March 19, 2025 • 18 mins
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon [@jetsetsarah] is a travel expert and journalist, whose love of the Caribbean fuels her travel ambitions. Sarah is an award-winning writer, tv host, and contributor to The Telegraph, Conde Nast Travel, Travel & Leisure and more. She has tips to save money for your next adventure.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
This week on iHeart Sinsey. The number one issue on
our minds right now is money. It costs more to live,
and eat and travel. My guest today is an award
winning travel journalist specializing in the Caribbean. The TV host
and contributor to The Telegraph, Conde Nas Traveler, Traveling, Leisure
and more. Sarah Greaves Gabadon is here. She's better known
on Instagram and around the world. As Jet said, Sarah.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
If you're traveling with a family, there are two types
of trips that I really think are really greatly suited
to those multi generational trips.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Sarah's here to provide you with some great tips for
saving money for your spring break trips with your family,
and later where tri State veterans can find all the
help they need for their issues.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
We serve over forty thousand veterans and we just want
to make sure that we're providing services to all those
veterans and touching.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Them in some way.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Amber Indubussy is here with the Hamilton County Veterans Commission
with more on their free services for those who proudly
wore the uniform, and finally helping children understand difficult loss.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
It was really difficult for them because they had always
wants the dissembling, and they made it very clear that
an only baby acceptable was a girl baby.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Local children's author Marie Creedman who miscarried and used her
book to explain it to her kids. Now on iHeart
Cincy with Sandy Collins, this warm weather is causing a
summer itch to infect tri Staters. Today, we're talking about
getting away for spring break and summer vacations. We have
some money saving tips and tricks to help make your
(01:25):
next getaway more affordable, less stressful, and more memorable. My
guest is jet Set Sarah on Instagram Sarah Grieves Gabanon.
She loves to travel and share her tips. Well, welcome
back to the show. You've been here before.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
Yes, I have yeank you.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
You have done what we all want to do, and
that is to combine what you're good at with what
you love.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Can Now, if I could only make it make me
some money, Sandy would be good.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Can't have everything, But folks, if you want to do
some traveling here, she's got some great tips for you
that you're not going to want to miss. And we're
talking mostly about spring break today. How prevalent is it,
Sarah that the parents and kids actually take spring break
trips together?
Speaker 4 (02:07):
Now?
Speaker 5 (02:08):
Oh gosh, everybody wants to travel together.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Now. Multi generational travel is a really big trend that
we're seeing, and the fact that everyone is traveling should
not surprise anyone. For example, I just look at an
AARP travel trend survey. Seventy percent of the people that
they ask said that they plan to travel this year.
Twenty percent of them, however, tellingly said that cost could
(02:30):
be an.
Speaker 5 (02:31):
Obstacle to those trips.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
So everyone's looking for ways to save and.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Those big family trips can be overwhelming, you know, trying
to find something for everybody from grandpa to toddlers.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
I think you call it multi generational travel. Do you
have any ideas having to make it more affordable than
stress free?
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Well, first of all, affordable is easy. I always say
to people open your wallets, not to take out the money,
but to look at those affinity cards and membership cars
that you have, because a lot of them have travel
benefits built in. So, for example, I'm a member of
the Society of American Travel Writers.
Speaker 5 (03:05):
I'm a member of ARP, and with ARP.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
I go through their travel center powered by Expedia, and
I get discounts on choice hotels, on budget rental cars
up to thirty five percent, even on sunglasses from my
vacation from Lens Crafters. So I always say to people,
look at the Affinity cars that you already have, see
what travel perks are baked in. And also if you're
traveling with a family, there are two types of trips
that I really think are really greatly suited to those.
Speaker 5 (03:31):
Multi generational trips.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
One is cruising because particularly with these megaships now that
they have everything on board from babysitting and kids clubs
to rock climbing walls, full service spats, golf simulated, so
there's something for every single person to do, and you're
doing it in a really safe and contained environment. So
you spend all day, everybody does what they want to do,
and when they get together in the evening over dinner,
(03:53):
one you actually want to see those people that you've
traveled with. You're not up under their art bit all day,
and two you have really exciting stuff to talk about.
So I love fre easing for groups and also resorts,
particularly all inclusive resorts. One of the other trends that
we're seeing in travelers. The rise and popularity of all inclusives.
