About

How Did Travel Become a Passion?

In my early 20’s, I took a fated trip at Valentine’s Day to Paris with a (former) friend and emerged a solo traveler.  I learned how to figure things out, be on my own and navigate a world of travel before the internet. As I remind my niece when she tells me “Tiktok said to do this”, I am older than TikTok. I grew up with paper maps and getting lost in a city before Uber was born.  Something to be said about being offline and discovering something that doesn’t need to be shared with social media followers in the minute.  A bit of nostalgia and destinations that can’t be put back to the way they were.  We all change.  Since then, I’ve traveled to 50 countries personally, worked for a London based asset management firm (London is my happy place and I visit a few times a year always discovering something new) and most recently on a global travel tax project for a global bank (nothing like telling a Business Traveler that they will get ten W2s from their travels due to multi-state payroll tax).  As a traveler with an MBA in Finance, I feel that my unique experiences give me a different view of travel to ensure everyone is happy in the process. I love to mix luxury with budget options to blend a trip to affordable luxury for all.  My passport is already ready to go! If you are ready to discuss your travel needs (personal, business, events or group), let me know how I can help. Contact me at suzanne@ardenroadtravel.com to begin the journey.

For the TLDR crowd, the below provides a bit more background in travel for those who want to know “why should you trust me” and “what’s your experience”

Solo Luxury Travel Blogger

For years after my abandonment in Paris, I was helping people travel to Philadelphia, London, Paris and around the world sharing detailed itineraries and information by email. After trips to Africa and Easter Island using points (air & hotel), I started PhilaTravelGirl – Flying by the Seat of My Points to share my experiences traveling solo to over 50 countries!. I write about my crazy travel experiences (chased by Hippos, round the world award trip and meeting Oprah!) while also sharing detailed hotel, cruise, airline and tour reviews.  I continue to search for adventure, single origin chocolate, red wine and unique experiences.

Global Business Travel Manager

My career path started in Accounting and my passion for travel seeped through when I created a Global Business Travel Manager role to explore savings and efficiencies for the investment firm.  I was writing T&E policy, talking to road warriors about what they needed, talking to budget owners on how to save money and looking at the program from beginning to end.  Corporate Business Travel has so many touch points that it’s often overlooked or reduced to a cost only program. As a traveler, I was able to advocate for the travelers while also maintaining perspective on the corporate goals and strategy. In my opinion, a good T&E program is traveler centric and still saves money, reduces stress and is compliant with all regulations.

Buying travel is not a lowest priced exercise, it’s often a thankless job where everyone thinks they know better than you and constantly challenge T&E policy, process and programs.  It’s often very misunderstood by business leaders, travelers and the TMC and I try to get everyone on the same page to move forward.   You might think the TMC can do it all (they can’t) or that procurement can capture all T&E costs (they can’t) or that your travelers are keen to submit all of their expenses and receipts (they aren’t) so you need someone like me to put all the pieces of the travel puzzle together.  I also learned about the event planning world and planned many small client dinners to 200 person events.  I like to joke that I can plan your round the world trip or wedding, while choosing paint chips or fabric swatches can make me cry.

I’ve configured Concur T&E, Ariba, SAP and managed American Express corporate card program.   I’ve also been quoted in various publications – 30 Seconds to Fly, USAToday, FastCompany, Refinery29 and Readers’ Digest.  If you need small business travel program consulting, or event planning, contact me.  I’m happy to discuss how best to set up your business travel program.

 

Travel Blogger Network

Since starting the travel blog, PhilaTravelGirl, I’ve met a fantastic group of international travel writers/bloggers around the world who are in country to provide recommendations.  These niche travel bloggers have unique voices that help me see the world differently.  If you are interested in sponsoring a press tour of US based travel bloggers, contact me to discuss. If you are interested in international travel bloggers, I can help connect you.

Travel Photos for Sale, License and Single Use

Lastly, for those who have asked to buy my travel photos, I now offer that opportunity for a variety of destinations. If you are interested in purchasing, licensing or single use of a travel photo,  please contact me at suzanne@ardenroadtravel.com to discuss destination and type of photo required.  With travel to fifty countries, I have a plethora of photos by destination, subject and color.