Sue Picken
Suwanee, Georgia Travel Agent
Sue Picken, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Africa,Europe,Tahiti,Caribbean,Alaska,Americas
I am a Travel Advisor and Destination Specialist with 10 years industry experience! Let me use my travel experience, passion for travel, attention to detail, and destination knowledge to assist you with your next trip!
I have always had an intense passion for travel since childhood. My father and grandfather always used to say “Travel is Education” and this mantra has inspired me my entire life!
Growing up in Africa, I did many safaris in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana and have an intense love of the African Bush!My first big trip overseas was to Greece and Italy when I was 13 years old, and this proved to be a defining moment.
After completing my degree in History of Art and Classical Civilization, I completed a year travel course and started my career working for Sabena Belgian Airlines. This experience gave me a good idea of how airlines operated and the opportunity to enjoy Belgium and the Netherlands when completing a two week Advanced Ticketing & Fares course in Brussels.
After my airline reservations position, I worked for Thompson Tours – the largest tour operator in South Africa. Here I worked as a reservations agent designing trips for travel agents' clients and direct customers. I also had the wonderful opportunity to be a Tour Leader, guiding and educating travel agents on trips to Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and London.
Moving to the US resulted in jobs that were focused on administrative, accounting, marketing, and office manager roles. During this time I continued to travel and then after a brief stint working back at a travel agency, combined my administrative experience, hands on travel industry work skills, and destination knowledge, to start my own business!
My business is called "Sapphire Travel" because the sapphire is my lucky stone, and my father and grandfather were both in the diamond industry in South Africa so a gem stone it needed to be :)
Now I have the joy of doing what I love: designing, planning, and booking customized and immersive trips to those destinations I know and love... but focused on YOU!
My destinations!
AFRICA: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius
EUROPE: Belgium, Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Greece, France, United Kingdom
CARIBBEAN: Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Martinique, US Virgin Islands, St Maarten/St Martin, St Lucia, Exuma Bahamas, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St Kitts, Montserrat, Puerto Rico
CENTRAL AMERICA: Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico
USA: Alaska, New York, Boston and Maine, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee
ASIA: Bangkok, Thailand
You dream it .... I plan it = Trip of a lifetime!
Expert Planning! Interest & Destination Specialist
Let me do what I love and plan that perfect trip suited to your interests and travel style!
Attention to detail, expert vacation planning, destination knowledge, extensive pre-travel prep, and great travel suppliers, afford me the opportunity to provide a focused and personalized travel experience that unearth hidden treasures as you enjoy a seamless travel experience!
Let me take care of the details to ensure a truly enjoyable vacation, celebration trip, adventure experience, business quota trip, or honeymoon/anniversary!
I am here as your Professional Experience Provider!
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Bachelor of Arts Degree: History of Art & Classics
COTAC 1 Travel Course
Ticketing & Fares Course in Brussels, Belgium
National Geographic Journeys Specialist
Tour Leader for Thompson Tours
Related Travel Stories
Kruger Safari South Africa!
Kruger Safari never disappoints!I grew up going to the Kruger National Park in South Africa every winter searching for game from the comfort of our personal vehicle in Kruger "proper" as we traversed this public part of the park! This is what the locals did and do! What memories and wildlife ... Read more from my Kruger Safari South Africa! story.
Awesome Work Trip
Reviewed By Arthur P. - Suwanee, GA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
I had a work trip to Italy that involved a lot of moving parts and logistics! Sue not only got me to all my site visits with smooth logistical planning (car hire, trains, planes, and transfers), but found perfectly located accommodation, and made sure I managed to see the top sights in the Italian destinations I was near. The itinerary she presented me with was very detailed including dates, times, maps and local information. Highlights were a road trip on Sicily, climbing the Duomo Dome in Florence, and a relaxing finale in Venice with excursions that covered the top sights. Thank you for a well planned trip! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
15 of 23 people found this review helpful
Best Bachelorette Trip!
Reviewed By Ari - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Sue was amazing! I wanted to be as easy as possible for my Maid of Honor to get all my girls together for my Bach. Sue was on it from booking everything to getting payments and information needed. Never having to worry because if there were any issues she would notify us immediately. We were all just able to go enjoy ourselves because of Sue.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
Bachelorette Trip of a life time
Reviewed By Yash - NY,NY | Traveled to Mexico ~ Mexico
She was wonderful to work with and was always available to answer any questions or concerns.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
12 of 20 people found this review helpful
Unforgettable experience made easy!
