Unpacked by Afar

These locals are blazing a trail back to the legends that made Mississippi, specifically the Delta, a region that was (and is) vital to the development of modern music.  On this episode of Unpacked, British writer and fiddle player, Emma John, takes you on a musical odyssey through the Mississippi Blues Trail and its role in reviving a blues heartland and connecting travelers to the soul of the genre.  A special thanks to the late Raymond Earl "Pat" Thomas, the legendary musician featured in this episode who passed on February 12 at the age of 64. Mississippi, the Heartland of Modern Music In this episode you’ll learn:  The venues, museums and historical establishment you must visit on the Mississippi Blues Trail  The local legends surrounding original blues musicians like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and W.C. Handy The looks, sounds and feels of authentic Delta blues.  Juke Joints, Shotgun Shacks and the Soul of a Land Don’t miss these moments:  [06:19] The Bad Apple Blues Club might seem sketchy at first, but it’s got heart.  [11:40] This is where B.B. King insisted on being buried.  [27:07] Muddy Water’s nephew proves that in the Delta, the blues is always with you.  Listen to the Locals Who Carry the Legacy of Blues  Muddy Water’s great nephew, the son of celebrated bluesman John Thomas and a museum director who met B.B. King as a child—these are some of the local voices that steward the soul of blues on the Mississippi Blues Trail.  Listen along as fiddle player Emma John, gets a local legacy lesson and sees how the heart, soul, and pulse of Delta Blues continues to affect musicians and travelers, alike.  Meet This Week's Guests Big A and the Allstars  at Ground Zero Blues Club Roger Stolle, owner of Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art Sean Apple, owner of Bad Apple Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi Robert Terrell, director of operations at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center Barry Bays, professor at the Delta Music Institute Keith Johnson, aka “the Prince of the Delta Blues”  Pat Thomas, Delta blues guitarist and son of James Thomas who often played at the Highway 61 Blues Museum More Resources Read more about Emma John’s road trip on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Explore Emma’s website, buy her books and read about her musical origins on afar.com. Listen to this playlist featuring the artists from this episode.  Read the transcript of this 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. ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **

Looking to avoid the crowds and make the most of summer travel in 2025? On this episode of Unpacked, Afar contributor Mark Ellwood—a seasoned traveler who has spent most of his life living out of a suitcase—shares the off-the-beaten path summer adventures you can enjoy, again and again. Looking for the Best Places to Travel in Summer? On this episode you’ll discover:   How to find the best summer travel deals and get the most out of a summer trip.  Hidden gems in the U.S., Europe and beyond, that locals love.  Ideas to weather-proof your summer and find alternative escapes you won’t forget.  The Midwest Isn't the Only Place With a Well-Kept Secret Don’t miss these moments:  [07:54] The Midwest’s best-kept summer travel secret.  [12:53] Surf in the part of Scotland most people forget is there.  [14:30] How to vacation like an Italian and avoid tourist traps.  [20:30] Affordable flights and volcanic adventures: Why the Caribbean is a hiker’s paradise.    Do You Need an Amalfi Intervention? While many travelers flock to hotspots like the Amalfi Coast or Rocky Mountains, Mark Ellwood reveals off-the-radar destinations, seasoned travel hacks and ways to enjoy popular locations without the crowds.  Resources:  Read the transcript of the episode. Visit Mark’s website or follow him on Instagram.  Want to discover more off-the-beaten path destinations? Explore this section of afar.com.  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. ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **

This year—2025—is a holy one in Rome. But you can still avoid the crowds.  On this episode of Unpacked by Afar, Rome local and journalist Laura Itzkowitz, takes us off the tourist trail and into the lesser-visited places that make Rome worth visiting, all year round.  How To Experience Rome Like A Local, Not a Tourist On this episode you’ll learn:  How to beat the crowds in hot spots like the Vatican and the Colosseum.  Where to stay in Rome to support the local economy and enjoy hidden gems.  How to eat like a local in Rome and avoid tourist traps.  Get To the Heart of Rome, No Long Lines Required Don’t miss these moments:  [03:55] Meet Mama Roma: The essence of the city.  [16:24] How to see Rome's greatest sights, without the crowds.  [19:48] Don’t fall for this tourist trap. Get authentic food, instead.   [27:09] Where to stay, when in Rome.  A Roman Love Story: In Two Parts More than 15 years ago, Laura Izkowitz fell in love with Rome on her very first visit. She was taken by the glamour and intrigue of the city—the sounds of "mini operas" all around her. Now, she's married to a Roman, is an expert in Roman travel, and navigates the city like the seasoned local she is. Follow along as she takes you off the tourist trail, gives you local strategies for avoiding the crowds, and shares cultural insight to help you explore the ancient city like the Romans do. Resources Check out Laura’s original story to find more local recommendations.  Read more of Laura’s work on her website or explore her Substack, The New Roman Times. Book a tour with Elisa Valeria Bove’s tour company, Roma Experience.  Rome’s Jubilee Year Has Begun—Here’s What to Know and How to Avoid The Crowds.  The Secret to Seeing the Vatican Without the Crowds Follow Laura on Instagram.  Read the transcript of the 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. ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **

