There are few things as challenging as the moment when, while walking along a sidewalk in Paris, San Francisco, or Cartagena, someone in need asks you for money. (I will also say that I imagine there are few things as challenging as being in a place in your life where you have to ask strangers for money.) What do you do, personally? Do you give? Do you avert your eyes and keep on walking? Is it somewhere in between? Regardless of the decision you make, it’s a complex moment from a human perspective. And that complexity was the subject of our inaugural digital advice column, also called Unpacked. In it Dr. Anu Taranath, a speaker, consultant, and author of the book Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World, responds to a reader’s question asking if she did the right thing by giving money.And in today’s episode of Unpacked, Dr. Anu expands on her answer. We talked about her initial reaction to the question, the insidiousness of inequality, and the times in her life when she’s encountered panhandling. (She has an incredible story from a trip to Senegal.) What I love about Anu’s response is that she doesn’t have a definitive answer. In fact, she says, there are no easy answers when it comes to living in an unequal world. But her advice is empathetic and full of understanding that the world isn’t black and white. And most importantly, she shares how to navigate these situations with dignity and grace—for all involved. Meet this week’s guestDr. Anu Taranath, speaker, consultant, and authorResources Read this episode’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Read Dr. Anu’s original response to the reader’s question.  Read Dr. Anu’s second column, about what to do when the person sitting next to you on the plane is drunk.   Buy her book, Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World  

There are few things as challenging as the moment when, while walking along a sidewalk in Paris, San Francisco, or Cartagena, someone in need asks you for money. (I will also say that I imagine there are few things as challenging as being in a place in your life where you have to ask strangers for money.) What do you do, personally? Do you give? Do you avert your eyes and keep on walking? Is it somewhere in between? Regardless of the decision you make, it’s a complex moment from a human perspective. And that complexity was the subject of our <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/should-i-give-money-to-panhandlers-when-i-travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">inaugural digital advice column</a>, also called Unpacked. In it Dr. Anu Taranath, a speaker, consultant, and author of the book <a href="https://geni.us/jmtvR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World</a>, responds to a reader’s question asking if she did the right thing by giving money.And in today’s episode of Unpacked, Dr. Anu expands on her answer. We talked about her initial reaction to the question, the insidiousness of inequality, and the times in her life when she’s encountered panhandling. (She has an incredible story from a trip to Senegal.) What I love about Anu’s response is that she doesn’t have a definitive answer. In fact, she says, there are no easy answers when it comes to living in an unequal world. But her advice is empathetic and full of understanding that the world isn’t black and white. And most importantly, she shares how to navigate these situations with dignity and grace—for all involved. Meet this week’s guest<ul><li>Dr. Anu Taranath, speaker, consultant, and author</li></ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read this episode’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e27-should-i-give-money-to-panhandlers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Read Dr. Anu’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/should-i-give-money-to-panhandlers-when-i-travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">original response</a> to the reader’s question. </li> <li>Read Dr. Anu’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/what-to-do-if-youre-sitting-next-to-a-drunk-person-on-a-plane" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">second column</a>, about what to do when the person sitting next to you on the plane is drunk.  </li> <li>Buy her book, <a href="https://geni.us/jmtvR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World</a> </li> </ul>

Should I Give Money to Panhandlers When I Travel? 

This week, we're sharing an Unpacked episode that explores one of Hawai'i's most iconic beaches: Waikīkī. AFAR senior deputy editor Jennifer Flowers—who heads up all our hotel content—has a deep familiarity with the beach. Her mother is from Hawai'i, and her parents (both in the hospitality industry) actually met while working in a hotel. She played on Waikīkī as a kid, but she's always seen it as a kinda shiny, glitzy place—a place that seems a little, well, inauthentic.So on a recent trip to O'ahu, she met with four different locals who helped her see a new side of Waikīkī.Meet this week’s guests  Jennifer Flowers, AFAR senior deputy editor  Misty Thompson Tufono, executive vice president of Tihati Productions  Dylan Ching, vice president of operations for TS Restaurants, which includes Duke’s Waikīkī  Aunty Luana Maitland, director of cultural experiences at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort   Bonga Perkins, world-champion longboard surfer  Resources Read this episode’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Read Jenn’s story about the cultural experiences she had on Waikīkī. Check out the Royal Hawaiian and its luau, run by Tihati Productions. Explore the menu at Duke’s Waikīkī.  Discover the cultural center at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort. Watch Bonga surf! (And check out his surfboards.)  

This week, we're sharing an Unpacked episode that explores one of Hawai'i's most iconic beaches: Waikīkī. AFAR senior deputy editor Jennifer Flowers—who heads up all our hotel content—has a deep familiarity with the beach. Her mother is from Hawai'i, and her parents (both in the hospitality industry) actually met while working in a hotel. She played on Waikīkī as a kid, but she's always seen it as a kinda shiny, glitzy place—a place that seems a little, well, inauthentic.So on a recent trip to O'ahu, she met with four different locals who helped her see a new side of Waikīkī.Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/jennifer-flowers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jennifer Flowers</a>, AFAR senior deputy editor </li> <li>Misty Thompson Tufono, executive vice president of <a href="https://tihati.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tihati Productions</a> </li> <li>Dylan Ching, vice president of operations for <a href="https://www.tsrestaurants.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TS Restaurants</a>, which includes <a href="https://www.dukeswaikiki.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Duke’s Waikīkī</a> </li> <li>Aunty Luana Maitland, director of cultural experiences at the <a href="https://www.outriggerreef.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.bpsurfco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonga Perkins</a>, world-champion longboard surfer</li> <li> </li> </ul>Resources<ul> <li>Read this episode’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e26-waikiki-hawaii-cultural-roots" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Read Jenn’s story about the <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/ways-to-connect-with-hawaiian-culture-in-waikiki" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cultural experiences she had on Waikīkī</a>.</li> <li>Check out the <a href="https://www.royal-hawaiian.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Royal Hawaiian</a> and its luau, run by Tihati Productions.</li> <li>Explore the menu at <a href="https://www.dukeswaikiki.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Duke’s Waikīkī</a>. </li> <li>Discover the cultural center at the <a href="https://www.outriggerreef.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort</a>.</li> <li>Watch <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bpsurfco/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonga surf</a>! (And check out <a href="https://www.bpsurfco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his surfboards</a>.) </li> </ul>

