Unpacked by Afar is your weekly guide to where to go, how to travel, and everything worth unpacking in between. Each week, host Aislyn Greene and the Afar team travel the world and dig into the big questions behind every great trip, from the best new hotels and national parks to traveling more responsibly. Some weeks we follow a story through music, food, and culture. Others we tackle a tricky topic, share our favorite destinations, or help you plan where to go next. Because the travel world is complicated. We're here to help you unpack it.
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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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Bomba to Bad Bunny: Searching for the Sounds of Puerto Rico
Season 3 · Episode 19
Thursday, May 30, 2024 • Duration 50:43
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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At This Remote Island Resort, Staff Housing Is (Almost) as Luxurious as the Guest Quarters
Season 3 · Episode 10
Thursday, March 21, 2024 • Duration 20:19
If you travel to a remote island resort, where do the people who work there live? Because of course, if we are traveling to a remote location, it’s highly unlikely that it’s an easy place for hotel staff to commute to and from. Typically on an island resort, staffers are housed in the middle of the island and don’t have access to the beach, the walking paths, or any of the amenities that make these destinations so appealing to travelers.
But there’s a new type of staff housing pioneered by the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, which created an entire island for its employees—one where they can also snorkel, swim, relax, eat, work out, and just generally soak in the Maldives. This week’s guest, Sally Kohn, traveled to the resort last year to get a peek at the island and see if it’s really as impressive as it seems. She was surprised by what she found—happy employees included.
Meet this week’s guest
Sally Kohn, activist, speaker, and author of the book The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity.
Resources
Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.
Check out the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
Read some of Sally’s other AFAR stories, including her essay about traveling as a queer family, and her podcast episode about exploring tolerance in Amsterdam.
Buy Sally’s book.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.
Subscribe to AFAR’s YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why You Have to See the April Solar Eclipse, According to an Airstream-Loving Astronomy Expert
Season 3 · Episode 9
Thursday, March 14, 2024 • Duration 42:22
Where will you be on April 8, 2024? In case that date isn’t burned into your brain, it’s the day the sun, Earth, and the moon will completely align, creating a total solar eclipse that will sweep over a section of the United States. It will plunge cities around the U.S.—from Austin, Texas, to Buffalo, New York, into darkness for up to four minutes and 27 seconds and, according to our guest today, will be “the greatest science event in human history.”
That’s because it’s going to be one of the most accessible celestial events to happen in recent times: The path of totality crosses some of the most populated areas of the United States, and astro-tourists will flock to places like Texas in droves. Scott Roberts, today’s guest, will also be there, guiding a small group of people through the event at a ranch in Leakey, Texas.
To be honest, I wasn’t planning on traveling for the eclipse, but after interviewing Scott, I started to wonder if I’m missing out: He likens viewing an eclipse to some of his peak life experiences, nearly up there with witnessing childbirth. He’s seen four solar eclipses since he started photographing them as a young man, and now he’s a kind of eclipse evangelist.
Maybe you, like me, didn’t make plans to see the eclipse. Or maybe you’ve had your plans locked in since 2022. Either way, Scott has a nugget of wisdom for you, from how to view your first solar eclipse (hint: just enjoy it) to the reason we should all celebrate the sun’s rise every day.
He’s also an avid Airstreamer and has been traveling around the country in a 1968 Overlander named Barbara Jean after his travel-loving mom. He shared how he downsized to the Airstream lifestyle and how this kind of travel allows him freedom to follow his celestial obsessions.
Resources
Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.
Check out Scott’s website, Explore Scientific.
Explore Scott’s eclipse trip in April (or just buy a pair of glasses).
Learn more about seeing the eclipse.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.
Subscribe to AFAR’s YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation.
Meet this week’s guest
Scott Roberts, founder of Explore Scientific, and eclipse enthusiast
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Replay: Here's How to Get the Best Sleep While Traveling
Season 3 · Episode 8
Thursday, March 7, 2024 • Duration 34:56
Unpacked, and host Aislyn Greene, are in Toronto this week! So we're resharing one of our most popular episodes from last season, because who doesn't need help sleeping from time to time?
