Dynamic travel professional with a strong background in curating personalized travel experiences and managing intricate itineraries. Leverages extensive knowledge of global destinations and travel logistics to ensure unparalleled client satisfaction, consistently delivering top-tier customer service while fostering robust client relationships. Sales-oriented expert with proven administrative skills, honed through experience with renowned agencies, adept at resolving conflicts and enhancing the overall travel experience. Committed to providing exceptional service, backed by years of hands-on expertise in the corporate travel industry.
Hi, I’m
Sasha Balabanoff
Travel Designer
Summary
Overview
2
Languages
1
Certification
22
years of professional experience
Work History
IHSS Public Authority
Caregiver
05.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Assisted clients with activities of daily living, promoting independence and quality of life.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care, addressing individual needs and preferences.
- Supported clients with daily living needs to enhance self-esteem and promote overall wellness.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient's personal space.
- Facilitated meaningful conversation and socialization while providing personal care assistance to improve patient engagement.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient''s personal space.
- Communicated with family members to provide updates on patient conditions and address concerns during caregiving.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Supported clients with mental support and physical activities to accomplish quality of life and sustain needs.
- Prepared nutritious meals according to dietary restrictions, supporting clients'' overall health through balanced nutrition.
Frienzy Travel App
Business Development Manager
03.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Generated new business through targeted marketing initiatives and strategic plans, expanding market reach.
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decisionmakers.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Conducted client research to identify opportunities for account growth and market expansion, enhancing overall client engagement.
- Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Capitola Hotel
Hotel Manager
11.2023 - 04.2024
Job overview
- Developed and implemented targeted marketing strategies that increased visibility of hotel services.
- Increased customer service ratings through personable service.
- Established a positive work culture that promoted teamwork, collaboration, and employee morale.
- Resolved guest complaints by offering tailored complimentary services, contributing to sustained high satisfaction rates.
- Enhanced the hotel''s online presence through targeted marketing campaigns and social media engagement.
- Collaborated with sales teams on promotional strategies designed to drive increased interest in lodging at our establishment.
- Developed strong partnerships with local businesses to create exclusive offers and packages for hotel guests.
Ultimate Jet Vacations
Travel Designer and Sales Representative
02.2021 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Built an $8M+ book of business with a 35% profit margin against the 8% company average and generated an $875K gross margin per month by designing, selling, and providing customer support for high-end vacations. Maintained 100% control of all bookings.
- Designed luxury travel packages for groups and individuals. Arranged tours and activities. Consistently obtained rooms, rates, and amenities that clients wanted.
- Maintained high profit margins by analyzing contracts, negotiating with agents and hoteliers, and managing credit card fees.
- Resolved issues, including missed transfers, expired passports, lost luggage, and sudden illnesses, by coordinating immediate solutions.
- Built relationships with many of the top travel agents, including SmartFlyer, Departure Lounge, Protravel, Marchay, ALTOUR, Huffman Travel, Fora Travel, and several others. Worked as the go-to person for several of their executives.
- Cultivated partnerships with top hotels, resorts, and villas, ensuring positive and memorable client experiences.
- Further built relationships with professionals in the travel industry by attending trade shows and other events.
- Analyzed data on demand, customers’ experiences, and industry trends.
- Trained other agents on best practices in travel design, sales, and customer service, enhancing overall team expertise.
Classic Vacations
Reservation Specialist, Account Executive Desk
10.2005 - 02.2021
Job overview
- Generated $16M per year, earned the most revenue out of 100 agents, and regularly secured a place in the President’s Club at high-end travel company. Consistently exceeded customers’ expectations in service, timelines, and final products while keeping a rapid pace without sacrificing accuracy.
- Developed relationships with travel agents, transforming previously limited engagement into a $3M book of business by guiding agents in customizing travel packages for their clients.
- Converted leads from agents into reservations, enhancing overall booking efficiency.
- Arranged tours, flights, hotels, and car rentals. Booked private villas, jets, and yachts for VIP clients.
- Enabled the company to satisfy its clients by being available for agents at all times, including holidays. Helped provide optimal tours, rooms, amenities, transportation, and activities.
- Assisted agents by providing availability during holidays to ensure client satisfaction.
- Researched and explored new travel destinations to enhance knowledge.
- Identified opportunities to improve processes, and increased efficiencies in reservations/options.
Moda Divina
Buyer
03.2004 - 10.2005
Job overview
- Established relationships with international clothing manufacturers, traveling overseas to meet them, understand operations, and arrange business negotiations that facilitated collaboration.
- Negotiated competitive prices for bulk wholesale clothing to ensure favorable terms and support profitability.
- Sold clothing in various U.S. retail locations.
- Showcased clothing samples to top apparel companies, including Ujena Swimwear Company, negotiating contracts for wholesale clothing that expanded market reach.
Education
Foothill Travel Careers ProgramLos Altos, CA
Travel Careers from advanced SABRE certification, Business Travel Specialist, North America and International, Destination Specialist in Hawaii and Latin America
05.2001
University Overview
Skills
Travel industry expertise
Exceptional customer service
Relationship management
GDS expertise
Sales negotiations
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- USA Business Radio Importance & Relevance of Luxury Travel Today
Certification
Licensed IHSS Provider
Timeline
Licensed IHSS Provider
05-2025
Caregiver
IHSS Public Authority
05.2025 - Current
Business Development Manager
Frienzy Travel App
03.2025 - Current
Hotel Manager
Capitola Hotel
11.2023 - 04.2024
Travel Designer and Sales Representative
Ultimate Jet Vacations
02.2021 - 09.2023
Reservation Specialist, Account Executive Desk
Classic Vacations
10.2005 - 02.2021
Buyer
Moda Divina
03.2004 - 10.2005
Foothill Travel Careers Program
Travel Careers from advanced SABRE certification, Business Travel Specialist, North America and International, Destination Specialist in Hawaii and Latin America
05.2001