Will the "Real" Waikīkī Please Stand Up?

Digital nomadism has been hailed as a way to save communities—and slammed for raising rents and pricing out locals. In this week’s episode of Unpacked, Chloe Arrojado, an AFAR editor and digital nomad, explores the complicated ethics of working remotely. New! Subscribe to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guests  Chloe Arrojado, AFAR associate editor, destinations  Olga Hannonen, a researcher at the University of Eastern Finland  Luci Jerkovic, head of global PR for the Croatian National Tourist Board Nicole Lim, executive director of Movers and Shakas   Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen, digital nomads  Resources Read the episode’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Six tips for starting out as a digital nomad. The best gear for digital nomads.  10 countries that make it easy to work remotely. How to apply for Canada’s new digital nomad visa.   

Digital nomadism has been hailed as a way to save communities—and slammed for raising rents and pricing out locals. In this week’s episode of <a href="https://megaphone.link/AFAR6756233083" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unpacked</a>, Chloe Arrojado, an AFAR editor and digital nomad, explores the complicated ethics of working remotely. New! <a href="https://email.afar.com/join/3n4/podcastnewsletter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/chloe-arrojado" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe Arrojado</a>, AFAR associate editor, destinations</li> <li> <a href="https://twitter.com/olgahannonen?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Olga Hannonen</a>, a researcher at the University of Eastern Finland</li> <li> <a href="https://hr.linkedin.com/in/lucijerkovic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Luci Jerkovic</a>, head of global PR for the Croatian National Tourist Board</li> <li>Nicole Lim, executive director of <a href="https://www.moversandshakas.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Movers and Shakas</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen</a>, digital nomads </li> </ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read the episode’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e25-ethics-of-digital-nomads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Six tips for <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/tips-for-starting-out-as-a-digital-nomad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">starting out as a digital nomad</a>.</li> <li>The <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/must-have-remote-work-gear-according-to-globe-trotting-digital-nomads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">best gear for digital nomads</a>.</li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/countries-that-make-it-really-easy-to-work-remotely" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 countries that make it easy to work remotely</a>.</li> <li>How to apply for <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-apply-for-canadas-new-digital-nomad-visa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canada’s new digital nomad visa</a>.  </li> </ul>

The Promise and Peril of Digital Nomadism

Airport lounges can be one of the most complex, mysterious parts of the airport experience. Aside from buying a business- or first-class ticket, how do you access them? Is it worth buying a day pass? Are they really worth all the fuss? In this week’s episode of Unpacked, AFAR points and miles expert Paul Rubio reveals the secrets to gaining airport lounge access—no premium tickets required. New! Subscribe to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guestPaul Rubio, AFAR points and miles expertResources Read the episode’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Read Paul’s primer on the best ways to get airport lounge access. Explore the best credit cards to apply for now (with lounge access). Learn why lounges are harder to access these days.

Airport lounges can be one of the most complex, mysterious parts of the airport experience. Aside from buying a business- or first-class ticket, how do you access them? Is it worth buying a day pass? Are they really worth all the fuss? In this week’s episode of Unpacked, AFAR points and miles expert Paul Rubio reveals the secrets to gaining airport lounge access—no premium tickets required. New! <a href="https://email.afar.com/join/3n4/podcastnewsletter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guest<ul><li>Paul Rubio, AFAR points and miles expert</li></ul>Resources<ul> <li>Read the episode’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e24-how-to-get-airport-lounge-access" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Read Paul’s primer on the <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-get-airport-lounge-access" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">best ways to get airport lounge access</a>.</li> <li>Explore the <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/best-travel-credit-cards-to-apply-for-right-now" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">best credit cards to apply for now</a> (with lounge access).</li> <li>Learn why <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/major-changes-are-coming-to-airport-lounge-access-in-2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lounges are harder to access</a> these days.</li></ul>

How to Get Airport Lounge Access, Even if You Don’t Have Airline Status

Which countries are the most family friendly? How do you help kids deal with jet lag? What about routines, bedtimes, and kids in business class? In this week’s episode, four AFAR editors, all parents, share their answers to all those questions, plus real-world advice about traveling with small children—including one editor’s genius hack for making sure her kids eat. New! Subscribe to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guests  Laura Dannen Redman, director of digital content   Sarika Bansal, editorial director  Tim Chester, deputy editor  Michelle Baran, senior travel news editor Resources Read the episode’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Explore some of our favorite family-friendly trips and destinations.  Listen to a Delta flight attendant’s top tips on flying with kids.

