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:

In her book Enchanted Islands: Travels Through Myth and Magic, Love & Loss, author Laura Coffey charts a real-life journey she took inspired by one of the most epic travel stories ever told: The Odyssey. Women Who Travel host Lale catches up with Coffey to find out how the famous poem informed where she went, the unforgettable meals she ate, and the cast of characters she met along the way.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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