They've suffered I think in the past from a reputation
(04:14):
of being like all bland buffets and wristbands. But now
that all in all inclusive category is really elevated and
it's become a lot more segmented. So you can find
all inclusive resorts that specialize in wellness or in this case,
specialize in families. So when you go there the same thing,
there's something for everyone to do, and not everyone's in
(04:35):
a contained environment but has enough space. And then you
just really enjoyed the vacation because everyone feels they found
something that was.
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Right for them.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Sarah, you really love the Caribbean and you really promote
a lot of travel down there. It is just gorgeous.
A lot of people have been down to the Caribbean
and then down into the Mexico area for travel, and
that's always like every year is like is it safe?
Is it not? What do you you see right now?
When it comes to safety for travelers.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
You know, regardless of where you're going, you need to
keep your wits about you right just because you're on vacation,
you don't forget your brain.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
You keep your street Smarts.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
You can go to the state Department and look at
the travel advisories. But the important thing is not just.
Speaker 5 (05:16):
To look at the number, but to look.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
At why a particular destination has to travel at the
number of travel advisors that it has. So for example,
sometimes you'll go somewhere and we'll say this at a
level too and it's not because of crime, it's not
because of violence, but it's because, for example, they don't
have the medical facilities that you would expect to get
back home.
Speaker 5 (05:36):
So do your research.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
The last time I look some places in Europe that
people go all the time or like at a level two,
And so it's up to you to decide whether you
think this level too is not somewhere where I am
comfortable going. I always say do your research beforehand. And
this is also another good reason to use a travel
advisor because they usually have really close relationships with the
resorts in which that they send people to andy and
(06:00):
get some up to the minute on the ground information
for you that can put.
Speaker 5 (06:03):
You at ease.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Sarah, more people take into the roads this year or
are they still flying? And how do you feel about
air travel right now? Considering all of the changes that
are happening. It just seems a little iffy at this point.
Speaker 5 (06:14):
What do you think, you know what?
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Every Like I said, everyone is traveling. It seems just
as much because there are lots of crowds and high prices.
Road trips are definitely more propular than happening in the past,
particularly because now it's really easy to find the rental car.
It never used to be a few years ago, but
now it is and you can. Really it makes sense
cost wise for a lot.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
Of people to save the wear and tear.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Particularly if you're going on a long road trip, save
the wear and tear on your own vehicle and rent
and rent a car. So and there also is an
opportunity for you to spend time with the people you love,
which is one of the other trends we're seeing people
wanting to do this multi generational friends and family type trips.
As far as air is concerned, you know, you have
to use your best judgment right in terms of safety.
(07:00):
So I would say to people you want to be
safe in the air. I say to people, I do
what that, what the captains do, what the people in
the cockpit do, which is always when I'm seated, I
always keep my seatbelt loosely fastened in case there's turbulence
or anything like that, you know, and we just have
to I think you have to put in perspective. You know,
air travel is still I'm not a safety expert, but
all the studies show that air travel is still safer
(07:23):
than you know, crossing the street, so are getting in
your car. So I mean, I think the numbers certainly
don't show that people are pulling back on air travel.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Okay, my favorite part of this interview. What do you pack?
I love packing lists. Do you have some ideas?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Oh my goodness, okay, okay, so here's my thing. I
never leave home. I travel three autos every four weeks.
I never leave home without a portable charger for my phone. Never,
because you also can't rely on the ones in the airplane.
Sometimes they don't work. I never leave home without a
reusable water bottle, and I fill that up usually with
a drink right after security. As often you get on
(08:00):
the plane and because of turbulence or because the role
that you're seated in, it could be thirty forty five
minutes before you actually get something to drink. And traveling
is really dehydrating. If I'm going to a funny destination.
I gotta have sunglasses, right. My pair I bought from
Lenz Grasses through AARP and so I got a discount.
So I mean, I just think you got to be prepared,
(08:21):
think about what makes you comfortable. Always close tow shoes.
