In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Jess Pavloff, Strategic Account Manager at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners to the breathtaking islands of the Maldives during a recent familiarization trip. From overwater bungalows to crystal-clear lagoons, Jess explores what makes this destination truly extraordinary.
Joined by travel advisors and hotel partners, the conversation highlights the trip’s unforgettable moments, along with surprising insights and hidden gems travelers may not know about the Maldives.
Hear firsthand from:
• Haseef Ahmed, Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives
• Joanna Johnsen, Fora Travel
• Daly Donnellan, Departure Lounge Travel
Get an insider’s perspective on one of the world’s most sought-after bucket-list destinations and gain valuable takeaways straight from the heart of the Maldives.
In this episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Julia Jakkaraju, Luxury Sales Director at Classic Vacations®, gives an insider’s look at Saint Lucia’s most captivating resorts. Discover what makes each property unique, Julia's heartfelt connections with the people of Saint Lucia, and why this island stays with you long after you leave.
Get insider insights on:
Whether you're a travel advisor eager to deepen your expertise or dreaming of a Caribbean escape, this conversation is packed with insider tips and island inspiration you won’t want to miss.
In this on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Vicky Chalkiadaki, Senior Product Development Manager for Europe, and Gabrielle Obligacion, Account Manager, Product Marketing, take listeners on a journey through Greece as they visit some of Classic Vacations®’ hotel partners.
From the iconic islands of Mykonos and Santorini to the historic heart of Athens, Vicky and Gabrielle sit down with top hospitality leaders to uncover what truly sets these properties apart.
Hear firsthand from:
• Anastasios Naoum, Commercial Director at Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts
• Rose Vernikou, Director of Sales at Domes Resorts
• Stavrini Filippou, Assistant Director of Sales at Electra Hotels
• Kalia Konstantinidou, Owner of Empiria Group
Whether planning a Greek itinerary or seeking to deepen product knowledge across Europe, this episode offers insider tips straight from the source.
In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Jess Pavloff, Luxury Sales Business Development Manager at Classic Vacations®, brings listeners along on a recent familiarization trip through Sicily and Rome. Joined by travel partners and local experts, Jess explores why Italy remains a top destination — and how Classic’s in-depth European expertise helps advisors craft unforgettable journeys.
Hear from:
• Winnie O'Keefe, Whimsie Luxury Travel
• Alessandro Longo, Product Development Manager, Europe at Classic Vacations
• Eloisa Bianchi, Six Senses Rome
• Giacomo, Tour Guide in Sicily
Get an inside look at one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations — with insights and inspiration straight from the heart of Italy.
In this on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Tisa Sanchez, Caribbean Product Manager at Classic Vacations®, transports listeners to the pristine shores of South Caicos in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Recorded during an exclusive familiarization trip, Tisa sits down with Michael Tibbetts, Chief Executive Officer and owner of the brand-new Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, for an inspiring conversation.
From vision to grand opening, discover how Salterra is setting a new standard in Caribbean luxury.
Tune in to hear about:
• What sets Salterra apart from other Caribbean resorts
• Incredible wildlife on and around South Caicos
• Why this property is the perfect fit for your clients’ next island escape
Get an inside look at one of the Caribbean’s newest luxury resorts — with valuable insights and inspiration straight from the shores of South Caicos.
Salterra will be available to book at classicvacations.com starting May 10, 2025.
In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners to the vibrant island of Curaçao during a recent FAM trip. Joined by Classic's hotel partners and travel advisors, Caroline dives into firsthand insights on what makes Curaçao a must-visit destination.
Hear from:
Whether you're a travel advisor looking to deepen your knowledge or simply dreaming of a Caribbean getaway, this conversation offers valuable takeaways and inspiration straight from the heart of the island.
In our latest episode, Yvette Broussard, Director of Product Development, and Danny Gomez Jr., Senior Manager of Training, dive deep into Classic Vacations’ Japan.
Discover the top places to stay, not-to-miss experiences, and expert travel tips for exploring this fascinating destination.
Travel Advisors can find information on hotels and packages by visiting Classic Vacations
Classic Vacations is excited to announce our newest destination, Africa! Join us on our latest podcast episode where Yvette Broussard, Director of Product Development, and Kyle Brock, Business Development Manager, dive deep into Classic's extraordinary Africa offerings. Discover thrilling itineraries, hear theirpersonal experiences, and pick up expert tips for exploring this captivating destination.
Tune in as Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, and Grace McBride, CEO of Lucia—a contractor marketplace for hospitality —delve into travel industry trends, the challenges facing travel industry entrepreneurs, and discuss how the collaboration between Classic Vacations and Lucia can contribute to the support and growth of your travel business.
To get started with Lucia, travel agencies that are registered with Classic Vacations CLICK HERE
If your travel agency is new to Classic, please download and complete the
Agency Registration forms found HERE
Book a Lucia demo
Have a question for Lucia? Email: hello@letslucia.com
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is a luxurious one-island-one-resort destination located on the North Malé Atoll which is known for its abundant marine life. The resort offers breathtaking overwater villas each with a dedicated lifestyle host for personalized service, fine dining, an award-winning spa, and so much more! Listen in as Kapil Mathur, Director of Sales, shares why his spectacular property is the perfect choice for discerning guests visiting Maldives.
Think you know Hawaii? Listen in as Deaner Snively, Sr. Account Executive, Marriott International, Hawaii shares his insider’s perspective on the amazing, unique experiences his properties and these beautiful islands have to offer.
France’s iconic Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes overlooks the city’s renowned La Croisette and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Listen in as Camille Trenda, Director of Sales North America, shares why her spectacular property is the perfect choice when visiting the French Riviera and the surrounding area.
For more information about this luxury hotel visit classicvacations.com
Listen in as Lynne Chomicz, Classic Vacations’ VP, Groups & New Business Strategy, discusses Classic Vacations’ popular E3 (Elite, Education, Experience.) An event of interactive education, collaboration, and exchange with highly engaged travel professionals that helps build confident and successful business owners.
Listen in as Leticia Del Rosario, Director of Leisure Accounts, gives an overview and update on the Meliá Hotels International brands in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, including the newest, Falcon’s Resort by Meliá, Punta Cana, an elevated all-inclusive “resortainment” experience.
Listen in as Emma Karnes, Business Development Manager, AIC Hotel Group gives an update on all five Hard Rock All-Inclusive Hotels and UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. You’ll learn what makes each property unique, which best suits your client’s needs, and so much more!
Highgate hotels in Hawaii offers amazing services and amenities for all types of travelers. Listen in as Shauna Nakamura, Area Director Leisure and Transient Sales, gives an overview of the outstanding features and exciting recent enhancements at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, and Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.
In this episode, Classic Vacations’ new CEO, Melissa Krueger, recipient of the 2022 Female Leaders Luminary Award, talks about the challenges of a female leader, what’s trending in travel executive circles, and shares her advice on how to build and advance business during these challenging times.
Winter is coming! Listen in as Tisa Lange, Classic Vacations’ Associate Product Development Manager, gives an overview of our newest product, SKI by Classic.
In this episode, Business Development Managers, Joseph Barney and Ray Benevides, meet with Pilar Arizmendi Stewart, VP of Sales & Marketing, The Americas, Palladium Hotel Group. Listen in as Pilar shares what makes Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels unique in the popular all-inclusive market.
Scottsdale may be known for its luxury resorts, plush spas, and amazing golf, but it’s equally popular for its fun events, variety of outdoor adventures, and immersive experiences. Listen in as Nicole Krekeler, Tourism Sales Manager, Experience Scottsdale, shares insider tips and tells us all about this desert gem that she calls home.
