Indagare Global Conversations

Where should you travel in the new year ahead? Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with travel experts about the top destinations for 2022 from the U.S. and the Caribbean to Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and beyond, Plus, top hotel news, tips on how to navigate the ever-shifting travel landscape in the coming months and much more.

Author Maggie Shipstead talks with Melissa about some of her most memorable travel adventures, why she is drawn to “windswept wastelands,” the importance of protecting wild places, solo travel, going remote, the destinations on her wish list (from Central Asia to Africa), life lessons learned from being a wanderer at heart and more.

What's the best way to cope with uncertainty? Melissa Biggs Bradley looks for the answer with spiritual coach and author Elizabeth Lesser, as they talk about getting out of your comfort zone, new ways of seeing others (and ourselves), relaxing into the mysteries of life and her hopes and predictions for 2022. Plus: the scoop on the annual Insider Journey retreat she and Melissa are hosting at Miraval Arizona in January and much more.

Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with Every Mother Counts founder and model Christy Turlington Burns to talk about the nonprofit work she's doing around the world and the impact you can have when you go the extra mile to connect with people when you travel. They also discuss the benefits of a peripatetic life, how travel has changed since the 70s, 80s and 90s, the places she's been (hint: everywhere) and the ones on her wish list (from Colombia to Central Africa) and much more. everymothercounts.org

In the aftermath of the pandemic and its devastating impact on the restaurant industry, Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with top chef Marcus Samuelsson and discusses everything from his brand-new Bahamas restaurant to the foods of his Swedish childhood—and nothing's off the table: his Ethiopian roots, home cooking, DEI, how a restaurant is like a circus and how food can foster community—and belonging. Plus, his favorite destination and cuisine for eating and inspiration and much more!

What's it really like to be an American in Paris? Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Gay Gassmann about seeing the world (and the City of Light) through an expat's lens and how travel, her career, (and her combined passions) have intertwined at the nexus of art and collecting, design and fashion. Plus, her favorite parts of the city and the best design cities beyond Paris—including Tokyo, Kyoto, Antwerp, Marrakech, Venice and more.

How do you work through your greatest fears so you can make it to the top of the mountain (and not let your failures define you)?  Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with mountaineer Alison Levine about the incredible places she's been, completing the adventurer's grand slam: climbing the seven summits and skiing to both the North and South Poles; plus, life lessons learned along the way—and why going backward doesn't mean you're not making progress.

Why does unplugging in the bush return you to your more primitive senses and enable you to hear your inner voice? Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley and Simone Girner discuss Melissa's lifetime of safari experiences and her new book Safari Style, which showcases the design and conservation innovations of some of her favorite safari camps across seven African countries. Plus, how to plan a safari (and what to pack), her most memorable wildlife encounters—and why standing still (and staying quiet) may sometimes be the best advice.

Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Teesa Bahana about her non-profit work in Africa—building community and social change through contemporary art—what it means to have the freedom to express yourself (and why making art accessible matters). Plus, how to not be afraid of failure and why travel can transform the way you live and show you that there are other ways to be. https://ugandanartstrust.org/ 

How do you find meaning in the work you do and leave your mark on the world? Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with fashion designer Patrick Robinson about what it means to have a connection to the clothes we wear (and the people behind them), his journey from early days with Giorgio Armani to his sustainable brand Paskho and building a marketplace for makers across America. Plus, how to shop sustainably, break bad habits and support local communities; why travel helps unlock creativity and much more.https://paskho.com/ 

Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with war correspondent Becky Diamond about how her passion for journalism came through travel, reporting from the frontlines in Afghanistan and Iraq, her passion (and her favorite places) in the Middle East. Plus, finding flow and living in the present—and the ways travel builds resilience and gratitude you won't forget.  https://www.womenforwomen.org/  https://www.rescue.org/

What are the small steps we can take to protect the planet and its oceans for future generations? Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with aquanaut and filmmaker Fabien Cousteau to talk about his underwater adventures, his passion for sharks(!), ocean conservation and his latest project Proteus—and why travel is the best classroom for life. https://www.fabiencousteauolc.org/

Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with style icon, author, Roger Vivier ambassador, and designer Inès de la Fressange to talk about the evolution of Parisian style, what makes fashion “timeless,” the beauty of simple things (and her latest clothing line), why taking risks matters and much more. https://www.rogervivier.com/ 