I never travel in sipslop. I'm not sure why, but
I always travel in a close social usually a sneaker,
because you never ever ever want to be, you know,
hobbling down the concourse. You want to be able to
sprint down the concourse for you for your flyfe exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
I remember watching The Poseidon Adventure years ago. Do you
remember that? Oh yes, yes, yes, I was just a
young kid at the time, and I remember being so
traumatized by you know, everybody was dressed up in ball
gowns and tuxedos, and the boat flips over and they're
all trying to swim to the bottom of the boat
which is now on the top. And I thought myself
(09:00):
and the chubby girl, of course, couldn't get through some
of the tubes. What was that woman's name? And I
remember thinking Shelley Winters. And I remember thinking, oh my gosh,
I'll never wear a ball gown because what happens if
there's a disaster and I have to run.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Never wear a ball gown and never wears.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
Especially not to the airport. Your instagram is the most
colorful one I've ever seen. If you haven't seen it,
it's a jet Set Sarah. She's on Instagram a travel
expert for on air travel and you a journalist and
a world traveler. And I love the new hairstyle, by
the way, which I'm just looking at now.
Speaker 5 (09:39):
Yes, every day it's a different look.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
I have a silver box right now.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
All good, there you go, all right, Well, thank you
so much.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Thank you so much, Sandy.
Speaker 5 (09:47):
I really appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
Bye.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Jet Set Sarah. You can find her on Instagram at
jet Set Sarah with an H. It's a beautiful account
and it'll make you want to get away. I'm Sandy Collins.
My next guest is from the Hamilton County Veterans Service
Commission Amber Indubissy. She is the outreach coordinator. She's the
one that wants everyone to know what is available for
(10:12):
veterans in the Tri State at the Hamilton County Veterans
Commission Amber. Welcome to the show. You still serving about
forty thousand veterans with your your huge group Steve and
all the guys.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Actually we're a little over forty thousand, but that's the
good number.
Speaker 4 (10:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah. We had the Veterans Appreciation Day earlier this summer.
Were you a part of that and how did that go?
Speaker 4 (10:35):
I was?
Speaker 3 (10:36):
I was, So that was a new thing. That was
a new initiative and we will do that yearly. We're
actually starting already to plan for next year, so that's
something that we'll be offering yearly from here on out.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yeah. It was afraid a great turnout, Great America Ballpark,
back behind the scenes tours, all of the veterans possible needs,
all represented by folks. They're answering questions and getting stuffed
on and it was a great idea.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
I know.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
I talked to Alicia Reese and it was just a
great Hamilton County collaboration with you guys. Veterans Day is
always November the eleventh and any special plans for that day.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
So we aren't hosting anything just from the Veteran Service
Commission at Hamilton County, but we are collaborating with a
lot of different agencies and that have initiatives going on
for their veterans. So we will have a week of
events where we'll be at a retirement home. We'll do
an event with Glendale Plays. It's so many retirement communities
that now want us to come out and speak to
(11:34):
their residents that are veterans, and we call them the
forgotten veterans. So we have been doing things and wild
dedications and their honor and stuff.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
So are these still mostly Vietnam vets?
Speaker 3 (11:46):
So it is, but I think we're getting to that
finicky space where we are starting to see more Golf
War veterans and post nine eleven and stuff veterans. But
it is still the Vietnam and Korean War veterans that
we are seeing.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
And any veteran can be a part of your organization,
whether you just retired last year and you were in
for four years, you know.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
And that's our goal to reach them all. Eighteen to infinity,
we want to reach all veterans. Well, let's past president
and future.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
Let's tell the vets how to join right now, and
then we'll get back to what you've got coming up.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Yeah, So you can always call the Hamilton County Veterans
Service Commission and our direct line is five one three
nine four six three three zero zero and our receptionists
will send you to the appropriate service officer depending on
your knee. You can also go online at our website
HVSC dot org and there you can find applications for
(12:38):
emergency assistance transportation requests, or you can just ask the
question and have a veteran service officer to call you directly.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
And as always, you can walk up.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
You don't have to have an appointment, and we are
at two thirty East ninth Street and the William HWT
TAFF Building on the first floor, and you can walk
in and have any answer, any questions asked and answered.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
In lifetime as well.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
The whole transportation area has completely changed with technology and
with funding. What have you got coming up now?