Which countries are the most family friendly? How do you help kids deal with jet lag? What about routines, bedtimes, and kids in business class? In this week’s episode, four AFAR editors, all parents, share their answers to all those questions, plus real-world advice about traveling with small children—including one editor’s genius hack for making sure her kids eat. New! <a href="https://email.afar.com/join/3n4/podcastnewsletter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/laura-redman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura Dannen Redman</a>, director of digital content </li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/sarika-bansal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarika Bansal</a>, editorial director</li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/tim-chester" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Chester</a>, deputy editor</li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/michelle-baran" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Baran</a>, senior travel news editor</li> </ul>Resources<ul> <li>Read the episode’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e23-traveling-with-kids" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Explore some of our <a href="https://www.afar.com/travel-inspiration/family-travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">favorite family-friendly trips and destinations</a>. </li> <li>Listen to a <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e21-flying-with-kids" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Delta flight attendant’s top tips on flying with kids</a>.</li></ul>

The Secrets to Traveling Well With Children 

It’s a holiday week, one that (we hope) finds you swimming in a lake, or traveling to a new city, or otherwise enjoying these fleeting summer days. We don’t have a new episode this week, but given that we are halfway through 2023, we wanted to reshare our first episode of the year, our Where to Go in 2023 episode, in which editorial director Sarika Bansal and the team that puts together our annual list broke down said list and shared their thoughts on travel, present and future. In it, they dig into the 12 destinations we focused on this year, including the Great Lakes, Bangkok, and Transylvania. We hope that it offers some inspiration, or at least a reason to dream as you bask in the summer sun. We’ll be back next week with another roundtable discussion about traveling with kids, and the following week with a deep dive into the world of digital nomadism. Happy listening!Meet this week’s guests  Sarika Bansal, AFAR editorial director  Tim Chester, AFAR deputy editor  Ashlea Halpern, freelance writer and editor Resources Read the episodes’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Explore our Where to Go in 2023 list. 

It’s a holiday week, one that (we hope) finds you swimming in a lake, or traveling to a new city, or otherwise enjoying these fleeting summer days. We don’t have a new episode this week, but given that we are halfway through 2023, we wanted to reshare our first episode of the year, our Where to Go in 2023 episode, in which editorial director Sarika Bansal and the team that puts together our annual list broke down said list and shared their thoughts on travel, present and future. In it, they dig into the 12 destinations we focused on this year, including the Great Lakes, Bangkok, and Transylvania. We hope that it offers some inspiration, or at least a reason to dream as you bask in the summer sun. We’ll be back next week with another roundtable discussion about traveling with kids, and the following week with a deep dive into the world of digital nomadism. Happy listening!Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/sarika-bansal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarika Bansal</a>, AFAR editorial director</li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/tim-chester" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Chester</a>, AFAR deputy editor</li> <li> <a href="https://minnevangelist.com/about-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashlea Halpern</a>, freelance writer and editor</li> </ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read the episodes’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e1-where-to-go-in-2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Explore our <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-best-places-to-travel-in-2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where to Go in 2023 list</a>.</li> </ul>

Summer Replay! The Best Places to Go in 2023

Kids and flying can be polarizing—anyone else remember popcorngate? But in this week’s episode, flight attendant (and mother of two) Andrea Davis shares her secrets for flying with children, whatever their age. She has has tips on packing, jet lag, crying babies, and why it’s worth it to travel with little ones, even when things go sideways. And she has tips for the child-less adults on flights: It's worth a listen—as a reminder that kids and parents are usually doing their best and that, yes, you can lean on your flight attendant when the kiddo behind you is kicking your seat. New! Subscribe to our show notes email.Meet this week’s guest Andrea Davis, Delta flight attendantResources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Check out our editor-approved travel seat for kids.  Inspired to travel? Read about our favorite places to travel with kids of all ages.    Want additional travel-with-kids content? You’ll find more here—and in our July 20th episode.  

Kids and flying can be polarizing—anyone else remember popcorngate? But in this week’s episode, flight attendant (and mother of two) Andrea Davis shares her secrets for flying with children, whatever their age. She has has tips on packing, jet lag, crying babies, and why it’s worth it to travel with little ones, even when things go sideways. And she has tips for the child-less adults on flights: It's worth a listen—as a reminder that kids and parents are usually doing their best and that, yes, you can lean on your flight attendant when the kiddo behind you is kicking your seat. New! <a href="https://email.afar.com/join/3n4/podcastnewsletter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> to our show notes email. Meet this week’s guest<ul><li> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dreadavis/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrea Davis</a>, Delta flight attendant</li></ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Check out our <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-best-travel-car-seat-our-review-of-the-wayb-pico-car-seat?utm_campaign=tw_fb&amp;utm_content=1663120260&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR0pWVwT3igHYwRv5lJzAE5GQJFFkExAKGHVwsGM8vMADeFTHnACiVhE3VA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">editor-approved travel seat</a> for kids. </li> <li>Inspired to travel? Read about <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/summer-family-vacation-ideas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our favorite places</a> to travel with kids of all ages.   </li> <li>Want additional travel-with-kids content? You’ll find more <a href="https://www.afar.com/travel-inspiration/family-travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>—and in our July 20th episode. </li> </ul>

A Flight Attendant's Tips for Flying With Kids—Without Losing Your Mind

Rick Steves

Can $30 per traveler really make a difference when it comes to carbon offsets? For Rick Steves, the answer is “absolutely.” For the past four years, his company has paid a self-imposed carbon tax—in 2022, they donated $1 million to a dozen, carefully selected nonprofits to mitigate the carbon cost of their travelers. In this week’s episode of Unpacked , we chat with Craig Davidson, COO of Rick Steves’ Europe, about how their Climate Smart Commitment program works—and the life-changing results.Meet this week’s guest Craig Davidson, COO of Rick Steves’ EuropeResources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Listen to last week’s episode.  Listen to Rick’s podcast, Travel With Rick Steves. Learn more about Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Commitment.   

