Episodit
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Welcome to Luxury Travel Insider’s birthday episode for this year! We published our first episode this month four years ago. So today I wanted to celebrate how far we’ve come, the who’s who list of industry experts we’ve had on the show, and thank you for all of your support so far. We’re not stopping anytime soon so please keep your feedback and ideas coming!
If you’ve been listening for a while you know that our signature question is asking each guest what travelers would learn about the world or about humanity by visiting them. We’ve had some very thoughtful and inspiring answers to that question over the years so we’ve selected a handful of them to shower you with today!
We’ve divided the quotes up into three sections. First, thoughts on connecting with yourself and nature. Second, ideas around motivation and resilience. And finally, things you might learn by traveling and engaging with locals.
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The date of recording for today’s show is September 12, 2024. That’s important because our show today is topical and a little time sensitive.
I started this In The Now format of episode to highlight certain countries and destinations who have experienced events (whether internally or externally) that have disrupted their tourism numbers.
A few weeks ago I was chatting with my good friend Haytham Atwan, who is one of our top partners in Egypt. He mentioned that tourism in Egypt took a 60% hit due solely to the conflict happening in Israel and Palestine. Knowing that tourism is a major source of support for the Egyptian people, this really hurt to find out.
So we put together this episode to give you some background on the history of tourism to Egypt and how things are in the country today from locals who experience it every day.
Haytham joins me as well as the enthusiastic Egyptologist, Henry Ayoub. We talk about everything from the Arab Spring, to State Department ratings, to the smiling faces of children you’ll see greeting you all throughout your trip to Egypt. If you’ve been on the fence about visiting this spectacular country, I hope hearing this episode will help you decide.
On another very personal note, I’d like to dedicate this episode to my dear friend Clark Kotula. Avid listeners will remember that Clark was a guest on two past shows, and was the driving force behind our first “In The Now” Episode on Ecuador. Clark - though you are gone, you inspire me every day, and I will keep using this platform to honor your memory and inspire travel across the corners of our beautiful earth.
I hope you listen to this episode with an open heart and an open mind.
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Today we’re headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world’s largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust local culture.
Whether you’re looking to escape the frenzy of cities and popular tourist destinations, have an interest in marine life, or are fascinated by having an authentic experience with Inuit culture - Greenland is for you.
Our guest today is Colby Brokvist, the lead Expedition Leader for Natural Habitat’s trips in Eastern Greenland. This part of the island is far less visited than the west, and Colby tells us how that makes for amazing natural experiences as well as cultural immersion.
We chat on everything from Viking escapades, to the food, to some incredible wildlife experiences.
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My guest today is Kelly Craighead, President & CEO of CLIA - one of the travel industry’s most important associations representing all things cruises! Before running CLIA, Kelly was the senior government representative for all travel and tourism matters at the Department of Commerce.
So if you’re interested in travel trends and what’s new in the cruise industry, you’re in for a treat!
Kelly and I chat about everything from how millennials are the fastest growing generation for cruise travel, to sustainability on the oceans, to fabulous new destinations you can reach by ship.
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We have a fun episode for you today, centered around Costa Rica and family travel. As one of our most popular destinations, we’re always working to find new and interesting ways to explore this beautiful country and to help families make lasting memories.
Joining me on this episode is my friend and partner in the region, Javier Echecopar. Javier also brought along his 15 year old daughter, Fiore, to give us a bit of perspective on life in Costa Rica for kids and teens and to share some of her favorite travel experiences.
We chat about everything from bioluminescence, to the best way to travel around the country, to some interesting ways to immerse in the local culture.
I hope you enjoy this fun episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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Today we’re visiting a country passionate about music, food, and enjoying life. While those passions are shared across the country, otherwise it is extremely diverse. The landscapes range from tropical beaches, to rainforest, to waterfalls, and more. The cities are huge and vibrant. The people are from cultural backgrounds as different as Japanese and African.
Joining me to chat all things Brazil are three experts in the region. Joe Sandillo, our partner in Brazil; Fabio Delantonia, a chef and expert in the culinary history of Brazil; and Micael Amarancci a passionate musician, cultural expert, and law and politics scholar.
