Travel Agent Specialist of Hungary

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Susan Joo, Travel Agent in Sarasota, FL

Susan Joo

Sarasota, FL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Susan Joo

Sarasota, FL · 20 Years of Experience

Global Travel, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(22)
100% Recommended
That was our second time using Susan's service. She is such a pleasure to work with. We take her recommendation, because we trust her. At the... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Budapest, Heviz, Visegrad, Eger, Szentendre

Interests:

Family Vacations, Arts & Culture, Christmas Markets, River Cruises, Wellness

Suppliers:

Europe Express, Four Seasons, Viking, Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group

About Me

A slice of  Budapest
A slice of Budapest

This is my Hungary - a country of stories, landscapes, and experiences I’m proud to share.

Hungary, the country I grew up at, lies in the heart of Europe, it’s a land where history, art, culture, nature and hospitality come together in a way few destinations can match. Hungary maybe compact in size, but it offers an extraordinary richness of experiences, shaped by more than a thousand years of history and an enduring spirit that is distinctly its own.

Please come with me as I will showcase beautiful Budapest, that is often called the “Paris of the East”. Divided by the Danube into historic Buda and vibrant Pest, the city is a masterpiece of architecture and atmosphere. From the grandeur of the Parliament and St.Stephen’s basilica to the medieval streets of Castle Hill, and Fisherman Castle, the inviting Heroes Square, the Hungarian National Museum, or the marvelous Opera House, Budapest tells its story at every turn.

I have one to tell that one of my customers shared with me visiting Budapest. She marveled at one building‘s stunning tile roof and asked a local what building it was. They told her that it’s the Post office building. She said with amusement that in Budapest even a regular office building looks amazing. As we walk along the Danube people-watching or sit on the terrace of one of the stylish Cafes enjoying cappuccino with Hungarian pastry and being part of the vibrant daily life, it’s not unusual to hear live music nearby or an artist offering to draw a quick comic portrait that one can take home to cherish. I think what truly sets Budapest apart from other big cities, however, is its unique bathing culture. Built on a network of natural thermal springs, the city is home to legendary baths such as my favorite Szechenyi Thermal Bath, Gellert or 500 years old Turkish bath. I surely recommend visiting the luxurious Szechenyi Thermal Bath and taking advantage of its medicinal treatments, massages, and also consuming bottled water rich in minerals.

These healing waters extend far beyond the capital, appearing throughout the country in spa towns and countryside retreats, offering rest, wellness, and balance wherever we go. Beyond Budapest, Hungary opens to a landscape rich with history taking us back to the era of Royal Kings. In Esztergom, we stand at the spiritual heart of the nation, gazing over the Danube from the country’s largest basilica. In Visegrad climbing to the citadel rewards us with sweeping views of the famous river bend. Certain times of the year there are “Medieval games” and outdoor shows entertain locals and tourists. I enjoyed these times with my children and exploring nature and history seamlessly. Let me take you to my other favorite city, Eger, to its baroque streets to lead us to a castle and historic ruins, that was profusely preserved just as it stood when the Ottoman Empire conquered the Kingdom of Hungary. Lovely narrow streets lead to thermal baths, and wine cellars where we taste the bold Egri Bikaver (Bulls blood), a wine deeply connected to local identity. We can travel to more charming places such as Lillafured with its fairytale hotel and thermal bath and explore the forests with storyteller waterfalls, unique cave baths, take a horse-riding tour or other adventure that will surely be remembered forever. Further south in Hungary, Pecs offers a different rhythm, shaped by Roman remains, Ottoman heritage, Turkish Temple, and Minarets through a lively contemporary arts scene, showing the many cultures that have influenced Hungary over the centuries. I can’t leave out scenes of my beloved Lake Balaton where I spent unforgettable times camping, or with my family on bicycle-rides around the Lake, wine-tasting and authentic Hungarian Festivals in Badacsony or Balatonfured just to name a few of many charming small towns and villages near Balaton. Growing up in Hungary, no summer was spent without visiting, camping at Lake Balaton. Those summers gave me endless stories and wonderful memories. Besides vineyards around Lake Balaton, I want to take you across the countryside, where historic wine regions invite us to slow down and taste tradition-from the world-famous sweet wines of Tokaj to the expressive reds of Eger. Hungary can pride itself with many award-winning wines. My all-time favorite is Tokaji Aszu, which is a sweet dessert wine and distinctively called, “wine of the kings, king of the wines”.

