Episodes
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Mark our words: 2025 will be the year of crowd-free travel. That’s why our editors and contributors spent months seeking out 25 incredible, undertouristed destinations to explore next year. Our annual Where to Go list spotlights under-the-radar escapes, alternatives to popular hotspots, and interesting places around the world you may have been overlooking for too long. And in this episode of Unpacked by Afar, four editors share how they chose those places, where they're most excited to visit, and how to make a positive impact when you travel. This episode will help you plan an epic travel year—and feel good while doing it.
Overtourism No More
In this episode you’ll learn:
What travelers need to know about the changing travel landscape in 2025.
How Afar editors are combating overtourism and promoting travel as a force for good.
The places our editors can’t wait to visit, including the beaches of Denmark’s Riviera, a scenic road trip along Maine’s coast, dark-sky sites on New Zealand's Aotea Great Barrier Island, a remote, wildlife-packed part of Patagonia where few people have ever set foot, and more.
Where Should I Go Next?
Don’t miss these moments:
[01:57] What makes this “Where to Go” list different from the rest.
[07:48] The destinations these travel experts can’t wait to visit.
[15:08] How to get off the tourist trails and make a positive impact on a place.
[19:17] What you need to know about travel in 2025.
Our Editors Guide You to the Places That Want Tourists
Each Afar editor brings unique expertise to this roundtable discussion. Sarika Bansal has lived on five continents and is the editorial director of Afar magazine, as well as the editor of the book, Tread Brightly: Notes on Ethical Travel. Billie Cohen, Afar’s executive editor, spent more than three years as a digital nomad and has a soft spot for nerd travel. Tim Chester focuses on destination inspiration and sustainable travel as deputy editor. And when it comes to info and breaking news about the air, cruise, and consumer travel spaces, deputy editor Michelle Baran is our go-to travel expert.
In this episode, they take us behind the scenes of this year’s Where To Go list, share what excites them as travelers, and reveal how their work inspires readers to go out into the world and use travel as a force for good.
Resources
Read the transcript of this episode.
Explore the Where To Go in 2025 list.
Still want to go to a popular tourist destination? Here’s how to get off the tourist trail.
How to get your Real ID, and keep up with updates on traveling to Europe and the UK.
Follow Afar on Instagram, to see these destinations come to life in a new way.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen.
A pet orangutan, a 106-year-old grandma, and a wedding where 10,000 guests were fed. When writer and host of NPR’s The Splendid Table, Francis Lam, heard stories from his friend Azalalina Eusope about her life in Penang, Malaysia, he couldn’t help but marvel at them.
But when the San Francisco-based chef (who has served Barack Obama and the Malaysian prime minister) invites Francis to come home with her after a decade away, he discovers the complex family dynamics that underpin her stories—and the ways that food can bind even the most complicated families.
Five Generations of Street Vendors
In this episode, explore:
What it’s like to visit street vendors in Penang, Malaysia
How a fine-dining chef recreates traditional Malaysian dishes
Some of the food traditions of the Mamak people in Malaysia
Remaking the Past with Laksa
Don’t miss these transformative moments:
[04:09] Star anise and curry: Rediscovering Malaysia’s comforts.
[08:42] The sights, smells and salts of Penang’s street food scene.
[10:04] “I felt so gross for having my notebook with me.” A bittersweet homecoming.
Time Travel Through Tripe Salad
As a teen, Azalina Eusope vowed she wouldn’t follow in the footsteps of the four generations of Mamak street vendors that came before her.
In this episode, the San-Francisco based, Malaysian chef returns home with writer and host of NPR’s The Splendid Table, Francis Lam. Together, they discover how cooking Malaysian dishes does more than preserve her culture—it grants her the power to reclaim it.
Resources:
Read Francis’ original story on afar.com
Follow Francis Lam on Instagram
Dine at Azalina’s in San Francisco
Check out NPR’s The Splendid Table -
Episodes manquant?
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Wendy Mak, the author of The Capsule Wardrobe: 1,000 Outfits From 30 Pieces, shares how to pack with ease by using the philosophy she mastered to help countless clients create capsule wardrobes. From how to create your own capsule travel wardrobe, no matter the weather to multifunctional footwear and space-saving essentials—conquer your packing woes once and for all.
