Top Travel Destinations for 2025: Huaraz (Peru), Okinawa (Japan), Paris, Greenland, West Papua (Indonesia), and More
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.
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Best Food in New Orleans, London, New York, and Stockholm with Rising Star Chef E.J. Lagasse
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.
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How to Have Truly Local Food, Drink, and Culinary Experiences—at Sea—from Crete to Provence, Iceland to South Africa
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.
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Iconic Restaurants Around the World with Jean Imbert, in Paris, Cannes, French Polynesia, St. Barth’s, Dubai, Brittany, and More, Including on the Orient Express
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.
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Another CurtCo Media Podcast We Think You'll Enjoy: Foods That Matter
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.
Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations.
The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies.
Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana).
Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.
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