Passport to Everywhere with Melissa Biggs Bradley

The Managing Director of Paris je t’aime Tourist Office, Corrine Menegaux, joins Melissa to explore everything happening in Paris in anticipation of the 2024 Olympics. Paris has spent years transforming in preparation for the opening ceremony on July 26th, and Corrine shares an inside look at how Paris has invested in new initiatives to make this one of the world’s most exciting games yet. They discuss the iconic monuments hosting competitions, exciting events to look out for and how Paris plans to make sustainability a part of its Olympic hosting legacy.  She also reveals exhibitions to have on your radar, including SPOT24, the Olympics exhibition paying tribute to the six new Olympic disciplines located near the Eiffel Tower. Plus- Melissa shares tips for navigating Paris if you’re one of the lucky ones to be there in person for the global games. Follow Paris je t'aime - Tourist officeWebsite: parisjetaime.com, my.parisjetaime.comInstagram - instagram.com/parisjetaime Follow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounderQuick FactsThe Olympics Opening Ceremony will be held on the Seine River on Friday, July 26th. More than 10,000 athletes will compete in 329 medal events.The Closing Ceremony will be held at the Stade de France on Sunday, August 11th.You can buy a daily metro pass for €16 and a 7-day pass for €70.  The Eiffel Tower will be closed on July 26th then open throughout the remainder of the games.Paralympics begin on Wednesday, August 28th and take place through Sunday, September 8th. More than 4,000 athletes will compete in 549 medal events. You can stream all the Olympic and Paralympic events live on Peacock.Keep an eye out for these venues in top tourist attractionsPlace de la Concorde - cycling BMX freestyle, skateboarding, breaking, 3x3 basketballGrand Palais  - fencing, taekwondoThe Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower Stadium) - beach volleyball The Hôtel de Ville (Paris’ city hall) -  starting point for the marathon raceThe Pont Alexander III bridge - finish line for the individual cycling time trials, the swimming marathon, and the triathlonThe Château de Versailles (the Palace of Versailles) - equestrian, modern pentathlonEsplanade des Invalides - archerySeine River - triathlon and open-water swimming

Shanghai-born artist and designer Jiang Qiong Er joins Melissa to explore cross-cultural exchange and innovative art. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, Musée Guimet invited Jiang Qiong Er to put together an exquisite installation titled Guardians of Time. Before diving into the meaning behind her latest work, Jiang Qiong Er shares stories from her childhood during a unique period of China’s history and reveals how painting played a pivotal role in shaping her international life. She then describes in detail her choices on the daring project in Paris including the messages behind her mythical creatures, the meaning behind the colors, and how artificial intelligence played a pivotal role. Through monumental, visionary installations, Jiang Qiong Er has created history as she challenges the viewer to rethink and reflect on time. Discover why her exhibition is created on an urgency the world needs today, and what you can expect if visiting. Follow Jiang Qiong ErWebsite: jiangqionger.comInstagram: instagram.com/jiang_qionger and instagram.com/qej_studioFollow Musée GuimetWebsite: guimet.frInstagram: instagram.com/museeguimetFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

In honor of the 4th of July, we’re re-airing one of our most popular archival episodes exploring the Grand Canyon National Park. Melissa met expert Grand Canyon guide and outdoor adventurer Geno Kelly on a trip to Sedona. As a retired firefighter, Geno has been studying, hiking, rafting and guiding the Grand Canyon for over 45 years and has visited the nation’s wonder thousands of times. In this conversation, he shares mesmerizing stories of the unique geology, wildlife, archeology and history of the Grand Canyon. Tune in to unravel the layered history of the Grand Canyon and discover Geno’s tips for making the most of a trip including where to stay, where to eat and what activities to do. Plus - Melissa shares East Coast getaways you’ll want to check out this summer.Follow Enchantment Resort Website: enchantmentresort.comInstagram: instagram.com/enchantment_resortFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounderPlan your trip to the Grand Canyon with Indagare: Custom-Planned Travel, Self-Planned Travel