Can $30 per traveler really make a difference when it comes to carbon offsets? For Rick Steves, the answer is “absolutely.” For the past four years, his company has paid a self-imposed carbon tax—in 2022, they donated $1 million to a dozen, carefully selected nonprofits to mitigate the carbon cost of their travelers. In this week’s episode of <a href="https://megaphone.link/AFAR6756233083" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unpacked</a> , we chat with Craig Davidson, COO of Rick Steves’ Europe, about how their Climate Smart Commitment program works—and the life-changing results.Meet this week’s guest<ul><li> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-davidson-2a2b0a8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig Davidson</a>, COO of Rick Steves’ Europe</li></ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Listen to <a href="https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/1877617572/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR7716830481.mp3?updated=1686691182" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">last week’s episode</a>. </li> <li>Listen to Rick’s podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-with-rick-steves/id79063354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Travel With Rick Steves</a>.</li> <li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/about-us/climate-smart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Commitment</a>.  </li> </ul>

Inside Rick Steves’s Self-Imposed Carbon Tax

Hey Travel Tales listeners, this week on Unpacked, we have a fantastic interview with travel legend Rick Steves.Since he launched his company in 1976, he has sent millions of Americans abroad, either through his guided tours or via his many, many guidebooks. But his mission—to “curate culture shock”—comes with a cost. Rick has long been aware of the environmental impact of encouraging so many people to travel, but he found that carbon offset programs didn’t do enough to alleviate his concerns. So Rick and his team created the Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Commitment, which donates $30 for every traveler on their tours to a carefully selected set of nonprofits. Rick came on the podcast to chat about the program, as well as his views on ethical travel. But the conversation was so wide-ranging and rich—touching on everything from dual-narrative travel to his belief in the power of crossing borders—that we decided to split it into two episodes. This week’s episode focuses on Rick’s constantly evolving views on travel, his mission, and his belief in self-imposed carbon taxes. And next week, we’ll drill down into his Climate Smart Commitment with his chief operating officer, Craig Davidson. Resources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Listen to Rick’s podcast, Travel With Rick Steves. Learn more about the Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Commitment.   Read our story about a climate change reporter who wanted to fly less. Check out our primer on carbon offsets and the programs that can make a difference.  Catch up on Unpacked, season two: How to Make Hard Travel Funny, According to a Comedian The Making of a Patagonian National Park Are You Ready to Hand Over Travel Planning to the ChatGPT and AI Bots? It’s Not Too Late to Plan Your Summer Travels—Here’s How 

Hey Travel Tales listeners, this week on Unpacked, we have a fantastic interview with travel legend Rick Steves.Since he launched his company in 1976, he has sent millions of Americans abroad, either through his guided tours or via his many, many guidebooks. But his mission—to “curate culture shock”—comes with a cost. Rick has long been aware of the environmental impact of encouraging so many people to travel, but he found that carbon offset programs didn’t do enough to alleviate his concerns. So Rick and his team created the Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Commitment, which donates $30 for every traveler on their tours to a carefully selected set of nonprofits. Rick came on the podcast to chat about the program, as well as his views on ethical travel. But the conversation was so wide-ranging and rich—touching on everything from dual-narrative travel to his belief in the power of crossing borders—that we decided to split it into two episodes. This week’s episode focuses on Rick’s constantly evolving views on travel, his mission, and his belief in self-imposed carbon taxes. And next week, we’ll drill down into his Climate Smart Commitment with his chief operating officer, Craig Davidson. Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e19-rick-steves-sustainable-travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Listen to Rick’s podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-with-rick-steves/id79063354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Travel With Rick Steves</a>.</li> <li>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/about-us/climate-smart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rick Steves’ Europe Climate Smart Commitment</a>.  </li> <li>Read our story about a climate change reporter who wanted to fly less.</li> <li>Check out our <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/what-should-you-know-about-carbon-offsets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">primer on carbon offsets</a> and the <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/carbon-offsets-can-really-make-a-difference-heres-how" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">programs that can make a difference</a>. </li> </ul> Catch up on Unpacked, season two:<ul> <li><a href="https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/1877617572/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR6352041528.mp3?updated=1684275800" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Make Hard Travel Funny, According to a Comedian</a></li> <li><a href="https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/1877617572/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR1189475520.mp3?updated=1684956499" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Making of a Patagonian National Park</a></li> <li><a href="https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/1877617572/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR1622650172.mp3?updated=1685557450" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Are You Ready to Hand Over Travel Planning to the ChatGPT and AI Bots?</a></li> <li><a href="https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/1877617572/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR2277322949.mp3?updated=1685918133" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Too Late to Plan Your Summer Travels—Here’s How</a></li> </ul>

Rick Steves Wants to Save the World, One Trip at a Time

This episode starts with a sunburn. That’s how on-topic it is. Because yes, it’s summer! And wow, do we have a lot of tips for you this year. To get them, I spoke with Mark Ellwood, the (sunburned) freelance travel writer who handles all of our monthly Where to Go columns, as well as the two editors who make up our mighty destination team, Chloe Arrojado and Tim Chester. We started with planning—Mark is a planner, Chloe is not—and segued into how to score flight deals, if and when to travel to Europe during the hottest months, and our favorite road trip destinations. (Italy’s Prosecco Road, anyone?) We touched on lesser-known destinations, travel deals (it’s a great year to visit the U.K.), national parks, and even visiting places where it’s winter now. So, no matter what you’re doing this summer—whether it’s road-tripping or trying to squeeze in a weekend getaway around your kids’ camp activities—we have something for you. Yes, even for you procrastinators. Happy summer travels! Meet this week’s guests  Mark Ellwood, freelance travel writer  Chloe Arrojado, associate destinations editor  Tim Chester, deputy destinations editor Resources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Explore our Where to Go in July story. Find great summer deals (they exist!) and book affordable airfare. Need some beach time? We have the 20 best beaches in the world.  Drive the Prosecco Road that Mark mentions. Visit our favorite national parks.  