We’ve all been there: Tossing and turning on a long-haul flight, or in an unfamiliar hotel bed. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Enter Anne Bartolucci, a licensed psychologist and a certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist. She’s the founder of Atlanta Insomnia & Behavioral Health Services, P.C. and the author of Better Sleep for the Overachiever. In other words, she knows her sleep—and she specializes in helping people improve their sleep without medication.
In this week’s episode, host Aislyn Greene chats with Anne about the one thing everyone should bring on their next flight, the proper use of melatonin (turns out most of us don’t use it correctly), and yes, how to get a decent night’s sleep in a new destination.
Resources
Read this week’s show notes, including a full transcript of the episode.
Buy the neck pillow that AFAR editors swear by! (And go down our neck pillow rabbit hole.)
Explore Anne’s work at the Atlanta Insomnia & Behavioral Health Services, P.C.
Buy Anne’s book, Better Sleep for the Overachiever, on Amazon or Bookshop, or listen to it via Amazon.
Meet this week’s guest
Anne Bartolucci, a licensed psychologist and a certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Professional Decision Coach’s Secrets to Making Better Choices in Travel—and Beyond
Season 3 · Episode 7
Thursday, February 29, 2024 • Duration 34:57
Have you ever gotten stuck in indecision? Maybe it was around where to travel, or when to book your tickets, or even something as small as where to eat when you’re on the road. Well, this week’s guest is an expert at cutting through the noise and helping her clients—and now you—make fast, solid decisions. Her name is Nell McShane Wulfhart, and she’s a professional decision coach.
Does it sound like a made-up job? Nell is the first to admit that it is in fact a made-up job. But one that she is uniquely qualified for, especially when it comes to travel. I’ve known Nell for about a decade now—as a travel writer. She has lived all around the world, from South Korea to Uruguay to Switzerland.
A couple of months ago, I got an email from Nell about her new Audible podcast, The Decision Coach. And I learned that for the past decade, she has also been (in her words) a “professional bossy boots.” That means that she sits down with clients who are stuck and helps them get unstuck. Some are chronically indecisive and need help getting out of that rut. Others are usually good decision makers but are stuck on a big life decision, like whether to have a baby, or take a new job, or move to a new country.
So I sat down with Nell to talk about how she makes decisions, how we can make better decisions, and how we can apply all of that to travel.
Meet this week’s guest
Nell McShane Wulfhart, podcaster and travel writer
Resources
Read a full transcript of the episode.
Listen to Nell’s podcast, The Decision Coach.
Check out her website for tips on making decisions and to sign up for her newsletter.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.
Subscribe to AFAR’s YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Budget for Travel, No Matter Your Income
Season 3 · Episode 6
Thursday, February 22, 2024 • Duration 44:27
Money is often a taboo subject in our culture, but it has a huge impact on our lives, our futures, and yes, our travels. Danielle Desir Corbett—our guest this week—works to dispel myths and encourage transparency on her podcast, The Thought Card, and her website, thoughtcard.com, where she even posts breakdowns for the many trips she's taken. In the episode, she shares her annual travel budget, her tips on budgeting in a way that is in alignment with what you truly value, and tools that can help you navigate finances without getting totally bogged down. Best yet: She’s found that by using these tools over the years, she’s been able to travel more than ever before—and still accomplish her financial goals.
Meet this week’s guest
Danielle Desir Corbett, podcaster and author
Resources
Read a full transcript of the episode.
Listen to Danielle’s podcast, The Thought Card.
Check out her website for tips on personal finance and travel, plus posts about trip costs around the world.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Unpacking Albuquerque
Season 3 · Episode 5
Thursday, February 15, 2024 • Duration 34:11
In season three of Unpacked, we're introducing "Unpacking," a series that explores some of our favorite destinations around the world. First up: Albuquerque, land of hot air balloons, chiles, and some fantastic outdoor spaces. Join host Aislyn Greene as she unpacks the Southwestern city's outdoorsy roots.
