Say Yes To Travel

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.

Episodes

Streamlining the Process Behind Solving Lost and Found Issues

Streamlining the Process Behind Solving Lost and Found Issues

Steve Sinclair appeared on “Say Yes to Travel” to discuss with host Sarah Dandashy an aspect of traveling that many people might not consider: lost and found. Everyone has had to deal with losing something somewhere at some point while on a trip, and Sinclair’s company, Bounte, helps reunite people with lost… well, bounty….

Why the Cruise Industry Requires a Unique Customer Service Model

Why the Cruise Industry Requires a Unique Customer Service Model

The cruise industry was always a favorite for travelers, and it’s finally resurging after the pandemic. What does this new cruise experience look like, and what are guests now expecting? To answer this, Say Yes to Travel host Sarah Dandashy spoke with Paul Rutter. Rutter is a customer service expert, author, speaker, and spent 40…

A Historic Marina Reopens After A Major Renovation

A Historic Marina Reopens After A Major Renovation

On November 1, 2021, Palm Beach opened its newly renovated Town Marina. Say Yes to Travel host Sarah Dandashy chatted with Assistant Town Manager Carolyn Stone and dockmaster Mike Horn to explore this exciting project. The dock, originally from the 1940s, was at the end of its life. As the only public marina on the…

Coaching Hospitality Leaders to Develop Sustainable Energy

Coaching Hospitality Leaders to Develop Sustainable Energy

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Being a leader in any industry is challenging. It can be even more so in the hospitality sector because of the pressure…

Hot Travel Trends

For The Love of Travel Is Trying to Change How You Travel

The passion for travel can inspire more than just memories—it can also become a successful career. That’s the story of Tara Cappel, Founder and CEO of For the Love of (FTLO) Travel and Sojrn. She joined host Sarah Dandashy on Say Yes to Travel to talk about travel trends and her launch of Sojrn. “Travel has always been…

Adding Flexibility to an Archaic Real Estate Landscape

On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, Host Sarah Dandashy talked with Jason Fudin, Co-Founder and CEO of WhyHotel, a hospitality platform, and operator focusing on multifamily buildings. It operates pop-up hotels out of the vacancy of newly built luxury apartments during the initial lease-up process. They talked about Fudin’s career, his time…

Leadership in the Hospitality Space and Importance of a Social Media Community

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   With so much change in the hospitality industry, many stakeholders are seeking new ideas, inspiration, and solving challenges. Hotel owner, operator and…

How to Support the Hospitality Workforce

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Will hospitality ever be the same? Should it be? What has the industry and world learned since the pandemic? These are some…

Will Blockchain Shift The Power In The Home-Sharing Economy?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   We are entering into a new era of travel, and it’s interesting to see how it’s shifting. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the…

Will Private Flights Chip Away at the First Class Market?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Flying private was once inaccessible to most, but the industry has changed, boasting flexibility and convenience for work and leisure. A…

Are European Hotels Ready to Welcome Back US Travelers?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   European travel is opening back up, and as travelers head to some of their favorite destinations, Paris will most certainly be on…

How a Travel Tech Startup is Solving the Luggage Storage Problem Through Crowdsourcing

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Traveling is one of the most rewarding endeavors, but it is also one of the most challenging. One hurdle is storing things…

Is Geofencing Hospitality’s Answer To Rising Costs And Safety Concerns?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   While travel slowed the past year, innovation and technology in the travel space hit hyper-speed, as founders and innovators used the time…

Is Travel Booking via Crypto Feasible?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, Host Sarah Dandashy talked with Juan Otero, Co-Founder, and CEO of Travala, a leading…

Humor’s Role in the Travel Show Genre

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, I talk to Andrew Lock, the Founder and Host of The Travel Pro Show,…

How One Hospitality Startup Ran with On-Demand Lessons Learned from AirBnB

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   While travel slowed during the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is poised to break some records in 2021. But, while passengers stayed at home,…

Travel Boom Promises a Summer of Sandy Beaches

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, I talk to Randall Kaplan, Founder, and CEO, of Sandee, considered The Yelp of…

Get the Message to Guests: Your Properties are Safe and Sound

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, host Sarah Dandashy sits down with Hermann Elger, the executive vice president of travel,…