This episode starts with a sunburn. That’s how on-topic it is. Because yes, it’s summer! And wow, do we have a lot of tips for you this year. To get them, I spoke with Mark Ellwood, the (sunburned) freelance travel writer who handles all of our monthly <a href="https://www.afar.com/travel-inspiration/where-to-go-now" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where to Go</a> columns, as well as the two editors who make up our mighty destination team, Chloe Arrojado and Tim Chester. We started with planning—Mark is a planner, Chloe is not—and segued into how to score flight deals, if and when to travel to Europe during the hottest months, and our favorite road trip destinations. (Italy’s Prosecco Road, anyone?) We touched on lesser-known destinations, travel deals (it’s a great year to visit the U.K.), national parks, and even visiting places where it’s winter now. So, no matter what you’re doing this summer—whether it’s road-tripping or trying to squeeze in a weekend getaway around your kids’ camp activities—we have something for you. Yes, even for you procrastinators. Happy summer travels! Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.mark-ellwood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Ellwood</a>, freelance travel writer</li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/chloe-arrojado" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe Arrojado</a>, associate destinations editor</li> <li> <a href="https://www.afar.com/authors/tim-chester" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Chester</a>, deputy destinations editor</li> </ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e18-where-to-go-summer-2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Explore our <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/10-best-places-to-travel-in-july" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where to Go in July</a> story.</li> <li>Find <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/best-summer-travel-deals-for-flights-hotels-and-cruises" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">great summer deals</a> (they exist!) and <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-find-cheap-airline-tickets-according-to-travel-pros" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">book affordable airfare</a>.</li> <li>Need some beach time? We have the <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-20-best-beaches-in-the-world" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">20 best beaches</a> in the world. </li> <li>Drive the <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/where-to-stay-eat-and-of-course-drink-in-italys-prosecco-region" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prosecco Road</a> that Mark mentions.</li> <li>Visit <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/best-us-national-parks-to-visit-in-the-summer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our favorite national parks</a>. </li> </ul>

It's Not Too Late to Plan Your Summer Travels—Here's How

Travel, at its best, changes the way we see the world. Join us each week as we dig into stories from people who took a trip—and came home transformed. Travel Tales by AFAR is your ticket to the world, no passport required. Find more inspiration at afar.com/traveltales.

Hey Travel Tales listeners. This week, we have an Unpacked episode about ChatGPT and travel.Would you let ChatGPT plan your trip? Chris Dong, the host of this week’s episode, isn’t sure. As a travel writer, he knows his way around the world—and when we tasked him with writing a piece about the technology, he was initially skeptical about handing over the reins to, well, a robot. To get answers, he spoke with Hannah Mieczkowski, an AI expert who holds a Ph.D. degree in human and AI interaction from Stanford University, and Seth Borko, a senior research analyst at Skift and author of an April 2023 report titled “Generative AI’s Impact on Travel.” Together, they explained the ways ChatGPT can actually help us now, the things we need to watch for, and what we can expect in the future. As Chris discovered, it’s still murky territory. But there are some benefits—and there’s little chance we’ll be ruled by the robot overlords. Meet this week’s guests  Chris Dong, travel writer and episode host  Hannah Mieczkowski, AI expert  Seth Borko, senior research analyst at Skift Resources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Read Chris’s companion piece about ChatGPT and travel.  Try ChatGPT for yourself!

Hey Travel Tales listeners. This week, we have an Unpacked episode about ChatGPT and travel.Would you let ChatGPT plan your trip? Chris Dong, the host of this week’s episode, isn’t sure. As a travel writer, he knows his way around the world—and when we tasked him with <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-use-chatgpt-and-ai-to-help-with-travel-planning" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">writing a piece about the technology</a>, he was initially skeptical about handing over the reins to, well, a robot. To get answers, he spoke with Hannah Mieczkowski, an AI expert who holds a Ph.D. degree in human and AI interaction from Stanford University, and Seth Borko, a senior research analyst at Skift and author of an April 2023 report titled “<a href="https://skift.com/2023/04/12/generative-ais-impact-on-travel-new-skift-research/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Generative AI’s Impact on Travel</a>.” Together, they explained the ways ChatGPT can actually help us now, the things we need to watch for, and what we can expect in the future. As Chris discovered, it’s still murky territory. But there are some benefits—and there’s little chance we’ll be ruled by the robot overlords. Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.thechrisflyer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Dong</a>, travel writer and episode host</li> <li> <a href="https://www.hnmiecz.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hannah Mieczkowski</a>, AI expert</li> <li> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-borko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seth Borko</a>, senior research analyst at Skift</li> </ul>Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e17-travel-chatgpt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Read Chris’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-use-chatgpt-and-ai-to-help-with-travel-planning" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">companion piece about ChatGPT and travel</a>. </li> <li>Try <a href="https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ChatGPT</a> for yourself!</li></ul>

Are You Ready to Hand Over Your Travel Planning to the ChatGPT and AI Bots?