Speaker 3 (13:06):
It's new, So we are starting to focus on our
transportation department. So currently we partner with Metro and we
also have a flex which is our partnership with Uber
and Lyft to get veterans to their VA appointments. But
we will be rolling out our new transportation department and
where we'll have our own vans and our own means
(13:26):
to transport our veterans as well, so it won't it
won't cease the partnership that we have with Metro, but
we're just adding to that so we can service more veterans.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
When is it going to go into effect?
Speaker 3 (13:38):
So we are in the process of picking our vehicos,
so hopefully it'll be up and running soon. You know,
we'll be moving next year, so we'll definitely be moving
with an up and running transportation department.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
And so what kind of transportation can a veteran get
from you? For the doctor's appointments, what else?
Speaker 3 (13:57):
And that includes community care, so a lot of veterans
see specialists outside of the VA, or even if you
want to use a community provider, then we give you
transportation to that. And that looks like bus passes. You
can come down and get bus passes or we can
mail them to you. You can also we can help
you to apply for Metro Access, which is their door
(14:18):
to door service, and then Flex which is us reimbursing
you for any uber or lift rides that you use.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
So if you're a veteran you're not familiar with all
these benefits, certainly check it out. It is HVSC dot org.
I'm talking with Amber in Dubusy Amber is the outreach
manager and you just said that's a new department. What
do you're hoping to do with that new role?
Speaker 4 (14:45):
So I want to do outreach.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Like like you said earlier, we serve over forty thousand
veterans and we just want to make sure that we're
providing services to all those veterans and touching them in
some way, just to make sure they're ware that we're
here and we're here to help. So that's me going
out into the community, attending events, throwing events, and bring
it out in reach opportunities as well. So teaching financial
(15:07):
literacy and walking through home loan processes.
Speaker 4 (15:11):
So those are some things we'll do in house as well.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
Just connecting all the resources we have through veterans ambrew.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
A lot of times you hear complaints from veterans that
they can't get what they need done, whether it's through
the hospital or through the government itself. You guys provide
help for that. So if they've been turned down before,
what would you suggest somebody do to have another set
of eyes look at their situation.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Just that to have another set of eyes look at
their situation. So our service officers were all certified to
do claim work, and that is if they even if
they received a no, we help with the appeal process.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
And there's so many levels to the appeal.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
A lot of times when a veteran gets no, they
get bobbed down with it, and which is understandable. But
just understand that it's no right now, and then we'll
try to figure out if there is a way.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
To make it a yes.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
And so if that means an appill or you know,
looking over the claim or whatever we need to do
to assist, that's what we're here to do.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
And my favorite part. The services are free, correct part
of your membership.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
Everything is free.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
We don't want you getting attorneys. We don't want you
dealing with agencies that are saying that they're representing veterans.
We don't want that. We want you to come to
us and let us assist you for free.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
And what else did you tell me you had coming up?
You had the transportation and what was the other part?
Speaker 3 (16:33):
So, and I'm so cause I'm so excited about this,
Like I'm sorry, I'm so passionate about this. But we
wanted to do a holiday meal and so we were
trying to figure out how we could establish this.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
So we will be helping veterans.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
You have to fill out the application, but we will
be helping veterans with either Thanksgiving meal or a Christmas meal,
and that looks like gift cards. So you just fill
out an application for the holiday meal and if you
if you're not picked for Thanksgiving, then Christmas is available
as well, and we'll be giving out gift cards for
you to purchase your meal.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
Right and for veterans that don't celebrate any sort of
a religious holiday, can they still get a meal in
December for like the winter solstice or whatever you know,
And so it's.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
Just your holiday meal, but it's a gift card. So
when you go to the store, you buy whatever you want.
As long as we help and you have it, our
job is done.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Okay, Yeah, Amber, that's a great idea and that's very
generous to offer that. What kind of turnout are you
expecting with this first year?
Speaker 3 (17:35):
I think that we're going to be overwhelmed and that's good.
We'll just know how to adjust for next year. We're
at another holiday, there's Easter coming up. There's ways to
do it. So what we do is we're creating these
new initiatives. We're measuring them by the input and then
we'll readjust.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Well, it sounds terrific. Thank you so much for being
on the show today. We're going to make sure that
the veterans know that the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission
is there and serving veterans all across the tri States.