How to Travel Safe but with Style

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   After a difficult year in tourism, travel is recovering. While safety is still top of mind, the experience of luxury travel is…

What Does Pent Up Demand Mean for International Events?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   With the pandemic putting a lid on traveling over the past year, it’s no wonder that consumers are ready to hit the…

The New Rules When On the Road

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   The past year has undoubtedly been challenging for the travel industry. But, as more people get vaccinated, things are starting to open…

The Growing Market of Solutions Supporting Hospitality’s Comeback

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences. On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, I talk to Dr. Geoff Trenkle and Lauren Trenkle, PA MPH. I have been interviewing…

As Hotel Bookings Ramps Up, How are Properties Attracting Talent?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, I talk to Adam Bussell, the General Manager of The LINE In Austin. I…

Is Your Hotel Operation Ready For A Travel Surge?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Falling in love with hospitality is what leads many into the field. Those that find that true connection often go on to…

Inspiring Hospitality Leaders By Supporting Guests

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies, and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Is it possible to improve and enhance the guest experience during a pandemic? Yes, with the right mindset and creativity. Talking about this subject…

Wellness’s Evolving Role in Travel

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies, and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Say Yes to Travel looks at the topic of wellness in travel and its new place in the industry’s evolution. Joining host Sarah Dandashy…

Hospitality Is Heating Up as Travel Begins to Return

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies, and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Say Yes to Travel features a special guest, Mr. Scott Eddy. Host Sarah Dandashy excitedly welcomed her friend and hospitality expert, influencer, and entrepreneur…

Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Traditional Hospitality

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   In 2021, most people expect to engage with technology. So why are some processes stuck in the past? That’s been true for…

Empowering Women to Pursue Hospitality Leadership Roles

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Women have long been part of the hospitality world, and their role and leadership are critical to the industry. In honor of…

Easing Burnout for Hospitality Employees by Prioritizing Self-Care

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies, and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Say Yes to Travel goes inside the world of hospitality, offering different voices and stories across the industry. While topics often focus on the…

Evolving Private Transportation for a Brighter Future

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies, and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Say Yes to Travel brings its audience perspectives from all voices in the hospitality industry. This episode’s topic is private transportation, and…

Why Every Hotel Leader Needs to be a Financial Leader

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   The financial side of hospitality isn’t as sexy as other parts, but it is, of course, what determines success. In the hotel…

Touchless Travel: Have Our Travel Behaviors Changed Permanently?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   While most suitcases didn’t make it out of the closet in 2020, there’s optimism at the next stop in the travel industry….

How Resorts Will Return to Being Premier Destinations in 2021

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Hospitality has proven itself as one of the most resilient industries in the last year. The challenges have been massive, but many…

Why Cruise Lines Are Delaying Rolling Out Entire Fleets

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   The cruise industry has a devoted following, but the pandemic has kept most ships at port. As travel begins to…

How the “Train Effect” Developed from Travel Restrictions

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Last year, the travel industry experienced disruptions like never before due to COVID-19. This trillion-dollar global industry was more than…

Human Connection Will Always Be at the Center of Hospitality

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Bashar Wali is the quintessential hotelier with a long history in the hotel industry. He is the CEO and Founder…

Why the Gift of Travel is a Great Way to End 2020

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   If you were still trying to figure out what gift to give this holiday season, consider giving the gift of…

The Renaissance of Travel and the Future of the Concierge Profession

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Without a doubt, the hospitality industry is in an evolutionary state of sweeping change. While many in the sector are seeing transformations…

Is the Future of the Hotel Industry in the Hands of Luxury Leisure Travelers?

