The Upgrade by SUITCASE Magazine

10 Episodes
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By: SUITCASE Magazine

Travel smarter with SUITCASE Magazine’s Editor Fleur Rollet-Manus and Contributing Editor Amira Hashish. We’re spotlighting up-and-coming destinations, sharing our best-kept secrets from around the world and checking in with the people who are shaking up the way we travel. Thought all trips went smoothly for our editors? We’ll let you in on some of our not-so postcard-worthy moments too.

Now Playing: Our Inside Scoop to LA, California
#30
12/07/2022

Calling upon Adam Burke – President & CEO of LA Tourism – and Francine Sheridan – Regional Vice president for Europe and the Middle East for LA Tourism – we’ll be spotlighting their go-to LA recommendations, sharing their insider stories and showcasing the places our audience should have on-radar in this conversation-starting podcast episode. 

From world-class museums, world-class gastronomy and a whole host of red carpet-approved experiences, we’ll be giving our audience all the tools, tips and tricks to start planning their Los Angeles adventures. Whether they’re seasoned visitors or first-time travellers, we’re lifting the lid on the best spots for br...


Under-the-Radar European Spots the Jet-Set Love
#29
08/19/2022

In this energetic episode Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Justin Jesso, who has amassed hundreds of millions of streams for his collaborations with Kygo, Ricky Martin and the Backstreet Boys, is joined by Sangyay Chen; a fashion, beauty and lifestyle tastemaker who has graced the cover of Vogue and has nearly 250,000 followers on Instagram.

They tell Amira Hashish about their back-to-back European travels after they packed their bags to explore Italy, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, the Balearics and Switzerland over four culture-packed months.

From stumbling across their new favourite sculptural artist to a surprise foodie getaway, they...


Unexplored UK: Why Adventure is Good For You
#28
07/27/2022

This episode is proudly sponsored by away.  Follow @away on Instagram, Twitter & TikTok. Or to browse the full line-up and find your ideal travel companion, visit their website at awaytravel.com or IRL at their London store, located in vibey Seven Dials.

Completing 52 UK adventures within 52 weeks - and welcoming their first-born along the way - Charlie and Jess have turned their passion project into a lifestyle that everyone wants a piece of. The couple have redefined the parameters of adventure, emphasising that you don’t have to embark on a journey to a faraway destination to fee...


Tacos, Tequila and Under-the-Radar Mexico with Michelin-Starred Chef Santiago Lastra
#27
07/13/2022

This episode is proudly sponsored by away.  Follow @away on Instagram, Twitter & TikTok. Or to browse the full line-up and find your ideal travel companion, visit their website at awaytravel.com or IRL at their London store, located in vibey Seven Dials.

Nicknamed the “nomadic chef,” Santiago Lastra has cooked the learnings of his international travels into the Michelin-star kitchen of his Mexican-British fusion restaurant, KOL. Taking inspiration from kitchens in the 27 countries he’s worked in, Lastra has presented London with new ways to use local ingredients, grounded in the flavours and techniques of Mexico, his home co...


The Rise in Nostalgic Travel ft. Explorer Tété-Michel Kpomassie
#26
07/01/2022

This episode is proudly sponsored by away.  Follow @away on Instagram, Twitter & TikTok. Or to browse the full line-up and find your ideal travel companion, visit their website at awaytravel.com or IRL at their London store, located in vibey Seven Dials.

In this moving episode, Penguin Modern Classic author Tété-Michel Kpomassie lifts the lid on his rare gem of travel writing and the startling journey that took him from Africa to Greenland.

Part memoir, part anthropological observation, Michel the Giant is a storytelling feat. Kpomassie digs deep into the astonishing experience that cha...


Live in LA: Celebrating Creativity, Diversity and Artistry in California
#25
04/27/2022

Tune in as @PHLEMUNS founder James Flemons unveils why Los Angeles has the most liberating landscape in the US for launching a relevant fashion brand, while mother/daughter design duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka of @houseofaama discuss the Black experience that is conveyed in their timeless garments. @theculturistgroup founder Danny Guerrero explores his pathway to inclusive, culture-forward communications in the travel world and @shortstorieshotels owner Leo Grifka outlines his vision for the hotel world.
 

In partnership with Visit California, this episode was recorded live at a dinner party, produced by creative studio Rapport and hosted a...


Is Monterey California's Most Sustainable County?
#24
04/12/2022

The final instalment of our three-part podcast series with Visit California, we catch up with executive chef Matthew Beaudin who is at the helm of the innovative, sustainably-driven food program at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Thanks to Matt and his team, the Aquarium has become a leader in the conservation field and is making waves with its environmental efforts around the world. Big Little Lies fans will recognise the jellyfish from the silver screen too.

Chef Matt gives us his take on why Monterey is a big city with a small town feel and glides us through the...


Why Greater Palm Springs is a Hotbed for Art, Culture and Design
#23
04/11/2022

The second episode in our three-part podcast series with Visit California, we chat to Alexis Palomino and Chris Ramirez, the founders of a design collective called Superbloom. The dynamic duo’s endless passion for Greater Palm Springs is infectious. 

Giving us a wealth of insider tips and in-the-know local recommendations to help you plan your next trip, they share their favourite natural wine breweries, the neighbourhoods we should be exploring and the antique stores to get lost in.

Plus, The Upgrade co-hosts Amira and Fleur reveal why they find the desert destination so irresistible and gui...


How San Diego has become the Epitome of Cali Cool
#22
04/10/2022

The first episode of our three-part podcast series with Visit California, Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunksi, owner of San Diego based sustainable clothing brand Sew Lowka, gives us her insight into the city’s buzziest neighbourhood; Barrio Logan. 

A fountain of knowledge on the area and an integral part of the community, she explains why this is the epicentre of the city's Mexican-American culture and takes us on a tour of the cutting-edge art, independent shopping and innovative cuisine.

Plus, The Upgrade hosts Fleur and Amira compare notes on the must-visit places that are on their radar. From spe...


A Practical Guide to Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Track Japan
#21
12/15/2021

Calling upon the expertise of Paul Christie, CEO of trailblazing tour operator Walk Japan, we’ll be spotlighting the Japanese prefectures you (probably) haven’t heard of but should be making tracks to, his top Japanese travel tips and why Japan is leading the way for slow travel. Plus, Paul shares his insider guide to the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu, a bucolic hidden paradise that he calls home. 

Our travel editors also share their go-to guide to Iwate, an under-the-radar prefecture filled with blissful beaches, snow-sure mountains and soothing hot springs, and deep-dive into how wellness is key t...