Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast
What does it take to make travel better for people and the planet? Join travel writer Erin Hynes, podcast producer, Kattie Laur, and their guests, as they explore their curiosities about what truly makes travel and tourism responsible. Follow us on Instagram: @curioustourismpod Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
Is Sharing "Just Enough" Actually Gatekeeping? | POSTCARD #14
Erin and Kattie unpack the nuances of geotagging and gatekeeping. When does it make sense not to geotag a location, or should you just not post at all?
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.org
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, Pina...What Newfoundland's Icebergs Tell Us About Climate Change
Every year, thousands of people travel to Newfoundland and Labrador hoping to see icebergs in the province's famous "Iceberg Alley." But what happens if those icebergs become less predictable?
In this episode, I'm joined by local guide Duane Collins (Hare Bay Adventures), who has watched Iceberg Alley change over the course of his life and career.
We discuss how climate change is changing iceberg seasons, what that means for tourism, and whether the idea of "last-chance tourism" can inspire climate awareness.
Links:
https://www.harebayadventures.com/https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/...
A Trip to Historic Newfoundland and Labrador | POSTCARD #13
Erin and Kattie recap Erin's recent trip to Newfoundland and Labrador, and talk local delicacies, checking out the Miawpukek First Nation Annual Powwow, and what it's like to visit one of Canada's most historic places.
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.org
If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel...
How Does the White Gaze Show Up in Travel?
From transit to food and customs, what is it that makes so many travelers question the way things are done in the places they visit?
We're talking about a concept that might explain these moments: the white gaze. What is it? How does it show up in tourism and travel media, and how does it impact the communities we visit?
Emma (@ThatTravel) and Audrey (@BonsVoyagesEtc) join the show to discuss.
Links:
https://thattravel.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/that_travel/https://thattravel.co.uk/the-sustainable-travel-podcast/ https://bonsvoyagesetc.com/https://www.instagram...Dispatches From a Honeymoon to Japan | POSTCARD #12
Erin and Kattie recap a milestone trip to Japan, from Kattie's food obsession and the days where everything goes right, to confronting our own romanticization of the places we visit.
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.org
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...The Problem With the “Vacation Wardrobe”
Before any trip, most of us will ask ourselves the same question: what am I going to pack? Advertising, social media, and travel content all push the idea travel is another reason to buy more.
Lily Fang joins the show to unpack the intersection of tourism and fashion, and how can we approach consumption more thoughtfully when we travel.
Lily Fang is the creator of Imperfect Idealist, a blog focused on sustainable fashion, mindful living, and ethical consumption. Through practical guides and research-based writing, she helps readers better understand the environmental and social impacts of...
Do You Have Travel Dysmorphia? | POSTCARD #11
Erin and Kattie unpack travel dysmorphia: the feeling that you haven't traveled enough, especially compared to others.
Travel Dysmorphia Is a Real Thing—Do You Have It?This Is the Perfect Vacation for You, Based on Your Zodiac SignPOSTCARD 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.org
If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and re...
The Dark Side of Orphanage Tourism
At first glance Orphanage Tourism sounds really positive. Helping while you travel feels meaningful. But over the years, researchers and child protection advocates have raised serious concerns about some forms of voluntourism, especially those involving children.
Dayvee Sutton, the author of a recent article on this topic, “Stop Visiting Orphanages: The Feel-Good Travel Trend That’s Hurting Kids,” joins us to discuss.
Dayvee Sutton is a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist and national travel correspondent seen on your favorite national talk and morning news shows.
Links:
https://dayveesutton.com/ https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story...The Crackdown on Visa Runs | POSTCARD #10
Erin and Kattie discuss what visa runs are, and why Thailand is cracking down on this travel "hack" to extend visa eligibility.
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.org
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, Pina Travels.
Subscribe to...
Why Travel Is Political
The island of Socotra has recently become popularized online. But in January 2026, geopolitics broke this illusion of this island being a detached, apolitical escape. Foreign tourists found themselves stranded there. Flights were canceled, and there was no clear timeline for when they would be able to leave, all due to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, tied to Yemen’s ongoing conflict. It's time to unpack exactly why travel is political.
JoAnna Haugen is a solutions-oriented consultant, speaker, and writer working at the intersection of sustainable tourism, storytelling, and social impact. She is the founder of...
Why Trophy Hunting Tourism Is Alive And Well | POSTCARD #9
Erin and Kattie unpack the troubling nuances of trophy hunting tourism, sharing an unaired clip from their interview with Janna Giacoppo about just how much more fruitful safari photo tourism in comparison. They also take the discussion home, looking at trophy hunting and Canada's vulnerable polar bears.
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.org
If you're a fan of the...
Protecting the Great Migration: Inside the Maasai Mara Hotel Lawsuit
In early 2025, a new luxury hotel development from Marriot was announced. The Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp promises visitors “front row seats” to the Great Migration. But soon after the hotel was announced, community members and wildlife experts spoke out, saying that the lodge was approved in a place it never should have been.
Janna Giacoppo joins the show to discuss. She is a photographer and documentary filmmaker focus on animal-human conflict, and notably started the change.org petition to stop the illegal safari lodge.