How can food help you discover the essence of a place—and be a conduit for memories? Melissa Biggs Bradley finds out when she sits down with Bon Appetit's Dawn Davis. They also discuss the magical chaos of New York in the rain, their mutual love for Africa, what it really means to eat like a local, the pleasures of planning a trip around food—and why taking chances is easier when you're someplace else.https://www.bonappetit.com/

Whether you're a “first returner,” a trailblazer or you're dreaming about traveling again, this one's for you: Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with four top travel experts about the trips to take now, the destinations on their wish lists—from Rwanda to Paris, Greece, Uzbekistan and beyond. Plus, their travel strategies, Covid's impact on travel, silver linings and much more.

Sonu Shivdasani is the co-founder of Soneva Resorts and founder and former CEO of Six Senses and one of the leading pioneers of sustainability and barefoot luxury travel in the Maldives. He talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about his passion for the island nation, his latest projects, why Slow Travel matters more than ever, his favorite destinations and much more. https://soneva.com/

Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with the Emmy-winning CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park and learns what it's like to visit all 59 U.S. National Parks (and why your visits matter), why the great American road trip has never been easier, how you know travel is part of your life story and more. http://www.conorknighton.com

From the garden of her Morocco hotel Jnane Tamsna, author and Morocco's only black hotelier, Meryanne Loum-Martin talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about growing up as a Senegalese diplomat's daughter, how she kicked off the riad-hotel craze in Marrakech and her latest projects: the cultural collective, AFreeCulture, which showcases the African diaspora in literature, cinema and entrepreneurship and a book, Inside Morocco. https://www.afreeculture.orghttps://travel.indagare.com/globalclassroom

Acclaimed travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux tells Melissa Biggs Bradley why he’s been in his own personal lockdown since 1963; how he gets to the “flesh and blood” of a place when he’s on the road; his principles of travel—from America to Africa; why the best travel is not really about travel at all; and why going alone is the way to self-discovery—in short: you learn everything from leaving home.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has changed the travel industry forever. Join Melissa Biggs Bradley as she talks with top experts and thought leaders in travel conservation and sustainability about Covid’s tumultuous impact and how it’s reshaping the new travel landscape, the destinations we love and how we experience them.http://sttakenya.org/https://www.tourismcares.org/https://responsibletravel.org/https://www.theconscioustravelfoundation.com/

Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Her Royal Highness Princess Diana of Orléans about Portuguese royal history—and the importance of preserving family heritage and cultural traditions. Plus, her passion for writing historical fiction, Covid’s impact on travel, her favorite places in the Alentejo, travel to Portugal in the past, present and future, and more. http://www.palaciocadaval.com/

Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Fogo Island Inn’s Zita Cobb about the benefits of living a life outside and respecting the natural world; the bonds that form in the places that matter to us; misconceptions about remote and rural places—and the richness to be found in them; why one of Canada’s oldest settlements should be at the top of your list of places to go and much more. https://shorefast.org 

Just in time for summer, Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with the Emmy-winning CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park and learns what it’s like to visit all 59 U.S. National Parks (and why your visits matter), why the great American road trip has never been easier, how you know travel is part of your life story and more. http://www.conorknighton.com

Skincare expert Dr. Barbara Sturm talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about all things beauty—from her famous platelet-based “blood cream” and the masks and serums that have given her a cult-like following to female entrepreneurs, plus, her tips on how to improve your skincare routine—and look younger longer. https://www.drsturm.com

Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with Yale infectious disease specialist Dr. Manisha Juthani, Scott Jordan of Delta Airlines, and Belmond’s Daniel Pasquali to assess the impact of Covid-19 vaccines on travel, what airlines and hotels are doing to make travelers safer, the news on Europe, digital passports, how to choose a destination, when to book flights and more.

How do you reconcile the past and find light amid the darkness of your own personal history? Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Rwanda guide Dalida Waldha, who shares her powerful story of surviving the Rwanda genocide—and the lessons she learned about reconciliation, the true meaning of forgiveness and how it has helped her country reshape its future. 

Frances Mayes sits down with Melissa Biggs Bradley to talk about her latest books, how Under the Tuscan Sun really came to be, how to feel at home (fast) when you travel; plus, the Italian region that has the most prized place in her heart, what Rome is like without the crowds and why Italy’s small towns make for the most magical discoveries.https://www.francesmayesbooks.com/books

1,000 Places to See Before You Die author Patricia Schultz continues her conversation with Melissa Biggs Bradley about the benefits of going solo, how female travelers can stay safe, her favorite places at home and abroad, why there’s no downside to travel—canceled flights, lost passports and all—what it will look like once we can go more freely again, where she (and we) will be going and more. (Part 2 of 2)

What makes a good traveler? In the first of two episodes, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die’s Patricia Schultz talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about her first travel epiphany, when she knew she was a nomad, why she started collecting places and why what happens along the way can be more exciting than the destination itself. Plus, the impact of Covid on our travel mindset and much more. (Part 1 of 2)

Best-selling travel writer, Mary Morris (All the Way to the Tigers: A Memoir) Mary Morris talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about what it means to be a wanderer, the benefits of traveling without an itinerary, finding your identity through travel, the particular perks of solo travel, why tigers are her spirit animal and how to be at home in the world.http://www.marymorris.net

How is Covid changing fashion? Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with Louise Kennedy to discuss the Irish designer’s influences and inspirations—from the Bouvier sisters to Aerin Lauder, her passion for travel, Turnbull & Asser, India, her favorite places to go in Dublin and beyond, travel rituals, and must-pack items, why buying better matters more than ever and more. https://www.louisekennedy.com/

What’s it like to be an Antarctic explorer? Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Sebastian Copeland about his hair-raising encounters with polar bears, the dangers of crossing crevasse fields, how he is using photography to advocate for global climate change, how to raise your conservation conscience—and neutralize your carbon footprint when you travel—plus, why his dream trip is out of this world, and more.http://sebastiancopelandadventures.com/advocate

Are you making time to “get good at life?” Melissa Biggs Bradley talks with Broadway showgirl-turned-meditation-expert Emily Fletcher about the benefits of her Ziva technique and the three Ms—Mindfulness, Meditation, and Manifesting. Plus, what’s underneath “I’m too busy,” how to say yes (and stress less), her travel wish list, and so much more.zivameditation.com

As a new year (and season 2!) begin, Melissa and members of the Indagare team sit down to talk Covid travel safety and testing tips, the best private and remote options, safaris, Bucket List trips, the destinations they (and our community) can’t wait to get back to, and much more!

Michael S. Smith, one of America’s most high-profile interior designers, whose clientele includes the Obamas, Hollywood stars, A-listers, and financial titans, shares the backstories on redecorating the White House and the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Spain with Melissa Biggs Bradley. Plus, Some of his favorite resources and top cities for shopping, how art can make space come to life, how design is like fashion, and more.

Sonu Shivdasani is the co-founder of Soneva Resorts and founder and former CEO of Six Senses and one of the leading pioneers of sustainability and barefoot luxury travel in the Maldives. He talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about his passion for the island nation, his latest projects, why Slow Travel matters more than ever, his favorite destinations and much more.

Award-winning food and travel writer James Oseland, formerly a judge of Bravo's Top Chef Masters, shares stories of his food quests from Indonesia to Mexico, Paris, and beyond with Melissa Biggs Bradley. In this lively look at the symbiotic relationship between food and travel, he offers insights on the cultural traditions behind his favorite cuisines, tips on finding the best local markets and authentic cooking—and how to bring the global kitchen home.

What does the future look like for travelers in a post-Covid world? Melissa Biggs Bradley assesses the current travel landscape after returning from Kenya for the first time since the pandemic began and shares her thoughts on the timeline to recovery, the need for a more considered approach, the pros and cons of Covid travel, and why she’ll never stop venturing out—as long as she is able.

Dr. Mounir Neamatalla is the visionary behind Adrere Amellal, the desert retreat he built In the midst of Egypt’s Siwa oasis in the Western Desert. He tells Melissa Biggs Bradley the story behind his one-of-a-kind resort that also supports local Berber communities, why Egypt should be on everyone’s bucket list, why chance encounters are the greatest gift of travel, and his theory on the pandemic’s silver lining. g.