Andrew McCarthy

Hey Travel Tales listeners, as we ramp up for season four, we wanted to share another episode from our Unpacked by AFAR podcast, this one an interview with travel writer, actor, and director Andrew McCarthy. Want more? Follow the show here: https://megaphone.link/AFAR6756233083Show notesHiking Spain’s Camino de Santiago trail is one of the world’s great pilgrimages. And actor, writer, and director Andrew McCarthy has walked the 500-mile Camino Frances, not once but twice, most recently with his teen son. It’s a journey he documented in his new book, Walking with Sam (Grand Central Publishing, May 2023), and shares with us in this week’s episode.   Some of you may know Andrew from his work in film and TV—he starred in such ’80s classics as St. Elmo’s Fire and Weekend at Bernie’s—but here at AFAR, we’re more familiar with his work as a travel writer and editor. In 2010, he participated in one of AFAR’s first Spin the Globe trips: We spun the globe and sent Andrew to Ethiopia with less than 24 hours’ notice—a trip that culminated in his near arrest. But his latest book is a quieter adventure. As his son took his first steps into adulthood, Andrew wanted to recreate his own first Camino walk—and cement their bond. As they walked (sometimes together, sometimes apart), they faced blisters and hours in the baking sun, the paradoxes of solitude and companionship, and the transformative power of the Camino pilgrimage.Resources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode: https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e14-andrew-mccarthy Read Andrew's Spin the Globe for AFAR: https://www.afar.com/magazine/spin-the-globe-andrew-mccarthy-in-ethiopia Read Andrew’s new book, Walking with Sam: https://geni.us/2RERJ Read the book that inspired Andrew’s first Camino pilgrimage, Jack Hitt’s Off the Road: https://geni.us/H6uG0 Read Andrew’s first book, The Longest Way Home: https://geni.us/g7I5JM Watch some of Andrew’s films, including St Elmo’s Fire and Weekend at Bernie’s  Walking resources If you want to tackle the Camino de Santiago: https://santiago-compostela.net/ If you want to tackle Japan's Kumano Kodo: https://www.afar.com/magazine/disconnect-from-the-modern-world-on-a-pilgrims-path-through-japan If you just want to walk: https://www.afar.com/magazine/7-famous-pilgrimages-around-the-world-that-you-can-walk-or-cycle 

Hey Travel Tales listeners, as we ramp up for season four, we wanted to share another episode from our Unpacked by AFAR podcast, this one an interview with travel writer, actor, and director Andrew McCarthy. Want more? Follow the show here: https://megaphone.link/AFAR6756233083Show notesHiking Spain’s Camino de Santiago trail is one of the world’s great pilgrimages. And actor, writer, and director Andrew McCarthy has walked the 500-mile Camino Frances, not once but twice, most recently with his teen son. It’s a journey he documented in his new book, Walking with Sam (Grand Central Publishing, May 2023), and shares with us in this week’s episode.   Some of you may know Andrew from his work in film and TV—he starred in such ’80s classics as St. Elmo’s Fire and Weekend at Bernie’s—but here at AFAR, we’re more familiar with his work as a travel writer and editor. In 2010, he participated in one of AFAR’s first Spin the Globe trips: We spun the globe and sent Andrew to Ethiopia with less than 24 hours’ notice—a trip that culminated in his near arrest. But his latest book is a quieter adventure. As his son took his first steps into adulthood, Andrew wanted to recreate his own first Camino walk—and cement their bond. As they walked (sometimes together, sometimes apart), they faced blisters and hours in the baking sun, the paradoxes of solitude and companionship, and the transformative power of the Camino pilgrimage.Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode: <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e14-andrew-mccarthy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e14-andrew-mccarthy</a></li> <li>Read Andrew's Spin the Globe for AFAR: <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/spin-the-globe-andrew-mccarthy-in-ethiopia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afar.com/magazine/spin-the-globe-andrew-mccarthy-in-ethiopia</a></li> <li>Read Andrew’s new book, Walking with Sam: <a href="https://geni.us/2RERJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://geni.us/2RERJ</a></li> <li>Read the book that inspired Andrew’s first Camino pilgrimage, Jack Hitt’s Off the Road: <a href="https://geni.us/H6uG0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://geni.us/H6uG0</a></li> <li>Read Andrew’s first book, The Longest Way Home: <a href="https://geni.us/g7I5JM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://geni.us/g7I5JM</a></li> <li>Watch some of Andrew’s films, including <a href="https://geni.us/fIaq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Elmo’s Fire</a> and <a href="https://geni.us/qjicUtZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weekend at Bernie’s</a> </li> </ul> Walking resources<ul> <li>If you want to tackle the Camino de Santiago: <a href="https://santiago-compostela.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://santiago-compostela.net/</a></li> <li>If you want to tackle Japan's Kumano Kodo: <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/disconnect-from-the-modern-world-on-a-pilgrims-path-through-japan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afar.com/magazine/disconnect-from-the-modern-world-on-a-pilgrims-path-through-japan</a></li> <li>If you just want to walk: <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/7-famous-pilgrimages-around-the-world-that-you-can-walk-or-cycle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afar.com/magazine/7-famous-pilgrimages-around-the-world-that-you-can-walk-or-cycle</a></li> </ul>

Would You Hike 500 Miles With Your Teenager? Andrew McCarthy Said Yes.

