Travel That Matters

As the vice president and global leader of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hyatt, Crystal Vinisse Thomas has her fingers on the pulse of all things trending in the travel industry. She’s also a trendsetter herself, with an energy, style, and creativity that have helped her become one of the youngest and most dynamic leaders in luxury travel (and prompted Bruce to dub her the “Punk Rocker of Luxury Travel”). In this episode, Crystal joins Bruce to discuss everything from how living abroad made her a better person to how industry diversity will elevate the travel experience.

After touching on her past role at Beats by Dre—where she worked closely with sports superstars including Serena Williams, Tom Brady, and Lebron James—Crystal talks about the growing popularity of so-called second cities. The increased interest in road trips and the migration away from metropolises during the pandemic put a spotlight on places like Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee, Oceanside in California, and many other regional destinations. Crystal predicts the continued rise of these cities and others in the U.S. and abroad, where she cites destinations including Vienna, which she calls “The New Berlin.”  

Memphis will be the location of the first hotel from a new brand Crystal is spearheading called Caption by Hyatt. The brand’s hotels will emphasize authentic and meaningful travel and a come-as-you-are philosophy, with local vendors, cuisine, and bars and beverages that accurately reflect the diversity of communities in each city.

Picking out a great hotel is the first thing on Crystal’s list when traveling at home and abroad. But aside from a place to sleep, she likes to keep her plans wide open and embrace the spontaneity of experiencing a destination. The first item on her to-do list when arriving at a new destination is to walk around aimlessly. Rather than relying on guidebooks and tours, she seeks the insight of locals to uncover hidden gems and unplanned experiences that provide a reflection of what life in the city is really like.

Crystal’s particular style of travel has led to many serendipitous moments in her travels and her career. After hearing her conversation with Bruce, you will no doubt consider trading out rigid travel itineraries for her more fluid, spontaneous travel style. Stay tuned to hear one of Bruce’s most cherished spontaneous travel experiences, in Rwanda, in the Wallin Wrap-Up.  

Links:

Caption by Hyatt: https://www.hyatt.com/development/ourbrands/captionbyhyatt

Thompson Madrid Plaza del Carmen : https://www.hyatt.com/hotel/spain/thompson-madrid/madrp

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/tennessee/hyatt-centric-beale-street-memphis/memct

Thompson Nashville: https://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/tennessee/nashville/thompson-nashville

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoffrey Kent has likely done more to shape what modern luxury travel looks like than anyone else. Dating back to 1962—when he founded Abercrombie & Kent and started leading the first photographic safaris in Africa—he has been a pioneer of new destinations and new ways of traveling. Sixty years later, he’s still leading the way and discovering new places to explore. 

Geoffrey’s pioneering adventures began at the age of 16, when he had just been expelled from high school in Kenya. He soon set off on a solo trip by motorcycle from Nairobi to Cape Town—and ended up becoming the first person to complete the journey. Equipped with only some fuel and a few pieces of dried meat, he had several mishaps along the way—including falling into the Zambezi River and getting stuck by the river for more than a month—but he also learned lessons that would shape his view, and the future, of luxury adventure. 

Geoffrey speaks with Bruce about that trip and many journeys since, with revealing tales about how he vowed to never hunt again after killing an elephant, how he coined the term “Shoot with a camera, not with a gun,” and how he argued with Dian Fossey, a fierce advocate for gorillas, about the importance of tourism in Africa’s critical wildlife regions.  

On the subject of tourism and its impact on the planet, Geoffrey acknowledges that it can be detrimental when handled incorrectly. From waterway damage, to trash in nature, to excessive travel emissions, tourism companies need to take it upon themselves to help mitigate the negative impacts. But Geoffrey believes the benefits to properly managed tourism far outweigh the negatives, and he discusses some of the many projects A&K helps fund, from hospitals to wildlife conservation corridors.   

Geoffrey also shares details about some of the upcoming private-jet journeys around the world that he personally leads, as well as what destinations—from Gabon to Eritrea—that he feels are the new frontiers of luxury travel.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.abercrombiekent.com/
LUMA Arles: https://www.luma.org/en/arles.html
Asilia Africa: https://www.asiliaafrica.com

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Space tourism is a hot topic in travel these days, but what exactly is space tourism? Jane Poynter, the co-founder and -CEO of Space Perspective, give us the low-down on the realities of space tourism today—and how the facts in this case might be even better than the fantasy.

Poynter’s career in space tourism stems from her time as one of the original team members of Biosphere 2, an experiment in which she and seven colleagues lived in a man-made, hermetically sealed environment for two years to test our capabilities of living on other planets. The Arizona facility—which was even more tightly sealed than the International Space Station—included its own rainforest, a desert, an ocean, animal species, and more, all living in a self-sustaining environment. This experience—as well as her training for the mission, which included sailing across the Indian Ocean—drastically changed her perspective about our planet and the possibilities beyond.

Following her two-year mission in Arizona, Poynter and her husband and fellow Biosphere 2 member Taber MacCallum started the Paragon Space Development Corporation, which specializes in developing technologies for keeping people healthy and thriving in extreme environments like space. In 2019, they founded Space Perspective—and introduced a completely new concept in space tourism. While companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Blue Origin involve rocket ships and planes, Space Perspective takes clients to the stratosphere via a high-tech, low-impact balloon.

Space balloon technology has been used by NASA for scientific purposes for decades. Launching in 2024, Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune balloon will take eight passengers and a pilot, traveling at about 12 mph, to the stratosphere, 99% above the Earth’s atmosphere. During the two-hour ascension, passengers will witness views of the stars and watch the sun rise over the curvature of the Earth. With the sun will come bird’s-eye views of whatever region of the world the balloon departs from (initial departures will be from Florida, including from the Kennedy Space Center).

Throughout the experience, passengers can enjoy a bar, gourmet food, WiFi, educational programs, and more. At the conclusion, the vessel slowly descends back to Earth and lands in the ocean, where passengers will be taken back to shore. According to Poynter, the journey to the top of the atmosphere is only 20 miles—and the spaceship is virtually emission-free.

Poynter also talks about Virgin Galactic and other space tourism options for travelers, as well as where she sees the industry going—and how it will benefit people and the Earth. Be sure to stick around until the end to hear her take on the Overview Effect and making space travel more accessible, as well as Bruce’s update on space hotels.

LEARN MORE:

Space Hotel Details: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/space-astronomy/voyager-station-first-space-hotel-open-2027

Space Perspective: https://www.spaceperspective.com/

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Onboard a 20-passenger yacht off the coast of Española Island in the Galapagos, Bruce interviews local expert, conservationist, and CEO of the luxury expedition company Ecoventura, Santiago Dunn. In this special episode, Dunn discusses the treasures and adventures that make the Galapagos islands one of the world’s most sought-after destinations—and how to make your trip exceed even your wildest dreams. 

It’s no secret that the Galapagos is one of the top wildlife destinations in the world—but it’s also one of the best preserved, with pristine beaches, reefs, and volcanic peaks ripe with reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. Ecoventura’s seven-night trips aboard the identical Theory and Origin yachts bring you up close with the islands’ wonders, with each day offering active and educational opportunities to witness wildlife in its purest form. Cruising from island to island, the trips can include everything from kayaking or paddle-boarding in wildlife-rich mangroves to hiking along active volcanos and snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, sharks, and penguins. Outings are led by expert Galapagos National Guides, among them ornithologists, biologists, photographers, and more. 

Dunn says that this combination of active fun and education is what makes the Galapagos such a family-friendly destination. Immersing children in wildlife and ecosystems of the Galapagos, as Dunn has done with his own four sons, gives them an education that goes well beyond the scope of a traditional classroom setting. Of course, travelers of any age can appreciate their close proximity to penguins, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises—and the fascinating facts and stories they will learn along the way. 

The Ecuadoran government goes to great lengths to protect their national treasure. In fact, the country’s president, Guillermo Lasso, recently signed a bill that extends the Galapagos Marine Reserve by nearly 50%, all the way to the coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. Dunn says the new law is indicative of the country’s commitment to preserve the Galapagos not just for Ecuador, but for the world.

