Travel That Matters

It’s that time of year again—our annual Top Destinations episode is back! Host Bruce Wallin ventured to Virtuoso’s annual Travel Week in Las Vegas to ask top luxury travel experts what destination they were most excited about for 2025. In this episode, he is joined by friend of the pod, the travel journalist Jackie Caradonio, to unpack a meticulously curated list of must-visit destinations for the year ahead. This episode explores hidden gems, iconic locales, and emerging travel hotspots, from the pristine beaches of Okinawa to the breathtaking fjords of Greenland, and from Paris’s post-Olympic charm to Bhutan’s serene landscapes. Bruce and Jackie take you on a journey through the unique flavors, cultures, and experiences that make each destination unforgettable. Tune in for expert insights into off-the-beaten-path escapes in Greece, expeditions to West Papua, and luxury safaris in Rwanda. Whether you’re dreaming of the Amazon rainforest, India’s Himalayas, or a wintry Quebec adventure, this episode offers actionable travel tips, personal anecdotes, and surprising revelations to ignite your wanderlust. The Top Destinations episode has something for everyone, from those seeking a serene getaway to those looking for cultural immersion or a thrilling adventure. Plus, Bruce and Jackie share their own 2025 travel goals, making this your ultimate resource for travel inspiration and insight into next year’s most extraordinary journeys.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Travel That Matters 00:30 Introducing the Special Co-Host 01:04 Top Destinations for 2025: Japan 03:01 Exploring Okinawa's Unique Appeal 08:18 Peru's Hidden Gem: Huaraz 11:30 Greece: Rediscovering the Classics 16:51 Indonesia's Remote Beauty: West Papua 19:44 Sicily's Untouched West 24:53 Greenland: The Last Frontier 29:48 Paris: A Timeless Destination 31:48 Traveling with Kids: A New Perspective 32:54 Exploring Versailles: Beyond a Day Trip 33:53 Luxury Hotels in Paris 34:44 Discovering India: Top Destinations 38:34 Quebec Winter Adventures 43:22 Bhutan: The Land of Happiness 47:45 Rwanda: Luxury Safaris and Gorilla Treks 55:20 Top Picks for 2025: Amazon and Iceland 57:54 Exploring the Northeast USA and Austria 01:01:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up   Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey Salvia   Special thanks to: Misty Belles of Virtuoso Carolyn Addison of Black Tomato Cecilia Berrocal of PromPeru Dino Michaels of Hilton Francesco Galli Zugaro of Aqua Expeditions Fulvio de Bonis of Imago Artis Gebhard Rainer of HX Expeditions Puneet Chhatwal of Taj Hotels Samuel Chamberlain of Ponant Uwern Jong of OutThere magazine Keith Vincent of WildernessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honoring his family’s legacy while pushing boundaries to innovate New Orleans cuisine for the next generation is the 21-year-old patron chef of Emeril’s in New Orleans and son of renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, E.J. Lagasse who joins Bruce on this season four finale. E.J. takes us on a journey through his culinary evolution, starting with his early—very early—experiences as a young teenager working in legendary kitchens like Daniel Boulud’s and Eric Ripert’s. E.J. also shares stories from his culinary travels, reflecting on how his time in kitchens around the world—from New York to Stockholm—has shaped his approach to running one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants. He has picked up many valuable lessons and habits along the way, including one that Bruce believes is a practice all of us should follow in our travels. E.J. goes on to share his picks for his favorite meals in New Orleans and beyond. Throughout the conversation, his passion for the culinary arts is palpable. He offers behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to lead a celebrated restaurant, the importance of mentorship, and how New Orleans’ unique food culture continues to influence his creations. Whether you’re a food lover or fascinated by the intersection of legacy and innovation, you’ll enjoy this episode as a deep dive into the future of fine dining. --- A heartfelt thank you to you, our listener, and to all the wonderful guests who joined us this season on the second iteration of the Master Chef Series. Your support has been incredible, and we can’t wait to bring you more exciting stories of travel, adventure, and culinary exploration in upcoming episodes of Travel That Matters. Make sure you're Following and stay tuned! --- To learn more about E.J. Lagasse and Emeril’s, visit https://emerilsrestaurant.com. --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new approach to food, drink, and culinary experiences at sea, that's what host Bruce sits down with Andrea Tonet, the VP of Product Strategy at Silversea, to chat about in this episode of Travel That Matters. Hear how those experiences bring a true local taste to each destination, no matter where in the world you are. Andrea takes us around the world, starting with the Dolomites (Italy) where Andrea grew up, and through the concept of Silversea’s SALT program, in which local ingredients, chefs, wines, and more underscore guests’ experience on the ship and in each