How To Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How to take the principles of a capsule wardrobe and streamline your packing process.
Wendy’s travel must haves—from her favorite shoes to carriers for toiletries and jewelry.
A stylist approved travel outfit and tips for carry-on essentials.
Packing Tips For Every Kind of Vacation.
[06:46] Think separates: Packing guidelines for a sunny vacation.
[08:00] Overpacking need not apply: functional footwear and funky fall weather.
[15:24] Lipstick panties, hat clips and other stylist-approved hacks.
Resources
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Buy the "lipstick" underwear, Twoobs sandals, On sneakers, and Bon Maxie toiletry bag Wendy mentions.
Buy Wendy’s book, The Capsule Wardrobe: 1,000 Outfits From 30 Pieces.
Explore Wendy’s other travel tips on her website.
Read other Afar packing tips, like this story from frequent travelers and this one about packing more efficiently. -
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen.
Can a train be a travel destination? Welcome to “Amtrakistan.” On a quest to cure his chronophobia and calm his anxious mind, Eric Weiner, the bestselling author of The Geography of Bliss, books a roomette on an Amtrak train that travels from Washington D.C. to Portland,Oregon.
Crossing the Country in a Caboose
On this episode you’ll learn:
What it’s like to take a four day trip on an Amtrak train.
The benefits of train travel for the anxious mind.
What it’s like to stay in a roomette with the best views.
Are Train Trips Worth It?
Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:
[01:28] Can a train trip cure my chronophobia?
[06:06] Time: the abundant resource of Amtrakistan.
[09:03] “You’ve got to dance with the train,” she said.
[13:41] Lessons about time, brought to you by Amtrak.
“My Mind Slowed to the Speed of Life”
The New York Times best-selling author, Eric Weiner, never left the train during his four day journey— but he discovered a new world. After traversing 2,806 miles, 12 states and four time zones, the compulsive watch checker finally learns to slow down.
In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, step into the world of slow-train-travel and discover how one traveler found peace and connection aboard.
Resources:
Read Eric’s original story.
Buy Eric’s book, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Place on Earth.
Watch the docuseries, Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss.
Check out Eric’s other work.
Explore Afar’s tips for train travel.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
Can a scary story inspire you to travel? The hosts of National Park After Dark have been spooking listeners into enjoying the outdoors for years. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, Cassie and Danielle share the stories that continue to haunt them, what it’s like to stay in historic hotels with ghostly reputations, and how these morbid stories created a community of better prepared travelers.
What Can Go Wrong In National Parks?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How these stories can empower travelers to enjoy the outdoors.
Cassie and Danielle’s favorite hikes in U.S. national parks
What it’s like to go on a group trip with NPAD and where they’re headed next.
The Cozy, Creepy Vibes of Haunted Hotels
Don’t miss these moments:
[02:57] How National Park After Dark began. A love for the outdoors and a morbid curiosity.
[11:53] Storied stays in haunted hotels: The Stanley Hotel and the Crescent Hotel.
[17:46] Community stories about the weird and creepy things that happen outside.
[23:09] Danielle and Cassie’s favorite national parks.
“Enjoy the View, But Watch Your Back,”
For Cassie and Danielle, it was their shared morbid curiosity and separate passions for wildlife and history that led to the creation of National Park After Dark. From the way large predators get a bad rep to the brave, outdoorspeople who made a lasting impact, this episode will inspire you to do your own morbid research and lean into the darker side of national parks.
Resources
Read the full transcript of this episode.
Visit the National Park After Dark website or follow them on Instagram.
Explore 7 of the most haunted hotels in America.
Plan a trip to Grand Teton National Park or hike the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.
And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is so much more than its gorgeous beach. This week, follow Unpacked by Afar host Aislyn Greene as explores the 14 communities that make up the Grand Strand, a coastal community in South Carolina.
She tours Myrtle Beach's food, music, and culture scenes and drives down the Grand Strand to see the gardens and parks that beckon visitors away from the sand. In this episode, you’ll get off-the-beaten path and gain insight to plan your own unique vacation in Myrtle Beach.
What Is Myrtle Beach Known For?
