Suzanne Norris

I began my life in the travel industry in 2012 when I worked for Thomson Holiday‘s as it was back in the day! I'd already done a lot of sole searching and traveling solo. In 2008 I was made redundant from my job in property management, so I took the plunge, did my research and booked a Thailand and Australia adventure. I left with £500 in my bag pocket! and had the time of my life. From being driven around in Tuk-tuks in Bangkok to riding an elephant in the hills of Koh Pha-Ngan, and then on to Australia, with Speedboat rides around the Sydney Harbour, dinner in the Sydney tower, visiting and living in the Blue Mountains then flying over to Tasmania to live and work as a nanny for 3 months, It was certainly an adventure.

Arriving back 2 days before Christmas in shorts and flip flops, was certainly a crash down to earth. I knew travel was what I wanted to do, so off I went on my little solo adventures, visiting the Dominican Republic, Tenerife, Zante, Cuba again, and Mexico.

After 3 years I got my dream job, just not my dream destination. BENIDORM! however, it turned out to be an adventure in itself, and although there were some very low moments. Anyone who has even repped will understand, the majority were highs. I got to meet some amazing people, and customers, who I still call friends now. From Benidorm I went on to work over in Hurghada for the winter. It certainly was an eye opener!

Later the following year after another spring and summer in Benidorm I got my break, and off I went to London to get my MEXICAN VISA! I couldn't believe I was going to work in Mexico for a year! What a place it was. The hardest, yet most rewarding work I’d ever done. Swimming with Dolphins, Turtles, Manta Ray's and even Whale sharks! Hosting Bar crawls around Playa del Carmen and visiting the World-Famous CoCo Bongos, was sometimes all in a week’s work! then joining friends on the beach for cocktails and massages at the end of a busy day was so worth it!

Mexico ended, and with that, a place at my local TUI store. Completely different to what I was used to. However it was great, and I loved it! This time it was my chance to help create memories and excitement for my clients. Having my knowledge of hotels, and resorts really helped, and I was able to expand on this daily with different destinations and researching alternatives. This is what I love!

Fast forward 6 months and I had itchy feet. I just wanted to be back in my repping role, but different, then the opportunity came up which I grabbed and unbelievably I got the job! Guest Relations Manager on board Marella cruises, specifically Thomson Majesty. Wow what an experience and eye opener. Never had I ever cruised, but I was hooked! Visiting so many destinations without ever having to unpack and repack was fantastic. Opening those curtains to another fabulous destination everyday was just heaven for me! If I hadn't had met my partner 2 weeks before I left, I think I’d still be on a ship now!

Back on solid ground I found myself back in travel, but this time working for an independent travel agent. This is what opened my mind. Now don't get me wrong, I loved working for TUI, but an independent has so much more to offer! I knew I had found my calling. This is what I wanted to do, and now here we are!

I eventually realised that as much as I loved the shop, I wanted to be my own independent, just like I'd travelled solo around the world, I knew I could do this myself. I was thankfully introduced to Designer Travel by the wonderful Steven Arnold, and I’m eternally grateful for this. Roll on 6 years, and I’m still here!

Travel to me makes the world go round. It gives excitement and happiness to so many people. This is why I love my job! I'm a great believer that you should always have something to look forward to. Holiday's are the ULTIMATE experience. That stress relief, that reset button everyone needs. So that's my story! 

Now you know a little more about me and my journey, let me look after yours. Contact me, lets have a chat, and lets see what MAGIC we can create!

Suesx