port of call. We journey into local culinary traditions, where every dish tells a story and every flavor connects us to the places we visit. From the fragrant fields of Provence to a remote farm on Crete to the wilderness of Iceland—where geothermal bread is made on a volcano and herbs are foraged—each destination offers a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into the local culture and cuisine. Andrea also highlights Silversea’s expedition voyages in Antarctic and the Galapagos. What’s more, Bruce welcomes a special bonus guest, expert wine curator and historian Lawrence d’Almeida, to talk about the best wine regions to visit around the world. --- To learn more about Silversea’s SALT program: https://www.silversea.com/introducing-silversea-salt.html This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. --- Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could you, would you, on a train? We would eat chef Jean Imbert's cuisine on a train, by the sea, in a city... we would eat Jean Imbert's cuisine anywhere! Dr. Seuss jokes aside, Jean Imbert is the culinary mastermind behind some of the most iconic restaurants in the world, including those in Paris, Cannes, French Polynesia, St. Barth’s, and even the legendary Orient Express, and he's this episode's guest on Travel That Matters. Jean talks to Bruce about realizing his dream of running the kitchen at the Plaza Athénée, creating unforgettable dining experiences across the globe, and enjoying the simple pleasures of his garden in Brittany. --- To learn more about Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, visit https://www.dorchestercollection.com/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee/dining/jean-imbert-au-plaza-athenee To learn more about Orient Express, visit: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/ --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come along for a culinary thrill as Foods That Matter transports the epicures, the foodies, and the gastronauts to different corners of the world through stories of adventure with food archeologist John Robert Sutton, also known as 'The Indiana Jones of Food.' John has invited us to continue unlocking the secrets to the globe's most extraordinary cuisines, as he's been doing throughout his travel in over 120 countries. While he pushes on enriching top grocery stores and Michelin-starred chefs with the finest ingredients and powering them with the most unique and sustainable products, John is bringing us along with him to where these rare foods can be found. Listen and gain insider knowledge on trending foods, deep insights into food culture, and a comprehensive understanding of what you're eating, including food origins. Plus, learn how to discover these culinary treasures on your own. You might enjoy Foods That Matters if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters, Food with Mark Bittman, Dinner SOS by Bon Appétit, Be My Guest with Ina Garten, and Gastropod. Listen to Foods That Matter: https://link.chtbl.com/FoodsThatMatter_CurtCoMedia -- Episode Description We are spicing things up with Mark Jacobs, Chairman of Watkins, award-winning extracts, spices & herbs, seasoning blends, grilling rubs & marinades, artificial dye-free baking decorations, and more crafted in the USA since 1868; the company with the first ever documented money-back guarantee (talk about trusting your spices!). Mark divulges the delicate (and sometimes dangerous) process of sourcing the finest vanilla beans in Madagascar and explains why vanilla can be so darn expensive, only sometimes. But vanilla's not all they offer! Mark shares surprising health benefits of spices, and spills the tea on how Watkins keeps their huge variety of spices bursting with flavor - including a tip to properly storing your spices at home. Speaking of unique offerings, Watkins is now in the Bourbon business, and we learn all about the intricacies of this new exciting vertical for the brand. Mark even reveals the one spice that mysteriously eludes Watkins (and why), and shares exactly what to look for when you're on the hunt for the perfect spices. Whether you're a spice connoisseur, a curious cook, or a foodie, this episode is packed with flavor-boosting tips and fascinating facts about food and the brand leading the way for delicious flavors. - Did you know host John was the person who introduced Harissa from Tunisia to the U.S. 15 years ago? Or that Himalayan salt comes from Pakistan? - Tune into the episode for more. This season of Foods That Matter is presented by Watkins. Executive Producers: AJ Moseley and Stuart Halperin Editing: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Jenny G Listen to Foods That Matter: https://link.chtbl.com/FoodsThatMatter_CurtCoMedia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do trombones, surfers, and Paris have in common? They're all part of Jonathan Waxman's inspiring success story that took him from cleaning bathrooms to an iconic career as a chef, restaurateur, and tv personality. A true pioneer of California cuisine, Chef Jonathan Waxman shares his extraordinary journey, including his unforgettable experiences like traveling on a shoestring budget to Michelin three-star restaurants across France in his 