Reviewed By George E - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
My friend and I enjoyed a well planned budget island-hopping trip to Croatia. The itinerary was a lifesaver and Sue was on call 24/7 to help with any concerns or last minute excursions. Croatia was one of my favorite places I’ve ever been, there’s truly nothing like it. An unforgettable experience made simple thanks to Sue’s excellent planning!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
15 of 26 people found this review helpful
Graduation trip to Greece
Reviewed By JennC - Gainesville, Ga | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Graduation trip to Greece for history, adventure, and some relaxation. Sue arranged the best locations to stay for comfort and convenience. Restaurant suggestions were on point for taste and price. The adventures she planned for us were a perfect mix of sightseeing with time to relax and enjoy the views and culture.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
Hi Jenn :) Thanks for the feedback and review! It was such a pleasure working with you and I am so glad you had a great time! Can't wait to assist you with your next adventure!
Hi Jenn :) Thanks for the feedback and review! It was such a pleasure working with you and I am so glad you had a great time! Can't wait to assist you with your next adventure!
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Fantastic vacation in Tulum, Mexico
Reviewed By Cecile - Milton, GA | Traveled to Tulum ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
Sue is absolutely amazing! Her professionalism, expertise and recommendations produced a perfect vacation for us in Tulum in every aspect (flights, hotel, transfers and excursions). She put together a seamless and perfect itinerary which we regard as "next level" in traveling! We had the BEST vacation in Mexico!
Sue, thank you so much, we cannot wait to book our next vacation with you!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Wonderful Adventure!
Reviewed By Marie - Atlanta | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
I couldn't have coordinated my trip to Belize without Sue! The booking and rebooking of flights and excursions in the new Pandemic World would have been too much! I am so grateful for Sue's recommendations when we had to give up our plans for a 2020 trip to Italy, but Sue was able to give recommendations of options that worked for our traveling needs with my sister and 82 year old mother. Belize was a wonderful adventure and a much needed escape.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
9 of 15 people found this review helpful
The Perfect Honeymoon
Reviewed By Ari - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Antigua & Barbuda ~ Caribbean
We are so happy we had Sue to help us plan our honeymoon! With trip cancellations, COVID changes, flight changes, we were so glad we had Sue to help us navigate an already stressful situation. With everything we had to plan for our wedding it was great knowing our honeymoon was one thing we didn’t have to worry about because Sue kept us updated every step of the way. She booked everything for us; from flights to excursions. Not only did she book everything she also had surprises for us! Not only did she surprise us with a wedding gift but also had chocolate covered fruit in our room upon our arrival. I have to say, out of all the all inclusive I’ve been to, Cocobay is my favorite! The staff were extremely friendly, resort was beautiful, food was great, and drinks were strong!! Our cottage was nice and homey, our private pool was clean, as well as the resort. We were really bummed we had to cancel our original honeymoon but our new honeymoon went above and beyond!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
13 of 23 people found this review helpful
Epic trip for our 60th birthday celebrations!
Reviewed By Achalmers - Smyrna ga | Traveled to South Africa ~ Africa
Sue, really there’s a professional and working with her made our trip seamless!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
St Lucia Snorkel Sensation
Reviewed By Jay - Atlanta | Traveled to Caribbean
Sue is extremely professional and delivers the highest level of responsiveness and insightful communication. We look forward to working with Sue again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
Thanks Jay! You were a pleasure to work with and am glad the trip was a success :) Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks Jay! You were a pleasure to work with and am glad the trip was a success :) Looking forward to the next one!
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Everyone should use Sue!
Reviewed By VERY happy traveler! - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Australia ~ Australia & New Zealand
Using her expertise and access to airlines and other travel related services, Sue took our trip to a level we could not have achieved on our own. Our flights were all in elevated cabins which is very expensive if you book on your own. Our lodging was hand selected by Sue so we were always in excellent accommodations based on our tastes and locations we were interested in visiting. The personal touches, from fully organized printed maps and itineraries to wine and a note in our room upon arrival, made the trip feel very special. We had the trip of a lifetime and didn't do any of the planning work. Sue did it all! Everyone should use her for travel!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
16 of 30 people found this review helpful
Once in a lifetime adventure!