Links:
jannagiacoppo.comChange.org | Help the Maasai Stop Marriott and...What's Going Down At The 2026 Winter Olympics | POSTCARD #8
Erin and Kattie unpack the ongoing Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and why the Mayor of Milan is saying they're set to be most sustainable Olympic Games yet. They look what what we can expect this year, the addition of a fun new decipline, and what Italy has to learn from the Games of the past.
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.org<...
It’s Time to Rethink “The Best Time to Visit”
Climate change is having an impact on how predictable seasons are, affecting ecosystems and as well as the daily life and livelihoods of people and communities around the world. And it’s having a trickle-down effect on how we plan our trips.
We chat with Tarang Mohnot about why the 'best time to visit' no longer applies.
Tarang Mohnot is a freelance writer and journalist. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, Matador Network, DAZED, and more. You can find her article here: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250808-why-the-best-time-to-visit-no-longer-applies
If you're a fan...
Must-Know Travel Predictions for 2026 | POSTCARD #7
Erin and Kattie dig into interesting travel predictions for 2026, from noctourism and hushpitality to cold-weather travel and literary tourism.
National Geographic | How travel will look in 2026—here's what you need to knowBBC | Seven travel trends that will define 2026POSTCARD 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.org
If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Cu...
How "The Holiday" Impacted Travel | POSTCARD #6
HomeExchange got a lot of love after the release 2006's Christmas RomCom, "The Holiday". Now, there's a new rise in house swapping! Erin and Kattie discuss why and then Erin shares some interesting and wildly cute Christmas traditions from around the world.
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.org
If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe...
Allergic and Abroad: How Food Allergies Shape Travel
What is it like to travel with severe food allergies? Erin and Kattie chat with food allergy consultant Allie Bahn about what it takes to travel confidently with severe allergies.
We discuss how allergic travelers experience travel slightly differently, the misconceptions that still exist about food allergies, and how the tourism industry can make small changes that make travel more inclusive for allergic people.
Allie Bahn is a travel writer, educator, and consultant who empowers people with severe food allergies to explore the world safely. Learn more about her and her work, here: https://missallergicreactor...
What Happens When AI Plans Your Trip? | POSTCARD #5
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.org
If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review...
Unpacking Representation of Women in Aviation | REPLAY
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 a...
Bad Bunny and Bad Fireworks Displays | POSTCARD #4
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...
Navigating Travel With Age and Disability
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 W...Emma, the AI Travel Influencer | POSTCARD #3
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.org
If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate...
Rethinking Tourism in Tofino with the Tribal Park Allies Program
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 Trib...
Should The "World Wonders" List Exist? | POSTCARD #2
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.org
If...
What It’s Like to Travel the World as an Interracial Couple
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 Mo...
The Hike That Shouldn't Happen | POSTCARD #1
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.org
If you're a fan...
Let's Talk About Sex Tourism
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 Sas...
Responsible Travel - In This Economy!?
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...Are Travel Influencer Media Trips Responsible?
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 aro...
The White Lotus Recap | S3 Finale: Amor Fati
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
The White Lotus Recap | S3E7: Killer Instincts
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
The White Lotus Recap | S3E6: Denials
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
Why is Last-Chance Tourism on the Rise?
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 T...The White Lotus Recap | S3E5: Full-Moon Party
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyasc...
The White Lotus Recap | S3E4: Hide or Seek
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
The White Lotus Recap | S3E3: The Meaning of Dreams
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
The White Lotus Recap | S3E2: Special Treatments
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: @curioustourismpod
Reach us by email: erin@pinatravels.org
Curious Tourism is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more travel podca...
The Future of Indigenous Tourism
When you think of traveling to Canada, what do you think of? Maybe beautiful nature, ice hockey, or maple syrup. But these aspects are just a very small piece of Canada’s cultural identity, and tourism identity. Canada has a long, rich, and diverse history that was shaped by the people who were here first: Canada’s First Nations.
Juanita Marois of Métis Crossing joins the show to discuss.
Guest: Juanita Marois is an inspiring leader, visionary, and advocate for Indigenous tourism who has transformed Métis Crossing into a premier cultural destination in Alberta...
The White Lotus Recap | S3E1: Same Spirits, New Forms
Curious Tourism is recapping the third season of HBO's The White Lotus!
In every recap, Erin and Kattie unpack their feelings about the show through a responsible travel lens, unpack the top cringe travel moment from the episode, and present the coveted “Conscientious Traveler Award” to one of more of the show's characters. Find a new recap out every Thursday morning until the end of the season!
Resources:
ATMOS | "The High Price of Paradise in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3"POST REPORTS | "Can you be a good person at the White Lotus?"Follow us on Ins...
Traveling Mindfully: How to Decenter Yourself in 2025
Join Erin Hynes and Amanda Kendle as they explore mindful travel, cultural awareness, social media impact, and tips for responsible tourism in 2025.
Please note: Midway through this episode we mention that a woman was killed by an elephant in Spain. This was a mix-up in reference to the recent news that Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, a 22-year old woman from Spain, was killed by an elephant while in Thailand: https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/07/asia/spanish-woman-killed-elephant-thailand-intl-hnk/index.html
Guest: Amanda Kendle is a travel podcaster and writer, lecturer/trainer, and social media consultant. She is the host o...