20s which ended up changing the course of his life. Jonathan’s stories take us from Paris, to the bustling kitchens of Chez Panisse, to the sunny shores of Santa Monica, and around the world. Jonathan's passion for cooking comes through as he talks about what his idea of the ultimate expression of true cuisine is. He also shares what's next for him as a chef and a restaurateur. --- Stick around for the wrap where Bruce shares his most memorable culinary experience from Kyoto that involved a tiny sushi bar with 4 stools, no options, and (thankfully) a friendly patron who could help translate between English and Japanese. --- To learn more about Jonathan Waxman, visit https://www.jonathanwaxman.com Follow Jonathan Waxman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjwaxman/ --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most influential figures in American cuisine, Charlie Palmer, and a world-renowned pastry chef, Antonio Bachour, dive into their most inspiring travel experiences and recommendations. Charlie Palmer talks about how his culinary expertise and love for the outdoors have influenced his new hotel company, Appellation, with its first locations in Healdsburg and Sun Valley of the United States. Charlie shares insights on his vision for these hotels, deeply rooted in food and beverage excellence and the unique character of their nature-packed locations. Antonio Bachour takes us back to his early days in Puerto Rico, running his family bakery at just 14. He reveals the details of his journey to becoming the best pastry chef in the world, his passion for Puerto Rican cuisine, and his innovative approach to desserts. Antonio also discusses his culinary ventures in Miami and Merida, Mexico, including the influence of Lebanese cuisine there and elsewhere around the world. Don’t miss Bruce’s wrap-up, where he shares his personal dining experience and a hidden gem from his trip to Merida. -- Follow Travel That Matters for more exciting episodes with culinary leaders and travel experts around the world, and if you like the podcast, please leave us a review on whatever platform you’re enjoying the show. --- To learn more about Charlie Palmer, visit https://www.charliepalmer.com/ To learn more about Antonio Bachour, visit https://antoniobachour.com/ --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Chin escaped what she jokingly describes as "dumpling prison" only to be so influenced by her heritage and Asian cuisines that she left her SVP role at FOX to start her career as a chef and author. It was her mom's inspiring success story that eventually led Katie to a life of cooking, writing cookbooks, appearing on TV shows like Iron Chef and The Today Show, and creating a one-woman show called Holy Shitake: A Wok Star is Born. Prepare to be entertained and inspired by the story of how an immigrant woman making 50 cents an hour as a seamstress with no high school diploma went on to ... well, we won't spoil the ending. In this interview, Katies tells us her "must try" Cantonese dish recommendations and where she goes in San Francisco to get them. She also explains what food is like in Guangzhou, China, and what kind of food you'll find at the food market there, before she reveals what other areas of China and Asia at large that she loves for cuisine. Learn fun facts like "Korean chefs use Coca Cola to break down proteins," and what bulgogi pizza is. Plus, get tips for cities in the U.S. and Canada where you can find great Asian cuisine. This episode also features a bonus segment with Gregory Gourdet, the newly crowned James Beard award winner for Best Chef: Northwest and the Pacific. A past guest on Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series, Gregory talks about his many adventures in Thailand and how the country’s cuisine helped shape the chef that he is today. --- You can listen to the full episode of Gregory Gourdet on Travel That Matters here: https://link.chtbl.com/GregoryGourdet --- To learn more about Katie Chin, visit www.chefkatiechin.com Watch Katie Chin on the Kelly Clarkson Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TjgLEz1KVU&t=1s Follow Katie Chin on Twitter & Instagram: @chefkatiechin --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The art of stress-free travel is not lost on Nancy Silverton thanks to her adventurous parents, and now she shares her travel philosophy with her kids, grandkids—and listeners of Travel That Matters in this episode. When this American chef, baker, restaurateur, and author is not serving food to people at the Palace of Versailles, she's "putzing" around her house in Umbria or traveling to Mexico, London, Spain, and other incredible places around the world. (Marseilles and Mexico City left the largest impact on her recently.) Nancy talks about the peanut butter cookie that changed her life and her experience working with Wolfgang Puck—another guest on Travel That Matters—and leaves listeners with tons of great inspiration for their next exploration. In the wrap up, Bruce considers where to travel to this summer. Have an idea? Email him directly at [email protected]. --- You can find out more details about the locations below mentioned in the episode: Costa Palmas: https://costapalmas.com/ Osteria