Reviewed By Erica - Suwanee, Georgia | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
It was so great working with Ms. Picken! She is so sweet and thoughtful and made sure to plan every detail perfectly to give us the best experience. She introduced several travel locations and packages to help us choose our ideal trip and once we did, she took the time to look into each city in our itinerary to give us a brief history and the popular attractions there. There were no concerns from our end as she took care of everything from affordable flights and hotel accommodations to flights and activities. You are in stellar hands with Ms. Pickens for sure!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
20 of 38 people found this review helpful
Gals Trip Of A Lifetime!
Reviewed By Olivia - Georgia | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Sue is the best! She truly knows how to tailor a trip to exactly what you want and need. She asks all the right questions and tweaks the plans until they are perfect. She is so easy to communicate with and very responsive. She also knows all the best spots in every city. Every hotel was centrally located and extremely safe. The private tours and transports she plans are always seamless and they take excellent care of you. I've been on multiple trips with Sue and can never go back -- every trip has been beyond fabulous!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wonderful trip to Greece!
Reviewed By Haley - St Pete, FL | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
Sue is very knowledgeable and was easy to contact when abroad. She handled any issues we had. Our trip was seamless thanks to her planning. She filled our itinerary with a perfect mixture of sightseeing and relaxation. Would definitely use her again to help plan any trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bucket list item knocked out of the park!
Reviewed By Denise C. - Suwanee, GA | Traveled to French Polynesia ~ South Pacific
Sue is the best travel agent ever! Her attention to detail and communication with us were incredible! I am confident she worried more about canceled excursions (due to weather) than we did. She stayed in contact with us throughout the trip to make sure every last detail was handled, and the travel app she put together for us had literally every document, reservation, phone number, etc., that we possible could have needed! Can I give her 6 out of 5 stars?
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Getaway to Riviera Maya
Reviewed By Alex - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Sue was a great travel advisor from start to finish. Her help with planning put us in a great resort with plenty of excursions/activities, and she was always available before and during the trip with any questions. Would highly recommend!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
12 of 23 people found this review helpful
Best vacation ever
Reviewed By Kim - Orland Park, Illinois | Traveled to Maldives ~ Central Asia
Sue was wonderful to work with. She provided us with everything we asked for and more. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. We plan on using her again and have referred her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Italy Anniversary trip
Reviewed By Whadzen - Johns Creek, GA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
We had the pleasure of working with Sue when we planned a trip to Italy for our 25th anniversary in 2022. We are over the moon with the selection of cities to visit,tours, hotels and restaurants she suggested and booked for us. Sue would take the time to explain everything to us and always actively listened to what we wanted out of our trip. The trip was epic, and the trip of a lifetime thanks to her. She was on top of everything before and during the trip to make sure everything was going according to plan, communicating constantly with us. She is truly an exptert travel agent we highly recommend her to all of our friends anytime we have a chance.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
What an amazing trip thanks to Sue!
Reviewed By Mariela C - Johns Creek, GA | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
We were so lucky to have Sue as our travel agent! We have never felt so prepared and taken care of during a vacation. She responded quickly to all of our questions during the planning process, as well as offered us great recommendations on excursions and restaurants. She quickly figured out exactly what type of vacation we wanted and guided us through the whole process. She provided us with a helpful app that includes all our documents, daily itinerary, restaurant reservations, etc. The app was easy to access at any moment and a fun, concise way to review all our plans. We are certain that without Sue's help our travel experience would not have been as unique and special. She is an experienced world traveler so she brings her experiences forth in order to make our world travels the best they could possibly be!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
The most organized trip ever.
Reviewed By Ama - alpharetta | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Excellent trip planner.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Most Amazing European Vacation
Reviewed By O'Neals - Johns Creek, GA | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
When we decided to take a vacation to Italy and Croatia, we had no idea where to start. Lucky for us, we looked up Travel Specialists and found Sue's profile and her smiling face. After a couple of emails and phone calls, we knew she was the right person to help us with our trip. Sue has amazing attention to details and the most wonderful recommendations. Best of all, Sue really listened to what WE wanted from the trip and immediately offered alternative itineraries, hotels, tours, etc., when we were unsure of some of the ideas. She is literally "On Call" when you're on your vacation; There was an unforeseeable rail strike in Italy and she was up all night (and early morning!) changing our travel plans so we could get to our next destination without delay. Sue left lovely notes waiting for us in our hotel rooms; it was so nice to have a friendly hello after long days of travel.
