Best Travelindustry Podcasts (2025)

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Vancouver Island | Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge: Into the Wild 44:26

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17h ago44:26

44:26

Today we’re venturing off the beaten path—way off—to a remote corner of Vancouver Island, where Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with something deeper. Set between ancient rainforest and the icy waters of Clayoquot Sound, this lodge pairs rugged adventure with refined luxury in a way that few places …

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Three Grumpy Old Men Rant About AI to One Pro-AI Weirdo 1:19:51

1d ago1:19:51

1:19:51

There's no explaining this episode. It's rambling and angry and raw and weird, but probably a very useful episode to listen to. Mr. AI-is-the-future Peter Syme is joined by Mr. Human-Connection-is-Everything Mitch Bach are joined by two brilliant guys who have made their living creating travel content. Stuart McDonald founded Travelfish to offer tr…

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Paris | Le Bristol: Insider Details From a Century of Elegance 48:21

8d ago48:21

48:21

Today we’re stepping into the world of understated glamour, playful elegance, and celebrating 100 years of Parisian magic at Le Bristol Paris. Opened in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, this legendary Palace hotel has quietly hosted history— from movie stars to fashion icons and modern-day royals. And through it all, Le Bristol has remained a joyf…

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Balancing Soul, Scale & Authenticity in Food Tourism (w/ Lauren Aloise of Devour Tours) 56:24

9d ago56:24

56:24

What does it take to grow a food tour company without losing what made it special in the first place? Mitch Bach talks with Lauren Aloise, co-founder of Devour Tours and now VP of Marketing and Guest Experience at Walks-Devour Tours, joins us to unpack the hard-earned lessons of scaling with soul. From cooking classes in her Madrid apartment to man…

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Sell More Tours with Social Video and Creator Partnerships 53:01

13d ago53:01

53:01

Madison Rifkin leads Mount, a platform that partners with short-term rental hosts to help them feature and promote local tours and activities to their guests. But how do you actually get those guests to book? A static landing page doesn’t cut it. That’s where Madison’s “Creator Army” comes in—a vetted network of content creators trained specificall…

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Basque Country: A Journey into Soul, Sea, and Culture 42:20

15d ago42:20

42:20

Today, we’re venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living languages on the continent. There’s a saying in Ba…

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Beyond Happiness: Travel, Curiosity, and a Life Well-Lived | Professor Shige Oishi 57:59

22d ago57:59

57:59

Today, we’re continuing our exploration of the fascinating intersection between positive psychology and travel and I couldn’t be more excited to have one of the leading minds in the field with us. Shige Oishi is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the mos…

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Demystifying AI for Tour Operators (w/ Janette Roush of Brand USA) 53:40

27d ago53:40

53:40

All we hear about is AI this, AI that. And yet trying to keep up with all the changes can be overwhelming. Many operators are simply rejecting it outright, or knowingly keeping their heads buried in the sand. So Mitch Bach sat down with Janette Roush, the "Chief AI Officer" for Brand USA, to ask a fundamental question: what are some practical ways …

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Ranch at Rock Creek | Owner, Jim Manley: A Dream Comes True, America's Most Expensive Hotel, and The Last Best Place 27:29

29d ago27:29

27:29

My guest today is a bit of a renaissance man. Jim Manley is the Chairman of Atlantic Pacific Capital… and also the VERY hands on owner of one of the top properties in all of the United States - The Ranch at Rock Creek. Located in a hidden valley, nestled against a sparkling clear creek, in the heart of Western Montana, Ranch at Rock Creek is the on…

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Tourism as a Force for Good: The Untours Foundation's Mission 50:16

1M ago50:16

50:16

In this episode of the Tourpreneur podcast, Chris speaks with Jonathan Coleman from the Untours Foundation and Zakia Moulaoui Guery from Invisible Cities. They discuss the transformative power of tourism and how both organizations are making a significant impact in their communities. The Untours Foundation focuses on impact investing in social ente…

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Japan | Ryokan Kurashiki and Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen 35:16

1M ago35:16

35:16

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most enchanting ways to experience Japan - staying at a ryokan. If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping on tatami mats, slipping into a steaming onsen, or savoring a multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted with local, seasonal ingredients - a ryokan stay is the ultimate expression of Japanese hospitality a…

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Selling Tours Through Guide Platforms: Advice, Trends, and Challenges 49:04

