Susan began designing itineraries as a young author. In one of her first books, Quick Escapes from New York City (which had a long shelf life of eight editions), she crafted weekend itineraries. Guiding her readers very specifically, her 3-4 day plans started with the likes of “Heading north on the Saw Mill River Parkway.” She made specific recommendations as to where to stay, where to eat, places to visit, hike, and generally explore within a couple hours of New York City. All of the itineraries were based on the assumption that her readers were very sophisticated and seeking high-quality experiences.

But Susan’s worldwide exposure far exceeded the Northeast and Middle Atlantic United States.

Growing up, her family traveled a great deal. As a college student, she studied in Greece, majoring in the Greek Classics. No surprise that today, Greece is one of her top destinations for clients. As a travel editor at Condé Nast for about 10 years, specifically at Bride’s magazine, Susan traveled far and wide for stories she wrote. She later left Condé Nast and began contributing to other publications including The New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Vogue, Gourmet, and many others. Additionally, she wrote several travel books and served as a travel correspondent for radio and TV programs over the years.

Her interest in crafting itineraries never waned and many readers, viewers, and listeners would write to her asking how they could do the itineraries she wrote and spoke about.

This eventually led to the birth of Farewell Travels, the travel design firm, in 2009. She co-founded it with her late husband, Tom Seligson, also an author and TV producer. Her daughter, Justine Seligson, also played a role, test-driving many travel experiences over the years and providing the next-generation’s point of view as she grew up.

The trips Susan designs today all draw from a lifetime of travel and her ongoing passion for exploring the world.

“Travel is the ultimate educator,” she says. “True travel is immersing yourself in and connecting with local cultures, having authentic experiences that provide priceless insights into our world. It’s important to be open-minded.”