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Today’s episode is a “can’t be missed” for hoteliers. Chris Hartley, CEO of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), shared not…

How an Elite Destination is Preparing for a New Year

Driven by consumer desires for new experiences, innovative technologies and environmental impacts – travel is changing. Host Sarah Dandashy explores the technologies and logistics that power travel and the brands that build unforgettable experiences.   Although Monaco is the second smallest independent state on the planet, it’s conversely the second most densely populated nation as…

Taking On Location Independence Coaching During the Pandemic

The pandemic has changed the way we work in a number of ways, but one of the biggest impacts we have seen is the large number of people who have shifted from working in an office to working from home. The plus side of this is that people are not just relegated to their…

Bringing a New Standard of Clean to Travel

In today’s podcast, I got to speak with Gonzalo Escorial, Global Key Account Manager in Travel and Tourism for SGS. SGS has been around for nearly 140 years, specializing in inspection, verification, testing and certification across many fields. This year, the company launched its Cleaning and Disinfection Verification Service, designed to bring a new level…

Giving a Voice to Boutique Hotels

If you are in the world of boutique hotels, you know Frances and Ariela Kiradjian, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) and Stay Boutique. Frances, with over 25 years of hospitality and travel experience, created BLLA to help give a voice to independent, upscale hotel properties and offer them…

The Role of Social Equity in Travel

Inherently counter-intuitive to the open-mindedness associated with travel, many have been a little surprised when the curtain has been pulled to the side to reveal that the travel industry has a good amount of work to dow hen it comes to systemic racism. In today’s interview, Brittany Noelle, the founder of Black Women Travels,…

Is There Still Space for Luxury Travel in 2020?

A few weeks back, I was able to have a staycation near my mother’s home in Eastern Pennsylvania, and I got to experience the Four Seasons Philadelphia at the Comcast Center. We stayed with their Views and Valet Package, and it was truly an exceptional experience. Not only considering today’s circumstances, but simply because the…

How A Hotel Chain is Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Service

On this episode of Say Yes to Travel, host Sarah Dandashy sat down with Will Seggos, Technology and Digital Strategy Director for View Hotels and noted hospitality consultant. Seggos joined the team at View Hotels last year, bringing a fresh perspective and a long history in working in technology to the start of a rebrand….

When Will International Travel Return?

No one thought back in March, when travel bans first went into effect, that we would still be here seven months later. The unfortunate thing is that many are questioning if there is an end in sight. A few factors, from a “second wave” of COVID-19 sweeping through Europe to a politically disruptive presidential campaign…

How Education is Driving Travelers to Hotels

Amy Draheim, Podcast Host and Hospitality Marketing Consultant, joined us for today’s episode. It was exciting to sit down with Draheim and explore both her long history in Hospitality Marketing and the remarkable way she managed to pivot during the pandemic. Naturally, as the pandemic hit, many hotels ended up seeing plummeting numbers. Marketing budgets…

Is It too Early to Think About Holiday Travel?

In late September, we saw through a series of studies that people were still very eager to travel. But, as the fourth quarter of 2020 kicks off and we start winding toward the holidays, will that trend continue? Is it too early to think about holiday travel? Not entirely. So far, a survey by research…

What Hotel Markets are Currently Seeing the Most Revenue Success?

On this week’s episode of Say Yes to Travel, we got to sit down with Jonathan Capps, Vice President of Revenue, and Gavin Royster, Director of Development, at Charlestowne Hotels. They provided some great insight regarding revenue and development strategies both in the current climate and as we move past this unprecedented period into a…

Will the Summer Travel Season Stretch into the Fall?

It is an interesting time in travel. We are shifting from summer into fall, and, with that, there are many trends and campaigns happening. Before diving into the trends, let’s take stock of where we are now. Labor Day weekend proved to be very interesting and very successful, at least in 2020 terms. The…

What International Travel is Like in the Age of COVID-19

In this week’s episode of Say Yes to Travel, I got to sit down with my aunt while traveling to the East Coast to visit family. She’s an American, though she lives in Porto, Portugal, and I figured she would have an interesting perspective not only regarding what the start of the pandemic was like…

What International Travel Currently Looks Like

I’m fresh off my first “real” pandemic trip. I took a road trip to Sedona a month ago, but this trip included not only my first flight, but an international flight and a six-day trip. Let’s explore how it went! The Airport Experience LAX was about 25% full. Most restaurants were closed. Social distancing…

Closing the Gap Between Hotels and Social Media Strategy

Welcoming back Calvin Tilokee, the brain behind the famous Instagram page RevParblems. The last time we had him on, Calvin shared with us the affects the pandemic has had on the hotel industry. Since then, Calvin has now started his own social media management company Revpar Media. Calvin has spent his 2020 quarantine immersing…

What Travel Currently Looks Like

With so many international travel restrictions still in place, and so many of us itching it get out of our living rooms, people are looking to hit the road. Polls have found that destinations within 300 miles seems to be the comfort zone of most Americans—indicating this could be the summer of road trips….

