Know Zone Podcast

Classic Vacations
  • 4.6 (8)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This collection on a variety of travel topics features insights from professionals in the travel world, within Classic Vacations, and throughout the industry.

  1. FEB 11

    A Classic Conversation in Japan

    In this special in-destination episode of the Know Zone podcast, Jess Pavloff takes listeners along on a Classic Vacations® familiarization journey through Japan. Through conversations with Classic’s Japan destination expert, a hotel partner, and a travel advisor who experienced the FAM firsthand, the episode offers an on-the-ground look at one of travel’s most in-demand destinations. Named by travel advisors as one of the most anticipated destinations in Classic’s 2026 Luxury Travel Trends Report, Japan continues to top bucket lists worldwide. This episode explores what is driving demand and how advisors can confidently position Japan for their clients. Hear firsthand from: • Yvette Broussard, Director, New Product Development, Classic Vacations • Beatrice Wong Su-Yin, Sales Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto • Stacy E., Travel Advisor and FAM participant For travel advisors registered with Classic Vacations, additional learning is available through a live webinar or the on-demand recording of this Japan familiarization trip in the Know Zone within Classic Assist.

    10 min

  2. JAN 22

    A Classic Conversation at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos

    In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners behind the scenes of the Marketing team’s annual in-person meeting at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos. From destination insight shared by the resort’s General Manager to forward-looking conversations around travel trends, branding, and advisor-facing resources, the episode offers a well-rounded look at what is shaping travel marketing today. Hear from:   • Arturo Esponda, General Manager, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos • Quinn Embry, Senior Marketing Manager, Classic Vacations • Jill Martin, Graphic Designer & Creative Lead, Classic Vacations • Macey Cruz, Account Manager, Product Marketing, Classic Vacations • Gabrielle Obligacion, Account Manager, Product Marketing, Classic Vacations This episode delivers actionable marketing takeaways, destination perspective, and expert insight designed to support how travel professionals sell and promote travel.

    12 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    A Classic Conversation at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences

    In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, the Classic Vacations® Sales team invites listeners inside their team meeting at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia.  From behind-the-scenes insight into the Windjammer Landing resort experience to a closer look at what makes Saint Lucia such a compelling destination, the conversation explores the island’s appeal, the value of strong hotel partnerships, and how Classic supports travel advisors through expertise and strategic collaboration. Hear firsthand from:  • Arlien Dyer, Director of Sales and Marketing, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences  • Jess Pavloff, Strategic Account Manager, Classic Vacations  • Julia Jakkaraju, Director of National Accounts, Classic Vacations • Francisco Rello, Strategic Account Manager, Groups, Classic Vacations  • Marie Smith, Strategic Account Manager of Key Accounts, Classic Vacations • Christian Licea, Business Development Manager, Classic Vacations  Tune in for an on-the-ground perspective from the Sales team, along with valuable destination and resort insights that bring the island to life.

    23 min

  4. 10/24/2025

    A Classic Conversation at the Reservations Training Event

    In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, brings listeners to Las Vegas for Classic’s annual Reservations Training Event. Amid the energy of learning and connection, Caroline sits down with hotel partners from around the world to discuss what makes their properties truly exceptional. Hear from:  • Andrew Pike, Managing Director, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection • Ray Benevides, Fairmont Resorts Hawaii • Juan Vela, Chief Executive Officer, Velas Resorts • Garry Perotin, Complex Director of Leisure Sales, Conrad Punta de Mita & Hilton Los Cabos From personalized service to signature experiences that leave a lasting impression, this episode is packed with insights designed to expand travel advisors’ expertise and elevate how they present these standout luxury properties to their clients.

    20 min

  5. 08/26/2025

    A Classic Conversation in the Maldives

    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.

    5 min

  6. 08/14/2025

    A Classic Conversation about Saint Lucia

    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: Windjammer Landing Cap Maison Resort & SpaAnse Chastanet & Jade Mountain 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.

    14 min

  7. 07/29/2025

    A Classic Conversation in Greece

    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.

    13 min

  8. 06/25/2025

    A Classic Conversation in Italy

    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.

    6 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This collection on a variety of travel topics features insights from professionals in the travel world, within Classic Vacations, and throughout the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Classic Vacations
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Classic Vacations
  • Show Website
    Know Zone Podcast