In this episode you’ll learn:
More about the Grand Strand: the 60 miles of beach and 14 communities beyond the boardwalk.
Where to get the best food in Myrtle Beach: from Calabash buffets to red velvet waffles and Jamaican cuisine.
The preserved history of Myrtle Beach, the birthplace of shag and America’s first sculpture garden.
On The Storied Side of the Beach
Don’t miss these moments:
[08:28] A historic trolley tour of Myrtle Beach legends, from Alabama to Charlie’s Place.
[15:08] Where to eat in Myrtle Beach (the best food is off-the-beaten path).
[33:10] The Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail: learning a culture, uplifting a community.
Legends and Lands Beyond the Boardwalk
In this episode, Aislyn Greene peels back the layers on Myrtle Beach to help travelers get to the heart of a popular vacation spot.
She chats with locals about the best places to eat, visits America’s first sculpture garden, learns the history of Charlie’s Place, where Black swing musicians jammed, and connects with the Grand Strand’s most foundational communities.
Meet this week’s guests
Stuart Butler, chief marketing officer for Visit Myrtle Beach
Kathryn Hedgepath, the creator and narrator of the Myrtle Beach History Trolley Tours
Retro Myrtle Beach Guy, YouTube travel creator
Jamie Daskalis, chef at Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts
Andre James, freelance food writer
Ann Wilson, interpretive park ranger at Myrtle Beach State Park
Paige Kinnery, president and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens
Marilyn Hemingway, CEO and founding president of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce and the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation
Resources
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Book one of Kathryn’s four trolley history tours.
Explore Retro Guy’s Myrtle Beach videos.
Dine at Johnny D’s (don’t miss the red velvet waffles).
Visit Myrtle Beach State Park.
Tour Brookgreen Gardens.
Read the Eater guide to Myrtle Beach.
Explore the Gullah Geechee Seafood Trail.
Explore more Afar stories about Myrtle Beach, like this food and drink guide and this guide for travelers with disabilities.
Go to Visit Myrtle Beach, for deals, events and guides during your tip.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.
And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us -
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen.
A day in the life of a rent-a-friend can run the gamut of fake romance, crying at funerals and a 30-second selfie with a teenager. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, contributing writer Chris Colin travels to Tokyo to rent a friend.
At first, he expected nothing but kitsch. But as he navigates his newly forged—and reasonably priced—friendships with Miyabi,Yumi and Yusuke, what he learns changes the way he views Japan and his friendships back at home.
A Day In the Life of A Rent-A-Friend
In this episode you’ll discover:
The values and issues of Japanese society that created Client Partners, a rent-a-friend company.
The various reasons why Japanese locals are renting friends.
How you can rent a friend in Japan during your next solo trip.
Kodoku: The Lonely Gap
Don’t miss these memorable moments:
[06:11] Real life fake engagements and other rent-a-friend scenarios.
[10:47] Hikikomori and a nation’s spiritual health: A conversation with Client Partners’ CEO.
[16:22] Clarity, okonomiyaki and a genuine connection with a professional friend.
A Cultural Phenomenon or A Cure for Loneliness?
When writer Chris Colin first rented a friend in Tokyo, he was expecting something kitsch and wacky, like a cuddle or owl cafe. Instead, he found genuine connection and clarity about the elusiveness of friendship in his own life.
What are the issues in society that create a commercial market for friendship and what does this reveal about the connections we are able to create?
Resources:
Read Chris' original story and check out his other work.
Explore Afar's travel guide to Tokyo.
Learn more about Client Partners, the rent-a-friend company that Chris visited.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
Would you travel for a better night’s sleep? Sleep packages at luxury hotels ranging from menus with sleep-promoting ingredients to hypnotherapy sessions promise to promote better sleep, both during and after your stay.
In this episode of Unpacked, contributing writer Chris Colin travels to four different “sleep hotels” to find a cure for his own insomnia and discover what our sleep issues–and solutions–reveal about our collective psyche.
Does Sleep Tourism Work?
In this episode you’ll learn:
Handy sleep pointers for the traveler.
The unique amenities that “sleep hotels,”offer: from reiki to CBD and sleep masks.
What people do when they can’t sleep and how our sleep solutions reflect society.