The four of us chat about everything from the slave roots of Brazilian music, to understanding the history of the country through food, to the under-appreciated areas of Brazil that we think you should visit.
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Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Italy. As a favorite of art lovers, history buffs, and appreciators of beauty the world over, Florence almost needs no introduction. But behind the fact that the renaissance started here, behind all the contributions of the Medici and Leonardo and Michelangelo - there is the beating soul of Firenze.
My guests today are Michela Babini, President of The Place of Wonders; Claudio Meli, General Manager of my home in Florence, The Place, and Marco Cini, the owner of Arca Cashmere. While we dive deep and laugh a LOT, what you’ll find that these three guests have in common is a deep love for craft, tradition, and of course, the city of Florence.
We dive into why the city is what it is today, why craftsmanship is so important to preserve in Italy, and how this crew can make your next trip to Florence truly magical.
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Today we’re headed deep into the American West to discover magical deserts, epic adventures, impossibly big skies, and wildlife you just can’t see anywhere else in the world. This is a land of contrasts - from the hottest desert, to the largest trees; from the longest canyon, to the world’s most epic super volcano. And aside from the natural wonders, we’ve got surfers, cowboys, Native Americans, and a melting pot of cultures in between.
My guest today is Kevin Jackson, our partner for ultra-luxury, special experiences across the western part of the US. If you can dream it up, we can plan it. Kevin and I chat about everything from mountaineering to visiting with a Navajo Code Talker, to private luxury camps set up in beautifully remote landscapes.
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Today we’re heading to the dazzling city of Bangkok. We’re greeted by ornate temples, bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, chic rooftop bars, and quaint floating markets.
In this city that never sleeps, every moment is an adventure and every nook and cranny whispers echoes of ancient Thai culture.
My guest today is Nick Downing, General Manager of the gorgeous Siam Hotel, nestled right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. We chat about everything from the prior King to modern pop culture, from quiet canals to crazy traffic.
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Today we’re indulging in fine cuisine, going behind the scenes of couture fashion houses like Chanel and Dior, and delving into some of the world’s most important traditions in art. Paris, the City of Light, has always been at the forefront of luxury, indulgence, and craftsmanship.
Joining me to chat on all things art, fashion, and history are my friends Leah Walker and Philippe Hertzberg, two of our partners for ultra-special experiences in Paris.
We discuss everything from art history, to the nostalgic periods of the Belle Epoch and the 20s, to fine jewelry houses and mixology.
Grab a flute of your finest champagne, and enjoy this Parisian episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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Today we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cities in Europe. Imagine picturesque canals, historic buildings, and a modern vibe all its own - and come with us on a journey to Amsterdam.
My guests today are Robert-Jan Woltering, the Managing Director of the iconic De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam and Ronald Van der Kemp - fashion designer and founder of RDVK, the world’s first sustainable couture label. The three of us chat about the “live and let live” spirit in Amsterdam, how Dutch culture has shaped history and the arts, and some of the best ways to soak up the vibes in this amazing city.
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Today we’re headed to experience a tapestry of majestic palaces, sprawling deserts, and colorful festivals.
Whether you’re hot air ballooning, riding a camel, or enjoying the fabulous food - Rajasthan, the largest state in India - is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.
We have a fun show for you today, with my friend and partner in the region, Anil Pathak and historian, hotelier, and arts enthusiast, Aman Nath. We chat about everything from the Maharajas, to how locals see the meaning of life, to the more off the beaten path ways to experience this unique culture.
I hope you enjoy this colorful episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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I’m excited for you to join me today in a less often visited area of the Amalfi Coast. High up on the cliffs, overlooking the azure waters of the Med, sits the charming town of Ravello. Take in the smells of roses, lemons, and fresh sea breezes while learning about some of the richest history on the coast.
We’re settling into the historic Palazzo Avino owned and run by my friends, Mariella Avino and her sister Attilia Avino. We talk about how Ravello has remained a hidden gem and why it has always been a haven for celebs like Jackie Kennedy, Orson Wells, and Humphrey Bogart.
We also chat about the history of the Palazzo, the best ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast, local art, and more.
