Growing up, we weren’t a family who had access to travel to far-away places as many families did. The local Jersey Shore, or a drive through the local preserves were how we ‘got away from it all’ so travelling on planes, rail, or cruise ships was foreign to me.
I became curious about travel when a school project introduced me to writing to each state’s Chamber of Commerce. I was excited when I received brochures and books for tourism and travel opportunities that the states sent to me, and I formed a collection on my bookshelf that I would often read and study.
My first opportunity to travel beyond the local Jersey Shore came in high school. Our choirs entered a world competition. We boarded a plane (for my first time) and flew to the beautiful island of Bermuda. From the moment I stepped onto the rose-colored shores and looked out into the crystal-clear turquoise water of this exotic land, I was in awe. The experience was magical; from the dazzling spectacle of the limestone caves that shimmered like the NYC skyline, to the crystal-clear waters where I snorkeled to see exotic fish that lived in the coral below, to the locals who taught us how to create beautiful perfume from the flowers that grew on the island. I remember every detail of it, all of the sweet flavors of the freshly caught sea food from the local restaurants while tasting the salt from the air over the calm ocean waters, with the fresh garden herbs and vegetables the island locals provided. It was paradise on earth, and I never wanted to leave. For months after, I dreamed of Bermuda and wished I could return. I saved during that time and when the next opportunity came my way to travel to a new destination, I jumped at the chance to go.
I was ready after that starting point to expand my adventures to Ireland with my high school bands. That was a whirlwind trip that flew by so fast, I could barely catch my breath. I spent my days performing with my high school bands and I learned so much about the culture and history of this faraway country (I could never have known at the time that my experience on the Emerald Isle would inspire someone I love to study and build her life there!).
These journeys brought me back to realizing how very important travel is to our lives. It has built a passion and inspiration that led me to explore this career further.
I embraced the stirring inside of myself that said, “Explore this new inspiration more.” Well after I left Ireland, my passion for travel grew. I planned our family trips across the country by car. We stopped often and explored national parks, natural wonders, and history. Educating our children at the locations where our country’s history toward independence was impactful and added to who they have become as adults. I fostered the curiosity I had in my childhood to my children who have taken to it as well. They have journeyed through cities and small mountain towns and met so many people along the way. I was even fortunate to bring one of them along to Ireland (a return trip is once again in the planning stages!).
I loved to feel the road under the tires, and it brought me back to my childhood memories of time spent with my dad in the driver’s seat of his long Crysler station wagon. Driving through the Appalachian Mountains in the Fall with all of the colors and smell of the leaves or through the winter with the north winds whistling through the empty branches and tasting the local soups and canned fruit spreads was reminiscent of the dreams I had as a child. The people of the different regions of our country built my heart into one of acceptance of our differences and our unique talents. I am so grateful for that time I spent in those places and to the people who welcomed my family with open doors and heartfelt smiles; I’ll always embrace their warm greetings and charming tales.
I was inspired by these experiences. I had a friend who prodded me to join the industry. She encouraged me to embrace my own love for exploring the world and continue to inspire others to do the same. She knew I would love it as much as she did. She planted the seed within me for a new career, as at the time, I was looking for a change that could serve my family’s needs and my creativity. I took courses and educated myself over a few years, and to be honest, I was greatly intimidated. That first step – that starting point – is a scary one when it comes to putting yourself out into the world. Being vulnerable is never a goal most people want to have, but it is a feeling we must all grow from if we are to start somewhere.
I had a choice to either take the leap or close the door and walk away. I leaped. I put the toe in the water and waited for something bad to happen; but it didn’t. In fact, I immediately had friends who booked with me and went on wonderful cruises around the world. Step by step, I grew in confidence, in knowledge and in experience. Carefully, I chose clients as much as they chose me. The ones who I have kept were rewarded with great care and someone who was completely dedicated to their travel experience. I have been there for them with integrity and trustworthiness.
Then Covid hit. Boy, did that one clobber the travel industry, and it changed forever. There were many companies and small businesses who did not make it through the pandemic. I watched in sadness as many of them suddenly closed and left other agents in distress. They were unable to assist their clients as they had been able to in the past. It hurt to watch an entire industry suffer as a consequence of the isolation policies. I knew it was a temporary time, but I saw the effects of closing borders and keeping people from exploring their world first hand. Re-opening travel opportunities could not come quick enough. I am grateful we are back and ready as ever.
After 2023 took us all by storm and travelers who had learned through a pandemic that life is fragile and investing in time to travel was upon them, I saw potential in the timing and expertise I have gained. I sought to further my goals for 2024. My original goal was to set my starting point for July, 2024, however, life is unpredictable and sometimes it’s all about the timing instead of what we originally plan for. That was the case here. I had to start planning to create a new brand in the last quarter of 2023. In February 2024, I opened my new business as an LLC and with a new brand name that has ties to my childhood memories of my dad. He was a good man, one of integrity and quiet respect. I have honored him through the title and to keep his memory close as I begin this new adventure.
Sunsets and Sea Stars are sentimental to me because of my memories of the shorelines with my dad and my family. To me, a sunset is a promise of a new hope for the dawn ahead and the rest of the evening with good dreams. They are the end of a day and the thankful moments together with loved ones. Sea Stars are animals which can regenerate their limbs and even their entire bodies. They embody resilience, and they seem to re-create anew, better and stronger than before. A Sea Star has qualities of guidance and protection, and these are what many travelers seek in some way for their adventures. Remembering my dad whenever I see a sunset and finding a sea star tells me my dad is near, guiding me and protecting me in peace and love through the tides of life. I look forward to curating travel plans with all of this in mind.
So let’s begin at the Starting Point:
Here.
Now.
Because this is the best time and place to begin.
(Thanks dad.) “It’s a good place to start.”
Let’s travel. X
Welcome to your journey!
With Sunset sights and Sea Star Wishes, I am
Susan Mason, Travel Planner
Owner/Lead Planner of Sunsets & Sea Stars Travel Planners, LLC