A Quest for Better Rest
Don’t miss these moments:
[10:51] “Go to sleep, dream”: Hypnotherapy at Carmel Valley Ranch
[18:20] What’s a hyperbaric chamber? The unique sleep offerings at Stanly Ranch.
[24:11] Sleep Doctor, Michael Breus, teams up with The Post Ranch Inn.
Insomniacs and Sleep Doctors Tell All
In this episode, you’ll hear from yoga instructors, meditation guides, sleep doctors, hypnotherapists and a handful of insomniacs to get to the bottom of the rise in sleep travel.
Chris Colin sets out on a quest to discover if sleep tourism actually provides better rest and what our lack of sleep (and our attempted solutions) say about society as a whole.
Resources:
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Explore Chris’s website.
Check out the sleep programs at the hotels Chris mentions in the episode: the Kimpton Alton, Carmel Valley Ranch, Stanly Ranch, and the Post Ranch Inn.
Read Chris’s stories for afar.com and explore his website.
Listen to Chris’s podcast Longer Tables With José Andrés.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.
And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
Sidestep a stereotypical trip to Paris with cultural insights from journalist and long-time Paris resident Lindsey Tramuta. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, she shares ways that Paris has changed over the last 20 years and tips for travelers to key into those changes when they travel.
From etiquette to fashion, cuisine to favorite neighborhoods—she helps you experience Paris off the beaten path.
Paris Like You Haven’t Seen It Before
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Paris is blossoming into a global leader for urban transformation.
How the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics affected French locals.
Insider tips and must-knows before you travel to Paris.
French Tip: Always say “Bonjour”
Don’t miss these moments:
[04:32] Key insights from 20 years of change in Paris
[18:34] French etiquette and other things to know before you go.
[ 27:04 ] Lindsey’s favorite neighborhood spots.
An Insider’s Guide To Paris
Your local guide is Lindsey Tramuta, a journalist who has been living and reporting about life in Paris for two decades. In her work, she explores the people and ideas shaping Paris, and in today’s episode she lets us in on 20 years of change.
From what it’s been like in The City of Light since the Olympics and Paralympics wrapped, to the city’s evolving food scene, get local, these are the need-to-know tips for your next Paris trip.
Resources
Read the transcript of this episode.
Check out Lindsey Tramuta’s books: The New Paris and The New Parisienne
Follow The New Paris podcast
Explore more Paris content from Afar, including a travel guide, local tips for a 4-day trip, and where to go to avoid crowds.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.
And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen.
Hoping to recreate the same magical trip she took as a teen, author Emma John takes her friend’s 13-year-old daughter to Venice. But instead of awe, she’s filled with anxiety as she flies through a packed itinerary and struggles to impress her teenage companion. Will a reluctant teenager give into the wonders of the Floating City?
A Gondolier Wake Up Call
In this episode, discover:
Ideas for a week-long trip to Venice, beyond hitting tourist hot spots.
How to (and how not to) dress for a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica.
What one traveler did to help a teenager fall in love with Venice.
“What Are We Going to Do Next?”
Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:
[02:13] A midnight chase in the streets of Venice.
[05:38] Glass blowing at Murano, making Venetian masks and an otherwise packed itinerary.
[07:35] The unexpected views that led to a breakthrough.
Single in St. Mark’s Square
When Emma John was a teen, her mom’s single friend took her on a life-changing trip to Venice. An Afar contributing writer, and a traveler who is up for anything, Emma has written about country bluegrass, cricket and her most recent book is a memoir about singleness: Self-Contained: Scenes From a Single Life.
In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, she rediscovers the magic of Venice and learns a thing or two about travel itineraries and connections.
Resources
• Read Emma’s original story.
• Explore her other work.
• Check out Afar’s Venice travel guide.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
How do you manage stress when you’re traveling during the holidays? And is it better to book with points or cash during some of the busiest travel days of the year? Believe it or not, it’s almost time to book your holiday travel, and our friends at NerdWallet have some tips for traveling stress-free. In this special episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, their objective finance journalists answer real-world questions to help you make smarter decisions with your money and help your finances thrive.
Listen to Smart Money by NerdWallet wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/1tURflyR -
Explore an ancient, biodiverse rainforest by land, sea and air at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, follow senior deputy editor, Jennifer Flowers, as she hikes through new and old forests in Ursus Valley, tastes bull kelp on a boat ride in Clayoquot Sound and helicopters to a mountain peak.
She learns why “untouched” isn’t an accurate description for a remote rainforest like this one on Vancouver Island. From the histories and sustainable work of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations people who have stewarded the land for centuries to the flora and fauna that work together to thrive, this weekend trip is a cold plunge into a harmonious ecosystem.
Inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In this episode you’ll learn:
What makes a forest old? A primer on CMTs (culturally modified trees) and signs of old growth.
Who the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations people are and how they have sustained and protected the ancient forest for centuries.
How the coastal biome of Clayoquot Sound contributes to life on land.
Nature Encounters at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Don’t miss these moments:
[07:40] An expedition into an old forest valley: baconlike bark and CMTs:
[11:02] Borrowing banana slugs, and the First Nations groups who steward the forest.
[15:48] Coastal encounters at Clayoquot Sound: black bears, bull kelp and more.
A Plunge, a Hike and a Helicopter Ride
“If These Walls Could Talk” is an Afar series that explores the stories—and secrets—hotels can tell us about the places we visit. One of Afar’s Hotels We Love, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge promises to immerse guests in the biodiverse ecosystem of an ancient rainforest.
In this episode, Jennifer Flowers takes us along as she hikes through old and new forests in Bedwell River Valley and Ursus Valley, tastes bull kelp on a boat in Clayoquot Sound and encounters the traditions of the Ahousaht people who have sustained the forest for millennia.
Resources:
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Book a weekend at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.
Explore our Canadian Hotels We Love list.
Follow Jenn on Instagram to see more great hotel content.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.
And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
Embrace the benefits of solo travel with seasoned tips to conquer fears, make the most of any trip and respond confidently to concerned loved ones. From the best places to visit solo to how to make plans for unexpected hiccups— in this episode of Unpacked by Afar, audio engineer and solo traveler Nicolle Gatleland chats with Pamela Holt, the host of TV Show, Me, Myself and the World: The Art of Solo Travel, and Bonderman Travel Fellowship advisor, Brook Kelly, to give you the tools to safely enjoy traveling alone.
Going Solo, But Not Alone.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to conquer common fears and feel safe while traveling alone.
Tools to embrace the benefits of a solo trip and connect with others.
Tips to ease the concerns of loved ones and translate your experiences.
When Women Embrace Solo Travel.
Don’t miss these memorable moments:
[02:13] 80 countries by age 50. The origins of a solo travel evangelist.
[12:06] French fries, new friends and avoiding arrest in Russia.
[40:32] Overcoming self (and parental) doubts about the safety of solo travel.
Feeling Nervous About Traveling Solo?
At age 23, Afar audio engineer, Nikki Galteland, traveled solo for 8 months with The Bonderman Travel Fellowship. Her advisor, Brook Kelly, continues to help hundreds take safe and meaningful solo trips. She shares how to prepare for the unexpected, ease the concerns of loved ones and get the most of a solo trip.
In this episode, Nikki also interviews Pamela Holt, the host of Me, Myself and the World: The Art of Solo Travel, who vowed to visit 80 countries by the time she was 50 (mostly solo). She shares anecdotes and advice to help you overcome barriers, connect with others and embrace the joy of solo travel.
Resources
Read the transcript of this episode.
Explore more Afar content for solo travelers—from the best places to go solo to how to make friends on a solo trip.
Need help getting travel insurance? We got you.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen.
We sent Fake the Nation host and comedian, Negin Farsad, on a last-minute trip to America’s Heartland, aka Kansas City, Missouri. The author of How To Make White People Laugh, is six months pregnant and doing stand up in a comedy club that hasn’t had a woman on stage in five weeks.
From waddling on the “wrong side of town” to sharing her experiences as an Iranian-American Muslim in an interracial relationship—she moves past the pleasantries of ribs and fountains and glimpses the heart of Kansas City.
They Stared At Me While I Waddled.
In this episode, discover:
How a New Yorker walks her way through Kansas City sights.
A comedy set that parallels a tourist’s experience of the city.
The ways race and segregation in Kansas mirror the rest of the country .
“Dirty, Hungry Comedy Eyes.”
Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:
[3:45] A traveler’s comedy set: Six months’ pregnant and sightseeing.
[8:00] The “wrong side of town” and leaning into the uncomfortable.
[11:22] Kansas City, united by “sincere booty shaking.”
Resources
• Read Negin's original story.
• Read this Afar story by Negin about a magic mushroom retreat
• Explore Negin's other work.
• Follow Negin on X.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week. -
What if they don’t understand me, speak too fast, or worse—ignore my attempt and revert to English? Polyglot and Babbel instructor Noël Wolf, is well-versed in overcoming barriers and connecting with locals through language learning. From how learning 10 phrases led to being treated like family, to learning Spanish by playing volleyball— she shares the secrets to having deeper travel experiences through language learning.
Learn a Language, Unlock a Culture.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Responses for when you’re in a sticky language misunderstanding.
The ways that language learning can enrich your travels—and your character.
How to set realistic goals and take steps toward fluency.
Language: A Cultural Currency of Appreciation.
Don’t miss these memorable moments:
[2:36] Becoming your full self and how culture shapes you.
[5:20] Don’t sweat the small stuff: Tips for speaking with confidence.
[16:27] The many benefits of embracing a new language.
[21:46] Love Is Blind and other avenues to success.
Tell Me: How Do People Really Speak?
Noel is a German polyglot — she speaks English, French, Spanish and Italian fluently and is currently learning Dutch and Brazilian Portuguese. Follow her tips to ditch the flashcards and make real-life connections with even the smallest amount of language knowledge.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to have more authentic travel experiences through language learning. Whether your goal is to order gelato or gain a better understanding of culture, follow these tips to set attainable goals and speak with confidence as soon as you land.
Resources
Learn from Noël at Babbel. *Afar listeners can use code 1432288 to get 55 percent off a lifetime subscription.*
Read the transcript of this episode.
Explore more Afar content for language learners:
The Easiest Languages for English Speakers to Learn.
Why We Shouldn’t Always Use Translation Apps When We Travel.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
No plan. No luggage. Five weeks in India. Joe Diaz and Greg Sullivan, dreamed up Afar on a beach in Goa more than 15 years ago. In this candid episode of Unpacked, they reflect on what they’ve learned by helping people travel deeper. From the spontaneous trips that honed the company’s values to how they’ve helped shape the travel industry, get an inside look into the transformative power of rallying around travel as a force for good.
But, How Many Kitchen Tables Have You Visited?
In this episode, discover:
How Afar helped pave the way for “experiential travel.”
The origin and impact of Learning Afar, which gives students access to travel.
How you can continue to shape travel as a force for good in the world.
Going Home with a Rickshaw Driver.
Don’t miss these memorable moments:
[2:03] It started without a plan—or luggage.
[14:55] The first step: transformative travel education.
[25:15] Spin the globe and other stories that have impacted them the most.
[37:49] A trip to Cairo that led to a surgeon’s debut on The Daily Show.
[45:15] A friendly debate on travel practices—from packing to plane rides.
The Transformative Power of Teachers Turned Travelers.
Greg Sullivan and Joe Diaz met in the classroom, so when they traveled to India and found a deeper way to travel, they had to share that with others. In this lighthearted conversation, they share the spontaneous travel stories that have impacted the industry and continue to sustain Afar 15 years later.
In this episode you’ll learn how Afar went from an idea to a multi-faceted media company, how they’ve pivoted over time to hone their impact on the world and how you can travel in a more conscious and connected way.
Resources
• Explore Afar’s 15-year anniversary hub of favorite stories, including:
A Skeptic Visits the Holy Waters of Lourdes.
What It’s Like to Navigate Cairo’s Chaos as a Blind Traveler.
• Read the transcript of this episode.
• Listen to the podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
A Blind Man’s Trip Will Change the Way You Go on Safari.
A Blind Surfer Takes On Kauai’s Legendary Waves.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us -
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen.