Hungary truly offers something for every traveler. Art and architecture lovers discover Roman ruins, medieval towns, Baroque Churches, and Art Nouveau masterpieces. Adventure seekers can hike, cycle, sail, and explore hidden caves, or test their strength in adventure parks. Those seeking relaxation can find Renaissance Chateaus transformed into wellness paradises. For me, Hungary is not just a destination - it is a living story I am proud to walk and share.

My goal is for travelers to leave not only having seen beautiful places but having truly felt the soul of the country.

Additional Languages
German,
Hungarian

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
22 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 22 reviews

Fantastic trip
Reviewed By Bella - Miami, FL | Traveled to Belize | Central America
That was our second time using Susan's service. She is such a pleasure to work with. We take her recommendation, because we trust her. At the beginning she ask lots of questions, that's how she knows what kind of travelers we are, our hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes. She takes care of our budget too, never pushes our limit just to sell. That is a big concern for us (these days everyone wants to sell sell sell, that can be very annoying.) Not with Susan. She respects our request, and we really appreciate it. Our travel was fantastic, we enjoyed every moment. That's the reason we keep coming back to Susan knowing we don't have to worry, only focus on to have the best time. We kindly recommend her to our friends, family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Here we come Nashville, TN
Reviewed By Yee haw - Lakewood Ranch, FL | Traveled to Nashville | Tennessee | USA
One that loves country music must go to Nashville. Right? So thankful to Susan that dream became a reality. Susan planned for me every logistics, recommendations to must see, must go places, and booked me to the luxurious Gaylord Opryland Resort. Yee-haw! I love the fact, that Susan is very professional and knows exactly her customer's needs and she delivers it. I would not work with anyone else, when it comes to travel, and have a stress free, fun filled time. I keep recommending her to my family and friends.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Last minute weekend getaway
Reviewed By FunnyChef - Naples | Traveled to Marathon | Florida | USA
I use Susan's service for awhile, because she always finds great deals, last minute vacation and she is only a phone call away. Requesting a trip with such short time energizes her, because she is so passionate about sending her clients to a wonderful vacation, short or longer time. She is pleasure to talk with, very reliable and knowledgeable. I called her up to find me something exciting, also relaxing ( if I wanted to) for a quick weekend getaway. She had some idea, we decided to go to one of the Florida keys best Resort and Spa. Susan jumped in to book a garden room with private patio (knowing that I may bring my girlfriend), ordered a bottle of Champagne and sweet bites to our room. It was such a nice touch from her. Needless to say we had an amazing, unforgettable weekend. Thanks again Susan! As always I recommend her service to everyone I come contact with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Best family trip in Disney
Reviewed By EvaZnB - Easton, PA | Traveled to Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
I called Susan to help me with a trip to Orlando, since she lives in Florida not far from Orlando. I expected she knows the whole area, specifically Walt Disney World, what was dream of my five years old little son. After the initial phone call Susan started to plan our vacation. She suggested a few resorts keeping in mind that our son loves water, so the resorts must have nice pool area, more pools are the better. Distance to the Magic and Animal Kingdom from the Resort should be just a short shuttle ride, since we didn't want to rent a car. Susan carefully paid attention to our request, helped with all the small details and gave recommendation, and useful tips how to make our vacation more fun less stress. She was very professional really knowing her craft. We had an exhaustingly good time in Orlando, trip that we never will forget. Many thanks to Susan! We highly recommend her and will book our next trip with her too.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Surprise birthday trip
Reviewed By TravelAgentFan - Poughkeepsie, NY | Traveled to Miami | Florida | USA
Loved working with Susan for my wife's surprise birthday trip. Susan is a gem in the travel business. She knows how to deliver a fun-filled trip, where every little details are taken care of. Susan have been very approachable and knows her stuff. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my travel needs but her. Highly recommended to my family, friends, neighbors.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
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