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 OutTheremagazine

Keith Vincent of Wilderness

It&rsquo;s that time of year again&mdash;our annual Top Destinations episode is back!
Host Bruce Wallin ventured to Virtuoso&rsquo;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&rsquo;s post-Olympic charm to Bhutan&rsquo;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&rsquo;re dreaming of the Amazon rainforest, India&rsquo;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&nbsp;serene getaway to those looking for&nbsp;cultural immersion or a thrilling&nbsp;adventure. Plus, Bruce and Jackie share their own&nbsp;2025 travel goals, making this your ultimate resource for&nbsp;travel inspiration&nbsp;and insight into next year&rsquo;s most extraordinary journeys.
&nbsp;
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
&nbsp;
Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.
Host: Bruce Wallin
Producer: AJ Moseley
Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas
Music: Joey Salvia
&nbsp;
Special thanks to:
Misty Belles of <a href="https://www.virtuoso.com/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="3988a208-ab8b-425d-8850-829f36e085d1">Virtuoso</a>
Carolyn Addison of <a href="https://www.blacktomato.com/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="578ad2ba-dddf-4ace-a12a-332ca87b3f9e">Black Tomato</a>
Cecilia Berrocal of <a href="https://www.peru.travel/en" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="81e54ca1-4af9-4202-abde-665281071673">PromPeru</a>
Dino Michaels of <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="ab2f64dc-f197-4768-bc51-b61d725f40e2">Hilton</a>
Francesco Galli Zugaro of <a href="https://www.aquaexpeditions.com/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="a78c461c-56ac-44e3-bd99-d503653688f6">Aqua Expeditions</a>
Fulvio de Bonis of <a href="https://www.iatravel.com/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="f1f408a2-c0bf-42a4-aaeb-5412713f38ad">Imago Artis</a>
Gebhard Rainer of <a href="https://www.travelhx.com/en-us/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="1c079f19-41db-4cbf-849c-76829a71e46e">HX Expeditions</a>
Puneet Chhatwal of <a href="https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="1b88dbc6-e77f-4ece-a149-15da4bead6b0">Taj Hotels</a>
Samuel Chamberlain of <a href="https://us.ponant.com/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="692903c1-46c4-4246-9499-bace43a1c4ad">Ponant</a>
Uwern Jong of <a href="https://www.outthere.travel/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="06f6f781-a952-4791-a7d2-0b5dd8f5b361">OutThere</a> magazine
Keith Vincent of <a href="https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="47d4aa47-1cdf-4fba-8322-dc59fc3e7d00">Wilderness</a>

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.

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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.
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"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."
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