From Bed & Breakfasts to Savvy Travel: How One Entrepreneur Is Changing Travel

🎙️ Episode Show Notes

Episode Description

What if the place you stay could shape your entire travel experience—or even determine whether your trip feels stressful or seamless?

In this episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl sits down with Eric, a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur whose career spans bed & breakfasts, boutique inns, vacation rental technology, and now a bold new approach to booking travel stays.

Together, they explore how hospitality has shifted from being relationship-driven to algorithm-driven—and why many travelers are starting to push back. From hidden fees and platform fatigue to the rise of booking direct, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how accommodations truly work and why choosing where (and how) you stay matters more than ever—especially for families and multi-generational travelers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why hospitality is fundamentally about relationships, not transactions
• How booking through third-party platforms impacts both travelers and hosts
• The real reason vacation rental fees have skyrocketed
• What families and multi-generational groups actually need in a stay
• How thoughtful accommodations can reduce stress and improve travel memories
• Why booking direct often leads to better service, better communication, and better value
• The growing trend of travelers seeking transparency and intentional travel choices

Key Topics Discussed

• Eric’s entrepreneurial journey in hospitality and travel tech
• The evolution of bed & breakfasts, boutique inns, and vacation rentals
• How platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo changed travel—and where they fall short
• Designing stays that work for families, pets, and accessibility needs
• Why transparency in pricing builds trust with travelers
• The future of travel stays and the shift toward booking direct

Featured Resource

• Savvy – A platform that allows travelers to compare vacation rentals and book directly with professional property managers, avoiding platform fees and improving the guest-host relationship. Visit savvy.com

Cheryl’s Takeaway

Where you stay isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s part of the experience. When travelers choose accommodations intentionally, they create space for connection, comfort, and memories that last long after the trip ends.

Call to Action

If this episode inspired you to rethink how you plan your next trip:

• ✨ Share this episode with someone you travel with
• ✨ Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint for more behind-the-scenes conversations about meaningful travel
• ✨ Planning a family or multi-generational getaway? Reach out to Cheryl at Nostalgic Travel for curated travel planning that goes beyond bookings

Learn more about Eric’s work in hospitality, travel innovation, and direct booking—including Savvy, a platform changing how travelers book vacation rentals—using the links below.
Savvy
🌐 https://www.savvy.com
Search and book vacation rentals directly with professional property managers—no platform fees.
Savvy's linkedin
🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/company/stay-savvy/
Search and book vacation rentals directly with professional property managers—no platform fees.
FunAir
🌐 https://www.funair.com
Global leader in custom inflatables for megayachts and luxury water experiences.

Sage Hill Inn & Spa
🌐 https://www.sagehill.com
A boutique inn and spa just outside Austin, Texas, focused on restorative, experience-driven hospitality.
Eric's linkedin
🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgoldreyer/