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
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