Travel Legends: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & The Return of Train Travel

Destination Deep Dive: Venice: In this episode of Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley takes you on an unprecedented look at Venice through the eyes of two residents that have experienced the city in an intimate way. First Melissa transports you to Venice as she welcomes Countess Bianca Arrivabene, whose family operates and lives in the iconic Palazzo Papadopoli, an Aman Hotel. The Countess describes her day-to-day life in the city, how over-tourism is putting the magic of the city at risk, and the deep roots that her family has in Venice. Then Toto Bergamo Rossi, Director of Venetian Heritage, joins Melissa for a discussion about his organization’s work to preserve Venice’s rich history in the arts and his tireless efforts to celebrate the history of the city with his restoration work. Melissa closes out the episode with Destination Hacks, highlighting the most fascinating and beautiful spots in Venice, from where to eat to where to shop and sightsee. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

60 min listen

Passport to Everywhere- Coming 9/22: Every week, you are invited to join Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO and Founder of Indagare Travel, on an incredible worldwide journey as she introduces you to inspirational guests, transports you to dream destinations, shares travel tips and advice, and explores the future of travel. This is your Passport to Everywhere. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

1 min listen

Polar Exploration, Climate Change, & The Power of Photography: This week Melissa welcomes Sebastian Copeland, an award-winning photographer, adventurer, and environmental advocate. Over the last 25 years, he has led numerous expeditions across both polar ice caps and continues to use his platform to sound the alarm against climate change and its consequences for not only humans and animals, but the earth itself. Melissa and Sebastian discuss his passion for polar photography, his experiences with local cultures and harsh climates, the stark differences between the North Pole and the South Pole, the dangerous warning signs he’s seen, and his legacy as a voice for the planet and the fragile Polar Regions. Melissa is headed to Antarctica in a few weeks and they also discuss what it is like to travel to the region. Plus, Sebastian shares his tips on must-bring gear! by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

55 min listen

Future of Travel: Trends & What's Next in Luxury Travel: Shannon Knapp from Leading Hotels joins Melissa to talk about the trends in the luxury hotel business and what travelers can expect in the coming months as the tourism industry continues to boom. Leading Hotels represents the world’s largest collection of impressive independent luxury hotels, such as The Lowell in New York City, Portrait Firenze in Florence, Nihi Sumba in Indonesia, and the iconic Royal Mansour in Marrakech. In the fifth episode of Passport to Everywhere, host Melissa Biggs Bradly also offers tips on how to have a worry-free journey and keep from losing your luggage on Travel Hacks and then answers listener questions ranging on Ask Melissa. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

59 min listen

Know Before You Go: Antarctica: Antarctica has become a “Bucket List” destination for many travelers, and in recent years more tour operators have launched operations on the White Continent creating the opportunity for more travelers to visit. This week Melissa details her recent trip to Antarctica as she’s joined by Director of Indagare Productions, Kathryn Nathanson, giving her first-hand account of crossing Drake’s Passage, the protocols and practices of embarking on a carbon-neutral trip, the captivating views, once in a lifetime experiences, and how her perception of Antarctica, and the rest of the world, changed. Melissa also welcomes Indagare COO Eliza Harris, Colin Heinrich, Director of Global Impact, and Indagare Trip Designers Caroline Hansen and Lexi Polster to discuss their vastly unique experiences in Antarctica inclu,ding ground experiences, detailing cruise options, heli and kayaking excursions and the information you need to know to arm yourself before planning a by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

68 min listen

Bucket List Travel with Author Patricia Schultz: This week Melissa welcomes the incredible author Patricia Schultz to the show. At a young age, Patricia took a life-changing trip to the Dominican Republic, fell in love with travel, and committed her life to experience as much as she could of the wonders of the world. Since that first trip, she's accrued passport stamps from over 150 of the 190 countries recognized by the UN. Patricia is a prolific traveler, and she's also a renowned travel writer. Most famously, she's known for her New York Times bestselling series, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, which has encouraged millions of others to get out and see the world. Patricia recently released a new book: Why We Travel: 100 Reasons to See the World. While Patricia’s previous books delve into where to travel with practical logistics, this new book explores why we travel and how to make the most out of trips. And on Travel Hacks this week, Melissa highlights creative ways to by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

