Meet Sarah - Avanti's Product Manager for France, Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia

Sarah might not be a familiar name to some of you, but behind the scenes, she plays a vital role in shaping exciting travel experiences across France, Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia. Sarah has brought over a decade of travel industry expertise – spanning operations, services and hotel contracting across France – into her role as Product Manager. Based in Avanti’s Barcelona office, she works closely with local suppliers to develop unique, year-round offerings that go beyond the typical tourist experience. From hotel and transfer coordination to pricing, availability, and upcoming package launches, Sarah is hands-on in every step of the product journey. Get to know more about her approach, her favorite hidden gems, and how she helps bring Avanti’s tailor-made travel to life.

What Excites You About Working at Avanti? “What I love most is being deeply connected to the world of travel every single day. I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and my passion hasn’t faded. I still get excited about discovering hidden gems and working with local suppliers to create something truly special. I enjoy experiencing the destinations myself so I can help craft unique, meaningful journeys that give our clients more than just a trip – they get something memorable and personal.”

What is Something People Might Not Know About Avanti? “We are often out in the field, whether it’s through product trips, trade shows, or travel fairs. These experiences allow us to visit and personally try local hotels and suppliers, stay updated on destination trends, and gather valuable feedback. It’s how we continue to evolve our offerings and ensure everything we recommend is authentic and high-quality. This hands-on approach helps us craft better itineraries and offer Travel Advisors fresh, well-informed options their clients will love.”

What’s New from Your Regions? “We’re currently expanding our offerings in Greece by developing less-traveled islands like Crete, Rhodes, Paros, Naxos, and Milos, which are all great alternatives to the often-crowded Mykonos and Santorini. Next week we are launching Cruises to the Greek islands: 3-night, 4-night and 7-night options. We’re also looking to grow in the Peloponnese region, adding more authentic and immersive experiences. In France, we’re excited to launch products in the Occitanie region next month, which also allows us to create unique cross-border itineraries that connect seamlessly with Spain.”

What Are Some of Your Recommended Destinations? “Travelers often feel the need to check major sights off a list, but I always encourage slowing down and taking the time to really experience each place, especially on return trips. Some of the best memories come from those more relaxed, local moments. Slovenia, for example, is an amazing hidden gem. Many travelers head straight to Greece or Croatia, but Slovenia offers incredible scenery and charming towns, making it a great addition to Italian itineraries. In France, I recommend the Loire Valley for its castles and vineyards, or the small towns of Provence for a true taste of local life. Athens is a great year-round destination, especially in the shoulder seasons like April or October when it’s less crowded but still full of energy and culture.”

Where Else Have You Traveled? “I’m originally from Italy and have spent the last seven years living in Barcelona, which gave me a great base to explore Europe extensively. Greece is one of my favorite destinations. Most recently, I visited Athens and was blown away by the beauty of the city, the incredible food, and the rich history captured in its museums, statues, and ancient architecture. I’ve also had the chance to travel throughout the U.S., including California, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, Portland, and across Florida. Outside of Europe and the U.S., I’ve visited Jamaica and Mexico, each with their own unique charm and energy.”

What’s Your Top Travel Tip? “Go beyond the must-sees. While iconic sights like the Louvre are absolutely worth visiting, the most memorable moments often come from local experiences, like joining a cooking class, exploring a neighborhood market, biking through the countryside with a glass of wine, or even truffle-hunting. These kinds of activities bring you closer to the culture and make your trip feel truly personal. One of my favorites right now is the digital art exhibitions in Paris, like the ones at Atelier des Lumières. We even offer tickets through Avanti!”

What Are Your Goals for the Coming Year? “I'm looking forward to expanding our product range by adding new hotels, tours, and more off-the-beaten-path hotels and unique experiences, including small group options that cater to a range of budgets. It’s all about offering more variety and more depth across the destinations we serve. The goal is always to provide Travel Advisors with fresh, meaningful options that go beyond the typical itinerary and help their clients discover something truly special.”

"Keep in mind that Avanti is great for recommendations and products. We can truly build your clients' itinerary. We are here for you and we can help create the perfect trip. Connect with us and benefit from our wide range of knowledge!"

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your journey and insight with us, and for all you do to help travel dreams come to life! Make sure to check out Sarah's recommended products below:

FRANCE

• Dinner in the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brasserie in Paris
• Small Group Food and Wine Walking Tour in Nice
• Private Must-See Chateaux Tour Chambord and Chenonceaux with Lunch, Loire Valley
• Private E-Bike Tour with wine tasting to St Emilion from Bordeaux

CROATIA

• Plitvice Lakes Tour from Zadar
• Private Krka Waterfalls and Town of Sibenik Tour from Split

GREECE

• Private Delicious Food Tour, Athens
• Shared Cape Sounion Tour from Athens
• Private Cretan Cooking Class at the Cretan Mill
• Small Group Santorini Catamaran Sunset Tour with BBQ
• Greek Island Cruise 3 Nights
• Greek Island Cruise 4 Nights
• Greek Island Cruise 7 Nights

SLOVENIA

• Private Postojna Caves, Predjama Castle, and Karst Region Tour from Ljubljana
• Private Bled Tour