So thank you, Amber, I appreciate it. Say hi to
Steve and everybody, and thanks for what you do.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Thank you, Fandy.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
More of my Heart Sindsey coming up next
This week on iHeart Sinsey. The number one issue on
our minds right now is money. It costs more to live,
and eat and travel. My guest today is an award
winning travel journalist specializing in the Caribbean. The TV host
and contributor to The Telegraph, Conde Nas Traveler, Traveling, Leisure
and more. Sarah Greaves Gabadon is here. She's better known
on Instagram and around the world. As Jet said, Sarah.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
If you're traveling with a family, there are two types
of trips that I really think are really greatly suited
to those multi generational trips.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Sarah's here to provide you with some great tips for
saving money for your spring break trips with your family,
and later where tri State veterans can find all the
help they need for their issues.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
We serve over forty thousand veterans and we just want
to make sure that we're providing services to all those
veterans and touching.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Them in some way.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Amber Indubussy is here with the Hamilton County Veterans Commission
with more on their free services for those who proudly
wore the uniform, and finally helping children understand difficult loss.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
It was really difficult for them because they had always
wants the dissembling, and they made it very clear that
an only baby acceptable was a girl baby.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Local children's author Marie Creedman who miscarried and used her
book to explain it to her kids. Now on iHeart
Cincy with Sandy Collins, this warm weather is causing a
summer itch to infect tri Staters. Today, we're talking about
getting away for spring break and summer vacations. We have
some money saving tips and tricks to help make your
(01:25):
next getaway more affordable, less stressful, and more memorable. My
guest is jet Set Sarah on Instagram Sarah Grieves Gabanon.
She loves to travel and share her tips. Well, welcome
back to the show. You've been here before.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
Yes, I have yeank you.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
You have done what we all want to do, and
that is to combine what you're good at with what
you love.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Can Now, if I could only make it make me
some money, Sandy would be good.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Can't have everything, But folks, if you want to do
some traveling here, she's got some great tips for you
that you're not going to want to miss. And we're
talking mostly about spring break today. How prevalent is it,
Sarah that the parents and kids actually take spring break
trips together?
Speaker 4 (02:07):
Now?
Speaker 5 (02:08):
Oh gosh, everybody wants to travel together.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Now. Multi generational travel is a really big trend that
we're seeing, and the fact that everyone is traveling should
not surprise anyone. For example, I just look at an
AARP travel trend survey. Seventy percent of the people that
they ask said that they plan to travel this year.
Twenty percent of them, however, tellingly said that cost could
(02:30):
be an.
Speaker 5 (02:31):
Obstacle to those trips.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
So everyone's looking for ways to save and.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Those big family trips can be overwhelming, you know, trying
to find something for everybody from grandpa to toddlers.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
I think you call it multi generational travel. Do you
have any ideas having to make it more affordable than
stress free?
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Well, first of all, affordable is easy. I always say
to people open your wallets, not to take out the money,
but to look at those affinity cards and membership cars
that you have, because a lot of them have travel
benefits built in. So, for example, I'm a member of
the Society of American Travel Writers.
Speaker 5 (03:05):
I'm a member of ARP, and with ARP.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
I go through their travel center powered by Expedia, and
I get discounts on choice hotels, on budget rental cars
up to thirty five percent, even on sunglasses from my
vacation from Lens Crafters. So I always say to people,
look at the Affinity cars that you already have, see
what travel perks are baked in. And also if you're
traveling with a family, there are two types of trips
that I really think are really greatly suited to those.
Speaker 5 (03:31):
Multi generational trips.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
One is cruising because particularly with these megaships now that
they have everything on board from babysitting and kids clubs
to rock climbing walls, full service spats, golf simulated, so
there's something for every single person to do, and you're
doing it in a really safe and contained environment. So
you spend all day, everybody does what they want to do,
and when they get together in the evening over dinner,
(03:53):
one you actually want to see those people that you've
traveled with. You're not up under their art bit all day,
and two you have really exciting stuff to talk about.
So I love fre easing for groups and also resorts,
particularly all inclusive resorts. One of the other trends that
we're seeing in travelers. The rise and popularity of all inclusives.