How can you have the best experience on a safari? Seeing might not be as crucial as you think. Travel with AFAR contributing writer, Ryan Knighton, who lost his sight years ago, as he tastes, feels, smells and hears his way through the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe.
A Sensory Connection with Zimbabwe’s Natural Ecosystem
In this episode, discover:
What it’s like to go on safari in Zimbabwe
How to plan your best safari trip—beyond sightseeing
How a luxury safari can deepen your travel experience.
You Can Do Better Than A Lion Photo On Your Next Safari
Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:
[2:44] A tight grip and a close call with an elephant
[5:11] A leafy tasting near Singita’s Pashamusa Lodge
[8:52] Ryan follows his nose and meets a kindred rhino
[9:57] The unforgettable sounds of survival
Resources
• Explore the 20 Best African Safari Camps
• Read the full story that Ryan wrote for Afar magazine.
• Follow Ryan on X.
• Check out Ryan's other work.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. -
The world has had enough of "bad" tourists. But while most of us know not to trespass (with a car!) across ancient bridges or defile national heritage sites, the problems with tourism go deeper than that. Enter "The New Tourist" by journalist Paige McClanahan, a thoughtful invitation to engage with the issues facing travel—and the solutions. In today's episode, host Aislyn Greene chats with Paige about the lack of government regulation that turned tourism in Barcelona into a nightmare, the power (and peril) of social media, and what Paige means by “the new tourist.”
In this episode, discover:
Tourist hot spots around the world and how they've made tourism work for them (or not)
Why government regulation is more important than we think.
What the "new tourist" looks like—and tips for embracing the new ethos.
Meet this week’s guest
Paige McClanahan, author of The New Tourist
Resources
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Buy the book.
Listen to The Better Travel Podcast, hosted by Paige.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode. -
Puerto Rico has had a huge impact on the world's music scene, in comparison to its size. And on this week's episode, host Aislyn Greene travels to the island to find out why. She explores bomba and plena, two of the earliest forms of music that emerged from Puerto Rico’s African ancestors. Discovers jibaro music, or “hillbilly” music, though this style of music is incredibly complex and improvisational. Found the source of danza music, watched salsa musicians urge people to their feet, and met with reggaetón artists.
And though we couldn’t possibly capture all of the complexities of the island’s music in one episode, we hope it does reveal what she found: a place that is singularly committed to art and music. As one of her guides, Nory, put it: “We are artisans, we are painters, we are all musicians. That’s actually the identity of a Puerto Rican.”
Meet this week’s guests
Margarita “Tata” Cepeda, owner of Puerto Rico Is Bomba, a dance and music school
Maribel Martinez, guide at House of the Troubadour Luis Miranda “Pico de Oro”
Melina Aguillar, owner of Isla Caribe Tours
Norymar Maldonado, Isla Caribe tour guide
Angelina Villapiano Luna, musician, dancer, and salsa teacher
Petra Rivera Rideau, author of Remixing Reggaetón: The Cultural Politics of Race in Puerto Rico
RaiNao, urbano musician
Herson Guerrero, professor, photographer, and musician
Resources
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Listen to the playlist.
Read Petra's Bad Bunny Syllabus
Listen to the La Brega podcast.
Explore club 58 at La Concha resort.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.
Subscribe to Afar’s YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation. -
What happens to suitcases that can’t be reunited with their owners? It’s not something we think about that often, but for Bryan Owens, it’s an entire business. He’s the CEO and now-owner of the Scottsboro, Alabama–based Unclaimed Baggage, the only store in the United States that sells lost luggage. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, his dad launched the business more than 50 years ago with an old Chevy pickup and $300. And now the business stocks more than 7,000 new items a day.
The company recently released its first annual Found Report, a deep dive into the more than 2 million items that came through its doors in 2023, including including the aforementioned live snakes and fancy handbags. Host Aislyn Greene talks with Bryan about where these bags come from, how the company makes decisions about what to sell and, more interestingly, what it does with everything else: Donations and partnerships with organizations like Wheels for the World are critical to its mission.
Meet this week’s guest
Bryan Owens, CEO and owner of Unclaimed Baggage
Resources
Read the full transcript of the episode.
Check out Unclaimed Baggage.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.
Subscribe to Afar’s YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation. - Montre plus