To get the most out of a trip to Ecuador, Dunn suggests visits to Quito, Guayaquil, and/or Cuenca before your expedition, to gain a true taste of Ecuadoran history and culture. Some travelers attempt to combine a trip to the Galapagos with a visit to Machu Picchu in Peru, but Dunn advises against this, believing that these bucket-list destinations need to be seen on their own so that the traveler can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of their respective cultures and sights.

Throughout his conversation with Bruce, Dunn’s love for the Galapagos shines through. He is sure to inspire you to make this dream trip a reality—and his insider tips will ensure you get the most out of your Ecuadoran adventure. 

Be sure to stick around toward the end of the show to hear about Dunn’s close call with an oceanic white-tip shark and Bruce’s incredible encounter with dolphins during his Galapagos visit!

Learn more: https://www.ecoventura.com 

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund CEO Dr. Tara Stoinski 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.

A huge step for the gorilla’s future survival, the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus opened in the shadow of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in February. DeGeneres’ wife, Portia de Rossi, kickstarted the fundraising for the project by making a large donation as a gift for DeGeneres. The beautifully designed campus features state-of-the-art labs, classrooms for everything from elementary school field trips to graduate student studies, and exhibits about Fossey, gorillas, and Rwanda.

For tourists, the campus also offers behind-the-scenes experiences and even the ability (through Go2Africa) to have one of the fund’s researchers accompany you on a gorilla trek. Such treks, Stoinski believes, are one of the most impactful travel experiences you can have—and are sure to convince anyone that mountain gorillas must be protected.

Learn More:

Go2Africa: https://www.go2africa.com/

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: https://gorillafund.org/

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce Poon Tip is the founder of G Adventures, the world’s largest small-group travel company, which takes some 200,000 travelers annually on trips ranging from luxury yachting expeditions for boomers to hostel backpacking excursions for millennials. No matter how different each itinerary may look, they all revolve around the same core themes: cultural immersion, benefiting local communities, and creating a transformative experience for both traveler and host. Indeed, Poon Tip was talking about things like community-based trips and transformative travel long before most people were, and he joins host Bruce Wallin this week to discuss his picks for the best of both worlds: the destinations where your tourist spending has the greatest local impact—and you’ll have a truly amazing, authentic experience along the way. 

One of Poon Tip’s recent projects at G Adventures was to create the Ripple Score, which ranks each trip the company offers based on how much of the trip’s cost stays local. A high score means the majority of the money you spend goes to local hotel owners, transportation companies, restaurants, tour guides, and more. He says that creating the system—and accurately measuring the local impact of each trip—was a huge task that now informs how G Adventures plans every trip. It also made clear which countries are doing the best job at sharing the financial benefits of travel with local communities. 

Those destinations, says Poon Tip, include Egypt, which he believes should be particularly of interest to travelers in 2022. Not only does a large portion of the Egyptian economy rely on tourism, with many people’s jobs depending on the return of international travelers, but Poon Tip says that it is the perfect time to see the country’s iconic sites, free of crowds. Wherever you go throughout the country, he adds, there are a number of high-quality, locally based options. 

Another country with strong community-based tourism is Ecuador, which Poon Tip includes among his favorite destinations for its diversity—from backpacking in the Andes, to diving in the Galapagos, to venturing through the Amazon basin, to exploring the indigenous markets outside of Quito. He discusses some of the issues of going local in Ecuador, including the choice between an LVMH-owned train to Machu Picchu or a somewhat “rough” locally owned option called Inca Rail.

Ecological diversity—and a commitment to protecting that diversity—is a hallmark of Costa Rica, which Poon Tip cites for its high percentage of preserved land, extensive national parks, and gorgeous beaches. He also talks about how Costa Rica is perfect for people at any stage in their “travel career.” 

For travelers looking to have an impact on conservation and sustainability, Poon Tip also suggests the highly diverse—and highly tourism dependent—countries of Southeast Asia. From the jungles and ancient temples of Cambodia, to the beaches of Thailand, to the historic cities and countryside of Vietnam, the region offers a plethora of a community-based travel experiences. 