Steve Schwartz is the founder, CEO and Master Blender of Los Angeles-based tea company, Art of Tea. Through the brand's 20 year existence, he’s worked with a number of big names, including Vera Wang, The Peninsula Hotels, and Wolfgang Puck restaurants, and he published his debut book, Art of Tea: A Journey of Ritual, Discovery and Impact, in 2022. During this episode, Steve shares how tragedy launched his unexpected journey into Ayurvedic healing which then led him to discover the art –– and science –– of tea. He shares stories from his encounters with tea farmers in Israel, Thailand, Laos and beyond. Tune in to hear Steve debunk misconceptions around tea, to get his top tea recommendations and to learn how tea serves as a window to other cultures. Plus - Melissa reveals her latest intel from a recent trip to London including exciting restaurants, new hotels and noteworthy shops.Follow Art of TeaWebsite: artoftea.comInstagram: instagram.com/artoftealaFollow Steve on Instagram: instagram.com/steveschwarxFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

Fashion icon and designer Trina Turk shares the lessons she learned in creating her optimistic, colorful line at the age of 34. She explores how growing up in California influenced her dreamy brand and her favorite destinations in the golden state. She also reveals her favorite flea markets in Los Angeles, her love for Palm Springs, tips for vintage shopping and more. Together, Melissa and Trina explore some of the places they’re most excited about - from Mexico City to South America - and dive into Trina’s joy of architectural tours while traveling (hint: Hollyhock House). She also reveals why she believes brick and mortar stores are “due for an upswing” and tips for aspiring fashion designers. Plus- don’t miss this week’s Indagare Insight on Melissa’s California Road Trip recommendations!Follow Trina TurkWebsite:  trinaturk.comInstagram: instagram.com/trinaturkRead Trina’s Insider’s Guide to California: indagare.com/article/insiders-guide-to-california-trina-turkFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

Krug Champagne has continued to set new standards for quality, creativity, and excellence since 1843 when Joseph Krug laid the foundation for the globally recognized Champagne house. In this week’s episode, Melissa is joined by Olivier Krug, sixth generation of the Krug family and current Director of the House. The two dive into Krug’s techniques and innovations, including the Krug Single Ingredient, an initiative founded in 2015 that invites chefs from around the world to craft recipes around each Krug Grande Cuvée and Krug Rosé Édition. This year’s ingredient, Flower, will be highlighted in three upcoming Indagare Insider Journeys. Each bespoke itinerary includes exclusive gastronomic journeys and affords guests the opportunity to taste some of Krug’s rarest cuvées. Together, Melissa and Olivier discuss these special trips, the Krug Family House in Reims, the stringent tasting criteria and more. Plus on this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa and Olivier reveal champagne tips and insider knowledge you won’t want to miss including the proper glass from which to drink it… Spoiler: it’s neither a flute nor a coupe!Follow Krug ChampagneWebsite: krug.comInstagram: instagram.com/krugchampagneFacebook: facebook.com/krugchampagneFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

Located in Indonesia an hour east of Bali, NIHI Sumba is an extraordinary place that fuses nature, beauty and wellness in a thoughtful, soulful way. The hotel has been named the ‘Best Hotel in the World’ for two years in a row by Travel & Leisure and has mastered the art of transformative, luxurious simplicity. CEO and co-founding partner James McBride joins Melissa to explore what makes this hotel so special and how its magic came to be. After growing up in South Africa, he spent over two decades leading some of the world's most incredible hotels and has been recognized as ‘One to Watch’ by Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg 50, as well as awarded the Independent Hotelier of the World  by Hotels Magazine. He shares insight into NIHI’s unique wild wellness program - from equine therapy with sacred horses to surfing in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, butterfly meditation lounges and more. Plus, Melissa shares some of her favorite wellness retreats on this week’s Indagare Insight. Follow James McBrideInstagram: instagram.com/bapakjamesFollow NIHI SumbaWebsite: nihi.comInstagram: instagram.com/nihiFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

