What This Award Means to Me
Big news rarely arrives quietly.
It comes in a wave of emotion — equal parts disbelief, joy, and the sudden need to call the people who believed in you before any of this was real.
This is one of those moments.
Less than a year after launching Elite Globetrotters, I’m honored to share that the brand has received the 2025 LUXlife Global Excellence Award for Most Innovative Global Travel Content Platform.
It still feels surreal to type those words.
When Elite Globetrotters officially launched on January 1, 2025, it wasn’t the beginning of my journey — it was the moment I finally gave decades of travel, storytelling, and lived experience a name.
This award may have my name on it…
but its heartbeat belongs to the community that made it possible.
A Dream Built From Every Country, Every Story
Elite Globetrotters wasn’t created in a boardroom.
It was born in airports at midnight.
On ships crossing the Pacific.
On mountaintops in Patagonia.
At small cafés in Istanbul.
In conversations with travelers from every corner of the world.
It was built from my personal archives — the real stories, the lessons learned, the places that surprised me, and the journeys that shaped who I am.
After traveling to 150+ countries across all seven continents, travel became more than a passion. It became a way of thinking — a way of seeing the world with both wonder andpracticality.
I’ve always believed that luxury should feel personal, not pretentious.
Accessible, not intimidating.
Beautiful and useful.
Elite Globetrotters is the expression of that belief.
Why This Award Matters
Awards are never the goal — but they do validate the vision.
This recognition celebrates what makes Elite Globetrotters different:
A Platform, Not a Blog
Elite Globetrotters is an ecosystem — editorial storytelling, curated travel experiences, practical tools, destination inspiration, and a lifestyle shop — all designed to elevate the journey.
Luxury Meets Real Life
We believe luxury is the feeling of being cared for, prepared, and confident — not just a price point. We share the shortcuts, strategies, and “trust me on this” lessons real travelers need.
Elevated, Human Storytelling
Travel content is everywhere. But authenticity still stands out. We don’t just show beautiful places — we explain why they matter and how to experience them deeply.
Built From Experience
Behind the scenes are decades of global leadership, research, advising, and thousands of days on the road. That combination is rare — and powerful.
Receiving this award confirms what I’ve always believed:
travel can be beautiful and smart at the same time.
What This Award Means to Me Personally
People see the award — but not the path behind it.
• Leaving a long, successful corporate career to build something new
• Stepping into entrepreneurship when many people are slowing down
• Building a brand from scratch — strategy, content, platforms, SEO, digital tools, storefronts — one late night at a time
• Trusting that decades of experience still mattered
This award tells me the risk was worth it.
It tells me that originality matters.
That storytelling still matters.
That a woman in her next chapter can build something bold, global, and beautiful — and win.
💛 To the Community That Built This With Me
Some of you have followed my travels for decades.
Some of you found me this year and said, “I’m in. Let’s go.”
Some of you affectionately call me Hot2Go — because I’m always ready for the next adventure.
You’ve traveled the world with me through stories and photos.
You’ve trusted me with milestone and bucket-list journeys.
You’ve read The Edit with your morning coffee.
You’ve supported the shop, the ideas, and the vision.
This award is your award too.
Elite Globetrotters was built on community, connection, and shared curiosity — and I’m endlessly grateful.
What’s Next for Elite Globetrotters
This recognition isn’t an ending.
It’s a beginning.
Over the coming year, Elite Globetrotters will expand with:
• Curated global travel experiences
• The Elite Globetrotters Crown Collection — statement jewelry, accessories & treasures inspired by destinations
• JetSet community events
• More in-depth destination guides
• A fully expanded lifestyle editorial platform
• Digital tools that make travel planning easier
• Strategic partnerships with brands and retailers you love
Every piece serves one purpose:
to elevate your journey — in style, comfort, and joy.
A Toast to the Travelers
Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to share one more story, post one more video, and turn decades of travel into something others could use.
And to anyone reading this thinking, “Maybe I could do something bold too?”
The answer is yes.
Absolutely yes.
Elite Globetrotters is just getting started — and the best chapter is still ahead.
Let’s explore the world together.
With curiosity. With courage.
And with a whole lot of Hot2Go sparkle ✨
With gratitude and excitement,
Susan Badger
Founder & CEO, Elite Globetrotters