Globetrotter: Melissa Biggs Bradley

Beginning with a safari at age twelve that led to periods of study abroad in France, Melissa Biggs Bradley has always been filled with the spirit of wanderlust. After serving as one of the founding editors of the Town & Country Travel edition where she earned a nomination for Notable Travel Writing, Melissa founded Indagare.com as a way to share her passion for travel and desire to navigate the globe in a worldly fashion.

Beginning with a safari at age twelve that led to periods of study abroad in France, Melissa Biggs Bradley has always been filled with the spirit of wanderlust. After serving as one of the founding editors of the Town & Country Travel edition where she earned a nomination for Notable Travel Writing, Melissa founded Indagare.com as a way to share her passion for travel and desire to navigate the globe in a worldly fashion. 

 

Travel has always played a major role in your life - at what point did you decide to marry your passion with a new venture to create Indagare?

When I was the editor of Town & Country Travel magazine and had already been the travel editor of Town & Country for a decade, I found myself frustrated that I had no way to have a conversation with my well-traveled readers. I knew the internet would make that possible. I have always loved traveling, tracking down wonderful spots, and sharing them with other people, and I wanted to expand that network to have a way to pool information with similarly passionate travelers. I launched Indagare.com in 2007 and in its first week online, we had members from six continents. One of the first things that members wanted was more help planning their travels, so now, we have an in-house travel agency that arranges custom trips and advises on everything from honeymoons and safaris to where to eat or shop in London or L.A.

 

 

 

 

What does your go-to travel outfit consist of?

Of course, it depends on where I am headed and the season, but I always wear super comfortable flats, pants (grey cashmere in winter or cotton khakis in summer), and layers like a cotton tee-shirt and sweater, with a jacket or trench and pashmina. I think you should feel comfortable but look pulled together on a plane.

 

 

Which resort destinations do you find yourself escaping to during the bleak winter months?

I love St. Barth?s, which delivers an instant dose of the best of French l?art de vivre and the sex appeal of the tropics. Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos is a wonderful resort for a flop-and-drop weekend on a beautiful beach. I also love Mexico, places such as Costa Careyes on the Pacific Coast, Las Ventanas in Cabo and Tulum, each is different and imbued with local character.

 

         

Which three countries are you still dying to visit?

Lebanon is a place that I have wanted to visit for years, and I am hoping to do so soon. A very well-traveled New York friend just came back and said that she felt poor, ugly, and unsophisticated next to all of the glamorous, worldly people of Beirut. I would love to go to Myanmar because I know I will love the landscapes, culture, and spirituality of the people. I would also love to go to Niger and Mali.

 

 

How have your travels shaped your personal style?

I have picked up stylish tricks and gorgeous pieces from so many places that I have been. French women taught me about the value of a classic uniform. Italian women know how to accessorize with incredible flair. I love mixing exotic finds and travel memories with whatever I am wearing whether it?s a great ring from Sevan in Istanbul or a beaded necklace from Tibet or pendant from Oman. Of course, I also have favorite finds that I have picked up on my travels like bathing suits from Brazil and Ibiza, caftans from Morocco, cover-ups from St. Tropez, hats from Australia, and boots from Argentina.

 

 

 

 

 

What are you coveting most from L-atitude?

I love the Wayuu Bags from Silvia Tcherassi and the Grand Bazaar Ikat Pillows.