In this episode we speak with Barbara Khan of Journeys by the Book, a Global Travel Collection affiliate, about her journey from retail and hospitality into travel advising, why Europe became her specialty, and how she designs deeply personal trips for clients who want more than just a standard itinerary.

Barbara shares how the pandemic prompted her move to a larger host agency with more support, training, and supplier access - a change that reignited her passion for the work.

She also explains the kinds of travelers she serves best: experienced clients who value quality, time, culture, and memorable experiences.

Chapters:

• 0:00 — Intro and guest welcome
• 2:53 — Barbara’s background in travel and move into Europe-focused leisure planning
• 10:31 — Who Barbara’s clients are
• 13:23 — A memorable Scandinavian foodie itinerary
• 19:32 — A Central Europe trip through Budapest, Vienna, Czechia, and Prague
• 22:48 — How traveler demand has changed
• 26:19 — How suppliers can get Barbara’s attention
• 29:10 — Italy, Florence, and her favorite hotel, La Gemma
• 31:28 — Portugal’s thermal wellness destinations
• 33:22 — Book-inspired and historical-fiction travel ideas
• 36:44 — Favorite cruise lines and smaller-ship cruising
• 38:36 — Favorite city: Rome
• 40:19 — Barbara’s perfect vacation
• 42:02 — How to connect with Barbara
• 43:11 — Closing remarks

In this episode, Katya Bauval, the Corporate Commercial Executive Director of Vila Vita Parc in Portugal, shares the story behind one of Europe’s most distinctive resort destinations.

Katya explains how the property has grown from a 60-room hotel into a wider collection of luxury villas, vineyards, and estates. She also discusses shifting travel demand, the rise of the U.S. market, and why authenticity, provenance, and private-use experiences matter more than ever.

Key Topics:

• Katya Bauval’s background across the UK, US, France, Portugal, and luxury hospitality brands including Starwood and Belmond
• How Villa Vita Parc began in 1992 as a clifftop resort in Porches, Algarve, and expanded over three decades
• Why the property describes itself as more of a “resort village” than a hotel
• The role of food, wine, and provenance in shaping the guest experience
• How Villa Vita Parc serves families, couples, golfers, foodies, weddings, and multi-generational groups
• Why guests increasingly want depth, personalization, and a true sense of place
• How travel advisors and buyers remain central to the business through fam trips, trade events, and direct relationship-building
• The hidden strength of the resort’s culinary program and the importance of its own estates in the Alentejo and Douro
• A standout private villa experience that surprises high-profile guests
• How American travelers differ from UK and German visitors in length of stay and style of travel

• What’s next: Lobby and wine cellar renovations, plus a new nine-bedroom vineyard estate joining the Villa Vita Collection

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Katya Bauval introduces her role and international hospitality background
• 00:46 - How a love of tourism led her into hotel business
• 02:16 - Villa Vita Parc’s origin story and growth since 1992
• 03:39 - A “resort village” built around gardens, beach access, restaurants, and wine
• 05:20 - Why guests now want place, wellness, and personalization over generic luxury
• 06:27 - How Villa Vita Parc works with travel advisors and buyers
• 07:30 - The insider story: food, wine, and produce from the brand’s own land
• 08:41 - A secret private villa and the power of word-of-mouth
• 10:05 - Multi-generational travel, kids clubs, and the rise of experiential demand
• 11:12 - How the American market went from negligible to number one
• 12:24 - Core source markets across Europe and the US
• 13:04 - Why U.S. guests stay longer once they realize how much there is to do
• 14:25 - Journeys events, fam meets, and building stronger trade relationships
• 15:43 - The best way for buyers to connect with Villa Vita Parc
• 17:08 - Katya’s undiscovered gem: the Azores
• 17:59 - Favorite hotel: La Mamounia in Marrakesh
• 18:50 - Favorite city: Istanbul
• 19:33 - Perfect vacation: time with the right people, plus Tarifa’s relaxed coastal vibe
• 22:20 - What’s next: renovations and a new vineyard estate joining the Villa Vita Collection
• 23:19 - Launch timing and how the new estate will be brought to market

Ahead of Journeys North America 2026 to Savannah, Georgia, we sat down with Visit Savannah's President & CEO, Joseph Marinelli.

Joseph looks ahead to our visit and shares what makes Savannah so distinctive - from its 23 historic squares and walkable layout to its boutique hotels, culinary evolution and renowned Southern hospitality. We also hear about the city's distinctive approach to Haunted Hotel tourism!

As always, we ask Joseph to tell us about his own personal travel favourites, including New York's The Plaza Hotel and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Joseph Marinelli
• 02:58 - Background: Joseph’s role and Savannah’s anniversary celebration
• 04:25 - What makes Savannah a must-visit destination for travelers
• 06:24 - Savannah’s evolution: from traditional hotels to boutique experiences
• 08:31 - Visitor profiles and marketing strategies targeting women and families
• 10:06 - Savannah’s haunted legends and storytelling traditions
• 12:20 - Engaging international travelers and fostering hospitality
• 14:32 - Insider tips: walkability, weather, and local favorites
• 16:24 - Unique experiences: port ships and city squares
• 18:56 - Memorable activities for visitors and local surprises
• 25:54 - Joseph’s personal undiscovered gem: New York City and local museums
• 29:16 - Favorite hotels and city comparisons: Savannah versus New York
• 32:51 - Heritage, favorite Italian destinations, and personal travel dreams
• 33:32 - Closing thoughts and upcoming journeys to Savannah

Links:

• Visit Savannah
• Leopold's Ice Cream
• Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs