Hello everyone, and welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat. Today, we are joined by Richard Lebowitz, who oversees a team at Forbes Travel Guide that aims to bring awareness to star-rated hotels across the global luxury travel advisor community.

Lebowitz is no newbie in the travel industry; he’s had over 30 years of experience in travel and hospitality, 25 of them with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in various leadership positions, including as Regional Vice President of Luxury Lifestyle and Leisure of North America for the global sales office.

He was also Senior Vice President of the Hotel and Resort Program at Signature Travel Network and, at the onset of the pandemic, he took a role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Sharecare, which is a digital health and wellness company. While at Sharecare, Lebowitz rolled out Verified with Forbes Travel Guide initiative, a health security verification program for the hotel and travel industry.

During this episode, you’ll hear about Forbes Travel Guide’s global rating system for luxury hotels, and the tools available to travel advisors who are sending their clients to these properties. We’ll also touch on The Forbes Travel Guide verification program for advisors. 

This episode is sponsored by All Inclusive By Marriott Bonvoy. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Forbes Travel Guide (For more information on award-winners, articles and more)

Travel Advisor Portal

support@forbestravelguide.com

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Hello everyone, and welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat. Today, we are joined by Richard Lebowitz, who oversees a team at <a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/">Forbes Travel Guide</a> that aims to bring awareness to star-rated hotels across the global luxury travel advisor community.
Lebowitz is no newbie in the travel industry; he’s had over 30 years of experience in travel and hospitality, 25 of them with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in various leadership positions, including as Regional Vice President of Luxury Lifestyle and Leisure of North America for the global sales office.
He was also Senior Vice President of the Hotel and Resort Program at <a href="https://www.sigtn.com/">Signature Travel Network</a> and, at the onset of the pandemic, he took a role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/">Sharecare</a>, which is a digital health and wellness company. While at Sharecare, Lebowitz rolled out Verified with Forbes Travel Guide <a href="https://about.sharecare.com/press-releases/forbes-travel-guide-and-sharecare-issue-worlds-first-health-security-verifications-to-29-hotels-and-resorts/">initiative</a>, a health security verification program for the hotel and travel industry.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Forbes Travel Guide’s global rating system for luxury hotels, and the tools available to travel advisors who are sending their clients to these properties. We’ll also touch on The Forbes Travel Guide verification program for advisors. 
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.marriott.com/">All Inclusive By Marriott Bonvoy</a>. 
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/">Forbes Travel Guide</a> (For more information on award-winners, articles and more)
<a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/travel-advisors-portal">Travel Advisor Portal</a>
<a href="mailto:support@forbestravelguide.com">support@forbestravelguide.com</a>  
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

Humans of Travel

TravelAge West&rsquo;s podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences &mdash; the highs and the lows &mdash; that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: All About Forbes Travel Guide, With Richard Lebowitz

Most members of the travel industry community know Samantha Brown as the host of PBS’ Samantha Brown's Places to Love, a long-running television show that allows viewers to tune in as Brown jets all over the world, showcasing some of the planet’s most fascinating destinations, communities and cultures.

During this episode of Humans of Travel, Brown reflects on her upbringing — her early relationship with travel, and how her interest in theater prepared her for a life in front of the screen. She’ll also share a memorable story about getting to her audition — and ultimately landing the role — for the Travel Channel’s Great Vacation Homes, and reflects on some of the most memorable moments from her career. Finally, listeners will hear about Brown’s focus on sustainability and human connection while traveling, and what she respects most about the travel advisor profession.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Samantha Brown's website

Samantha Brown on Instagram

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Most members of the travel industry community know <a href="https://samantha-brown.com/">Samantha Brown</a> as the host of PBS’ Samantha Brown's Places to Love, a long-running television show that allows viewers to tune in as Brown jets all over the world, showcasing some of the planet’s most fascinating destinations, communities and cultures.
During this episode of Humans of Travel, Brown reflects on her upbringing — her early relationship with travel, and how her interest in theater prepared her for a life in front of the screen. She’ll also share a memorable story about getting to her audition — and ultimately landing the role — for the Travel Channel’s Great Vacation Homes, and reflects on some of the most memorable moments from her career. Finally, listeners will hear about Brown’s focus on sustainability and human connection while traveling, and what she respects most about the travel advisor profession.
This episode is sponsored by the <a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://samantha-brown.com/">Samantha Brown's website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/samanthabrowntravels/?hl=en">Samantha Brown on Instagram</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Travel TV Host Samantha Brown on Top Career Highlights and the Importance of Human Connection

Hello everyone. And welcome to humans in the hot seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today, we're speaking with travel advisor Erica Carr, founder of BookitBox Travel and a member of Gifted Travel Network.

Carr has a unique business model and takes client gifting to the next level — we'll hear all about her creative approach to marketing, and her best piece of marketing advice for travel advisors who are hoping to set themselves apart from the crowd.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Hello everyone. And welcome to humans in the hot seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today, we're speaking with travel advisor Erica Carr, founder of <a href="https://bookitboxtravel.com/">BookitBox Travel</a> and a member of <a href="https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/">Gifted Travel Network</a>.
Carr has a unique business model and takes client gifting to the next level — we'll hear all about her creative approach to marketing, and her best piece of marketing advice for travel advisors who are hoping to set themselves apart from the crowd.
This episode was sponsored by the <a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: A New Approach to Client Gifting With Erica Carr

Hi everyone, it's Emma Weissman, the host of Humans of Travel from Travel Age West. We've decided to re release a few of our favorite Humans of Travel interviews on the weeks where we aren't dropping new episodes. And you're listening to one of those encore presentations right now.

