Kleon Howe

For over 25 years Kleon Howe has been involved in travel. For 11-1/2 of those 21 years Kleon sailed with his partner around the world on their yacht, “Rhiannon,” giving him an up-close and personal view of the cultures and destinations of the world. In 1996, after three years of working in corporate travel, Kleon created The Art of Travel. Since then he has enabled clients to travel to destinations they never dreamed possible. In 2008, Kleon created “Get Hitched Down Under” a destination wedding company for North American clients to be married in Australia.

Kleon has been awarded by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s “Top Travel Specialist” designation since 2003. Kleon is also a Premier Aussie Travel Specialist and has been awarded this position since 2009.

Kleon truly believes in forming long-term relationships with his clients with a strong emphasis on customer service. He also enjoys assisting his clients in the creative process of achieving their travel dreams and goals. Kleon is available to speak to groups as well as individuals about how to achieve their Travel Dreams. Kleon is also a specialist in arranging Honeymoon Travel, a type of travel that requires unique and special attention.

Susan Francis

Susan joined The Art of Travel in Spring, 2011. Prior to becoming a Travel Specialist, she attended San Diego State University and earned a degree in accounting. After having a successful career for 10 years, she began the journey of motherhood and had two children. What does accounting and motherhood have to do with a career in travel? A lot. “It’s what got me where I am today!” At the end of 2010, she decided to begin a new career. Bold move! “Impossible,” some would tell her. “But I knew this dream was not in my heart in vain. I held fast to my dream, and from the moment I met Kleon – I knew I wanted him to be my mentor. The words ‘travel’ and ‘Kleon’ are synonymous for me. His enthusiasm is undying and his knowledge is boundless. I took a leap of faith, and I am so glad I did!”

“A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are for.” ~John A. Shedd

Staci Tiras-Jones

Staci Tiras-Jones has over 15 years of in-depth experience planning special events. The majority of her experience stems from working for Starwood Hotels + Resorts at the hotel level, as well as being a part of the Management Team that opened the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Most recently Staci has been working as an Independent Wedding Coordinator for Bliss Events. She has also freelanced for other prestigious event companies.

Staci’s focus has always been helping her couples create a unique wedding experience. No two couples are the same, so how can two weddings be the same? By focusing on her clients’ likes, dislikes, personalities + personal style…she has been able to blend this information with her knowledge of the Wedding Industry, to create flawless Weddings for her clients.

Staci’s fascination with Australia began in the first grade where she first learned about Koalas, which quickly became (and is to this day) her favorite animal!! One of her lifelong dreams was to visit Australia and hold a koala (which she first did with her husband 6 years ago). It was then, when she got to see this gorgeous country first hand, that she truly fell in love with Australia.

Staci is so excited to be a part of the Get Hitched Down Under Team!! Getting to blend her love of Australia, Travel + creating unique weddings and events is a dream come true for Staci!