Mozza: https://www.osteriamozza.com/ Martínez: https://www.exploretock.com/new-chef-lucho-restaurant-ciudad-de-mxico Obicà: https://www.obica.com/ --- To learn more about Nancy Silverton, find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nancysilverton/ --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here to explain how travel helped turn a kid from St. Louis into the leading restaurateur behind both Union Square Café and Shake Shack is the one-and-only Danny Meyer. The son of a travel entrepreneur, Danny takes us back to the vivid childhood travel memories he has, reminiscing about everything from the lake water and fresh baguettes in France to the roadside burger in California that might have been the initial spark for his now-famous restaurant chain. He leads us on his adventures as a young adult, explaining how he was able to travel roundtrip for just $44 a ticket, sharing his eye-opening experience as a tour guide in Rome, recalling the time he got blessed by the pope, and spelling out the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. Danny also talks about how he continued this tradition of family exploration with his own kids, including his daughter Hallie Meyer, who would later open Caffè Panna. This episode isn't just about travel or food; it’s about the profound impact it has on who we are and what we create. But there’s still plenty of great travel inspiration and advice, including a few of Danny’s favorite restaurants around the globe. --- To learn more about Danny Meyer, check out https://www.ushg.com/ To learn more about Cal-a-Vie, check out https://www.cal-a-vie.com/ --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wolfgang Puck, the Austrian-American culinary legend, takes host Bruce on a journey through his favorite food and travel spots, full of laughter and unexpected tips. Wolfgang shares the serendipitous creation of his signature dish, shares his first memories of getting the travel bug, and describes his initial impressions of the United States. He relives the opening night jitters of Spago (Beverly Hills), defines what he calls "California cuisine," and tells us how to cook 120 pounds of camel meat. Wolfgang also discusses his favorite destinations, from the hidden gem of Bahrain (Asia) to the orphanage his wife established in Ethiopia (Africa). Plus, he reveals his favorite restaurants in Capri and Vienna (Europe), including hidden gems and family-run spots. This episode is a delicious blend of Wolfgang's culinary wisdom, travel adventures, and insider tips – perfect for foodies and travel enthusiasts alike! --- You can find out more details about the locations below mentioned in the episode: Zozobra Festival: https://burnzozobra.com/ Spago: https://wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/spago-beverly-hills/ Hotel Goldener Hirsch (Salzburg, Austria): https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/szglc-hotel-goldener-hirsch-a-luxury-collection-hotel-salzburg/overview/ Steirereck (Vienna, Austria): https://www.steirereck.at/steirereck.en.html Amador (Vienna, Austria): https://www.restaurant-amador.com/ Hospice Alm Hotel (St. Christoph, Austria): https://www.arlberghospiz-alm.at/en/ Bachelor Gulch Ski Resort (Colorado, USA): https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/whrrz-the-ritz-carlton-bachelor-gulch/overview/ Hotel Arlberg (Lech, Austria): https://arlberghotel.at/en/ La Scoglio (Nerano, Italy): https://www.hotelloscoglio.com/en/restaurant Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark): https://noma.dk/ F. X. Pichler (Wachau Valley, Austria): https://fx-pichler.at/en/vineyards-wines/ Schrader Vineyards (Napa Valley, California, USA): https://schradercellars.com/ The Vegetable Shop at Chino Farm (Rancho Santa Fe, California, USA): https://www.instagram.com/chinofarms/?hl=en --- To learn more about Wolfgang Puck, check out his website https://wolfgangpuck.com/ --- This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting people to think differently when deciding where to travel next is a specialty of the travel journalist Andrew Nelson, a writer for two decades with National Geographic Travel and a two-time Lowell Thomas prize winner. Andrew joins Bruce on the podcast to discuss places in his new National Geographic book, Here Not There, revealing 100 alternative travel destinations to the ones we've probably all heard about 1,000 times. Andrew tells us about the places that are overlooked and why they're worth visiting, in addition to the obvious benefit of often being less crowded and less expensive. He guides us to the Miami of the North, the Amsterdam of the Midwest, and a place he describes as the most accessible yet mysterious places he's ever visited. He'll even tell us where you can dance until dawn and drink (responsibly) like a fool. Andrew doesn't just list places in this Travel That Matters episode, but tells us about the history, the tours and events you can attend, and the food that's there for you to enjoy. He emphasizes the element of surprise in travel, while adding in bragging rights that come with being among the few who have traveled to some of these alternative destinations. --- You can find out more details about the locations below mentioned in the