Susan Barone - Founder and President

Susan, the founder and President of InStyle Vacations, is always on the lookout for the next new travel trend, and it’s a mission that takes her to many destinations around the world. With an open mind and up to date research on market trends she looks for and assesses firstly, something unique in a hotel or destination; secondly, the experience it can bring to the clients; and lastly, the overall culture and diversity of the entire vacation providing memories of a lifetime. “Everyone wants to know where the next big destination will be and they want to be the first to experience it. Plan a family reunion, be pampered at a luxurious spa, plan a surprise romantic getaway with your own private beach, plan a picnic lunch in Paris, perhaps an African Safari…… There are many incredible opportunities with new places to be experienced.”

Susan loves the excitement of new places, making new friends and experiencing different cultures. She loves to get away from the tourist spots and learn about a destination from a local’s standpoint.

After returning from some time off to raise her children, Susan experienced first hand the change happening in the Travel Industry. “People were traveling with a purpose. Clients want an experience not just a vacation.” Susan had a vision to supply this growing demand in the Travel Industry and so, with much motivation and passion InStyle Vacations was born.

Susan has been in the Travel Industry since 1984 and during her career has worked for some of the largest, well known and respected Canadian Tour Operators. In these companies she gained a great deal of experience in many different capacities: Operations, Sales & Marketing, Product Training and Area Sales Manager. Susan also has a wealth of experience in the retail area of travel working as a full-time Senior Travel Specialist with Cianfarani Travel. During this time she was influential in growing the Honeymoon and Destination Wedding division for Cianfarani Travel and coordinated very successful information events, media events and tradeshows in collaboration with various Tourist Boards and Tour Companies/Hotels. Susan has been the recipient of many prestigious top sales awards from various luxury hotels and tour companies throughout her successful career.

Favourite destination: In the winter months it would be the islands of Turks and Caicos and Anguilla and in the spring/summer months, Italy, France and the Greek Islands.
Favourite food: I have a weakness for sweets and chocolate.
Next place to visit: I have on my radar to experience Argentina and Brazil.
Trapped on a desert island with…. Brad Pitt
Favourite Movie: Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy…
Life Philosophy: Sometimes in life you need to make mistakes in order to learn and move forward.
Something people would never guess about you: Between the ages of 13-16years I did photography and runway modeling.