The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel

The RISE Travel Institute

The RISE Traveler podcast features eco-minded and socially conscious travelers, diversity and inclusion specialists, wildlife conservationists, environmental activists and anyone using travel as a way to uplift and inspire. In each episode, we will go a step beyond the “Instagram ready” world of travel, and take a look at how travel can be a source of growth and development for all people and all communities. This podcast is an extension of the RISE Travel Institute. A 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to empowering young travelers through educational programs, research, study tours and scholarships. Visit RISETravelInstitute.org to learn more. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights
Dec 18 2023
Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights
Laura Kelly is a sustainability advocate with Brendan Vacations, a tour operator focused on Ireland and Scotland. In this interview with host Amy Hager, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an eco-minded household to her current role evaluating and crafting sustainable travel experiences.Laura's background in European Languages and Medieval History, coupled with her experience guiding tours in Ireland, prompted her realization of the necessity for a shift in travel practices. This realization ignited her interest in reforming unsustainable tourism habits prevalent in the industry. Discussing her participation in the RISE Flagship Program, Laura sheds light on voluntourism and on the challenges of fostering more meaningful and slower-paced travel experiences.In particular Laura shares the importance of responsible tourism in Ireland, and advocates for smaller, more authentic experiences that benefit local communities. She highlights the role of tour operators in steering towards a more sustainable future, and encourages a collective shift in mindset toward sustainability in various professional domains. Laura's insights offer a pragmatic approach to redefining travel practices, focusing on tangible changes that can positively impact the industry and the communities it touches.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License)
Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler
Dec 4 2023
Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler
Author and travel expert Lily Ann Fouts is dedicated to advocating for sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. She was a participant in RISE's Flagship Program, where she earned her certificate in Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel. Additionally, Lily Ann joined RISE's Experiential Journey to Guatemala in 2022.During her conversation with host Amy Hager, Lily Ann reflects on the invaluable lessons gleaned from the Flagship Program. She highlights the program's comprehensive approach, and discusses how various facets of travel intertwine in complex ways. For instance, she elaborates on the complex balancing act involved in making travel decisions, citing certain examples of activities that harm the environment (eg. airline travel), also benefits the local economy. Lily Ann also shares how she has reframed the way she thinks about being budget conscious when she travels. She now understands the value in compensating vendors fairly for the product they are producing or selling, and not trying to haggle down to the absolute minimum.According to Lily, the Experiential Journey was an impactful experience, allowing her to immediately apply the course teachings to real-life situations. Her journey to Guatemala with the RISE Travel Institute provided a singular opportunity to engage with fellow students and foster meaningful discussions, and ultimately led to  practical applications of course concepts.In addition, Lily Ann also delves into her current project, a guidebook centered on responsible travel in Latin America for travelers who seek longer-term Latin American stays  in order to nurture strong, long-term connections with locals. She provides suggestions on how to foster these connections in ways that make travelers feel welcome without inadvertently causing resentment or discomfiture within local communities.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License)
Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations
Oct 16 2023
Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations
Aurora Christy Oktavia, an Alumni of the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program, currently resides in Bali, Indonesia. She recently completed her Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University in Australia. In her conversation with host Amy Hager, Aurora shared insights into her journey in sustainable tourism, leveraging her educational background in forest conservation and tourism management, as well as her role as a luxury travel agent.Aurora emphasized the challenges of community-based tourism, pointing out that while mass tourism can be problematic for some destinations, they often have the necessary infrastructure to handle it. Conversely, less frequented, "off the beaten path" locations – like Komodo Island in Indonesia, for example – may struggle due to the lack of infrastructure. She also delved into the concept of "keeping it secret" destinations, where locals prefer not to disclose hidden gems to tourists, underscoring the delicate balance between satisfying traveler curiosity and respecting the desires of local communities.Aurora credited the RISE Flagship Program with enhancing her ability to ask probing questions, fostering open-mindedness, and shedding light on the complexities of sustainable tourism. She voiced concerns about "greenwashing" in the travel industry, and stressed the importance of long-term sustainability. Her ultimate legacy aspiration is to enhance people's lives through better travel experiences and to foster positive, transformative changes.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License)
Knowing Names, Building Bonds: Jabulile Ngwenya on Meaningful Travel
Aug 21 2023
Knowing Names, Building Bonds: Jabulile Ngwenya on Meaningful Travel
Jabulile Ngwenya is a travel coach and advocate for sustainable and responsible travel at Travel Africa with Jabu. With a vision to reshape perceptions of travel to Africa, Jabulile's impactful work is rooted in changing the narrative. In her RISE Flagship Course Capstone Project, she focused on tribal photography, aiming to bring attention to the profound identities behind the subjects. She firmly believes that every individual carries a story and a name, urging us to see beyond the surface.In a conversation hosted by Amy Hager, Jabulile delves into the essence of travel as an avenue of abundance. She underscores the significance of understanding the lives of the people we encounter on our journeys, stressing that they are more than just extras in our personal narratives. Her insights illuminate the transformative power of travel, as it expands horizons and challenges our perspectives.Jabulile's perspective on the world is a testament to her belief that there's always more to explore, learn, and experience. In a moment where all we may have is a screenshot of our current reality, travel serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities and connections awaiting us. This interview is an invitation to venture beyond our assumptions and engage with the richness of the world through meaningful interactions.Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel InstituteVideo and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel InstituteGraphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art DirectorMusic: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License)