Concierges Around the World: Los Angeles Concierge Association

Typically, summer months bring lots of travelers to the sunny shores of California. 2020’s guest list looks slightly different, as the coronavirus continues to be a global health crisis. Concierge Timothy DeRodeff, who is also vice president of the Los Angeles Concierge Association, shares his story about the shutdown and getting back to work….

As the world has been swept up in the madness of the pandemic, one of the industries that has been it the hardest has been the cruise industry. Many travelers have had their attention on flights and hotels, but avid cruisers are eagerly awaiting for the green light to cruise again. Powered by RedCircle In…

This week on Say Yes To Travel, Sarah Dandashy sits down with John Dekker, one of the best Travel Agents she knows. He was a guest on this podcast back in April–he is so knowledgeable, Sarah figured it would be great to have him on again. As the pandemic is still in full swing three…

We have all heard the news by now. The EU has issued a ban on travelers from The United States, Brazil, and Russia.  But more than missing out on your summer gelato fix, what does this really mean? Powered by RedCircle   As of July 1, European nations have opened their borders to residents of…

Spain, as we have seen, was one of the countries that was hit the hardest from the pandemic. In today’s episode, Sarah chatted with a concierge friend Klaus Heldt. Klaus is the Concierge Supervisor at the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona. This hotel is stunning. And only 120 rooms, it was at one point the most…

Concierges Around the World: The First Female Les Clefs d’Or Concierge

Holly Stiel is a Concierge legend in both the United States as well as Internationally. A speaker, author, hospitality consultant, and service educator, Holly truly embodies the spirit of service. even the name of her company says it all–Thank You Very Much Inc. As she has always said, she is in the Thank You business….

Powered by RedCircle As Americans, we only hear limited information on how the pandemic is affecting the rest of the world. We see numbers in the news. And some places don’t even appear in the news all that much–Russia, for example. “What has been so interesting about the pandemic is that has removed us from…

Speaking with Concierges Around the World: Say Yes To Travel

Over the next few weeks on Say Yes To Travel, I will be interviewing a series of concierge from around the world. The goal is to shed some light on what travel recovery is looking like from an operations standpoint and from those individuals on the ground. Don Mooney is the Head Concierge at…

5 Ways The Restaurant Experience Will Change: Say Yes To Travel

Dining Out is such an important part of tourism and it would be remiss of me to not cover it. After all, restaurant recommendations are a concierge’s number 1 request. Although many details are still being sorted out, ultimately, when it comes to dining, restaurants and guests are going to have to use their…

The State of the Travel Industry Amid Volatility: Say Yes To Travel

We have seen Delta, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Royal Caribbean, Four Seasons, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson, Hyatt, Hilton, Best Western, Salamander Hotels and others share messages during the latest nationwide protests. However, few are speaking out publicly, as CEOs of other major brands have chosen to address their companies internally. I’ve had a few people…

7 Best Practices for Post-COVID Traveling: Say Yes To Travel

This week on Say Yes To Travel, Sarah Dandashy gives her tips for travel NOW as well as Post-Pandemic. When sharing these tips, it became really obvious, that the tips that apply to travel now are really best practices that you can apply moving forward. Stay Informed Do not panic. Stay informed and be…

Domestic Trips Will Save The Travel Industry: Say Yes To Travel

I personally love studying numbers and trends. And right now with the travel industry being so bleak, it is a hard time. Which is why I’ve chosen to dive in deep into studying trends and looking at stats and facts. It’s in these figures that I really think we can have a better understanding…

The End of Hotels as We Knew Them: Say Yes to Travel

So often we hear about the travel industry from corporate executives and analysts, but it is important to hear the story of those working on the “front lines” of the travel industry. Today we sat down with April Blackwell, an Assistant Front Office at a a top hotel in Los Angeles, who shared some…

Examining the Future of Travel and Staying Healthy: Say Yes To Travel

Sitting down with 15-year cancer survivor and author, Sara Quiriconi, share shares with us the importance of health. An avid traveler as well, Sara has mastered the art of keeping health and wellness a priority while traveling. Now more than ever her advice is resonating with those look to make the shift to a…

