Sasha Nakoryakov discovered early on in her college career that the travel industry was where she wanted to be—she just wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like for her.
“After spending a year teaching English in Italy,” Nakoryakov, who’s currently based in Denver, Colorado, tells Group Tour, “I returned to the U.S. and happened to fall into the group tour operator world, which I realized was the perfect fit for me.”
Today, as destination manager for the Western United States and Hawaii with Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based Holiday Vacations, Nakoryakov uses the skills she has fostered over the years to create meaningful experiences as she designs and manages itineraries from start to finish. Whether cultivating relationships with local partners or training tour directors to ensure each tour meets Holiday Vacations’ quality standards, Nakoryakov says she loves the process of bringing each tour to life before it begins.
Q. What is your favorite part of the group tour industry?
A. Travel is inherently joyful, and I love to be a part of it, especially when I get to facilitate that journey. What I love most is the thrill of discovery—not just for myself but for others, too—whether it be exploring a new destination or reimagining classic experiences. The work is always dynamic and fulfilling.
Q. What are some crowd-favorite destinations you work with?
A. Holiday Vacations covers more than 80 destinations worldwide, although I have the privilege of working with an array of places across the Western U.S. and Hawaii. The top ones that come to mind are majestic national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Zion, just to name a few. Each has its own allure, but the Grand Canyon is always a crowd favorite, known for its breathtaking views and timeless appeal. It’s a place that never ceases to amaze our travelers. Hawaii is also a gem, with Pearl Harbor National Memorial as a key feature on Oahu.
Q. What is your No. 1 goal when planning a group tour?
A. My top priority is to create a worry-free, memorable experience. We aim to blend convenience with meaningful moments that leave a lasting impression. When guests can relax and feel secure knowing that everything will be taken care of, they connect more deeply with the places they visit.
Q. What do you think draws travelers to companies like Holiday Vacations?
A. Group tourism offers camaraderie, convenience, and safety, especially for senior travelers. Holiday Vacations takes care of every detail and handles all the logistics, which allows travelers to focus on enjoying themselves. A common sentiment we hear is, “I wouldn’t have known to go there on my own,” which highlights the value of our carefully curated itineraries that include both must-see landmarks and hidden gems. There’s the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded people, as well as peace of mind knowing a tour director is there to guide each step of the way.
Q. What trends have you noticed as the travel industry evolves?
A. Travelers today are drawn to unique, experiential elements—whether that’s a local cooking class, a behind-the-scenes tour, or meeting a park ranger. There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, which I believe is vital to incorporate into the itineraries I manage. As with many other industries, the travel industry was particularly affected by the pandemic, and while we’re still navigating some lingering effects, we’re moving steadily toward a full recovery. Balancing new expectations with logistical feasibility is challenging but keeps us constantly innovating.
Q. What are some memorable moments from your career?
A. Some of my most cherished memories come from traveling alongside our guests and witnessing the awe on their faces as they check off bucket list items. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them embrace new perspectives, especially when visiting a destination for the first time. Equally meaningful are the relationships I’ve built with our vendors. Exploring destinations together has strengthened these partnerships and opened up exciting possibilities for the future. It’s a small world, and these connections often resurface in unexpected and impactful ways.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Sasha Nakoryakov; Credit: Soona Studios/Brooke Welsh