Our trip was amazing because Sue is amazing and we highly recommend her to ever
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Private barge cruise through Burgundy, France
Reviewed By The Landrum’s - Augusta, Georgia | Traveled to France ~ Europe
Sue is very thorough and full of great ideas. I love that she has us completely handled from start to finish with perfect plane flights, luxury private transfers, stunning hotels, private tour guides to all the must see places, and reservations at top restaurants.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A Surprise Worth the Wait
Reviewed By Vander and Rolanda - Alpharetta, GA | Traveled to Kenya ~ Africa
Sue was fantastic from the initial engagement through our return home. The goal was to surprise my wife with a trip to Kenya as a Anniversary gift. Although I had been to Africa a few times and we have visited other countries around the world, I knew this trip would require the assistance of a professional. Sue was the perfect fit. Sue assisted by planning our flights, transfers, romantic dinner, excursions (game drives), and of course time to relax on the beautiful Kenyan coast of Mombasa with great views of the Indian Ocean. Sue created a gift basket to present to my wife and surprised the both of us with a celebratory bottle of champagne when we arrived to the final leg of our trip on Diani Beach.
This was a remarkable experience for our family, and we will never forget it. I trust we will work together again.
Thanks Sue!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Picturesque and relaxing getaway.
Reviewed By GeishaGyrl - Hampton, Ga | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Absolutely flawless!!! From start to finish! Accommodating and professional. Punctual and precise. Put your next trip in the hands of the best. You will NOT be disappointed!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
So glad you enjoyed your Riviera Maya vacation! Thank you Monica! From one professional to the next: Where to next my dear:)
So glad you enjoyed your Riviera Maya vacation! Thank you Monica! From one professional to the next: Where to next my dear:)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Memories of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Andrew - Suwanee Georgia | Traveled to Key West ~ Florida ~ USA
I worked with Sue Picken at Sapphire Travel on a very special sport fishing trip to the Keys with my two sons. Sue built an adventure itinerary that fit together like pieces to a puzzle, not one hiccup. We will never forget our trip thanks to Sue’s recommendations. We will definitely be back to plan our next adventure! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
Thanks Andrew! It was an absolute pressure planning your special trip and I am so happy you had a happy and memorable experience!!
Thanks Andrew! It was an absolute pressure planning your special trip and I am so happy you had a happy and memorable experience!!
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Croatia Sailing Trip of a Lifetime!!
Reviewed By Steve - Plettenberg Bay, South Africa | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
Sue did a lot of research for my friends and I to find the right sailboat and itinerary for our Croatia Sailing trip. With different ideas and budget within our small group, she managed to find the perfect vessel through a local Croatia Sailing company. The catamaran was new, the skipper and staff amazing, and the itinerary hit all the spots Sue insisted we should visit. With her travels all over Croatia I trusted Sue to do a good job in planning the sailing portion as well as the pre and post travel/hotel arrangements in Dubrovnik and Split. Everything went smoothly, and we were well prepared for the trip. Even got some great swag – Sapphire Travel & Tours microfiber towels that were used often!! I am an avid sailor, and this trip turned out to be a trip of a lifetime! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 12 people found this review helpful
Relaxing Babymoon
Reviewed By Norm - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to St. Lucia ~ Caribbean
Sue was EXCELLENT to work with. She helped us book our "babymoon" trip to St. Lucia, and was extremely knowledgeable and helpful putting together different proposals for each resort we wanted to look at, including many in Hawaii - as that was our original destination of choice. Sue walked us through the whole process, and put together our entire itinerary for the trip, making the whole process extremely easy for my pregnant wife and me. When we arrived, Sue had arranged for multiple gifts for us at our resort, including welcome massages, special dessert, etc...I highly recommend working with Sue to plan your next trip, as she takes the headache out of making sure you have everything covered. With Sue, we didn't miss a beat, and were able enjoy our trip from start to finish!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
8 of 16 people found this review helpful
From the Andes to the Amazon
Reviewed By Jay - Johns Creek, Ga | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
Sue is fantastic and a true professional. She is organized and responsive but also genuine in her concern and excitement for the trip being planned. We are very grateful!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Amazing Family Trip!
Reviewed By Sharon - Atlanta GA | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
The absolute best! Sue is so attentive, listens to what type of vacation you want and then gets to work! We've used her twice for two completely different types of trips and both were stellar. The latest was to Costa Rica and it was simply divine. WE wanted relaxing and some adventure and she made sure we had both! She presented a number of options for us and was mindful of budget and our specific requests. Sue will take care of all the details and make sure you have all you need for a great trip! We just showed up!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
Ah Sharon thank you so much!! A trip is a big investment with both the financial and memory bank :) So thrilled you had a great time and it checked the boxes. It's been a pleasure working with you and I thank you for entrusting two special family trips with me :)
Ah Sharon thank you so much!! A trip is a big investment with both the financial and memory bank :) So thrilled you had a great time and it checked the boxes. It's been a pleasure working with you and I thank you for entrusting two special family trips with me :)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Best Friends Trip
Reviewed By Taylor - Atlanta, Georgia | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
Sue provided us with some incredible accommodations on our trip around Croatia. The itinerary she provided took so much stress off traveling without a big group. There was never a point where Jeanne and I did not know what to do. I loved the tour that was booked for us to travel around the old towns in Montenegro. It was really incredible to get to see how these towns were still a key part of life even though there is no longer a need for such high walls for protection. Our favorite event was going on a boat to all the beautiful caves along the coast. The local captain even took us to some of his favorite secret spots!
When we visited split, upon restaurant recommendations we had a lovely meal before touring the roman ruins. It was breathtaking to see!
This trip felt so carefree with the help of Sue. She was always available when questions arose, which made the trip so much more enjoyable.
Thanks so much!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
Great trip with our family!
Reviewed By Steingrubers - Norcross GA | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
By far the best travel agent experience. We wanted to take a big trip with our teenage daughters and each person had a wish for the trip. Sue knew so much about our destination, the excursions, the lodging, everything. She was thoughtful in the planning and listened to what we wanted and needed. We had adventures in Guatemala and the jungles of Belize and then relaxed by the coast in Belize. Sue planned every bit and we wouldn't change one thing. I can't wait for her to plan our next big trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
11 of 23 people found this review helpful
Very well planned trip everything was taken care
Reviewed By Tony - Utah | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
It was really good she followed through on everything even while we were there when we ran into problems we texted her and she jumped right on getting the things fixed she was amazing to work with or use her again
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
Thanks Tony! Glad you had a good time and you felt well taken care of :) I look forward to planning your next trip!
Thanks Tony! Glad you had a good time and you felt well taken care of :) I look forward to planning your next trip!
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Incredible Safari Adventure;Planned to Perfection!
Reviewed By Eric M - Millburn, NJ | Traveled to Botswana ~ Africa
My buddy and I chose Sue for our African Safari trip without knowing anything about Southern Africa or Safaris in general. However, I am an avid traveler who has been around the world and has never used a travel consultant/agent before. I have previously have booked and organized all my past trips. I can confidently say that the planning, attention to detail, actual experience, care, and thought that went into this trip surpassed my expectations and anything I could have done. In addition, I know several others who have went on Safari, and I can confidently say, they did not get the same experience I did with Sue. Thanks so much
I will be using you again for travel !
Eric M. (NJ, USA)
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Sue Picken responded:
Thank you so much Eric! So glad you had a good experience from beginning to end! You have been a pleasure to work with and I look forward to planning your next exotic adventure! Your photos of your Botswana safari were exceptional - you have an incredible record of your safari experience that I hope you will look back on fondly! It was a pleasure - thank you for entrusting me with this bucket list trip!
Thank you so much Eric! So glad you had a good experience from beginning to end! You have been a pleasure to work with and I look forward to planning your next exotic adventure! Your photos of your Botswana safari were exceptional - you have an incredible record of your safari experience that I hope you will look back on fondly! It was a pleasure - thank you for entrusting me with this bucket list trip!
2 of 7 people found this review helpful