Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast

AI is becoming increasingly embedded into the travel planning experience. While AI might seem like a great hack for creating a travel itinerary, it does come with problems. We unpack these issues, from hallucinated locations to incorrect logistical information.POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics. Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email erin@pinatravels.orgIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Joi Schweitzer joins the podcast to unpack the ins and outs of what it takes to become a pilot as a black woman and the state of represention in the skys. She also shares where her love of flying came from and what's ahead for the next generate of pilots. PLUS, Erin and Kattie discuss the latest news about Air 4 All's wheelchair accessible airplane seats being developed in partnership with Delta.Guest: Joi Schweitzer is a commercial airline pilot who got her start in the industry working as a flight attendant. She is also an athlete, and known for her appearance on the reality TV show, The Mole.Resources:https://www.instagram.com/thejoischweitzer/ https://www-insider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.insider.com/delta-developing-first-of-its-kind-seat-for-wheelchair-users-2023-6?amp If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast!Read Erin's award-winning blog: https://pinatravels.org/Follow us on social media @curioustourismpodSubscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter Pod the North, here.SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!CREDITSWritten and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie discuss the recent fireworks display in the Himalayan region of Tibet, which drew backlash and an apology from outdoor brand Arc'teryx. They also discuss Bad Bunny's decision to not tour the US and the economic and tourism impact of the 30-show residency on his home island of Puerto Rico.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1eddw19042ohttps://www.cnn.com/2025/09/13/americas/bad-bunny-puerto-rico-residency-economy-latam-intlPOSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics. Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email erin@pinatravels.orgIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin chats with Cary Lowe and his wife Trish Butler. Trish lives with multiple sclerosis and uses a mobility scooter, and she and Cary have continued to travel well into their seventies, traveling to nearly half the US states and another twenty countries.We talk about the realities of disabled and elderly travel, what it takes to plan accessible trips, and how travel can remain rewarding even as our bodies and circumstances change.Check out Cary's website and book,On Two Legs and Three Wheels, here: http://www.carylowewriter.com/ Order On Two Legs and Three Wheels, here: https://tinyurl.com/3zj4r77mIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie discuss Germany Tourism's latest AI Travel Influencer, Emma and the nuances around authentic travel content. They also review the chaotic and hilarious posts coming from TSA on Threads that have the internet cracking up..instagram.com/emmatravelsgermanyPOSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics. Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email erin@pinatravels.orgIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin chats with Julian Hockin‑Grant about the Tribal Park Allies program, an initiative created by the Claoquiat First Nation on Vancouver Island. The program invites local businesses, from coffee shops to surf resorts, to become Indigenous Allies by contributing an ecosystem service fee and committing to reciprocal, respectful tourism.Learn more about the Tribal Parks Allies program: https://www.tribalparks.com/tribal-park-allies Julian Hockin‑Grant is the Tribal Parks Liaison and co‑creator of the program under Allied Certifications. He works directly with the Tla‑o‑qui‑aht First Nation to help businesses become certified Tribal Park Allies, guiding them through the protocol agreements and supporting Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives.If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie discuss what constitutes a "New World Wonder," and why Egypt refused to participate in the contest to decide what would appear on this list. We also dive into the sticky world of travel scams, and react to a hilarious before/after backpacking trend blowing up on TikTok.POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics. Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email erin@pinatravels.orgIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Travel media still often presents a narrow version of what travel looks like, and interracial couples are rarely a part of that picture. For these couples traveling together across cultures and borders can bring unique challenges, but also, really special and meaningful moments. Katie and Bhavik join the show having just returned to Canada after spending 14 months traveling through Asia and beyond. We dig into what that experience was like, and how their shared identity as a interracial marriage couple shaped their trip. PLUS we chat about the ethics of sharing the perished trekkers of Mount Everest on social media, and the glorification of traveling with an irresponsibly financial budget!Guests: Katie & Bhavik. Burnt-out from their pharmacist jobs and re-assessing life after a severe honeymoon illness, Katie and Bhavik quit it all to travel the world for a year. Now, they are travel content creators and bloggers. Links: https://katieandbhav.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katieandbhav/ If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie are hitting the feed with a new monthly series of "POSTCARDS"! In between each regular episode, catch discussions on the latest in travel-related media and one hot topic that's fresh on Erin's mind. In this POSTCARD:A first-time-traveler heads to Fiji to star reality TV.The extreme day trip content flooding social media.The illegal stairway to heaven hike makes us question the economy of travel content.Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email erin@pinatravels.orgIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Sex tourism has existed for hundreds of years. And with the rise of globalization, it’s become a booming industry that exists in most corners of the earth. Sex work and sex tourism is complex. This kind of work intersects with history, power, race, economics, and global inequality. Dr. Christopher Ewing joins the show to unpacking the history, misconceptions, impacts of sex tourism on local communities, and how travelers can think more critically about this side of the tourism industry.PLUS we chat about Erin's recent travels and award WIN at the TMAC conference in Saskatoon, SK!Guest: Christopher Ewing is an assistant professor of history at Purdue University. His first book, The Color of Desire: The Queer Politics of Race in the Federal Republic of Germany traces the trajectory queer, German racisms from 1970s sex tourism to twenty-first century fascism, and the queer of color activists who contested them. He’s currently working on a new book project about hate crime law and activism to explain how, in the 1990s, hate became an international crime. Chris has authored pieces for Time Magazine, The Conversation, and The Washington Post on queer politics, and has written extensively on the history of sex tourism in journals including Rethinking History, Central European History, and the Journal of the History of Sexuality. He received his Ph.D. in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in 2018. When he’s not thinking about problems of sex and travel, Chris is pursuing his lifelong goal of rewilding the prairie, starting with his Indiana garden.Links: https://www.christopherboalewing.com/https://www.news.vcu.edu/article/international_sex_tourism_is_a_booming_industry_its_also_been @christopherewing on blueskyIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Over the last few years, we’ve all noticed and felt the impact of growing inflation. During economic downturns, the tourism industry typically takes a hit. People are either nervous to spend money, or just don’t have the disposable income to put towards travel.In moments like these, budget travel is on everyone’s mind. But can we actually do that responsibly?Guest: Emma Cartwright is a travel blogger, podcaster, and influencer whose work is focused around educating tourists about sustainable tourism. Links: https://thattravel.co.uk/the-sustainable-travel-podcast/ https://thattravel.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/that_travel/?hl=en-gb https://skift.com/2025/01/03/how-does-the-economy-impact-travel/ If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

You probably follow a few travel content creators on social media, and every once in a while, you’ll likely notice that they share content from a trip that is a collaboration with a tourism board. These trips, which are typically called media trips, or press trips, are a common way for travel creators to make an income, and a tool to give creators and tourism boards a chance to share insights about a region. But not every press trip (and not every travel influencer) is made equal. Bri Mitchell joins the show to unpack the misconceptions around media trips, how they work, and why it's important to demystify them.Bri Mitchell is a travel writer and content creator from Toronto. She has a penchant for adventure, and covers everything from active travel to culinary, wellness and sustainable tourism stories based on her personal travels and destination partnerships. Bri shares her thoughts and travel stories in her weekly newsletter, The Weekly Traveller, on social media @brimitchelltravels, and on her websites travelingmitch.com, UltimateOntario.com and WeExploreCanada.com.Links: https://www.travelingmitch.com/ https://theweeklytraveller.substack.com/ https://ultimateontario.com/https://weexplorecanada.com/ If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie recap the season 3 FINALE of HBO'sThe White Lotus, unpacking each characters wild trajectory and crowing the Most Conciencious and Cringiest Travelers of the seaon!Tell us what you thought of our recaps on Instagram!Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie recap S3E7 of HBO'sThe White Lotus, unpacking Gary and Chloe's proposition to Saxon, Gaitok's determination to avoid conflict (even though he's caught the bad guys), the deterioration of the gal pals, and much more!Find the last recap of the season out next Thursday!Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie recap S3E6 of HBO'sThe White Lotus, unpacking Saxon and Lochlans morning-after hanxiety, Gary's motives, Timothy's decent into darkness and... light? and much more!Find a new recap out every Thursday morning (usually) until the end of the season.Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Over the last few decades, tourists have been going out of their way to see places before they disappear, from Antartica to Australia. This has been deemed "Last-chance tourism". We're diving into the phenomenon of last-chance tourism; how it started, why it's so appealing, and the ethical questions it raises.Paige McClanahan joins us on the show to discuss.Paige McClanahan is an American journalist based in France. Her reporting has covered multilateral trade negotiations, humanitarian crises, economic development, and the tourism industry. Links: https://www.paigemcclanahan.com/Paige's book, The New TouristIf you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Erin and Kattie recap S3E5 of HBO'sThe White Lotus, unpacking Belinda’s "Thriller-Romance-Novel Era", the reckoning of Piper’s lies and ambitions, Timothy’s descent into darkness, the Gal Pals rowdy evening, good old fashioned brotherly love, THAT monologue, and much more!Find a new recap out every Thursday morning (usually) until the end of the season.Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Curious Tourism recaps S3E4 ofThe White Lotus! Find a new recap out every Thursday morning until the end of the season.Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Curious Tourism is recaps S3E3 ofThe White Lotus! Erin and Kattie share their theories and internet deep cuts about the tsunami is that is about to come, and present the coveted “Conscientious Traveler Award” to a White Lotus character. Find a new recap out every Thursday morning until the end of the season!Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Curious Tourism is recaps S3E2 ofThe White Lotus! Erin and Kattie share their theories on the monkeys, Belinda seeing Greg (aka Gary) again, and more, and of course share the top cringe travel moment (who are we kidding, everything Saxon does is cringe) and present the coveted “Conscientious Traveler Award”. Find a new recap out every Thursday morning until the end of the season!Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpodReach us by email: erin@pinatravels.orgCurious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast