Exploring the Golden Age of Travel with Author Francisca Matteoli

Award-winning travel writer Francisca Matteoli has authored over a dozen books and collaborated with the likes of National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, and Louis Vuitton, but what is now a fulfilling and celebrated career was once just a passion. Francisca was raised in a family of travelers –– in fact, her grandfather once had the bill for an entire year at the Hôtel du Louvre waived because he was such a cherished guest –– and, she’s been collecting and telling stories for her entire life. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear about her unique childhood, as well as her time traveling with her husband to areas beset with conflict and instability, like Rwanda immediately after its 1994 genocide. Listen to her speak about how she infuses the spirit of a place into her work, like her latest book, Copacabana Palace: Where Rio Starts, as well as tease what she has on the docket for her next project. And in this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa shares some of her favorite house museums and gardens, as well as an exciting new change coming to air travel.

Lightning Round with Francisca Matteoli

• Must-see destination on a road trip across America? So difficult to choose just one; Here are some of my most beautiful memories: Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, the Beverly Hills and bungalows hotel in Los Angeles because it’s unique and iconic. Santa Fe during the Native art market. New-York City of course, The Adirondacks, Saranac Lake, Montana the land of writers and nature writing, Wyoming in a dude ranch, Chicago and Frank Lloyd wright’s home and studio...
• Favorite activity at the Copacabana Palace? A caïpirinha by the pool
• Favorite activity at the Hôtel Du Louvre? The hotel has changed so much since I lived there. I’d say, order a glass of vin blanc at the café of the hotel and watch the Parisians go about their daily lives ...
• A book you think everyone should read? The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. A wonderful book.
• Most impactful story you’ve published? When I was writing for National Geographic and returned to my country, Chile, after many years abroad to write about the place where I lived before coming to France. And when I wrote about my husband’s humanity association "Association Chirurgie Plus" and his work as a surgeon in countries in war or in difficulty.