We are all dreaming of the next place we want to travel, and for many, Italy is at the top of their list. But is it time to reconsider our relationship with the world’s most beloved destination? On this episode of Travel That Matters, travel journalist and Italy expert Maria Shollenbarger shares her secrets on how to experience the very best of the country in a more meaningful, sustainable, and insiderly way.  

Maria was an editor at large at Condé Nast Traveler and a senior editor at Travel & Leisure before taking on her current role as the travel editor for the Financial Times’ How to Spend It. She has lived in several cities throughout Asia, Europe, and the U.S., and she’s currently based in London and Rome. She speaks with Bruce about what it was like to be in Italy at a time when other Americans weren’t able to visit, and how travelers can achieve that sense of insider access in the future.

For one, Maria recommends finding the right travel designer, someone like Emily Fitzroy of Bellini Travel. But even with an expert’s support, you need to do your research. Don’t just walk into any pizza spot in Venice; take the time to find that hidden spot that’s serving authentic Venetian cuisine. Her favorite way to enjoy Venetian fare isn’t at a restaurant at all, but rather aboard a yacht called the Edipo Re, which takes guests and top local chefs far beyond the city to explore the lagoon and Adriatic and sample local delicacies along the way.

Maria also offers up fabulous tips on Sicilian wine country, the Umbrian countryside, the island of Ischia, and more. But even with all the great insights on Italy, Travel That Matters wants more! Bruce encourages you to write to him on Twitter @TravelwithBruce or email him at Bruce@curtco.com and share some of your favorite destinations and secret spots throughout Europe. We know our listeners are experts, and we want to hear from you! 

Additional links and locations mentioned in this episode:

Sujan Sher Bagh in Ranthambore

Wilderness Safaris’ Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in Namibia

Edipo Re yacht in Venice

Tasca d'Almerita

Capofaro

Villa Tasca

Regaleali

Mozia 

Mezzatorre on the island if Ischia

Corte della Maesta in Tuscia

Castello di Reschio in Umbria

Rocco Forte’s Villa Igiea in Palermo

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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

 

We are all dreaming of the next place we want to travel, and for many, Italy is at the top of their list. But is it time to reconsider our relationship with the world&rsquo;s most beloved destination? On this episode of Travel That Matters, travel journalist and Italy expert Maria Shollenbarger shares her secrets on how to experience the very best of the country in a more meaningful, sustainable, and insiderly way. &nbsp;
Maria was an editor at large at Cond&eacute; Nast Traveler and a senior editor at Travel &amp; Leisure before taking on her current role as the travel editor for the Financial Times&rsquo; How to Spend It. She has lived in several cities throughout Asia, Europe, and the U.S., and she&rsquo;s currently based in London and Rome. She speaks with Bruce about what it was like to be in Italy at a time when other Americans weren&rsquo;t able to visit, and how travelers can achieve that sense of insider access in the future.
For one, Maria recommends finding the right travel designer, someone like Emily Fitzroy of Bellini Travel. But even with an expert&rsquo;s support, you need to do your research. Don&rsquo;t just walk into any pizza spot in Venice; take the time to find that hidden spot that&rsquo;s serving authentic Venetian cuisine. Her favorite way to enjoy Venetian fare isn&rsquo;t at a restaurant at all, but rather aboard a yacht called the Edipo Re, which takes guests and top local chefs far beyond the city to explore the lagoon and Adriatic and sample local delicacies along the way.
Maria also offers up fabulous tips on Sicilian wine country, the Umbrian countryside, the island of Ischia, and more. But even with all the great insights on Italy, Travel That Matters wants more! Bruce encourages you to write to him on Twitter @TravelwithBruce or email him at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Bruce@curtco.com">Bruce@curtco.com</a>&nbsp;and share some of your favorite destinations and secret spots throughout Europe. We know our listeners are experts, and we want to hear from you!&nbsp;
Additional links and locations mentioned in this episode:
<a href="https://thesujanlife.com/sher-bagh">Sujan Sher Bagh</a> in Ranthambore
Wilderness Safaris&rsquo; <a href="https://wilderness-safaris.com/our-camps/camps/hoanib-skeleton-coast-camp">Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp</a> in Namibia
<a href="https://www.edipore.it/">Edipo Re</a> yacht in Venice
<a href="https://www.tascadalmerita.it/en/">Tasca d'Almerita</a>
<a href="https://www.capofaro.it/">Capofaro</a>
<a href="https://villatasca.com/en/">Villa Tasca</a>
<a href="https://www.tascadalmerita.it/en/estate/regaleali/">Regaleali</a>
<a href="https://www.isoladimozia.it/?lang=en">Mozia</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.mezzatorre.com/en/">Mezzatorre</a> on the island if Ischia
<a href="http://www.cortedellamaesta.com">Corte della Maesta</a> in Tuscia
<a href="https://www.reschio.com/">Castello di Reschio</a> in Umbria
Rocco Forte&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/villa-igiea/">Villa Igiea</a> in Palermo
-----------------------------------
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
&nbsp;

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.

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.

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

Maria Shollenbarger has ventured all over the world as a leading travel journalist, but she always returns to Italy. Currently based in Rome, Maria is an expert at uncovering Italy’s secrets for travelers who want to experience the country in a deeper, more meaningful way. In this episode, she imparts her insider knowledge, offering numerous destinations, diversions, new hotels, and more—and sharing a few tales from a lifetime on the road.

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