They've suffered I think in the past from a reputation
(04:14):
of being like all bland buffets and wristbands. But now
that all in all inclusive category is really elevated and
it's become a lot more segmented. So you can find
all inclusive resorts that specialize in wellness or in this case,
specialize in families. So when you go there the same thing,
there's something for everyone to do, and not everyone's in
(04:35):
a contained environment but has enough space. And then you
just really enjoyed the vacation because everyone feels they found
something that was.
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Right for them.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Sarah, you really love the Caribbean and you really promote
a lot of travel down there. It is just gorgeous.
A lot of people have been down to the Caribbean
and then down into the Mexico area for travel, and
that's always like every year is like is it safe?
Is it not? What do you you see right now?
When it comes to safety for travelers.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
You know, regardless of where you're going, you need to
keep your wits about you right just because you're on vacation,
you don't forget your brain.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
You keep your street Smarts.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
You can go to the state Department and look at
the travel advisories. But the important thing is not just.
Speaker 5 (05:16):
To look at the number, but to look.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
At why a particular destination has to travel at the
number of travel advisors that it has. So for example,
sometimes you'll go somewhere and we'll say this at a
level too and it's not because of crime, it's not
because of violence, but it's because, for example, they don't
have the medical facilities that you would expect to get
back home.
Speaker 5 (05:36):
So do your research.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
The last time I look some places in Europe that
people go all the time or like at a level two,
And so it's up to you to decide whether you
think this level too is not somewhere where I am
comfortable going. I always say do your research beforehand. And
this is also another good reason to use a travel
advisor because they usually have really close relationships with the
resorts in which that they send people to andy and
(06:00):
get some up to the minute on the ground information
for you that can put.
Speaker 5 (06:03):
You at ease.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Sarah, more people take into the roads this year or
are they still flying? And how do you feel about
air travel right now? Considering all of the changes that
are happening. It just seems a little iffy at this point.
Speaker 5 (06:14):
What do you think, you know what?
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Every Like I said, everyone is traveling. It seems just
as much because there are lots of crowds and high prices.
Road trips are definitely more propular than happening in the past,
particularly because now it's really easy to find the rental car.
It never used to be a few years ago, but
now it is and you can. Really it makes sense
cost wise for a lot.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
Of people to save the wear and tear.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Particularly if you're going on a long road trip, save
the wear and tear on your own vehicle and rent
and rent a car. So and there also is an
opportunity for you to spend time with the people you love,
which is one of the other trends we're seeing people
wanting to do this multi generational friends and family type trips.
As far as air is concerned, you know, you have
to use your best judgment right in terms of safety.
(07:00):
So I would say to people you want to be
safe in the air. I say to people, I do
what that, what the captains do, what the people in
the cockpit do, which is always when I'm seated, I
always keep my seatbelt loosely fastened in case there's turbulence
or anything like that, you know, and we just have
to I think you have to put in perspective. You know,
air travel is still I'm not a safety expert, but
all the studies show that air travel is still safer
(07:23):
than you know, crossing the street, so are getting in
your car. So I mean, I think the numbers certainly
don't show that people are pulling back on air travel.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Okay, my favorite part of this interview. What do you pack?
I love packing lists. Do you have some ideas?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Oh my goodness, okay, okay, so here's my thing. I
never leave home. I travel three autos every four weeks.
I never leave home without a portable charger for my phone. Never,
because you also can't rely on the ones in the airplane.
Sometimes they don't work. I never leave home without a
reusable water bottle, and I fill that up usually with
a drink right after security. As often you get on
(08:00):
the plane and because of turbulence or because the role
that you're seated in, it could be thirty forty five
minutes before you actually get something to drink. And traveling
is really dehydrating. If I'm going to a funny destination.
I gotta have sunglasses, right. My pair I bought from
Lenz Grasses through AARP and so I got a discount.
So I mean, I just think you got to be prepared,
(08:21):
think about what makes you comfortable. Always close tow shoes.
