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 Wilderness

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See 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.

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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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To learn more about E.J. Lagasse and Emeril’s, visit https://emerilsrestaurant.com.

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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 Salvia

See 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.

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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.

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Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See 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.

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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/

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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 Salvia

See 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 

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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.

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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.

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To learn more about Jonathan Waxman, visit https://www.jonathanwaxman.com

Follow Jonathan Waxman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjwaxman/

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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 Salvia

See 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.

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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.

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To learn more about Charlie Palmer, visit https://www.charliepalmer.com/ 

To learn more about Antonio Bachour, visit https://antoniobachour.com/ 

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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 Salvia

See 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.

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You can listen to the full episode of Gregory Gourdet on Travel That Matters here: https://link.chtbl.com/GregoryGourdet 

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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

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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 Salvia

See 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].

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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/

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To learn more about Nancy Silverton, find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nancysilverton/

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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 Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.