“I don’t just plan trips—I live them. Every journey I share starts with one I’ve taken.”
Explore Our TripsThe Soul of Travel is Connection — I’m Susan Badger
At Elite Globetrotters, I believe the most unforgettable journeys begin with something deeper than a destination. They begin with connection—to new cultures, breathtaking places, unforgettable experiences, and the best version of ourselves.
That’s the spirit behind everything I do.
Hi, I’m Susan (a.k.a. Hot2go)
Adventurous. Inspiring. Unforgettable.
When people meet me, they quickly realize I’m not just a traveler—I live and breathe the power of discovery. In fact, I’ve had the nickname Hot2go for as long as I can remember. Why? Because I’m always ready for the next adventure, always up for something fun, and never afraid to say yes to the unknown.
I’ve explored more than 150 countries and set foot on all seven continents. I’ve trekked through the Amazon, walked on Antarctic ice, lounged on Balinese beaches, and danced through the streets of Rio—all with a camera in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.
At heart, I’m a storyteller and photographer. For the past 10 years, I’ve been documenting our travels through daily photo journals and personal reflections. Many of the images you see across Elite Globetrotters are real moments from our journeys—curated with love and intention. I’ve crafted these stories into a series of photo books that line the shelves of my home library. These albums are more than keepsakes—they’re my living travel guides, the inspiration behind the tips, insights, and stories I share with you.
I design every journey, hand-select every product, and pour my heart into every experience offered through Elite Globetrotters. Whether it’s a custom itinerary, a luxe travel accessory, or a curated cultural immersion, I’m all in—adding a signature blend of glam and grit to everything I do.
But my story didn’t begin on a glacier in Patagonia or a beach in Bali.
Before founding Elite Globetrotters, I spent decades as a global executive at IBM. I led large-scale marketing and transformation initiatives across continents, managing complex strategies for a global team. That experience sharpened my eye for detail, my love of big thinking, and my drive for excellence. When I stepped away from the boardroom, I didn’t slow down—I simply chose a new adventure. Now, I channel that experience into helping others travel smarter, lighter, and more beautifully.
What Travel Means to Me
My passion for travel is rooted in deep curiosity, purposeful exploration, and the belief that travel should transform us. Whether I’m sipping Malbec in Mendoza, sharing stories on a ship deck, or shopping with artisans in Madagascar, I approach every destination with openness and intention—and I invite my travelers to do the same. Travel, to me, is a lifestyle. A state of mind. A way of connecting—with the world, with others, and with ourselves.
A Life of Love and Legacy
Beyond travel, my greatest joy is my family. I’ve been married to the love of my life, David Badger, for 49 years. Together, we’ve raised two incredible children—Ramie Elkins and Brandon Badger—who, along with our four beautiful grandchildren, inspire me every day. Ramie now works alongside me at Elite Globetrotters, carrying forward our shared vision of meaningful connection, discovery, and heart-filled adventure.
Why Elite Globetrotters
Elite Globetrotters is more than a travel brand—it’s a reflection of how I see the world. Every itinerary is crafted with care. Every product is tested with love. Every recommendation comes from real experience.
Because when you travel with intention, you don’t just see the world—you feel it.
And when you feel it, you’re forever changed. Let’s explore—together.