In addition to being an author, a TedX speaker and a frequent media contributor, Sahara Rose De Vore is the founder of The Travel Coach Network (TCN).

Now, you may be wondering — what is a travel coach? What types of clients do they work with, and what’s the difference between a travel coach and a travel advisor, or a traditional travel agent?

In the latest episode of Humans of Travel, De Vore breaks down the specifics of her travel career. Travel coaches, like De Vore, help individuals or companies — such as tour operators, DMCs, travel agencies or corporate meeting planners — hone in on the psychology of travel, and how they can best alter their marketing or improve their company’s culture based on a human-centric approach, one that takes into account their consumers’ unique mindsets, fears, obstacles, professional goals and unique personal experiences. 

In addition to being a travel coach who focuses specifically on wellness, De Vore helps budding travel coaches develop their businesses through TCN and through her Travel Coach Certification Program, an accredited program from the International Coaching Federation. 

Listeners will also hear about De Vore’s own travel experiences, which include going solo to 84 countries across the world, and how she pushes herself out of her comfort zone while living with an anxiety disorder.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Travel Coach Network

De Vore on Instagram

The Travel Coach Network on Instagram

De Vore on Linkedin

De Vore on Facebook

The Travel Coach on Facebook

The Travel Coach Network Podcast

Free Beginner's Guide to Travel Coaching

Women Thrive Through Travel MasterFind Virtual Event 2023

INSIDE THIS EPISODE

2:30: Meet Sahara Rose De Vore, a wellness travel coach and the founder of The Travel Coach Network

3:00: What is a travel coach, and who would generally use them?

5:15: De Vore breaks down the differences between a travel coach and a travel advisor.

7:00: De Vore explains the significance of TCN’s accreditation from the International Coaching Federation.

9:25: De Vore shares the most common challenges that travel coaches have when beginning their businesses.

14:09: De Vore reflects on her childhood growing up with a single mom, and how she navigates her public-facing persona as an introvert who is living with anxiety.

18:50: De Vore talks about what it was like traveling solo to 84 countries.

24:00: De Vore speaks on why she hopes to reshape how people view travel.

29:30: As a wellness coach, what trends is De Vore seeing in the wellness space?

32:45: Weissmann asks De Vore a round of rapid-fire questions.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Hi everyone, it's Emma Weissman, the host of Humans of Travel from Travel Age West. We've decided to re release a few of our favorite Humans of Travel interviews on the weeks where we aren't dropping new episodes. And you're listening to one of those encore presentations right now.
In addition to being an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hey-You-Just-Countries-Designing-ebook/dp/B07PXXMFXJ?ref_=ast_author_mpb">author</a>, a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keVgLST6m3g&amp;ab_channel=TEDxTalks">TedX speaker </a>and a frequent media contributor, Sahara Rose De Vore is the founder of <a href="https://thetravelcoachnetwork.com/">The Travel Coach Network (TCN)</a>.
Now, you may be wondering — what is a travel coach? What types of clients do they work with, and what’s the difference between a travel coach and a travel advisor, or a traditional travel agent?
In the latest episode of Humans of Travel, De Vore breaks down the specifics of her travel career. Travel coaches, like De Vore, help individuals or companies — such as tour operators, DMCs, travel agencies or corporate meeting planners — hone in on the psychology of travel, and how they can best alter their marketing or improve their company’s culture based on a human-centric approach, one that takes into account their consumers’ unique mindsets, fears, obstacles, professional goals and unique personal experiences. 
In addition to being a travel coach who focuses specifically on wellness, De Vore helps budding travel coaches develop their businesses through TCN and through her Travel Coach Certification Program, an accredited program from the <a href="https://go.ipeccoaching.com/9-keys-start-a-business">International Coaching Federation</a>. 
Listeners will also hear about De Vore’s own travel experiences, which include going solo to 84 countries across the world, and how she pushes herself out of her comfort zone while living with an anxiety disorder.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://thetravelcoachnetwork.com/">The Travel Coach Network</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sahararosethetravelcoach/">De Vore on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetravelcoachnetwork/">The Travel Coach Network on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahara-rose-de-vore-4b8bb394/">De Vore on Linkedin</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaharaRoseTheTravelCoach/">De Vore on Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelcoachnetwork">The Travel Coach on Facebook</a>
<a href="https://anchor.fm/thetravelcoachnetwork">The Travel Coach Network Podcast</a>
<a href="https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/main-email-series-and-workbook">Free Beginner's Guide to Travel Coaching</a>
<a href="https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/wttt-2023">Women Thrive Through Travel MasterFind Virtual Event 2023</a>
<hr>
INSIDE THIS EPISODE
2:30: Meet Sahara Rose De Vore, a wellness travel coach and the founder of The Travel Coach Network
3:00: What is a travel coach, and who would generally use them?
5:15: De Vore breaks down the differences between a travel coach and a travel advisor.
7:00: De Vore explains the significance of TCN’s accreditation from the International Coaching Federation.
9:25: De Vore shares the most common challenges that travel coaches have when beginning their businesses.
14:09: De Vore reflects on her childhood growing up with a single mom, and how she navigates her public-facing persona as an introvert who is living with anxiety.
18:50: De Vore talks about what it was like traveling solo to 84 countries.
24:00: De Vore speaks on why she hopes to reshape how people view travel.
29:30: As a wellness coach, what trends is De Vore seeing in the wellness space?
32:45: Weissmann asks De Vore a round of rapid-fire questions.
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: All About Forbes Travel Guide, With Richard Lebowitz

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