63 min listen

Hotel Legends: Provence’s Villa La Coste: On this week’s episode, Melissa transports us to the South of France for a conversation with international hotelier Paddy McKillen about art, wine, architecture, and his passion project in Provence, Château La Coste. Villa La Coste, a 28 suite boutique hotel, sits on the grounds of the extraordinary 600-acre estate, Château La Coste, where you will also find an open-air contemporary art museum and winery. In this episode, you'll learn how Paddy went from working at his parent’s motor repair company in West Belfast to transforming a 300-year-old winery in the South of France into a wine estate and contemporary art park with a boutique 5-star hotel and incredible restaurants on site, including one from the Argentine celebrity chef and king of outdoor cooking, Francis Mallmann. Between the outdoor art complex and culinary offerings, plus the state-of-the-art spa, immaculate pool area, and ultra-chic accommodations, there is good reason Melis by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

49 min listen

Food & Travel Legends: Massimo Bottura & His Beloved Modena: This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa welcomes Massimo Bottura, a prolific chef, innovator, entrepreneur, and the founder of Food for Soul, a nonprofit organization empowering communities to fight food waste and end hunger. The captivating conversation spans Massimo’s earliest memories of food, his perspective on culinary creativity, his experiences as a restaurateur, and advice for young travelers. They also discuss Massimo’s love of fast cars, modern art, the process of creating the stunning Casa Maria Luigia, his childhood friendship with Marco Bizzarri, the CEO of Gucci, and the joy of feeding others. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

58 min listen

Travel Trends Update Plus Your Winter Travel Questions Answered: On this week’s episode, Melissa Biggs Bradley looks back at 2022's incredible, record-breaking year of travel in 2022 including the year's biggest trends and what surprised her most as travel rebounded. The infrastructure of the travel industry wasn’t prepared for the unprecedented demand that hit in 2022, which led to major challenges for airlines, hotels, and restaurants. Despite rising costs, however, traveling has become a priority for many. Then Kathryn Nathanson, Global Experience Director at Indagare, joins Melissa for a new chapter of Ask Melissa, focusing on ski travel, planning summer trips (the best time to book), gifts for travelers, travel inspiration, and Melissa's favorite trips of 2022 and what destinations are on her radar as she prepares for a very busy 2023. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

56 min listen

Future of Travel: Space Tourism: Melissa Biggs Bradley, the founder of Indagare Travel, welcomes you to a brand new SiriusXM show and podcast that elevates the way we experience the world through travel. Jane Poynter, founder, co-CEO, and CXO of Space Perspective, joins Melissa to discuss the experiences travelers can expect from space travel and her passion for pushing the boundaries of science. Melissa welcomes Trip Designer Lionel Brown as he shares his Travel Hacks for getting through an airport more efficiently, saving you time and effort. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

57 min listen

Legendary Hotels: Blackberry Farm with Mary Celeste Beall: From a six-room country inn Mary Celeste and her family have created a business and a brand at the pinnacle of American hospitality. They championed authenticity long before it was a buzzword, learned how not just to thrive on but also to survive their success and explosive growth, and survived as well the sudden death, at 39, of the company's head, Mary Celeste's husband, Sam, the son of Blackberry's founders. Their story is now a legend in the world of luxury travel, and no one tells it better than Mary Celeste. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

58 min listen

Legendary Hotels: Ritz Paris: In this week’s episode, Melissa Biggs Bradley transports you to the world-renowned Ritz Paris, overlooking the Palace Vendôme. Founded in 1898 by Cesar Ritz, famous guests of the hotel include Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, Princess Diana and French novelist Marcel Proust. Melissa sits down with acclaimed bartender at the legendary Bar Hemingway Colin Field and Marc Raffray, General Manager of the Ritz, to talk about the hotel’s storied history, how it has evolved over the years, what makes it so iconic and, of course, the best way to secure a spot at Bar Hemingway. She'll also tell you all the ways you can enjoy the property, even if you aren't staying there. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

52 min listen

Destination Deep Dive: Milan with J.J. Martin: Although she was born and raised in the United States, J.J. Martin moved to Milan as a freelance journalist with a background in advertising a little over 21 years ago and never returned. Instead, she launched her own Italian-based fashion house, La DoubleJ. Her joyful, pattern-forward collection of ready-to-wear clothing, tableware, and home decor is the love child of her obsession with vintage clothing and the glamorous styles on the Milanese streets and runways. As an expat-turned-fashion entrepreneur and honest observer of Italian culture, there is no one better to transport us to the Italian fashion capital than J.J. In the fourth episode of Passport to Everywhere, the founder and creative director of La DoubleJ discloses the secrets that make Milan so charming and fashion-forward and shares how Italian culture has inspired both her brand and lifestyle. Melissa and J.J. also discuss the importance of being open-minded, seeking new op by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