Learn More:

G Adventures: https://www.gadventures.com/

Inca Rail: https://incarail.com/

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 In honor of Super Bowl LVI this week, sports expert and New York Times best-selling author of Fans, Larry Olmsted, discusses the world’s ultimate sporting events and how they can provide some of the most insightful cultural experiences for travelers. In this episode, Olmsted shares his favorite (and least favorite) events, ranging from the Super Bowl, to the Kentucky Derby, the Women’s World Cup, the Rugby World Cup in South Africa, and more!

His newest book Fans, takes an exciting deep-dive into the positive impacts of sports on the individual and collective levels of society. According to Olmsted, the world of sports invites travelers to witness a true melting-pot of cultures. He cites events like the Melbourne World Cup in Victoria, the Rugby World Cup in South Africa, baseball games in Japan, the Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong or Fiji, and cricket matches in India or the West Indies.

For those looking for a big-ticket event held in the U.S., Olmsted highly recommends the Kentucky Derby. In fact, he prefers the spectacle and tradition of the Derby over the Super Bowl. Attendees can enjoy balls and parties leading up to the race and can spring for hospitality packages, which include private lounges equipped with open-bars, covered seating, and a close proximity to betting windows.

If under-the-radar sporting events are more your speed, Olmsted has some great alternatives to big-ticket events. To avoid the expenses and crowds of Montecarlo, try the Singapore Grand Prix or the Indy500. Instead of the Kentucky Derby, Olmsted suggests the Palio di Siena in Tuscany. Road-tripping across New Zealand and Australia for the 2023 Women’s Cup is another less expensive yet adventure-filled alternative for soccer fans. Olmsted also suggests the Waste Management Phoenix Open, otherwise known as “The Greatest Show on the Grass, which will be held on February 10-13. Olmsted's other pick is the LA Sevens Rugby tournament in August 2022.

Whether your sports event adventure includes attending the Super Bowl or the Olympics, Olmsted has one key piece of advice: go based on location. For Super Bowl-goers, pick a year when the event is hosted in cities whose arenas are close to downtown. For those with their eyes on the Olympics, Olmsted suggests picking a year when the games will be held in a location you can build a trip around. No matter what is on your sports event bucket list, Olmsted has the ultimate insider-access into exploring the world through the lens of sports fandom.

Be sure to stick around for after the interview, when Bruce shares his epic sports spectator's story of his own in the Wallin-Wrap Up. 

Learn More:

Rugby World Cup

The Rugby 7s events in L.A

The Rugby 7s events in Hong Kong

The Waste Management Phoenix Open

US Masters

The Women’s World Cup

Kentucky Derby Hospitality Packages

Super Bowl LVI

Indy500

Singapore Grand Prix

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ROAR AFRICA founder, women’s rights activist, and conservationist Deborah Calmeyer shares how her fascinating childhood in Zimbabwe inspired an equally interesting career creating some of Africa’s greatest safaris.

Calmeyer’s stories—which include tales about growing up with a lioness as a pet, designing safaris for clients like Robert Redford, and having a near-death experience with a pack of wild dogs—are colored with her love and passion for the unlimited treasures and life-changing experiences Africa has to offer.

ROAR’s custom-designed safaris might include flying guests via helicopter to meet one of the last pastoral tribes in Kenya or exploring the Mana Pools region in Calmeyer’s native country of Zimbabwe. ROAR also offers a limited number of group trips, including the “Greatest Safari on Earth.” Just 10 guests join this annual journey, which travels by private Emirates A319 jet (equipped with private cabins) to four of sub-Saharan Africa’s most iconic destinations: Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world; the Okavango Delta in Botswana; Kenya’s Maasai Mara to witness the Great Migration; and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to track gorillas.

ROAR AFRICA offsets 1.5 times the carbon emissions from the trip, and for every destination she sends her clients, Calmeyer insists on sustainable partners focused on conservation and cultural and social impact. In fact, according to Calmeyer, too many visitors to Africa focus entirely on the wildlife experience. She likes to open her clients up to Africa’s “other Big 5”—art, culture, fashion, design, and food. She incorporates cultural elements into all of ROAR’s safaris, but for those interested in going beyond, she suggests Kigali in Rwanda and Cape Town in South Africa.

Calmeyer is also an advocate for women’s rights in Africa. Her Women’s Empowerment journeys, which launched last year, are exclusive safaris led by female guides, pilots, and more, with a focus on opening up career paths for women in the tourism industry. She speaks with Bruce about the day she came up with the idea for the trips, as well as the incredible bonds that form among everyone who participates—which, of course, is one of the wonderful things about travel. After hearing Bruce’s interview with Calmeyer, you’ll want to start planning your next safari right away. But be sure to stick around after the interview, when Bruce shares a crazy safari story of his own in the Wallin Wrap-Up.

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway, Tommy Moe became the first U.S. male skier to win two medals in the same Olympics—one Gold, the other Silver. But Moe is much more than just one of the greatest downhillers in history; he is also a fun-loving free-skiing enthusiast and a pioneer of heliskiing in his adopted home state of Alaska. As someone who has skied just about everywhere for fun and sport, he’s the perfect guide to lead us on a global adventure to the world’s top ski destinations for 2022.

Moe starts in Alaska, where he cofounded and co-owns the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge. Set in the Tordrillo range a 40-minute flight from Anchorage, the luxury wilderness lodge offers access to some of the most extreme skiable terrain on Earth. But the vast wilderness also offers a range of long, wide-open cruiser runs and everything in between. During summers, the lodge is an ideal base for fishing, rafting, and adventures by via ferrata—a mountain network system that, as Moe explains, opens up the thrills of rock climbing to people of all skill levels.

For those interested in heliskiing, Moe’s main advice is to do your homework. Research your options and make sure that whatever destination you choose offers the right slopes for your abilities. He also advises that you get in shape before your trip—you don’t want to blow a week of heliskiing by getting injured or too worn out to make the most of it. 

In addition to an epic heliskiing adventure in Alaska, Moe has some other ideas for where you should hit the slopes in 2022. Not surprisingly, he recommends his current hometown of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Known as a skier’s mountain—boasting 4,129 feet of pure fall lines with no traversing—the Jackson Hole Resort has long been a draw for experts. But Moe says the town has developed a broader appeal over the years, especially with the addition of new luxury hotels like the Four Seasons.

A new hotel in Taos, the Blake, prompted Moe to ski New Mexico’s premier resort a couple years ago—and he was blown away. Also in the U.S., he loves Whitefish Mountain Resort in his native Montana.

Hopping over to Europe, Moe cites Val d’Isère, France, at the top of his list. During his many times racing in Val d’Isère—with its idyllic backdrop of a European town with stone and wood buildings, crepe shops, boutiques, and restaurants—he was drawn to it for more than its superb ski slopes. But his fondest memories are of hitting the powder with his teammates on days it snowed too much to race.  

Moe talks with Bruce about St. Anton in Austria, Portillo in Chile, Las Leñas in Argentina, Revelstoke in British Columbia, and Niseko in Japan, which he says combines some of the world’s best powder with a truly unique cultural experience. For destinations like Japan or Austria—or anywhere, for that matter—Moe stresses the benefits of skiing with a guide. Having the right person direct you will help you find the best runs for your ability and the right time of day to hit them—and can also keep you from getting lost and finding yourself in the wrong village far from your hotel!

Following Moe’s expert picks and advice, Bruce shares a few insights of his own: The Wallin Wrap-Up highlights some of the top hotels, trips, and more that we have to look forward to in 2022.

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel That Matters is taking a short break for the holiday season! We’ll be returning January 11th, 2022 with all new episodes airing every other week. Until then, enjoy episodes from Season 1 and share your favorite inspiring, life changing, or maybe just little known special places you’ve discovered on your travels with Bruce at [email protected] or @TravelWithBruce on Twitter. We’d love to feature some of your top destinations on the show in 2022. Happy holidays and we’ll see you down the road! 

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.