Meet this week’s guests
Sarah Sheasley, director of marketing for Los Poblanos
Elaine Briseño, journalist and historian
Terry Brunner, the Director of the city of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency
Justin de la Rosa, a local food writer and director of outlets for the Sawmill Market
Dylan Storment, director of wine and spirits at Los Poblanos
Missy Begay, cofounder of Bow & Arrow Brewing
Bill Stimmel, the entrepreneurial director at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Murray Conrad, hot air balloon pilot and owner of World Balloon
My Albuquerque itinerary
Where I ate, stayed, and played.
Hotels
Book a stay at Los Poblanos
Book a stay at Hotel Chaco
Restaurants
El Patio
Mesa Provisions
Coda Bakery
Campo at Los Poblanos
Level 5 at Hotel Chaco
Farm & Table
Bow & Arrow Brewing
Old Town Farm
Activities
Take a bike and taco tour with Routes
Tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Visit the Paseo del Bosque
Take a tram up Sandia Peak
Fly with World Balloon
If you want to hear more of the flamenco episode you hear at the top of the episode, see a show at Tablao Flamenco
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At This London Tour Company, Formerly Unhoused People Are Your Guides
Season 3 · Episode 4
Thursday, February 8, 2024 • Duration 28:36
The issue of homelessness—or being unhoused, or facing housing scarcity—isn’t something we often talk about when it comes to travel, unless it’s in a negative sense. In this episode, however, we’re going to meet a London-based tour company that’s working on bringing homelessness into the tourism narrative.
It’s called Unseen Tours, a nonprofit founded in 2010 by Jayni Gudka. It offers London tours that touch on many of the city’s most popular sites and neighborhoods—Soho, King’s Cross—with a twist: They’re led by individuals who were once homeless. But the tours are not poverty tourism. They’re history-rich, city-focused walking excursions led by people with a very special kind of knowledge.
Meet this week’s guests
Rachel Parsons, journalist
Nic Shaw, guide with Unseen Tours
Jayni Gudka, CEO of Unseen Tours
Resources
Read a full transcript of the episode.
Book a tour with Unseen Tours.
Follow the podcast to ensure you don’t miss an episode.
Subscribe to AFAR’s YouTube channel for a full video of the conversation.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You Can Get Free Flights and Hotel Stays Easier Than You Think. Here’s How.
Season 3 · Episode 3
Thursday, February 1, 2024 • Duration 52:56
The world of travel loyalty programs is . . . complicated. Last year, Delta made waves when it announced that it was making radical changes to its SkyMiles program. People very quickly—and this is the technical term—freaked the eff out. So, Delta swiftly (and wisely) backpedaled.
But as I learned from this week’s expert, Paul Rubio, this isn’t the only airline that has made less-than-positive changes. Delta just took the heat. Drama! It’s just the first of many (many) things related to travel loyalty programs that we'll learn about from Paul, a points and miles wizard. You may remember him from season two, when he shared his vast knowledge about the world of travel credit cards. And in today’s episode, he does the same for airline and hotel loyalty programs.
We start off exploring why it’s worth joining these programs—and it definitely is, and it definitely doesn’t have to take up your whole life—and which programs are best for both airline and hotel points. Then we dive deeper into how to maximize them, and how best to use them, including when you should buy points and when you should not.
It’s a pretty complex topic, but Paul has done all the legwork so that we don’t have to—as you can tell by the very long list of resources below.
Meet this week's guest: Paul Rubio, points and miles expert.
Resources
The recent changes to American Airlines' reward program.
The recent changes to Southwest's reward program.
The recent changes to United's reward program.
Delta's amended changes to its award program.
Paul's Tumi and Rimowa suitcase reviews.
Our guide to the World of Hyatt program.
How and when to buy points for hotels.
When to buy points for airlines.
How to get VIP rewards for credit cards.
How to use loyalty points for charitable donations.
How to use Points.Me.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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