54 min listen

Destination Deep Dive: Qatar and The World Cup: Soon the entire world will be turning their attention to Qatar as they welcome the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. On this episode of Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley welcomes Pierre Daniel to discuss how Qatar is preparing for the global soccer tournament. Thirty-two teams will compete with visitors coming from all over the globe to cheer on their countries and take part in an epic tournament that will make history as the first World Cup held in a Muslim country and in the winter. Pierre, originally from France, holds many records as an ultra-athlete and mountaineer, including walking across Qatar and circumventing the country. He experienced Qatar in a unique way through these experiences and share his thoughts on what makes the country special. Check out Pierre’s book, Alone. A Run Around Qatar: A tale of human potential and adventure. A philosophy and guide for life and sport from an endurance athlete. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

64 min listen

Destination Deep Dive: The World's Premier Antique, Design and Fine Art Fair (TEFAF): The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) is widely regarded as the world's preeminent organization for fine art, antiques, and design. Every March, leading art dealers from around the world flock to the Netherlands for the foundation's flagship fair: TEFAF Maastricht. The quality of its paintings, jewelry, and decorative objects is so esteemed that the event is known as the place where museums come to shop. To prepare for her first visit to TEFAF Maastricht, this week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa speaks with board member and dealer at Galerie Kugel, Laura Kugel, and the Architectural Digest Contributing Editor, Mitch Owens. Tune in to get their insider insights on this highly-anticipated event full of rare and precious treasures. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

50 min listen

Thanksgiving Mashup: Episode Highlights and How to Deal with Lost Luggage: In this week’s episode of Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley highlights two fascinating guests from previous episodes. First, Melissa welcomes Mary Celeste Beall from the legendary Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee, two properties that are at the pinnacle of American hospitality. The two discuss sustainability, staying present in life and while traveling, what to do on the farm, and the richness of the Smoky Mountains, as well as Blackberry's road to becoming a legend in the world of luxury travel. Then Jane Poynter, founder, co-CEO, and CXO of Space Perspective joins Melissa to talk about the future of travel, space tourism, pushing the boundaries of science, and much more. As the airports and airlines are pushed to extremes with travelers this holiday weekend, this episode also features a classic Travel Hack, what to do if an airline loses your luggage. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

56 min listen

Future of Travel: Diving to The Titanic with OceanGate: Melissa welcomes Stockton Rush, founder and CEO of OceanGate Expeditions, to talk about the fascinating cross-section of marine science, history, archeology and opening up the deep sea to travelers. More than 80 percent of the ocean is unexplored and Stockton is leading the charge to change that statistic. OceanGate is known for their spectacular expeditions to view the wreckage of the legendary Titanic and research the uncharted deep sea. Plus, as the holiday season gets into full swing, you won’t want to miss this week’s travel hack on how to handle flight cancellations. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

47 min listen

Aerin Lauder: Style and Beauty Travel Tips: This week Melissa is joined by her friend Aerin Lauder, who is also the granddaughter of Esteè Lauder and the founder and Creative Director of AERIN, a global luxury lifestyle brand. In this episode, Melissa and Aerin discuss how Aerin’s travels have inspired her brand, including special childhood trips with her grandmother. Aerin also shares stories and travel recommendations for destinations that have a special place in her heart – from London to Paris, Palm Beach and the Hamptons. Aerin’s passion for travel has taken her all over the world, and those journeys have allowed her to incorporate the sights, sounds, and scents of the various destinations she has visited her travels into the fashion, beauty, and home décor lines of AERIN. She also discusses how her grandmother's legacy has influenced her own approach to beauty, and some of her favorite travel beauty and style tips. And on this week’s Travel Hacks, Melissa shares her own packing by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

51 min listen

Travel Trailblazers: Jessica Nabongo of The Catch Me If You Can: This week Melissa welcomes Jessica Nabongo, a writer, photographer, and entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in the travel industry for a conversation about solo travel, the power of community, and bringing worlds, people, and cultures together. Her luxury lifestyle brand, The Catch, connects people across the world by providing small-scale artisans with a platform on which they can offer their goods to the global market. When she landed in the Seychelles in 2019, Jessica became the first Black woman to visit every country in the world and she uses her platform - with The Catch, for example, and through her bestselling memoir, The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World - to make the travel space more inclusive. In the book, Jessica inspires women and people of color to travel freely, break down stereotypes and challenge the preexisting notions that people have about different cou by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

