. These African American soldiers were discovered as part of The Faces of Margraten project, an effort to gather photographs of each of those buried for display on alternate Memorial Days.

🇺🇸🇵🇭Metro Manila, Philippines
This cemetery contains more than 17,000 graves, and has the largest number of graves of any cemetery for U.S. personnel killed during World War II, including 23 Medal of Honor recipients and the five Sullivan Brothers, who perished when their light cruiser was sunk in June 1942.

24/05/2023

24/04/2023

How do you travel sustainably?