There are 195 countries scattered across seven continents, so grab a passport and start exploring the world! Not sure where to go, or how to get there? Travel agents are long gone. Today, new-generation travel advisors have made exploration much more accessible and affordable. Meet three of Greenville’s frequent flyers, who create adventures for all.
Growing up in a family of ten, Pace Clayton didn’t get to venture much beyond her backyard. But during college, a study-abroad program in Japan sparked a thirst to travel she just can’t quench. “I’m obsessed with different cultures and meeting new people, and seeing how they live,” she reveals. “Travel is life-changing. It brings that connection and human touch. It improves your overall health, well-being, and happiness.”
After 12 years in the travel industry, four years ago, Pace set up her own travel consultancy: Book It Pace. Her travel gurus identify client’s “travel vibe” and budget to create the perfect trip. “We do everything from solo travel and honeymoons to spring break trips for 300 people,” she explains. “Our specialty is luxury travel. The hotels we work with are four-to-five star, boutique, and highly rated.” While anyone can book a trip on their own, she says you just get more using an advisor, who can tap into their proven, global network. “I have connections with hotels no computer or AI can replicate. Advisors can usually secure upgrades and amenities for the same cost. This is my passion and I can’t believe this is the life I get to lead, helping others explore new horizons.”
SteveJuba | PhotoFlyTravel.org
Nepal. The Galapagos. Cuba. There’s no doubt Steve Juba enjoys taking the road less traveled. When he graduated from Northeastern University, he knew a 9-to-5 desk job would never make him happy. He established PhotoFly Travel Club in 2010. “Peru was our first trip,” he recalls with a smile. “We focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences. The ability to meet people who live in completely different worlds brings a massive perspective on life and a greater appreciation of where we come from. We are extremely lucky. It changes your life for the better.”
More than 15,000 people are part of the PhotoFly Club. It’s not so much a club—anyone can “join” by signing up for the free company newsletter. Steve and his team curate guided trips for intimate groups of 6 to 25 people. “We collaborate with our partners in different countries to create unique experiences,” Steve shares. “These trips are fully immersive. Sometimes we’ll even dine and stay in local’s homes. We create experiences that aren’t on Trip Advisor. They’re not activities you can easily find when setting up trips for yourself.”
Traveling with a group also adds a layer of kinship that is unmatched. “We have a huge amount of repeat travelers,” he says. “Our groups have singles and couples; it’s a really cool community that enjoys setting off on journeys together. Antarctica? The Himalayas? It’s an amazing world out there geographically and culturally.”
Suzanne Hagins | CarolinaTravelDesign.com
Exploration has been a part of Suzanne Hagins’s life as long as she can remember. Dude ranches, ski resorts, and beach trips were common destinations for family vacations. The travel bug bit early and she’s never been able to shoo it away. “What my parents gave me was a gift,” she reflects. “Travel is huge, even if it’s a day trip out of Greenville. Any kind of travel is educational and opens your mind to new ideas.”
She prides herself on 24/7 communication with clients, even while they’re traveling. “Trust and communication go hand-in-hand for a relaxing vacation,” she explains. “I have the opportunity to create lifetime memories for people and I want to ensure they have a wonderful experience.”
While she has a number of favorite locations overseas, she also promotes domestic getaways. “Europe is great, and each country is so unique,” she says. “But the United States has wonderful places, too, like a trip to Jackson Hole combined with Yellowstone, the California coast, and the mountains. There’s a whole wide world out there to explore. Really immerse yourself in local culture,” she advises. “Try something new. The more you dive into it, the more you’ll get out of it.”
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