Today, we're headed to the vibrant and historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, enjoying the rhythm of cumbia music in the distance, or setting sail on turquoise waters to visit nearby islands.

Joining me today are three incredible guests who know this city inside and out: my partner in the region, Cristina Consuegra and two of her expert guides, Maria Angelina and Fernando. Together, we dive into everything from Cartagena's must try food, to the influence of pirates on the region, to its booming art and fashion scene. Maria Angelina brings her perspective as an art curator and cultural heritage expert, while Fernando shares his deep knowledge as a historian specializing in the Colombian Caribbean Coast.

Whether you're dreaming of a family getaway, a romantic escape, or an adventure filled with history and culture, this episode has something for you.

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Today, we're diving into the trends that are shaping the way travelers are exploring the world. I'm joined by my good friend Jonathan Epstein, the CEO of Celebrated Experiences, one of our partners for curating authentic and luxurious travel experiences in Europe.

Jonathan and I discuss everything from the growing demand for slow, intentional travel to the resurgence of big family trips for milestone celebrations. We also touch on the evolving preferences of Millennials and Gen X travelers, the rise of VIP services, and why spending on comfort and quality time is a trend that's here to stay.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for your next trip - so when you're ready to start planning, I'd love to hear from you! My company Bell & Bly Travel has you covered with our award winning planning, insider knowledge, and VIP perks.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Today we're setting off on a journey through the misty glens and rugged coastlines of Scotland—a land where history and legend intertwine.

Joining me today are Christopher Sleigh and Euan House, two incredible storytellers and partners of ours in the region. Together, we unravel the history of the clan structure, explore the difference between a tartan and a kilt, take a walk through Scotland's local food markets, and of course talk a little bit about Outlander too.

Whether you're drawn to the charm of the Highlands or the cultural pulse of its cities, this episode will inspire your next Scottish adventure!

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My guest today is my friend Sam Chamberlain, CEO of the Americas for Ponant Explorations - one of the most interesting expedition cruising companies out there.

Whether you dream of experiencing the world's most technical luxury icebreaker, enjoying the company of penguins, having fabulous French food on board, or exploring typical destinations in new ways - you can accomplish all these dreams and more on board a Ponant vessel.

Sam and I discuss Guinness World Records, the Northwest Passage, The North Pole, French Polynesia, and what it's like to sail with a French crew. It's a truly exciting time in the world of expedition and luxury cruising so sit back and enjoy this fun new episode of Luxury Travel Insider.

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Today we're venturing into the Atlantic, making stops on the islands of The Azores and Madeira. Imagine stunning verdant volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and temperate weather all year round. Don't forget incredible food and a unique expression of Portuguese culture.

My guests today are Filipe Fraga from Madeira and Beatriz Sousa from The Azores. We chat about the differences and commonalities between these two destinations, the unique environment, and the authentic experiences offered by each. If you're looking for a unique destination in Europe, either of these destinations will be sure to impress.

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Welcome to the 2024 besties episode of Luxury Travel Insider. I've invited two of my best friends, Kristen Sandvig and Hao Tang, to join me to dish on all things travel.

All three of us are professional travelers, spending up to a third of our years out of the country. It's our job to be discerning… and maybe a little snobby!

So, in this unfiltered conversation you'll hear our opinions on everything from hotels, to interesting experiences, airports, pet peeves and more. There'll be a lot of laughing and some great insights and travel tips.

Before we dive in, I want to thank you for being a part of our community, for listening, for sending me your feedback, for working with Bell & Bly Travel for your luxury travel needs. It's truly an honor to inspire you to travel the world and I'm looking forward to many more chats in 2025.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist.

Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Cristina Consuegra, our partner in Colombia; Helmut Kugler, our partner in Germany, and Malik Fernando, the owner and MD of the Resplendent Ceylon properties in Sri Lanka!

Helmut makes us nostalgic with scenes of Christmas Markets, Malik takes us back to being children, and Cristina shares how the many different cultures in Colombia have shaped their traditions.

So my friends, I hope you have a joyous holiday season ahead, be safe, thank you, thank you for listening and for all your support, and please enjoy this festive episode of Luxury Travel Insider.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist.

This year I'm chatting about holiday traditions with Samuel Dabinett, the GM of the famed Park Hyatt Sydney, Urban Axelsson from Swedish Lapland, and Gustavo Brana, from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Urban shares stories from the Arctic Circle, while Samuel and Gustavo tell us how it feels to celebrate Christmas and New Years in the middle of summer. We chat food, traditions, fireworks, and special experiences galore.

So my friends, Salute, Cheers, and Skal. I hope you have a joyous holiday season ahead, be safe, thank you, thank you for listening and for all your support, and please enjoy this festive episode of Luxury Travel Insider.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Today we're headed to experience a tapestry of turquoise lagoons, emerald-green islands, and coral-fringed shores.

Whether you're diving with sharks, climbing the ridge of a volcanic peak, or relaxing in your overwater bungalow - French Polynesia, or Tahiti for short - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.

We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region, Raphael Bernard. Raphael has lived on a couple different islands in the archipelago and eats and breathes it every day. We talk about everything from the local stereotypes of each island, to the more off the beaten path ways to visit, to the food, and the unique culture.

I hope you enjoy this tropical episode of Luxury Travel Insider.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

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Today we're discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer.

After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living in the Andes, you can also visit the Amazon, enjoy some of the top restaurants in the world, and learn about any of the other FIFTY indegenous groups dotted across the country.

My guest today is my partner in the region, Silvia Rico. Her passion for bringing the experience of Peru to life is contagious. Silvia and I discuss everything from Ayahuasca, to a full out party on the Inca Trail, to the humility that visiting a place like Peru can instill in you.

Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/

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