The visionary John Hardy has led a legendary career in jewelry, hospitality, design and education. In today’s episode, he takes Melissa through the thrilling journey of his life – from the beginning of his iconic jewelry line to the Green School (which gained global recognition from his TED talk) to the innovative boutique hotel, Bambu Indah. He shares his thoughts on why Bali is unlike anywhere else in the world, and why he believes bamboo is the hope for the future. Plus- on this week’s Indagare Insight Melissa shares her insider tips for jewelry shopping abroad.Follow John HardyJohn Hardy Jewelry: johnhardy.comCarina Hardy Jewelry: carinahardy.comGreen School: greenschool.orgBambu Indah: bambuindah.comBamboo U: bamboou.comBamboo Pure: bamboopurebali.comIbuku: ibuku.comFollow IndagareWebsite: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

Before Princess Mabel van Oranje was a royal, a prominent human rights activist and serial entrepreneur for social change, she grew up in a typical Dutch Family. In fact, it was her father, whom she lost far too young, who inspired the activist in her with his stories of far flung destinations and the challenges certain communities face. On this week’s episode, Mabel talks about the path that led her to founding VOW for Girls; the organization, borne from a friend’s wedding, strives to build a world with no child marriage. She and Melissa also discuss some of the most transformative travel experiences she’s had through her work with VOW. In keeping with the theme of the episode, Melissa discusses Indagare’s impact strategy, and how luxury travel affords so many opportunities to give back during this week’s Indagare Insight. Follow VOW for Girls:Website: vowforgirls.orgInstagram: instagram.com/vowforgirlsFollow Mabel van Oranje:Instagram: instagram.com/mabel.vanoranjeFollow Indagare:Website: indagare.comIndagare Impact: indagare.com/missionInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

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.Follow Francisca Matteoli:Website: franciscamatteoli.com Instagram: instagram.com/francisca_matteoliFollow Indagare:Website: indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

Father-daughter duo Roberto and Marie-Louise Scio of the Pellicano Group sit down with Melissa to discuss the legacy and the future of their triumvirate of three iconic Italian hotels: Il Pellicano, Mezzatorre and La Posta Vecchia. The episode is full of Italian storytelling at its finest as Roberto recounts memories from his first overnight and his early days as a guest of Hotel Il Pellicano, through to his decision to purchase the hotel and to expand the collection. Marie-Louise explains how she fell very naturally into the role of Creative Director –and now CEO–merely by “making the walls talk” at Pellicano. In recognizing and preserving the property’s rich history throughout the process of bringing it up to date,  she also expanded the brand into the lifestyle site ISSIMO, a digital extension of the hotel group. And for this week’s Indagare Insight, Melissa highlights some of her favorite collaborations featured on ISSIMO’s site now. Follow Pellicano Hotels: Website: pellicanohotels.comIl Pellicano: hotelilpellicano.com & instagram.com/hotelilpellicanoLa Posta Vecchia: postavecchiahotel.com & instagram.com/lapostavecchiahotelMezzatorre: mezzatorre.com & instagram.com/mezzatorrehotelISSIMO: issimoissimo.com & instagram.com/issimoFollow Indagare:Website: Indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder

In this week’s episode, Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, speaks with Melissa about how she found herself in what many would call their dream job. From growing up in former Bombay with a single, working mother during a time when such a thing was very uncommon, to attending university in the States, spending time in New York and returning to India only to fall deeply in love with her home-country again, Divia’s journey has been a winding one. Listen in not only to hear her story, but also to understand her vision for CNT and how - through the highly regarded publication - she strives to elevate local voices, perspectives and stories. Plus, don’t miss her recommendations for Mumbai and Goa, the latter of which she thinks is one of the most exciting cities for food right now. At the end of the episode, Melissa highlights summer in the Mediterranean, including some of Indagare’s top restaurant and shopping recommendations as well as favorite new hotel openings across the region. Follow Divia Thani:Instagram: instagram.com/diviathaniFollow Condé Nast Traveller:Website: cntraveller.comCondé Nast Traveller India: cntraveller.inFollow Indagare:Website: Indagare.comInstagram: instagram.com/indagaretravelYoutube: youtube.com/@indagaretravelFollow Melissa on Instagram: instagram.com/indagarefounder