1M ago49:04

49:04

Mitch Bach is joined by ToursByLocals CEO Lisa Chen and Sherif Abiza, Chief Community Officer of Withlocals. Together they discuss a recent incident of guide poaching amongst tour platforms, and talk about what trust and fairness looks like in our industry. Guide platforms operate differently than other OTAs like GetYourGuide, Viator or Klook, sinc…

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Sell More Tours through Partnerships (w/ Nicole Mahoney of Travel Alliance Partnership) 44:55

1M ago44:55

44:55

Nicole Mahoney runs Travel Alliance Partnership, a small group of tour operators banding together to create more buying power with suppliers, resell each others' tours, and much much more. In this Tourpreneur episode Nicole talks with Mitch Bach about how powerful these kinds of B2B partnership models can be when it comes to growing your tour busin…

1
Türkiye | The Peninsula Istanbul 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It’s a spot where everything feels alive and you can’t help but be wowed by the humanity of it all. Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Tu…

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Streamlining Your Customer & Team Communication Flows (w/ Ben Sann of Tour Optima) 50:26

2M ago50:26

50:26

Benjamin Sann is the CEO of Tour Optima, a communications platform and white-labeled app solution that offers streamlined messaging between your business and your guests, guides, and internal team. Communication is everything. How are your guests receiving the itinerary and important updates? How are they being prompted to review and tip the guide …

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Positive Psychology and Travel | Associate Director, MAPP Program at University of Pennsylvania, Leona Brandwene 1:10:47

2M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

Today, I’m kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you’ve ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there’s actually science behind that. And over the past year, I’ve been studying it deeply through my master’s at Pen…

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The Maldives | Velaa Private Island: Hospitality Done Differently 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

Today we’re headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of. Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we’re diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate. One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Priva…

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Building a Next-Generation Multi-Day Tour Brand through Community 1:08:40

2M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Katalina Mayorga is the powerhouse founder of El Camino Travel, a multi-day tour company reimagining the group trip experience for a new generation. But she's also much more than a tour operator. To sell her trips she's leaned heavily into community, creating a membership that serves not only as a customer base, but a space for likeminded 'bold wom…

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GetYourGuide analyzed 3.1 Million Reviews. Here’s What Tour Operators Need to Know. 53:41

2M ago53:41

53:41

We all know good reviews are important, but what deeper insights can reviews give us about our tour businesses, and our industry? To answer that, Anna Cashman, Head of B2B Brand & Insights for GetYourGuide, led an effort to analyze 3.1 million reviews with comments. Her team parsed the data to understand trends and takeaways for tour operators. She…

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LTI Special Announcement | From Listener to Guest: Claim Your Spot on Our Birthday Special! 4:04

2M ago4:04

4:04

Today’s episode is a little different — and very special. Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show. To celebrate this five-year milestone, I’m inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode. If you love the …

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A Look at the New Airbnb Experiences Reboot 42:23

2M ago42:23

42:23

Well, the new Airbnb 2025 Summer Release is upon us. The just hosted a big, splashy launch event for its reboot of Experiences, and also introduced Airbnb Services, featuring dozens of categories of new bookable offerings, from nail care to personal chefs. What does this mean for the future of Airbnb, for the tours & activities sector, and for Expe…

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Belize | Turtle Inn 45:47

2M ago45:47

45:47

Today we’re headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history. Joining me today is Martin Kr…

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The Transformational Power of Walking (w/ Joao of Walking Mentorship) 1:22:22

2M ago1:22:22

1:22:22

Mitch Bach sat down with João Perre Viana, the founder of Walking Mentorship, to talk one thing we tour operators are all familiar with: walking. But not many of us design week-long trips where all you do is walk. Sometimes alone. Sometimes in a group. That's it. Beyond some shared meals and moments, there isn't much of a plan. Each group takes on …

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New Zealand | Expert, Phil Boorman 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

Today we’re in for some adventure. We’ll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we’ll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot. Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boor…

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Connectivity Series: Multi-Day Tour Connectivity - Past, Present & Future 51:16

3M ago51:16

51:16

Kelly Tompkins is the Founder & CPO of ReserveX, building software infrastructure that connects the components of our whole industry: Multi-Day tours, Day tours, Travel Advisors, OTAs, Meta-Search, and more. He's also been in the industry for a long, long time. Together with Tourpreneur host Peter Syme, Kelly talks about where the industry has been…

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Indonesia | NIHI Sumba 40:41