I never travel in sipslop. I'm not sure why, but
I always travel in a close social usually a sneaker,
because you never ever ever want to be, you know,
hobbling down the concourse. You want to be able to
sprint down the concourse for you for your flyfe exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
I remember watching The Poseidon Adventure years ago. Do you
remember that? Oh yes, yes, yes, I was just a
young kid at the time, and I remember being so
traumatized by you know, everybody was dressed up in ball
gowns and tuxedos, and the boat flips over and they're
all trying to swim to the bottom of the boat
which is now on the top. And I thought myself
(09:00):
and the chubby girl, of course, couldn't get through some
of the tubes. What was that woman's name? And I
remember thinking Shelley Winters. And I remember thinking, oh my gosh,
I'll never wear a ball gown because what happens if
there's a disaster and I have to run.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Never wear a ball gown and never wears.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
Especially not to the airport. Your instagram is the most
colorful one I've ever seen. If you haven't seen it,
it's a jet Set Sarah. She's on Instagram a travel
expert for on air travel and you a journalist and
a world traveler. And I love the new hairstyle, by
the way, which I'm just looking at now.
Speaker 5 (09:39):
Yes, every day it's a different look.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
I have a silver box right now.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
All good, there you go, all right, Well, thank you
so much.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Thank you so much, Sandy.
Speaker 5 (09:47):
I really appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
Bye.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Jet Set Sarah. You can find her on Instagram at
jet Set Sarah with an H. It's a beautiful account
and it'll make you want to get away. I'm Sandy Collins.
My next guest is from the Hamilton County Veterans Service
Commission Amber Indubissy. She is the outreach coordinator. She's the
one that wants everyone to know what is available for
(10:12):
veterans in the Tri State at the Hamilton County Veterans
Commission Amber. Welcome to the show. You still serving about
forty thousand veterans with your your huge group Steve and
all the guys.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Actually we're a little over forty thousand, but that's the
good number.
Speaker 4 (10:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah. We had the Veterans Appreciation Day earlier this summer.
Were you a part of that and how did that go?
Speaker 4 (10:35):
I was?
Speaker 3 (10:36):
I was, So that was a new thing. That was
a new initiative and we will do that yearly. We're
actually starting already to plan for next year, so that's
something that we'll be offering yearly from here on out.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yeah. It was afraid a great turnout, Great America Ballpark,
back behind the scenes tours, all of the veterans possible needs,
all represented by folks. They're answering questions and getting stuffed
on and it was a great idea.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
I know.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
I talked to Alicia Reese and it was just a
great Hamilton County collaboration with you guys. Veterans Day is
always November the eleventh and any special plans for that day.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
So we aren't hosting anything just from the Veteran Service
Commission at Hamilton County, but we are collaborating with a
lot of different agencies and that have initiatives going on
for their veterans. So we will have a week of
events where we'll be at a retirement home. We'll do
an event with Glendale Plays. It's so many retirement communities
that now want us to come out and speak to
(11:34):
their residents that are veterans, and we call them the
forgotten veterans. So we have been doing things and wild
dedications and their honor and stuff.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
So are these still mostly Vietnam vets?
Speaker 3 (11:46):
So it is, but I think we're getting to that
finicky space where we are starting to see more Golf
War veterans and post nine eleven and stuff veterans. But
it is still the Vietnam and Korean War veterans that
we are seeing.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
And any veteran can be a part of your organization,
whether you just retired last year and you were in
for four years, you know.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
And that's our goal to reach them all. Eighteen to infinity,
we want to reach all veterans. Well, let's past president
and future.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
Let's tell the vets how to join right now, and
then we'll get back to what you've got coming up.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Yeah, So you can always call the Hamilton County Veterans
Service Commission and our direct line is five one three
nine four six three three zero zero and our receptionists
will send you to the appropriate service officer depending on
your knee. You can also go online at our website
HVSC dot org and there you can find applications for
(12:38):
emergency assistance transportation requests, or you can just ask the
question and have a veteran service officer to call you directly.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
And as always, you can walk up.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
You don't have to have an appointment, and we are
at two thirty East ninth Street and the William HWT
TAFF Building on the first floor, and you can walk
in and have any answer, any questions asked and answered.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
In lifetime as well.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
The whole transportation area has completely changed with technology and
with funding. What have you got coming up now?
Speaker 3 (13:06):
It's new, So we are starting to focus on our
transportation department. So currently we partner with Metro and we
also have a flex which is our partnership with Uber
and Lyft to get veterans to their VA appointments. But
we will be rolling out our new transportation department and
where we'll have our own vans and our own means
(13:26):
to transport our veterans as well, so it won't it
won't cease the partnership that we have with Metro, but
we're just adding to that so we can service more veterans.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
When is it going to go into effect?