episode: Zozobra Festival: https://burnzozobra.com/ The Secret Stairs of Los Angeles https://secretstairs-la.com/ San Cassiano, Dolomites https://www.altabadia.org/en/italian-alps-dolomites/villages/san-cassiano.html Kotor, Montenegro https://www.turismomontenegro.es/ciudades-de-montenegro/kotor/ Alamos, Sonora https://www.gob.mx/sectur/articulos/alamos-sonora Bottleworks Hotel: https://www.bottleworkshotel.com/ --- To learn more about Andrew Nelson, check out his website https://andrewtnelson.com/ --- Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embark on an adventure through South Africa with Liam Tomlin (Cape Town chef), Deborah Calmeyer (ROAR Africa founder), and Tiago Sarmento (managing director of Belmond in Southern Africa), whose stories and insider tips on crafting the ultimate travel experience will have you hooked on this something-for-everybody destination. On his recent trip to Cape Town and Tswalu Kalahari reserve in South Africa, Bruce caught up with Tomlin and Sarmento to talk about Cape Town’s culinary delights, under-the-radar gastronomic and adventure tours, going on safari with children, and other unique experiences beyond the ordinary. Bruce also spoke with safari expert Calmeyer, who shares tips for first-timers, malaria-free areas, the best farmer’s market in Cape Town, and a two-week blowout itinerary. You’ll also learn where locals from Cape Town go for vacation—hint: there’s great whale watching—and get fun facts like where you can order half a goat in a car wash. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or planning your first trip, whether you’re going with kids or just adults, this episode has something for you. Listen and catch the full details of why South Africa is a must-visit, and hear Bruce give his email for anyone who would like his help with planning a safari experience. Wait until the end to hear Bruce share a few of his favorite picks for safari adventures in South Africa and beyond. --- You can find out more details about the locations mentioned in the episode below: Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, https://www.belmond.com Chef’s Warehouse, https://www.chefswarehouse.co.za ROAR Africa, https://www.roarafrica.com Tswalu Kalahari, https://tswalu.com Delaire Graff Estate, https://www.delaire.co.za Oranjezicht Farmer’s Market, Cape Town Singita Sabi Sand, https://singita.com Cheetah Plains, https://www.cheetahplains.com Singita Grumeti, https://singita.com Selinda Reserve / Great Plains Conservation, https://greatplainsconservation.com Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, https://www.wildernessdestinations.com Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, https://www.belmond.com Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, https://www.belmond.com Pigcasso, https://pigcasso.org --- Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're recommending a Pushkin podcast, A Slight Change of Plans, where Maya Shankar blends compassionate storytelling with the science of human behavior to help us understand who we are and who we become in the face of a big change. In this episode, Dr. Richard "Harry" Harris is an anesthesiologist and expert cave diver who was tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to rescue a boys' soccer team trapped 2.5 miles deep within a flooded cave in Thailand. He talks with Maya about his decision to heed the call.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divia Thani is an incredible and inspiring source of information on how best to explore the many different regions of India, from the Himalayas in the north to Chettinad in the south. In this episode of Travel That Matters, Bruce speaks with Divia, the Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveler, about her home country of India, inclusive of the bustling scene in Goa, the best time of year to visit, where to find the best jewelry, and the thrills of a tiger safari (and how it’s different than the safari experience in African countries). Divia gives useful tips like how to see India without falling into a tourist trap, if you should see the Taj Mahal or skip it, where to go if you have particular hobbies such as hiking or skiing, and how to find authentic food in India. Divia also tells us about her favorite Indian dish, mentions a few specific restaurants in India that you'll want to try, and talks about Indian cuisine in London, where she lives today. --- You can find out more details about the locations mentioned in the episode below: NAAR (Chef: Prateek Sadhu) BiBi (Chef: Chet Sharma) --- Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our love of travel and food converge in spectacular fashion in this exploration of Mexico and its many regional cuisines with chef and TV host Pati Jinich. As the host of the 3x James Beard Award-winning PBS television series “Pati’s Mexican Table,” resident chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C., and a cookbook author, Pati is the perfect person to lead us on a culinary adventure through the country, diving into its regional specialties, under-the-radar restaurants, and the Mexican dishes foreigners don't know about that they should seek out. This episode is packed with specific foods you'll want to try when