3M ago40:41

40:41

Today, we're headed deep off the beaten path to a forgotten island in Indonesia called Sumba. While it’s twice as large as Bali and has only 700,000 inhabitants - Sumba has barely any tourism to the island. If it’s starting to sound TOO remote, don’t worry because we uncovered a luxury gem, or as our guest, James McBride, would call it - geographic…

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Greece | Expert Panel 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

Today, we're venturing off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known gems of Greece. Picture yourself wandering through the picturesque streets of Tinos, soaking in the stunning views of Folegandros, and discovering the ancient beauty of Meteora. From the charming towns of Syros to the vibrant culture of Thessaloniki, we'll uncover hidden treasur…

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Turks & Caicos | Grace Bay Resorts 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

Today we’re visiting my personal favorite destination in the Caribbean. The beaches beckon with white powdery sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and the easiest drinking rum punch in the islands. Add in some amazing resorts, and this is the stuff of your vacation dreams. Joining me to talk all things Turks & Caicos is the COO of Grace Bay Resorts,…

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Connectivity Series: Demystifying APIs, and Why Tour Operators Should Care 47:25

3M ago47:25

47:25

TP team members Mitch Bach and Peter Syme talk to Chris Mark, Head of Connectivity for GetYourGuide. As we continue our Connectivity Series, we're looking at the people building the plumbing that make our industry work. When you list your tour on GetYourGuide, you might not understand the way in which it gets shared on other platforms, and how it i…

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Big Sky, Montana | One & Only Moonlight Basin 46:14

4M ago46:14

46:14

Today we’re enjoying wide open skies, magical rivers, and the jagged peaks of the Madison mountain range. Sprinkle in a little cowboy culture, love for the land, and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle.. And we’ll find ourselves in Big Sky, Montana. Today I’m joined by my friend Serge Ditesheim, the General Manager of the highly anticipa…

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Venice | Expert Panel 53:38

4M ago53:38

53:38

Today, we’re heading to one of the world’s most magical cities—Venice. Imagine wandering through winding canals, admiring centuries-old architecture, and indulging in traditional ciccheti and a select spritz. Whether you're here for the art, the food, or the timeless beauty, Venice has something special waiting for you. I’m joined by two incredible…

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Madrid | Rosewood Villa Magna 44:51

4M ago44:51

44:51

Today we’re heading to the capital of Spain, a city in Europe that is certainly having a moment. To sum it up, a quote from Lope de Vega says, “When you are in Madrid, you are among friends.” So, joining me today to explore this charming capital city, is my friend, Friedrich von Schönburg, the General Manager of the beautiful Rosewood Villa Magna. …

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TP Exclusive: Chris Torres sells Tourism Marketing Agency (TMA) to the Trikon Group 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

In this episode, Mitch Bach and Pete Syme interview fellow Tourpreneur partner Chris Torres, a seasoned marketing expert, who shares insights from his extensive career in the industry. Chris announces the sale of his business, discusses the evolving landscape of marketing, and emphasises the importance of storytelling and innovation in attracting c…

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Oman | Six Senses Zighy Bay 41:20

4M ago41:20

41:20

Today we are headed to a magical slice of Oman called the Musandam Peninsula. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of the mainland and so has maintained its wild natural beauty and authentic culture. Joining me today is Diletta Guarino, the General Manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in…

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Hong Kong | Rosewood GM, Hugo Montanari: Urban Gardens, People Watching, and a Sense of Place 35:55

4M ago35:55

35:55

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 lit…

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Connectivity Series: Understanding How Travel Advisors work with Tour Operators 41:54

5M ago41:54

41:54

As we continue our connectivity series, we look at the landscape of B2B sales for tour operators as it evolves thanks to new technology, connectivity, and companies changing how travel is sold. Evan Frank has been the CEO of a tour company (Context Travel), founder of a short-term rental pioneer (onefinestay), and is no co-founder of Fora Travel, l…

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European Ski Trips | Expert Panel 54:44

5M ago54:44

54:44

Today… we’re going skiing! And we’re doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it’s looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par…

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Connectivity Series: Leveraging Short Term Rental Partnerships to Sell Tours 58:17

5M ago58:17

58:17

This week we begin a mini-series on connectivity: interviews with people helping tour operators grow their B2B partnerships through tech tools that connect with other industry sectors. We start the series off looking at short term rentals. This is often a desired B2B relationship for tour operators, but one that's hard to decipher and connect with.…

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Kauai | 1Hotel Hanalei Bay 39:36