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Today we’re heading to the bustling, yet beautiful metropolis of Hong Kong. Instead of telling you about it in my own words today, I have a couple quotes that I think really sum it up:
Journalist Peter Lindberg “Life in Hong Kong transcends cultural and culinary borders, such that nothing is truly foreign and nothing doesn’t belong.”
And then a little tongue in cheek from British writer Jonathan Gash, but it’ll hit home for those of you who truly love luxury hotels: “Hong Kong is the benchmark; everybody else's affluence is mere tat. Until you've experienced that perfume-washed air as polarized glass doors embrace you into a luxury hotel's plush interior, you've only had a dud replica of the real thing.”
Joining me today to chat about Hong Kong and the amazing Rosewood Hong Kong, is General Manager Hugo Montanari. We chat a lot about what makes Hong Kong truly great - from the natural beauty, to the shopping, and the food.
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Today we’re diving into the world of private yacht charters. Whether you’re taking 30 of your best friends on a mega yacht or just want a nice 4 cabin catamaran for your family in the British Virgin Islands - there is a yacht out there for you!
I grew up sailing and during Covid I took a course on yacht brokering, so we love planning this type of trip for our clients but there are still so many unknowns if you’ve never done a yacht charter so I wanted to have one of our partners join me today for a Yachting 101 session.
Trish Cronan and I discuss the feeling of freedom you get when enjoying a yacht charter, the many different destinations you can enjoy, the basics like cost and itinerary planning, and some fun stories from sea.
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Today we’re headed to the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain, and zeroing in on Mallorca. This magical island boasts quaint mountain towns, stunning beaches, and is quintessentially Mediterranean. Think olive oil from hundred year old trees, oranges blossoming all over the island, and of course wine and local specialties.
My guests today are Elena Florez, our partner in the region, and Rene Zimmer, the Managing Director of Cortesin Hotels and the brand new hot spot on the island, Grand Hotel Son Net.
We discuss everything from local cuisine, to architecture, to the modern melting pot that is Mallorca.
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Today, we embark on a journey to a place shrouded in mystery — mesmerizing Easter Island. Nestled in the heart of the vast Pacific Ocean, this remote paradise beckons with its Moai statues, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.
I previously thought a visit to Easter Island would be mostly focused around seeing the famous statues, but I now understand that this destination is so much more. When you think of the remoteness of the people and their reliance on the land, and weave in the history of struggle and limited natural resources - this far flung land provides a case study as a microcosm for the rest of the world. And you’ll hear in this episode how it literally blew my mind.
Joining me today are Matias Alamo and Pepe Huke, General Manager, and Lead Guide of Explora, the top luxury lodge on the island. We dive into everything from the vibrant Rapa Nui Culture to the amazing experiences you can have on the island today.
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Today we’re headed to Montenegro - where alpine mountains meet crystalline seas, where warmth and humor are still important, and where you can choose your own adventure between relaxing, exploring, or focusing on your health.
My guest today is Tessa Gorman, the Managing Director of the gorgeous One & Only Portonovi in Montenegro. I love this episode because we dive into what makes Montenegro such a juicy country to visit but also into some touching stories about guests and beautiful experiences.
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I can’t tell you how excited I have been for this trip and to be recording our first “On Location” episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
While I love all my trips, this one is really special because Japan is brand new for me! Yep - I’ve been to over 100 countries and all 7 continents twice or more, but this is my first time here.
I was supposed to visit in 2020 but of course the Pandemic had other plans. Now all of a sudden, Japan is one of our top destinations this year at Bell & Bly Travel, so I just needed to see it for myself!
This week I’ll be recording some of my impressions of the country, my favorite experiences, and answering some of your questions too.
Pour a glass of your favorite Japanese whisky and join me on this adventure to Tokyo & Kyoto!
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We’re taking another trip to Paris to learn more about the 2024 summer games, and about the history of the games in general.
Our guest is Dave Guenther, Founder & President of Roadtrips - my go to partner when planning luxury travel centered around sporting events. And the partner I am traveling with to the Summer Games in Paris next year as well.
As you can imagine, we are both THRILLED for next year and we chat all about the history of the Olympics, the new sporting events we’ll see in 2024, the fabulous setting that Paris will make for the games, and the hope that bringing people together from around the world inspires.
I hope you enjoy this fun episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
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- Näytä enemmän