you're in Mexico—from cochinita pibil (a personal favorite of both Bruce’s and producer AJ’s) to the exceptional shrimp of Sinaloa—and Pati's explanations of exactly how some of these dishes are made will leave your mouth watering. She includes important details like why some Mexican dishes can be re-created deliciously in other countries around the world, while others need to be tasted at the source because of the ingredients and techniques. Pati’s passion for Mexican culture and cuisine is contagious, as she takes us from a remote family restaurant in Halachó in the south to the modern streets of Monterrey in the north—a city that surprised even her! In addition, she teaches us what malinchista means and why the cuisine of Mexico making it to the UNESCO list has helped the people of Mexico gain a new appreciation for their traditional foods and techniques. She also talks about how to stay safe while visiting Mexico’s most popular and more remote regions. Listen to the end to find out what Bruce's favorite places and foods are in Mexico! --- You can find out more details about the locations mentioned in the episode below: Niddo Cara de Vaca Ya'axche (Chef Wilson Alonzo) La Fina Cocina del Barrio Sonorita Pepe’s Taco Pancho’s Takos Doña Chela Mercado Cleofas Mota Tequila --- To learn more about what Pati is up to, be sure to check out her website: https://patijinich.com/ Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're recommending a podcast for Scotland-lovers by award-winning travel blogger Kathi Kamleitner. This clip is of her conversation with Mark Williams, a forager and foraging tutor with over 30 years of experience. Originally from the Isle of Arran, Mark lives in Galloway these days and runs foraging classes and workshops all over Scotland. In the episode, Kathi and Mark cover... • How Mark became a full-time forager • His favorite plants, mushrooms and seaweeds to forage • Tips for aspiring foragers in Scotland (and beyond) • What he loves most about foraging • What foraging and traveling have in common • Tips for a lovely trip to GallowaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund President, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, joins Bruce to discuss the fascinating scientific and conservation work the organization does in the mountains of Rwanda, as well as the fund’s brand-new Ellen DeGeneres Campus—a facility that will not only change how we study and protect mountain gorillas but also enhance what is already one of the world’s epic travel experiences.Continuing the work of the legendary Fossey—who was murdered in Rwanda in the 1980s—Stoinski and her team of scientists have piloted what is one of the rare success stories for a critically endangered species. The foundation has monitored six generations of mountain gorillas over the years, and in that time the estimated population in the wild has gone from 240 specimens to more than 600.Stoinski discusses why mountain gorillas—which also reside in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda—are so important to protect, including the fact that they are the “gardeners” of the rainforest, helping to take care of these critical ecosystems through their foraging. She also talks about poaching, snares, and some of the other challenges gorillas face, as well as the effective measures the Rwandan government has taken over the past years to ensure their recovery.Stoinski also talks about one of the most impactful travel experiences you can have—and one that is sure to convince anyone that mountain gorillas must be protected.Learn More:Go2Africa: https://www.go2africa.com/Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: https://gorillafund.org/----------------------------------- This episode was first published in March of 2022. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Robert Sutton didn't always know he wanted to travel through 124 countries and be the best exotic food trader, but we're glad he did! This episode is packed with the most interesting stories, like where vanilla is really from and how it grows in its natural state, what the most potent and natural antioxidant on the face of the earth is, what volcanoes have to do with the best culinary destinations in the world, what herb is the secret ingredient to staying active over the age of 100 and where to find it, where tomatoes are from (hint: it's not Italy), and more. You'll also learn what John's number one destination recommendation is for top ingredients and cuisine, where John draws the line on if a place is too dangerous to visit at that time, and how John got started in this line of work that brings him across valleys and deserts in search of unique items that chefs and people use all over the United States. Listen to the end because you'll also hear from Claudia Hanna, Mediterranean Culinary/Lifestyle Expert and host of If This Food Could Talk. She teaches us all about olives and olive oil, including why there's no difference between a green and black olive, takes us through a day on Cyprus (it sounds magical), and gives us tricks of the trade for getting off the beaten path while traveling. Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“From a hidden region of Colombia to a high-profile hotel debut in London, this episode is for adventurers, foodies, escapists, and big-city lovers—basically anyone who cherishes travel and is interested in exploring new places,” Bruce says. Throughout the episode, you will hear the insights and advice of luxury travel leaders whom Bruce Wallin, Travel That Matters host and award-winning travel writer and editor, surveyed at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week, the world’s leading luxury travel conference. You’ll also hear the reactions and analysis of Bruce and his guest, fellow travel journalist Jackie Caradonio. While the better-known locations were not forgotten, like New York City, Boston, London, and Tokyo, Bruce and Jackie take listeners to Lamu and Ko Yao Yai, Riga and Dubrovnik, and far beyond. Listeners of this Travel That Matters episode will be ahead of the travel curve, discovering new hot spots to visit before they’re on everyone’s vacation radar. Some of the destinations will shock you! Plus, listeners learn things like which country has the largest variety of bird species, where the first Blue Zone was, where the 2026 Olympic Winter Games will be held, how you can cycle over 900 miles across six prefectures, and other unique facts about this beautiful world we love to explore. --- Travel That Matters would like to thank Virtuoso, the leading global network of luxury travel advisors, for including us at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. You can find out more details about all of the locations mentioned in the episode, below: Dolomiti Superski - https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/home Sella Ronda ski circuit - https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Experience/Sellaronda-Grande-Guerra Via ferrata mountaineering circuit - https://www.dolomitemountains.com/en/resources/dolomites-tips/via-ferrata-climbing-the-iron-paths-of-the-dolomites Rosa Alpina - https://www.aman.com/resorts/rosa-alpina Hotel Cristallo - https://www.hotelcristallo-altabadia.it/en Hotel de Lën - https://hoteldelen.it/en/hotel-de-len/ Alpinn Food Space & Restaurant - https://alpinn.it/en/ Hotel Ciasa Salares - https://www.ciasasalares.it/en/ Jannah Lamu - https://www.jannahlamu.com/ White Sand Villas Zanzibar - https://www.whitesandvillas.com/ The Surrey - https://www.corinthia.com/new-york/ Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi - https://www.tatiananyc.com/ The Hispanic Museum & Library - https://hispanicsociety.org/ Good Food Festival Dubrovnik - https://tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en/news/good_food_fest/index.html Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica - https://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/ Hacienda Altagracia, Auberge Resorts Collection - https://aubergeresorts.com/altagracia/stay/ Nayara Springs - https://nayarasprings.com/ Rocco Forte Hotels, Liscia di Vacca - https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/liscia-di-vacca-sardinia/ Nordic Luxury - https://www.nordicluxury.is/ Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino - https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/costa-navarino/messenia Kempinski Grand Hotel Riga - https://www.kempinski.com/en/grand-hotel-kempinski-riga Seabourn Cruises - https://www.seabourn.com/en/us Raffles Boston - https://www.raffles.com/boston/ Raffles London at the OWO - https://theowo.london/ Four Seasons Hotel Boston - https://www.fourseasons.com/boston/ The Newbury Boston - https://www.thenewburyboston.com/ O Ya - https://www.o-ya.restaurant/ ICAA New England - https://www.classicist-ne.org/ Grace by Nia - https://www.gracebynia.com/ Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas - https://www.anantara.com/en/koh-yao-yai-phuket 62 Nord - https://www.62.no/en Secret Atlas - https://www.secretatlas.com/ Pacific Cycling Road Japan - https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/national_cycle_route/pacific_en.html Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - https://tswalu.com/ Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel - https://www.belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa/cape-town/belmond-mount-nelson-hotel/ Rebecca Masri - Little Emperors - https://littleemperors.com/ Pavia Rosati - Fathom - https://www.fathomaway.com/ Andrea Grisdale - IC Bellagio - https://icbellagio.com/ Javier Arredondo - Virtuoso - https://www.virtuoso.com/travel Amanda Elder - Kempinski Hotels - https://www.kempinski.com/en Omer Acar - Raffles - https://www.raffles.com/home/ and Orient Express - https://www.orient-express.com/ Ian di Tullio - Minor Hotels - https://www.minorhotels.com/en Deborah Frank - Luxury Magazine - https://www.luxurycard.com/magazine Gilberto Salcedo - ProColombia - https://procolombia.co/ Pradeep Raman - Corinthia New York - https://www.corinthia.com/new-york/ Christian Leibel-Cote - Collette - https://www.gocollette.com/en Mina Agnos - travelive - https://www.travelive.com/ Bobby Huebner - Skylark - https://skylark.com/ --- To learn more about what Jackie is up to, be sure to follow her https://www.instagram.com/jackiecaradonio/ or check out her website https://www.jackiecaradonio.com/ Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production. Host: Bruce Wall