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