5M ago39:36

39:36

Today, we're escaping to the breathtaking Garden Isle of Kauai. With its emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, Kauai offers a serene escape like no other. We're checking into the stunning 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, where eco-conscious design meets upscale comfort. Joining us is Nicholas Gold, the VP of Operations on property. We'll …

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Faroe islands | Expert Panel: Peace & Quiet (and Puffins!) 47:43

5M ago47:43

47:43

Today we’re headed well off the beaten path, to the area nestled between the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. The secluded Faroe Islands boast rugged cliffs, emerald green landscapes, puffins galore, and a vibrant local culture for such a small population. You might come here for the hiking or the bird life, but what you’ll leave with is a sen…

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The Dominican Republic | Eden Roc Cap Cana 34:41

5M ago34:41

34:41

I’m excited for you to join me today to head to the gorgeous island of the Dominican Republic. There’s something about the turquoise water fringed with the most amazing palm trees you’ve ever seen - that gives you a sense of calm and relaxation here. Add in the incredible history, gorgeous resorts, world class golf courses - and you’re truly on vac…

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Cartagena | Expert Panel 49:33

6M ago49:33

49:33

Today, we’re headed to the vibrant and historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, enjoying the rhythm of cumbia music in the distance, or setting sail on turquoise waters to visit nearby islands. Joining me today are three incredible guests who know this city inside and out: my p…

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Dan Christian's 5 Lessons From Large Multi-Day Tour Operators on Marketing & Scaling 1:24:07

6M ago1:24:07

1:24:07

Dan Christian has spent decades in the industry working at some of the world's largest travel brands: The Travel Corporation, G Adventures, Lonely Planet. Today he's the host of the Travel Trends podcast and CEO of the Acceleration Team, helping travel companies achieve rapid growth. Dan knows marketing and business transformation like nobody else,…

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Travel Trends 2025 | CEO, Jonathan Epstein 1:01:30

6M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Today, we’re diving into the trends that are shaping the way travelers are exploring the world. I’m joined by my good friend Jonathan Epstein, the CEO of Celebrated Experiences, one of our partners for curating authentic and luxurious travel experiences in Europe. Jonathan and I discuss everything from the growing demand for slow, intentional trave…

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GetYourGuide’s Evolving Approach to Curating an Experience Marketplace (w/ Tao Tao, COO) 1:02:46

6M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

GetYourGuide has recently surpassed 200 million tickets sold. Co-Founder & COO Tao Tao sits down with Tourpreneur's Mitch Bach, Peter Syme and Chris Torres to talk about the challenges and surprises of 16 years of scaling an online experiences marketplace. As always, we focus on takeaways for tour operators as Tao Tao shares data and insights. We e…

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Cultural Scotland | Expert Panel 50:24

6M ago50:24

50:24

Today we’re setting off on a journey through the misty glens and rugged coastlines of Scotland—a land where history and legend intertwine. Joining me today are Christopher Sleigh and Euan House, two incredible storytellers and partners of ours in the region. Together, we unravel the history of the clan structure, explore the difference between a ta…

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Expedition Cruising | Ponant Explorations 39:56

6M ago39:56

39:56

My guest today is my friend Sam Chamberlain, CEO of the Americas for Ponant Explorations - one of the most interesting expedition cruising companies out there. Whether you dream of experiencing the world’s most technical luxury icebreaker, enjoying the company of penguins, having fabulous French food on board, or exploring typical destinations in n…

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Azores & Madeira | Expert Panel: A Unique Expression of Portuguese Culture 41:03

7M ago41:03

41:03

Today we’re venturing into the Atlantic, making stops on the islands of The Azores and Madeira. Imagine stunning verdant volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and temperate weather all year round. Don’t forget incredible food and a unique expression of Portuguese culture. My guests today are Filipe Fraga from Madeira and Beatriz Sousa from …

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Besties Special | Expert Panel 1:12:34

7M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Welcome to the 2024 besties episode of Luxury Travel Insider. I’ve invited two of my best friends, Kristen Sandvig and Hao Tang, to join me to dish on all things travel. All three of us are professional travelers, spending up to a third of our years out of the country. It’s our job to be discerning… and maybe a little snobby! So, in this unfiltered…

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Holiday Special | Expert Panel: Festivals, Christmas Markets, and Pillow Fights 38:13

7M ago38:13

38:13

Though we may celebrate some of the same holidays across regions and countries, we all do them so differently. Understanding those differences can help us to understand each other, it adds beauty to the season, and might even give you a new destination for your wishlist. Chatting holiday traditions with me today are Cristina Consuegra, our partner …