Unpacked by AFAR

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. “If I travel to you, will you give me lessons?” When former child prodigy, Lavinia Spalding, emailed the biggest female flamenco guitarists in Spain, she was shocked when they all agreed to teach her. In this episode, she follows an abandoned dream to Madrid, Granada, and Barcelona, Spain to immerse herself in the new world of female flamenco guitar.  Follow Along with Revolutionary “Tacaoras” In this episode, discover:  What flamenco means to the women who are paving the way for female flamenco guitarists.  The origins of flamenco and its important elements.  Some of the biggest names in flamenco guitar from Paco de Lucía to Antonia Jiménez  Breaking Into the Boy’s Club. Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:  [02:07] Following and foregoing my father’s flamenco dreams.  [05:40] The mysterious origins of flamenco. [06:36] A kindred spirit and a familiar melody with Antonia Jiménez. Strumming in the Spirit of “Duende” Lavinia Spalding is the editor of The Best Women’s Travel Writing and co-hosts the podcast There She Goes: travel stories told by the women who wrote them. But at one time, she believed she was destined to become a “tocaora,” a female flamenco guitarist.  In this episode, she follows in her deceased father’s footsteps by traveling to Spain to learn flamenco guitar. Antonia Jiménez, Pilar Alons,o and Marta Robles, some of the most prominent female flamenco guitarists in Spain, are her guides into “duende,” the heartbeat of flamenco that transforms suffering into passion.  Resources:  Read Lavinia’s original story.  Explore Lavinia’s work on her website.  Listen to this playlist that features music by Marta Robles.  Watch these performances by Pilar Alonso and Antonia Jiménez. 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.

Who needs a travel planner when you could consult the cosmos? According to astrologer Adama Sesay, your astrological chart can be the key to an ideal travel year.  On this episode of Unpacked, she breaks down the astrological events to look out for in 2025, shares travel suggestions based on each sign and helps you navigate traveling during a dreaded Mercury retrograde. Wait, When is Mercury in Retrograde in 2025? In this episode you’ll learn:  How astrology can help you plan your ideal year of travel.  What astrologers mean by Mercury retrograde and how that relates to travel.  When and what kind of travel each sign should pursue in 2025.  How to Travel Based on Your Astrological Sign  Don’t miss these memorable moments:  [01:16] How an astrologer makes plans based on the cosmos.  [04:48] Mercury retrograde and other astrology-based travel predictions for 2025.  [11:40] Breaking down travel styles, sign-by-sign.  Your 2025 Astrological Travel Forecast  Adama Sesay shares how astrology can affect travel on an international level and a personal level. From an overview of when and how each sign can make the most of travel in 2025 to how charting a location and keeping in mind astrological events can affect everyone’s travel plans.   Adama Sesay is the author Black Moon Lilith Rising: How to Unlock the Power of the Dark Divine Feminine Through Astrology and the card deck and guidebook Black Moon Lilith Cosmic Alchemy Oracle.  Resources:  Read the transcript of this episode. Follow Adama Sesay on Instagram.   Learn more about her work or book a reading on her website Lilith Astrology.   Read, Where To Travel in 2025 According to Your Astrological Sign.  Compare your travel experiences to her predictions from last year.  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.

In our annual Travel Vanguard awards, Afar honors nine companies that are working to improve the world and how travelers experience it. We launched the Afar Travel Vanguard in 2016 to celebrate organizations that are making travel a force for good. This year, we received more than 100 nominations from travel professionals and organizations around the world. Narrowing down the list was no easy task since, fortunately, there are more organizations than ever pioneering efforts in sustainability, diversity, or accessibility. Our nine honorees include a cruise line providing vital medical care to residents of remote islands, a destination focused on making vacations easier for neurodivergent people, and a resort company supporting and elevating its local communities. May their stories inspire you to travel more respectfully and consciously. In this episode, we talk with Ellen Carpenter, a NYC-based writer and editor who interviewed all nine winners. Meet the winners of the 2025 Afar Travel Vanguard Visit Myrtle Beach: For making vacations smoother for autistic families Tourism Cares: For connecting travelers with more meaningful experiences across the world Visit Lauderdale: For being a committed ally to LGBTQ+ travelers Quark Expeditions: For showcasing the culture and food traditions of Greenland and Canada Sandals Foundation: For lifting up its Caribbean communities Destination Canada: For developing and supporting under-visited regions across the country Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy: For investing in the futures of people in the areas where its guests travel Paul Gauguin Cruises: For providing much-needed medical assistance in French Polynesia Switzerland Tourism: For uniting the Swiss tourism industry in a shared commitment to sustainability Resources Meet the previous members of the Afar Travel Vanguard. Explore Ellen Carpenter's 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.

