Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch joins Bruce to talk about international luxury travel in the
post-pandemic world. Virtuoso is a leading name in luxury travel with a network of nearly
20,000 advisors worldwide. As people were stuck at home, many of those travel advisors—a term Upchurch much prefers to ‘travel agents’—pivoted to help their clients plan big-ticket
trips in the distant future. But as borders open, Upchurch says Virtuoso is seeing
unprecedented demand for this summer and beyond.

Now that we’re ready to venture internationally again, how will we do it, where will we
go, and what will we find? Will we return to our favorite destinations—some of which we were guilty of loving too much in what Upchurch calls the pre-pandemic Golden Age of Travel—or will we take advantage of our renewed freedoms to explore new and off-the-beaten-path destinations? Upchurch dives into issues of over-tourism, the lasting impacts of the pandemic, which destinations are booming—and which ones aren’t—and the fundamental question of why people travel for leisure. He also shares some of his own travel plans, including the trip he’s most excited about: a journey into space on one of Virgin Galactic’s inaugural flights.

Locations Mentioned in the Wallin Wrap-Up:

Peru

Aqua Nera river cruiser from Aqua Expeditions

U.S.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

Spain

The Ritz Madrid, which recently reopened under the Mandarin Oriental flag

Villa Magna, which is reopening as a Rosewood Hotel

Four Seasons Madrid

Japan

Aman Kyoto

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Hotel the Mitsui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

 

Learn more about Virtuoso and book your next trip with a Virtuoso travel advisor: https://www.virtuoso.com/travel

-----------------------------------

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

Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch joins Bruce to talk about international luxury travel in the post-pandemic world. Virtuoso is a leading name in luxury travel with a network of nearly 20,000 advisors worldwide. As people were stuck at home, many of those travel advisors&mdash;a term Upchurch much prefers to &lsquo;travel agents&rsquo;&mdash;pivoted to help their clients plan big-ticket trips in the distant future. But as borders open, Upchurch says Virtuoso is seeing unprecedented demand for this summer and beyond.
Now that we&rsquo;re ready to venture internationally again, how will we do it, where will we go, and what will we find? Will we return to our favorite destinations&mdash;some of which we were guilty of loving too much in what Upchurch calls the pre-pandemic Golden Age of Travel&mdash;or will we take advantage of our renewed freedoms to explore new and off-the-beaten-path destinations? Upchurch dives into issues of over-tourism, the lasting impacts of the pandemic, which destinations are booming&mdash;and which ones aren&rsquo;t&mdash;and the fundamental question of why people travel for leisure. He also shares some of his own travel plans, including the trip he&rsquo;s most excited about: a journey into space on one of Virgin Galactic&rsquo;s inaugural flights.
Locations Mentioned in the Wallin Wrap-Up:
Peru
<a href="https://www.aquaexpeditions.com">Aqua Nera river cruiser from Aqua Expeditions</a>
U.S.
<a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/neworleans/">Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans</a>
Spain
<a href="https://www.mandarinoriental.com/madrid/hotel-ritz/luxury-hotel">The Ritz Madrid, which recently reopened under the Mandarin Oriental flag</a>
<a href="https://www.mandarinoriental.com/madrid/hotel-ritz/luxury-hotel">Villa Magna</a>, which is reopening as a Rosewood Hotel
<a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/madrid/">Four Seasons Madrid</a>
Japan
<a href="https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto">Aman Kyoto</a>
<a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-kyoto/itmph">Park Hyatt Kyoto</a>
<a href="&nbsp;https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/osalc-hotel-the-mitsui-kyoto-a-luxury-collection-hotel-and-spa/">Hotel the Mitsui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto</a>
<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/higashiyama">Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve</a>
<a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/otemachi/">Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi</a>
&nbsp;
Learn more about Virtuoso and book your next trip with a Virtuoso travel advisor: <a href="https://www.virtuoso.com/travel">https://www.virtuoso.com/travel</a>
-----------------------------------
Learn more about the podcast: <a href="https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters">https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters</a>
Hosted by: Bruce Wallin
Produced by: AJ Moseley and Darra Stone
Music by: Joey Salvia
A CurtCo Media Production

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.

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.

Explore the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Each episode will inspire you with fascinating stories about unique, life-shaping journeys—and connect you to the remarkable people who make them possible. Gain insider access to extravagant hotels, impactful adventures, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.

Travel That Matters

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).

You might enjoy Travel That Matters if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: Travel with Rick Steves, Zero to Travel Podcast, Condé Nast Traveller Podcast, Know Before You Go Travel Show, Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast, Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler, or Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast.

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.

--

"Working with a financial advisor used to feel like a significant commitment, but Money Pickle makes it easy—and completely free—to explore the benefits without the hassle. A quick matching quiz connects you with a vetted advisor who understands your unique situation. You can schedule a convenient video chat at a time that works for you, where you’ll dive into important topics like tax efficiency, estate planning, and Social Security. It’s a chance to see how personalized advice could work for you—no obligation required. If you find value in the conversation, you can take the next steps; if not, you leave with valuable insights. Money Pickle simplifies the process, helping you make an informed choice with confidence."

https://www.moneypickle.com/sam

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).
You might enjoy Travel That Matters if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: Travel with Rick Steves, Zero to Travel Podcast, Condé Nast Traveller Podcast, Know Before You Go Travel Show, Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast, Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler, or Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast.
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.
--
"Working with a financial advisor used to feel like a significant commitment, but <a href="https://www.moneypickle.com/sam">Money Pickle</a> makes it easy—and completely free—to explore the benefits without the hassle. A quick matching quiz connects you with a vetted advisor who understands your unique situation. You can schedule a convenient video chat at a time that works for you, where you’ll dive into important topics like tax efficiency, estate planning, and Social Security. It’s a chance to see how personalized advice could work for you—no obligation required. If you find value in the conversation, you can take the next steps; if not, you leave with valuable insights. <a href="https://www.moneypickle.com/sam">Money Pickle</a> simplifies the process, helping you make an informed choice with confidence."
<a href="https://www.moneypickle.com/sam">https://www.moneypickle.com/sam</a>

Travel That Matters | Luxury Travel Recommendations by Master Chefs, Travel Industry Leaders, and Adventurers

What will the new world of luxury travel look like? No one knows better than Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch, who speaks about where to go, how to do it, and what you’ll discover as a post-pandemic traveler. From Iceland to outer space, Upchurch offers up his expert insights and advice on how to navigate the new luxury-travel landscape.

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