Loss, perspective, hope: In the aftermath of the Glass Fire that has devastated California wine country, Bill Harlan, one of Napa Valley’s founding vintners, finds inspiration for the future in Napa’s history and his “200-year vision;” and tells Melissa Biggs Bradley where you’ll find the best wines in America; how his travels shaped his life—and why what you learn about yourself, when you’re out in the world, changes who you eventually become.http://www.invictusnv.com/

Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with Josh and Alissa Ruxin to talk about why they came to Rwanda on their honeymoon and never left, the country's complicated history and reconciliation process and its rapid development, the power of resilience, and the best way to experience Kigali. Plus, the making of Heaven and The Retreat, their hotels and restaurant, the places they dream about, and more.

Meet the magic man behind some of the world’s most sustainable—and unforgettable—resorts from Ubud and Siem Reap to the Golden Triangle and beyond. Listen in as he tells Melissa Biggs Bradley about why he builds hotels with a purpose beyond just housing guests, how he arrived in Singapore with $17 in his pocket and ended up in Bangkok, plus the places that are still on his bucket list, the benefits of Slow Travel and much more!

The week of October 26, 2020, Indagare will host a virtual travel summit!Over the course of one week, we will host engaging keynote conversations, panels, and sessions in partnership with leading travel experts, hotels, airlines, and tourism boards to discuss the future of travel in the era of COVID-19.This summit will inspire and educate our community on how and where to travel safely now and in 2021. We hope to see you there!

Our design series continues with Renaissance woman and interior designer extraordinaire Charlotte Moss, who talks with Melissa Biggs Bradley about cultivating your own aesthetic, how Southern hospitality and travel have influenced her, why the place she’d rather be right now is the Serengeti. Plus: the French Gardens trip she’s hosting with us next year and much more. Monticello.org; bonemarrow.org; acp-usa.org; nokidhungry.org; feedingamerica.org

Michael Bruno is a serial lover of places and a self-professed “house junkie,”  which may explain his passion for collecting them—and why his latest project is a hotel. He tells Melissa Biggs Bradley about how travel influences the way you live and shares tips on how to shop for furniture, how to find your dream home as well as his favorite places for antiques hunting.

For advice on what you need to know to stay safe when you travel in a COVID-19 world, Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with infectious disease expert Scott Weisenberg. Here, what to know before you get on a plane, the best mask, how to lower your risks for exposure on the road, healthy habits, a vaccine update and more.

When you want to know the right steps to take for better health, who better to turn to than the medical director of Canyon Ranch? Melissa Biggs Bradley sits down with Dr. Cindy Geyer and learns why one weight loss program doesn’t work for everyone, why a moving mindset matters more than a trip to the gym, how much sleep you really need—plus, the best foods for a healthy diet, fasting tips and more.

Looking to reset your health and fitness or weight loss regimen? Cat Hedberg has answers and offers her insights to Melissa Biggs Bradley on simple living, the evolution of exercise, being in nature and why her cult “boot camp” works. Plus: choosing the positive, finding your center and living in the now—especially during COVID.

The mastermind behind the world’s top spa programs, Anna Bjurstam has persuaded resorts like Aman, Four Seasons and Six Senses to embrace holistic health. She shares her best advice with Melissa Biggs Bradley on everything from meditation, sleep and energy medicine to healing practices, the benefits of intermittent fasting and detox and the near-death experience that changed her outlook. https://m.socialgiver.com/campaign/got-rice-covid-relief-fundraiser/

Nairobi-based designer Anna Trzebinski is proof that beauty and strength can emerge from tragedy and heartache: In sharing her story with Melissa Biggs Bradley, she reveals insights on love, loss, the healing power of nature, getting advice from Ralph Lauren, pivoting her business post-COVID and creating a “nest” for the women in her community to help them thrive. https://annatrzebinski.com

How does travel inform a designer’s eye? As Rodman Primack explains to Melissa Biggs Bradley, it defines your values, your aesthetic and how you express them through design. He also discusses moving to Mexico, the artists and communities—from Oaxaca to Guadalajara—that inspire him, living with color, working for Peter Marino and Larry Gagosian and why the best experiences happen when you’re willing to let go. https://eldiadespues.mx