Hey, Travel Tales listeners. We're hard at work on season four, which we'll be releasing in fall 2023. In the meantime, we'll be regularly featuring episodes from our sister podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week. This week: How does the hotel that attracted luminaries like Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, and Sid Vicious undergo a renovation without losing its gritty, celeb-packed history? In this week’s episode of Unpacked, we’re debuting “If These Walls Could Talk,” which shares the secrets behind iconic hotels, beginning with New York City’s legendary Hotel Chelsea. AFAR’s hotel editor Jennifer Flowers takes us behind the scenes, where ghosts, celebrities, and charismatic residents lurk.Meet this week’s guests  Sean MacPherson, hotelier   Sherill Tippins, historian and author of Inside the Dream Palace  Resources Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode. Watch Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel, the Martin Scorcese documentary.  Read Inside the Dream Palace, Tippins’s book about the hotel  Book a night and see the history (and maybe a ghost or two) for yourself! Read more about AFAR’s 2023 Stay List, which features the Hotel Chelsea 

Hey, Travel Tales listeners. We're hard at work on season four, which we'll be releasing in fall 2023. In the meantime, we'll be regularly featuring episodes from our sister podcast, <a href="https://megaphone.link/AFAR6756233083" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unpacked</a>, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week. This week: How does the hotel that attracted luminaries like Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, and Sid Vicious undergo a renovation without losing its gritty, celeb-packed history? In this week’s episode of Unpacked, we’re debuting “If These Walls Could Talk,” which shares the secrets behind iconic hotels, beginning with New York City’s legendary Hotel Chelsea. AFAR’s hotel editor Jennifer Flowers takes us behind the scenes, where ghosts, celebrities, and charismatic residents lurk.Meet this week’s guests<ul> <li> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/28/t-magazine/design/sean-macpherson-inspiration.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sean MacPherson</a>, hotelier </li> <li> <a href="http://www.sherilltippins.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherill Tippins</a>, historian and author of Inside the Dream Palace </li> </ul> Resources<ul> <li>Read this week’s <a href="https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s2-e12-hotel-chelsea-history" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">show notes</a>, including a full transcript of the episode.</li> <li>Watch <a href="https://geni.us/ScxH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel</a>, the Martin Scorcese documentary. </li> <li>Read <a href="https://geni.us/n7NS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inside the Dream Palace</a>, Tippins’s book about the hotel</li> <li> <a href="https://fave.co/40GFmrm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Book a night</a> and see the history (and maybe a ghost or two) for yourself!</li> <li>Read more about <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-best-hotels-of-2023" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AFAR’s 2023 Stay List</a>, which features the Hotel Chelsea</li> </ul>

Ghosts, Celebs, and Rock 'n' Roll—A History of NYC's Hotel Chelsea

Hey, listeners! We're hard at work on Travel Tales, season four. But in the meantime, we've released the second season of our podcast, Unpacked by AFAR, where we unpack the trickiest topics in travel each week. In this episode of Unpacked, we explore the confluence of climate change, travel, and anxiety. It’s no secret that our climate is changing fast. From hurricanes to wildfires, those changes are impacting us more and more each year. How do we deal with the anxiety? And more specifically, how do we travel safely, smartly, and compassionately, in a climate-changing world? In this episode, AFAR senior news editor Michelle Baran shares her own experiences with climate anxiety, and talks with two experts about how we can find some peace—and travel with confidence. Learn more about neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez: http://comprehendthemind.com/Learn more about International SOS: https://www.internationalsos.com/This season, we want to hear from you! Have a question for us to unpack? Let us know at afar.com/feedback or email us at unpacked@afar.com 

Hey, listeners! We're hard at work on Travel Tales, season four. But in the meantime, we've released the second season of our podcast, <a href="https://megaphone.link/AFAR6756233083" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unpacked by AFAR</a>, where we unpack the trickiest topics in travel each week. In this episode of Unpacked, we explore the confluence of climate change, travel, and anxiety. It’s no secret that our climate is changing fast. From hurricanes to wildfires, those changes are impacting us more and more each year. How do we deal with the anxiety? And more specifically, how do we travel safely, smartly, and compassionately, in a climate-changing world? In this episode, AFAR senior news editor Michelle Baran shares her own experiences with climate anxiety, and talks with two experts about how we can find some peace—and travel with confidence. Learn more about neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez: <a href="http://comprehendthemind.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://comprehendthemind.com/</a>Learn more about International SOS: <a href="https://www.internationalsos.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.internationalsos.com/</a>This season, we want to hear from you! Have a question for us to unpack? Let us know at <a href="http://afar.com/feedback" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">afar.com/feedback</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:unpacked@afar.com">unpacked@afar.com</a>

Reintroducing Unpacked: How to Plan Travel in a Climate-Impacted World

Bonus Episode: Introducing Vanishing Postcards

Want to meet mentholated ants, see the forest that inspired Avatar, and search for living dinosaurs? Head for Cairns, Australia, home to the world's largest tropical rainforest. Australian playwright Michelle Law is our guide this week: Last summer, she and her sister took a road trip through the region to explore Indigenous culture, zoom through the rainforest, and bond over the mysteries of parenthood.Read more about Michelle Law: http://www.michelle-law.com/Explore Australia: https://www.afar.com/travel-guides/australia/guide

Want to meet mentholated ants, see the forest that inspired Avatar, and search for living dinosaurs? Head for Cairns, Australia, home to the world's largest tropical rainforest. Australian playwright Michelle Law is our guide this week: Last summer, she and her sister took a road trip through the region to explore Indigenous culture, zoom through the rainforest, and bond over the mysteries of parenthood.Read more about Michelle Law: <a href="http://www.michelle-law.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.michelle-law.com/</a>Explore Australia: <a href="https://www.afar.com/travel-guides/australia/guide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afar.com/travel-guides/australia/guide</a>

Riding Higher, Down Under

AFAR is excited to bring you this special episode presented by a partner that shares our belief in the life-changing power of travel, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card from Chase. Learn more at MarriottBonvoy.com/ChaseCardsGabby Beckford is an engineer-turned-travel entrepreneur who set out on a year-long Middle Eastern solo adventure at the age of 21. What she learned there forever changed the way she thinks about travel.