“How soon can you put this baby on a plane?” When No Reception Club founders Gemma and Daniel Ng became parents, they vowed not only to keep traveling, but to create solutions for others braving travel with kids.  And so they went on to create “The Getaway Bag,” which went on to become a cult favorite. On this episode of Unpacked, they share the terrible flight that inspired their first bag, hard won advice for traveling parents, and what No Reception Club really means to them.  Can Travel Be Even More Important With Kids? On this episode you’ll learn:  How to maximize No Reception Club’s viral travel diaper bag for your family.  Pro packing tips to be prepared when traveling with kids (without overpacking).  How to protect your child’s sleep and conquer jet lag when traveling as a family.  Maximize Snacks. Minimize Gear. Packing Tips For Parents. Don’t miss these moments:  [01:21] How a nightmare flight led to helping parents travel easier.  [14:40] Why traveling with kids has a lasting impact—even if they don’t remember the trip.  [22:24] After five years of traveling with kids, here’s what we wish we knew from the start.  Empowering Families to Travel, One Bag at a Time. As first-time parents, Gemma and Daniel had their fair share of travel mishaps, from overpacking on a road trip with their 3-month-old to wanting to pull their hair out on a flight to Hawaii.  They chat with host, Aislyn Greene about the advice they would give their younger selves, how their travel philosophy and bags make for more meaningful family trips, and ways that parents can travel more, not less, with their kids. Resources:  ** Use the code AFAR25, to get $25 off any purchase at No Reception Club.** Read the transcript of the episode. Buy The Getaway Bag.  Check out this in-depth review of No Reception Club’s Hideaway Carry-On Duffel.  Discover the best travel gear for parents, tested by Afar parents (and their kids).  Follow No Reception Club on Youtube or Instagram Join the No Reception Clubhouse on Facebook for community and perks.  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. ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **

Welcome to a special bonus from our sister podcast, Travel Tales. In it, Antoni Porowski, our favorite culinary expert from Queer Eye, takes you behind-the-scenes of his new National Geographic show, No Taste Like Home (premiering February 23, 2025). In this episode, he shares the connection that sent him crying off camera with Awkwafina, the dish that defeated his adventurous palate with Henry Golding, and how his Polish roots served him well while helping celebrities explore the foods that taste like home in six different countries. What Do Kimbap, Ndambe and Chicken Fried Steak Have in Common? On this episode you’ll learn:  How National Geographic’s team created epic, transformative travel experiences for celebrities.  The tastes and origin stories that transformed Antoni Porowski, from kelp soup in Korea to ndambe in Senegal.  The ways that food and travel can connect people to their deepest roots.  Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski Will Eat Anything—Except This Don’t miss these transformative, travel moments:  [03:06] “I was the pickiest eater ever growing up!” [10:01] Kelp, crying, and Korean connections with Awkwafina. [17:18] James Marsden sheds a light on chicken fried steak. [19:21] Antoni Porowski tests his foodie limits with Henry Golding. [20:04] The surprising connections that changed the way Antoni Porowski approaches food. Why The Perfect Meal Should Remind You of Your Childhood Every episode of Antoni Porowski’s new show, No Taste Like Home, took three to six months of research: from tracing family trees to exploring the origins of traditional foods. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, discover what Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski learned about the universality of place, comfort and connection by taking celebrities on epic journeys to explore their culinary and familial roots.  Resources:  Follow Antoni Porowski on Instagram  Stream the show, No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski.   Watch this episode on Youtube.  Read the episode transcript. 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.