49 min listen

Travel Legends: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & the Return of Train Travel: Pascal Deyrolle, General Manager of The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, joins Melissa Biggs Bradley to talk about the rich history of train travel in Europe, the timeless elegance of the restored train cars, the preservation of artisanship, and the incredible experiences travelers have had AND CONTINUE TO HAVE on The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express TRAIN. Pascal and Melissa transport you TO THE PAST AS IT MEETS THE PRESENT…to a world of royalty, spies, legendary authors, glamour, and elegance. In the conversation, they’ll also touch on the exquisite dining experiences you can have on board the train, live piano in the bar car in the evenings, the majestic views, and the best time of year to train travel. This week’s Travel Hack focuses on keeping it simple and streamlining your luggage to travel carry-on only when flying in order to save time, money, and inconvenience. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

60 min listen

Hotel Legends: Chris Blackwell’s Jamaica Plus Caribbean Travel Tips: This week's guest is legendary music producer and hotelier Chris Blackwell. From starting Island Records and bringing Jamaican singer Bob Marley to the mainstream to founding the Jamaican luxury hotel collection Island Outpost, Chris has dedicated his career to celebrating Jamaica's vibrant culture and natural beauty. Learn why the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame dubbed him “the single person most responsible for turning the world on to reggae music” and about his stunning properties, which include the acclaimed GoldenEye Resort on Oracabessa Bay initially owned by James Bond author Ian Fleming. Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with Chris to talk about his music career, his work as an innovative hotelier, and the role he played in the revival of Miami's South Beach. Melissa also shares her incredible knowledge and experiences in the Caribbean on another installment of Ask Melissa, answering listener questions about hotels, by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

49 min listen

The Future of Travel: Safari with Conservationists & Filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert: This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley welcomes Dereck and Beverly Joubert as they discuss their passion and curiosity about the African ecosystem that inspired them to dedicate their lives to conservation. That commitment to protecting and sharing wildlife landscapes led them to become Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmakers. Beverly and Dereck have produced over 30 nature documentaries for National Geographic, following the stories of endangered animals. The Jouberts have complimented their films with conservation campaigns such as the Big Cats Initiative and Rhinos Without Borders. After spending 40 years advocating for wildlife through film and philanthropy, they realized the untapped potential of tourism to sustain conservation efforts. In 2006, they began Great Plains Conservation, a hybrid activism and hospitality venture, where they use tourism to raise funds that a by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

54 min listen

Know Before You Go: Charleston: This week Melissa will transport you to Charleston, South Carolina. Beyond its quaint appearance, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored historic houses, it is also home to a thriving food scene, charming boutique hotels, and a rich and important history. Surrounded by both pristine beaches and acres of farmland, this southern city is considered one of the most vibrant American tourist destinations. In our latest Know Before You Go episode, Melissa is joined by three people Charleston experts who each have unique ties to the city : Winslow Hastie, President and CEO of the Historic Charleston Foundation; Angela Mack, Executive Director of the Gibbes Museum of Art; and food and culture journalist, Shane Mitchell. If you’re headed to the South Carolina Lowcountry soon, you’ll also want to hear Melissa’s Destination Hacks for Charleston. She shares her recommendations for pinpoints hotels, restaurants, shops, and experiences you’ll want to check out on your by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

63 min listen

Ski Trends with Expert Jackson Hogen: Melissa, an avid skier herself, is joined by renowned ski expert Jackson Hogen, equipment tester and editor of RealSkiers.com, to share his incredible knowledge about national and international ski destinations, overlooked mountains, and advances in equipment technology. Plus, the two will discuss how the industry has changed over the years, trends in the sport, why we’re seeing a surge in ski popularity today, and what the future holds for skiers across the world. Then Kathryn Nathanson, Global Experience Director of Indagare Travel, returns to ask Melissa about her recommendations for family-friendly ski experiences, international destinations, and packing tips for anyone about to hit the slopes. by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

55 min listen

Know Before You Go: Cambodia's Angkor: This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa transports us to Southeast Asia, shining a spotlight on Cambodia. First, Ginevra Boatto, World Monument Fund's regional representative for Southeast Asia overseeing the Angkor Archeological Park project, joins Melissa to talk about engaging with local communities, restoring sites, expectations of travelers, and more. The WMF is a nonprofit dedicated to saving the world's most treasured places so they can be appreciated and studied by future generations. Since its inception in 1965, the Fund has partnered with local communities, governments, and preservationists to safeguard more than 700 sites in 112 countries. Perhaps one of the most popular sites on this list is Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The complex, once the seat of the Khmer Empire, stretches over 150 square miles and contains dozens of magnificent Hindu and Buddhist temples built between the ninth and fifteenth centuries by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