Speaker 3 (13:38):
So we are in the process of picking our vehicos,
so hopefully it'll be up and running soon. You know,
we'll be moving next year, so we'll definitely be moving
with an up and running transportation department.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
And so what kind of transportation can a veteran get
from you? For the doctor's appointments, what else?
Speaker 3 (13:57):
And that includes community care, so a lot of veterans
see specialists outside of the VA, or even if you
want to use a community provider, then we give you
transportation to that. And that looks like bus passes. You
can come down and get bus passes or we can
mail them to you. You can also we can help
you to apply for Metro Access, which is their door
(14:18):
to door service, and then Flex which is us reimbursing
you for any uber or lift rides that you use.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
So if you're a veteran you're not familiar with all
these benefits, certainly check it out. It is HVSC dot org.
I'm talking with Amber in Dubusy Amber is the outreach
manager and you just said that's a new department. What
do you're hoping to do with that new role?
Speaker 4 (14:45):
So I want to do outreach.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Like like you said earlier, we serve over forty thousand
veterans and we just want to make sure that we're
providing services to all those veterans and touching them in
some way, just to make sure they're ware that we're
here and we're here to help. So that's me going
out into the community, attending events, throwing events, and bring
it out in reach opportunities as well. So teaching financial
(15:07):
literacy and walking through home loan processes.
Speaker 4 (15:11):
So those are some things we'll do in house as well.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
Just connecting all the resources we have through veterans ambrew.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
A lot of times you hear complaints from veterans that
they can't get what they need done, whether it's through
the hospital or through the government itself. You guys provide
help for that. So if they've been turned down before,
what would you suggest somebody do to have another set
of eyes look at their situation.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Just that to have another set of eyes look at
their situation. So our service officers were all certified to
do claim work, and that is if they even if
they received a no, we help with the appeal process.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
And there's so many levels to the appeal.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
A lot of times when a veteran gets no, they
get bobbed down with it, and which is understandable. But
just understand that it's no right now, and then we'll
try to figure out if there is a way.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
To make it a yes.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
And so if that means an appill or you know,
looking over the claim or whatever we need to do
to assist, that's what we're here to do.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
And my favorite part. The services are free, correct part
of your membership.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
Everything is free.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
We don't want you getting attorneys. We don't want you
dealing with agencies that are saying that they're representing veterans.
We don't want that. We want you to come to
us and let us assist you for free.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
And what else did you tell me you had coming up?
You had the transportation and what was the other part?
Speaker 3 (16:33):
So, and I'm so cause I'm so excited about this,
Like I'm sorry, I'm so passionate about this. But we
wanted to do a holiday meal and so we were
trying to figure out how we could establish this.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
So we will be helping veterans.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
You have to fill out the application, but we will
be helping veterans with either Thanksgiving meal or a Christmas meal,
and that looks like gift cards. So you just fill
out an application for the holiday meal and if you
if you're not picked for Thanksgiving, then Christmas is available
as well, and we'll be giving out gift cards for
you to purchase your meal.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
Right and for veterans that don't celebrate any sort of
a religious holiday, can they still get a meal in
December for like the winter solstice or whatever you know,
And so it's.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
Just your holiday meal, but it's a gift card. So
when you go to the store, you buy whatever you want.
As long as we help and you have it, our
job is done.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Okay, Yeah, Amber, that's a great idea and that's very
generous to offer that. What kind of turnout are you
expecting with this first year?
Speaker 3 (17:35):
I think that we're going to be overwhelmed and that's good.
We'll just know how to adjust for next year. We're
at another holiday, there's Easter coming up. There's ways to
do it. So what we do is we're creating these
new initiatives. We're measuring them by the input and then
we'll readjust.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Well, it sounds terrific. Thank you so much for being
on the show today. We're going to make sure that
the veterans know that the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission
is there and serving veterans all across the tri States.
So thank you, Amber, I appreciate it. Say hi to
Steve and everybody, and thanks for what you do.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Thank you, Fandy.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
More of my Heart Sindsey coming up next
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