AFAR is excited to bring you this special episode presented by a partner that shares our belief in the life-changing power of travel, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card from Chase. Learn more at <a href="http://www.marriottbonvoy.com/chasecards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MarriottBonvoy.com/ChaseCards</a>Gabby Beckford is an engineer-turned-travel entrepreneur who set out on a year-long Middle Eastern solo adventure at the age of 21. What she learned there forever changed the way she thinks about travel.

A Year in Dubai Changed the Way I Think About Travel

Hey Travel Tales listeners! We want to introduce you to another great podcast: Trail Weight, in which host Andrew Steven journeys outdoors and explores the soul. In this episode, Andrew attempts to bring us on his next adventure, only to be derailed by nature. He also rediscovers the forgotten story of Disney’s failed attempt to build a ski resort in California wilderness.Follow Trail Weight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app: https://trailweight.com/

Hey Travel Tales listeners! We want to introduce you to another great podcast: Trail Weight, in which host Andrew Steven journeys outdoors and explores the soul. In this episode, Andrew attempts to bring us on his next adventure, only to be derailed by nature. He also rediscovers the forgotten story of Disney’s failed attempt to build a ski resort in California wilderness.Follow Trail Weight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app: <a href="https://trailweight.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://trailweight.com/</a>

Bonus Episode: Introducing Trail Weight

In this episode, we’re traveling to Vienna with AFAR contributing writer Emma John. Emma has music in her blood. She grew up in London playing classical violin, and about a decade ago, she traveled to the American South to learn to play bluegrass, a journey she chronicled in a story for AFAR, and in her book Wayfaring Stranger. But in all those years, she avoided singing, for reasons you’ll soon hear about. And then one day, she decided to do something about it. So she booked a trip to Vienna, a city renowned for its singing talent—and the place where her musical odyssey begins. Listen to Emma's booksWayfaring Stranger: https://geni.us/GWtmOcbSelf Contained: https://geni.us/JUcDFollow Emma onlineInstagram: @foggymountaingalTwitter: @em_johnHer website: https://emmajohn.com/The story that inspired it all: https://www.afar.com/magazine/viennas-moment-learning-to-love-opera-in-the-city-of-music

In this episode, we’re traveling to Vienna with AFAR contributing writer Emma John. Emma has music in her blood. She grew up in London playing classical violin, and about a decade ago, she traveled to the American South to learn to play bluegrass, a journey she chronicled in a story for AFAR, and in her book Wayfaring Stranger. But in all those years, she avoided singing, for reasons you’ll soon hear about. And then one day, she decided to do something about it. So she booked a trip to Vienna, a city renowned for its singing talent—and the place where her musical odyssey begins. Listen to Emma's booksWayfaring Stranger: <a href="https://geni.us/GWtmOcb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://geni.us/GWtmOcb</a>Self Contained: <a href="https://geni.us/JUcD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://geni.us/JUcD</a>Follow Emma onlineInstagram: @foggymountaingalTwitter: @em_johnHer website: <a href="https://emmajohn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://emmajohn.com/</a>The story that inspired it all: <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/viennas-moment-learning-to-love-opera-in-the-city-of-music" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afar.com/magazine/viennas-moment-learning-to-love-opera-in-the-city-of-music</a>

Learning to Sing in Vienna, the City of Music 

AFAR is excited to bring you this special episode presented by a partner that shares our belief in the life-changing power of travel, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card from Chase. Learn more at MarriotBonvoy.com/ChaseCards.Emily Jeffords is a painter and creative educator whose work draws heavily on nature for inspiration. When she led a group of artists on an Alaskan retreat, she was surprised to discover what happened when they ventured into the remote Alaskan wilderness.Follow Emily on Instagram @emily_jeffords or via her website emilyjeffordslearn.com

AFAR is excited to bring you this special episode presented by a partner that shares our belief in the life-changing power of travel, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card from Chase. Learn more at <a href="http://marriotbonvoy.com/ChaseCards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MarriotBonvoy.com/ChaseCards</a>.Emily Jeffords is a painter and creative educator whose work draws heavily on nature for inspiration. When she led a group of artists on an Alaskan retreat, she was surprised to discover what happened when they ventured into the remote Alaskan wilderness.Follow Emily on Instagram @emily_jeffords or via her website <a href="http://emilyjeffordslearn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">emilyjeffordslearn.com</a>

Standing on the Edge of the World in Alaska

Travel, at its best, changes the way we see the world. Join us each week as we dig into stories from people who took a trip—and came home transformed. Travel Tales by AFAR is your ticket to the world, no passport required. Find more inspiration at <a href="http://afar.com/traveltales" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">afar.com/traveltales</a>.

Travel Tales by AFAR

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!