Stop making these common travel mistakes and start maximizing credit card points and airline miles with these tips from The Points Guy, Brian Kelly, author of the new book How to Win at Travel. In this episode, he chats with host Aislyn Greene about the mindsets, practices, and guidelines to help both beginners and seasoned fliers win at travel in today’s economy of points and miles.  ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. ** Most Travelers Make These Mistakes When Booking with Points In this episode you’ll learn:  How to beat inflation with credit card perks and points.   Why chasing elite status is no longer worth it and what to do instead. The common mistakes you need to avoid to book the best travel deals.    Travel Game Hacks: Sniffing Delays and Maximizing Miles Don’t miss these moments:  [00:00] A 12-year-old books a family trip to the Cayman Islands: The origin of The Points Guy.  [12:25] Beginner tips for racking up travel points and miles.  [15:13] Common misconceptions about booking travel. [33:52] Flight delayed or cancelled? Save money and time by using points.  Travel Deals are Easier to Find with The Points Guy Brian Kelly, aka the Points Guy, is the go-to-person source for points, miles and travel deals for a global audience. In his new book, How To Win At Travel, he breaks down his most tried-and-true strategies to help every traveler– whether you are aspiring or a seasoned flier– make every dollar count toward better travel experiences.  In this episode he shares the most important tips for booking flights, the apps that help him travel smarter and the hacks he uses to save money and time when things go wrong.  Resources: Want more tips? Read this companion story on afar.com. Check out The Points Guy website or follow The Points Guy on Instagram.  Buy Brian’s new book, How to Win at Travel.  Want more tips? Read this companion story on afar.com. Read the transcript of this 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.

Step aside cheesy ghost tours, “tombstone tourism” is so much more than visiting cemeteries to hear about local legends. In this episode of Unpacked, a seasoned traveler shares why graveyards and tombstones are at the top of her “must-see” list—no matter the destination.  ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. ** Tombstone Tourism: Travel’s Underrated Experience.  In this episode you’ll learn:  How visiting a cemetery can give you cultural insight into the places you visit.  The social and health benefits of walking through a cemetery.  Some of the cemeteries you should add to your list, and what makes them unique.    Should I Travel To A Cemetery? Don’t miss these moments:  [13:34] Finding solace for a familiar grief in Berlin’s Star Children Gardens [22:49] Becoming better people and other surprising benefits of tombstone tourism.  [25:29] Burial changes and a disappearing gravesite in Amsterdam The Difference Between Graveyards and Cemeteries Travel journalist Blane Bachelor visits a cemetery every time she travels, not because she’s searching for haunted stories, but because it enriches her experience of a place and her human experience overall.  She chats with host Aislyn Greene about the cemeteries and graveyards around the world that everyone should visit, the personal benefits of walking through gravesites and how these landmarks can help you travel deeper.  Resources:  Read Blane’s full story here. Explore more of her work on Instagram or on her website.  Listen to this episode about how tourism can help us grieve.  Read the transcript of this 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.

This year in luxury travel, customization is king. Afar’s resident hotel expert, Jennifer Flowers, and editor in chief, Julia Cosgrove, go behind the scenes of ILTM, the International Luxury Travel Market, in Cannes, France. They sat down with leaders from three of the world’s biggest hotel brands—Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt—to hear how trends, technology, and travelers' changing desires will shape luxury hotels in 2025.  Featured Guests: Crystal Vinisse Thomas, (Former) Vice President, Global Brand Leader, Lifestyle and Luxury Brands, Hyatt. (Crystal resigned after we recorded this episode.) Jane Mackie, SVP of Luxury, Lifestyle, and Premium Brands at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Dino Michael, SVP and Global Head, Hilton Luxury Brands **New opportunity: Want to be featured in an episode of Unpacked or have an idea you want us to unpack next? Send us a voicemail here. ** What Travelers Want Most in 2025  In this episode, you’ll learn:  The path to becoming a luxury travel leader in hospitality.  How hotels are helping travelers customize their experiences, loyalty perks and more.  The trends that will help you plan your perfect year of travel—from AI to authentic experiences.  Plan Better Travel With These Luxury Hotel Brands Don’t miss these moments:  [07:28] Sniffing out inauthenticity and how hotels become good neighbors.  [25:26] AI, customization, and getting the most out of loyalty programs.  [36:45] How all-inclusive resorts are gaining a new reputation.  Resources Read the article: 4 Hotel Travel Trends to Watch in 2025. Explore the luxury travel brands at Hilton, Hyatt and InterContinental (IHG). Check out our Hotels We Love series and Stay Here Next reviews. Read the transcript of this 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.

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 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.

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.  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