Winter is the best time to visit the Yukon territory. Follow one writer as she travels by dog sled and snowmobile, dons snowshoes for a hike through Tombstone Territorial Park and witnesses the beauty of the northern lights and communal reclamation alongside locals. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, we follow the infamous “call of the wild” into the Canadian Yukon.  How To Plan a Winter Trip to the Yukon Territory In this episode you’ll learn:  How to travel in Yukon Territory during the winter, from snowmobiles to dogsleds.  The tour groups that give you insider experiences of the Yukon’s winter wonders.  Local landmarks that you have to visit in the winter.  See the Northern Lights with Local Guides Don’t miss these memorable moments:  [04:35] Mushing: Crossing Tagish Lake on a dog sled.   [09:46] Seeing the aurora borealis from a local’s backyard in West Dawson.  [18:25] “I’m reclaiming my land because of the gold rush…”  “Sourdoughs” and “Cheechakos”: Winter Life in the Yukon Writer, Debbie Olson, is a Métis Canadian local who has explored and visited every Canadian province and territory, including the Yukon. But the Yukon in winter? That’s a legendary experience that deserves its own category.  Follow along as she is guided into the wonders of the Yukon in the winter through the wonder of winter by locals who call the Yukon home, including a professional dog sled driver (musher) and a member of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation who is reclaiming her land.  Resources:  Read Debbie’s print story that inspired this episode.  Read the transcript of this episode.  Explore the tour operators that Debbie traveled with: the Klondike Experience, Tagish Lake Kennel Tours and Entreé Destinations.  Listen to this Travel Tales episode about polar bears in Canada and this episode about a tour guide’s efforts to preserve a part of the Canadian coastline.  Check out Debbie’s other work at Wander Woman Travel Magazine.  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.

Wondering when, where and how much to tip when you travel? Since the pandemic, tipping requests show up in places they never have before, such as farmers' markets and fast-food counters. In this episode, two experts help you navigate the changing landscape of tipping so you can tip with respect to the people who serve you and to your wallet, wherever you go.  Tips to Improve Prompt Service In this episode you’ll learn:  Typical tips for any situation from hospitality staff to baristas.  How states like California are combatting tipping with legal intervention.  The “why” behind tipping and how that has changed.  Bellmen, Valet and Baristas: Who Do I Tip? Don’t miss these moments:  [05:48] A Victorian tipping origin story.  [15:24] How has tipping culture changed in the U.S.?  [21:38] A tipping hack for hospitality staff.  The New Rules of Tipping. Elaine Swann, an etiquette guru and founder of the Swan School of Protocol joins Dr. Jaime Peters, a personal finance expert, finance dean and professor at Maryville University, to help you navigate the new world of tipping.  From unpacking tipping misconceptions to national tipping trends, they untangle the etiquette dilemmas of a rise in tipping culture to help you make tipping decisions with confidence and a good conscience.  Resources:  Read the full transcript of this episode. Explore Afar guides for tipping for Mexico, France, and an all-inclusive resort.  Check out the Economic Policy Institute’s minimum wage tracker.  Listen to this episode of Unpacked: How to Budget for Travel, No Matter Your Income. 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. Two months after her house burned down, Afar sent the award-winning author of Miss Burma, Charmaine Craig, to Lisbon, Portugal, with 24 hours’ notice. Without a plan, Charmaine aimlessly follows tourists through cobbled streets before stumbling upon the grave of one of the country’s most beloved authors: Fernando Pessoa. Following in his footprints, her trip transforms into a poetic journey through loss, impermanence, and hope.  Portugal’s Elusive Poet: Fernando Pessoa In this episode discover:  The world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand.   How Portugals’ streets recovered after fire and earthquakes.  Where to follow Francis Pessoa’s legacy in Lisbon.  Twin Flames, Twin Houses Don’t miss these transformative moments:  [01:39] Lost history and landing in Lisbon.  [05:02] Meeting Francis Pessoa: a master poet of impermanence.  [08:00] Echoes of destruction, from L.A. to Lisbon.  A Literary Adventure in Lisbon The only book Charmaine Craig brought to Lisbon was The Book of Disquiet by Francis Pessoa. Though she knew the author lived in Lisbon,Charmaine didn’t expect to stumble upon his tomb in her first 24 hours. In this episode, an unplanned trip to Portugal becomes a deeply personal, poetic tour through grief, impermanence, and hope.  Resources:  Read Charmaine’s original story.  Visit Charmaine’s website and buy her books, Miss Burma and My Nemesis. Plan a trip to Lisbon with Afar with content like the best things to do and see or these guides to the perfect day or weekend. 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.

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. 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

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

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.