54 min listen

Future of Travel: Saudi Arabia's Rise with Jerry Inzerillo CEO Diriyah: This week Melissa is joined by world-renowned tourism visionary and CEO of Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Gate ‍Development Authority, Jerry Inzerillo, about his work to transform Diriyah, which is considered the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, into one of the world’s top international destinations by 2030. Previously the Vice Chairman of Forbes Travel Guide and awarded the prestigious “Tourism for Peace” award, Jerry is a travel industry veteran who launched Atlantis in the Bahamas and Dubai, as well as Sun City in South Africa. He is one of the principal leaders in Saudi shaping the seismic shift of the country as it moves away from its dependence on oil and expands into other industries, principally tourism. Diriyah is a massive multi-billion dollar project, considered to be one of the most ambitious projects of this century. At Diriyah, Jerry and his team are literally building a city from scratch and tran by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

54 min listen

Hotel Legends: Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: On this episode of Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley takes you on a captivating journey to the dazzling Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc along the French Riviera on the Cap d’Antibes. Known for its storied and star-studded history, as well as the glamorous destination where celebrities stay who attend the Cannes Film Festival, du Cap is one of the most legendary hotels of the world. Melissa sits down with the General Manager Philippe Perd, Hotel Manager Sophie Volant, and Head Concierge Gilles Bertolini, to discuss the history of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the incredible amenities of the property, the staff's dedication to excellence, and the artists, authors and creatives from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Ernest Hemingway who stayed at the hotel and were so inspired by du Cap that it influenced their work. Melissa also speaks with celebrated novelist, screenwriter, and longtime guest of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Jay McInerney, about his long history a by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

61 min listen

Hotel Legends: London's Claridge's Hotel: This week on Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley explores the iconic Claridge's hotel in London, often called the "annex of Buckingham Palace." Since opening its doors in 1854, Claridge's has welcomed dozens of beloved royals, foreign dignitaries, and Hollywood stars, earning a reputation as one of the most star-studded hotels in the world. Melissa sits down with Claridge's archivist Kate Hudson and lead butler Michael Lynch, who have intimate knowledge of the hotel's rich history and its legendary guests. From the French Empress Eugenie entertaining Queen Victoria to Hollywood Golden Age actors like Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner, and Spencer Tracy, who famously said he'd rather go to Claridge's than heaven when he dies. Claridge's has undergone numerous renovations over its 169-year history, most recently a first-of-its-kind renovation from 2016 to 2021, chronicled in the BBC documentary series, The Mayfair Hotel Meg by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

55 min listen

India Hicks on Aid Missions in Ukraine: This week Melissa sits down with longtime friend, India Hicks. India has lived an adventurous and multifaceted life. London-native, daughter of designer David Hicks and Lady Pamela Mountbatten (who was a lady in waiting to Queen Elizabeth II), goddaughter to King Charles III and former Ralph Lauren model. Over the years India has flourished as a designer, author and entrepreneur – publishing four design books and launching numerous show stopping collections. Melissa first met India on a trip to Harbour Island in the Bahamas where she traveled to write a story for the launch issue of Town & Country Travel magazine. At this point, India has called the island home with her husband and five children for nearly 30 years. India is strongly driven by humanitarian work and serves on the advisory board of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a disaster relief agency she joined after Hurricane Dorian in 2019. In this episode, Melissa will speak with India by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

46 min listen

Travel Trailblazers: Steven Shalowitz: On this episode of Passport to Everywhere, Melissa Biggs Bradley welcomes Steven Shalowitz, an experienced international traveler and host of the One Way Ticket podcast. Over the past ten years, he’s been interviewing thought leaders in business, travel, art and entertainment around one question: “If I gave you a one-way ticket, where would you go?” The conversation kicks off with a discussion of Steven's experiences before starting One Way Ticket, and then moves into his intrepid travels to Syria and Iraq, as Steven shares his insights into the culture and people of these regions, as well as his thoughts on the importance of understanding the complexity of international perceptions and their impact on local communities. Melissa and Steven also touch on the importance of respectful behavior as a traveler, and strategies for sorting through travel photos, and the interview concludes with a discussion of dream destinations, as Melissa ponders wha by Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

53 min listen

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Travel Legends: The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express & The Return of Train Travel

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