Evaluating the Healthcare Capacity of America’s Largest Travel Destinations : Say Yes To Travel

Alex Bittner is a certified Physician’s Assistant and the President & Assistant Medical Director of AM~PM DOC. He has worked with clients from all over the world in numerous hotels as an on-call house doctor. They have been offering five star medical service for years, working with the top hotels as well as high-profile…

Staying Ready to be Ready For You to Travel: Say Yes To Travel

It’s no question that the airline industry has been hit hard due to the corona virus pandemic. With the industry coming to a near standstill, what is it like for those still working? Host Sarah Dandashy got to chat with Captain Ryan Hunter, a pilot with United Airlines. Having been a pilot with the…

Will COVID-19 Affect Travel Demand Post-Pandemic?: Say Yes To Travel

John Dekker is the one of the best Travel Agents I know. He’s been in the game for over 20 years with his company, but has worked for airlines, created model airplanes, and grew up with a father in the travel biz. He knows everything about travel! With over 30 years of experience in…

How the Airline Industry Will Return to Normal: Say Yes To Travel

On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, host Sarah Dandashy sat down with Chris Faver, an operations manager at a major airline based out of San Diego, to break down what they are seeing in the airline industry amid the coronavirus pandemic. Numbers are down over 70%. This is a very eerie time, as the whole…

With No End to the Pandemic in Sight What Can Hotels Expect?: Say Yes To Travel

On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, host Sarah Dandashy sat down with Calvin Tilokee, the Director of Revenue Management at a 5 star boutique hotel in New York City to discuss the current state of the hotel industry. Numbers are down everywhere, but major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have been hit…

With the Hotel Industry at a Standstill, What is Next?: Say Yes To Travel

On this episode of Say Yes To Travel, host Sarah Dandashy doesn’t want to just discuss the effects of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry; she wants to help give voices to other people in the industry. The hospitality industry has become ravaged, coming to a complete standstill until the spread of the virus is contained….

Spring Break Travel in 2020: Say Yes To Travel

Spring break season is here. Say Yes to Travel’s expert host Sarah Dandashy shared what trends to expect for spring break 2020 as well as a few tips for enjoying spring break as a working adult. Despite a climate of political and health-related fear globally, air travel rates are currently up for 2020. Dandashy…

Say Yes To Travel: Redefining Luxury Travel

For those looking for a luxury travel experience, what has changed over the past 5 to 10 years? Say Yes to Travel’s host and expert, Sarah Dandashy weighed in on what’s changed with luxury travel, and why the changes excite her. “When thinking about luxury, especially luxury hospitality, a lot has changed,” said Dandashy….

The Rise of Microcations: Say Yes To Travel

In this episode of Say Yes to Travel, Sarah Dandashy, Hospitality Concierge extraordinaire, discusses the rise of the ‘micro-cation’. A micro-cation is a term coined by Allianz Travel Insurance, and is defined as a leisure trip lasting fewer than 5 nights. For over a decade, Allianz has compiled their Vacation Confidence Index, surveying travelers…

8 Travel Trends for 2020: Say Yes To Travel

This week, on “Say Yes to Travel,” host Sarah Dandashy shares about a recent Forbes article outlining 8 travel trends to expect in 2020. Working in the travel and hospitality industry, Dandashy shares her views as a professional as well as a traveler. Which travel trends will excite you most? Among the trends discussed, a…

As Coronavirus Spreads, Travel Takes a Pause: Say Yes To Travel

In this week’s episode of “Say Yes to Travel,” host Sarah Dandashy talks about the coronavirus and its staggering impact on travel. Viruses and infectious are nothing new, and we’ve seen before other illnesses impact tourism, including SARS. However, coronavirus is somewhat unique. While it’s not been as deadly as SARS, it’s much more…

Say Yes To Travel: Keep Your 2020 Travel Resolutions

Welcome to the first episode of Say Yes to Travel, hosted by award-winning concierge and travel expert, Sarah Dandashy. Sarah will be exploring all things travel, including trends and what makes the industry tick. Today’s show focuses on tips to ensure you keep your 2020 travel resolutions. Sarah shares that travel is on the…