After two months abroad, Erin and Kattie finally reunite over a stable internet connection and talk about Erin's 150 day trip so far! They discuss the highlights from Tanzania and Sri Lanka - like what happened to Erin's Teva's on Safari and the memorable hike up Sri Pada at the crack of dawn - and how Erin's body has been hanging in there... Up ne…

Erin and Kattie sit down together to chat about Erin's big news, big year, and big travel plans for 2024! Happy Holidays! 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 Katti…

Spending time outdoors is a big part of travel and tourism. But the outdoors are vulnerable, and it’s important that we all know how to enjoy them responsibly. Erin chats with Taryn Eyton, a Leave No Trace Master Educator and a former member of the board of directors of Leave No Trace Canada, about what it actually means to "leave no trace". They a…

Museums are important spaces where the stories of people, culture, history, and our planet, are both preserved and shared. When you’re traveling, they can give you important context about the region you're visiting. We’re digging into museums with María Elena Ortiz, Curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. We chat about the history of museum…

In Oaxaca, Mexico, there’s a growing trend of Canadian snowbirds buying up beachfront land, being promised that these properties will be the perfect vacation home. The problem is, the land that is being developed is not up for grabs. It’s communally owned by Indigenous and rural residents. Erin chats with Dawn Marie Paley, a journalist and author b…

We all have a responsibility to share our travels mindfully. This is because what we post on social media, write, or say about the places we visit, has the power to shape perceptions, maintain unfair stereotypes, and perpetuate colonial views. Erin chats with Vincie Ho, a linguist, educator, social justice advocate, and the founder of RISE Travel I…

Is it responsible to visit zoos? Some argue that animals in zoos suffer physically and mentally by being enclosed. But zoos can also be really important for conservation, and make learning about wildlife more widely accessible. To learn more about the industry of zoos, aquariums, and roadside animal attractions, we're chatting with Stacia Lock. She…

In 2021, a documentary came out that addresses the inconvenient truths of the tourism industry. The Last Tourist explores the benefits, and the harms of tourism, as well as the myriad of social issues that factor into the current tourism landscape. Ultimately, the film argues that tourism has reached a tipping point. Today on Curious Tourism, the r…

Thinking back to the flights you've taken in the last few years, how many times have you noticed a woman-identifying pilot boarding the plane, or making those in-flight announcements? According to 2020 data from the FAA's Aeronautical Center, about 7% of commercial airline pilots that year were women, and it’s been reported that less than 1% of pil…

If you take a quick browse through travel media, you'll notice a lot of cliches like, "wild", "untouched", and "remote". These descriptions are commonly applied to places that are considered rural, and they might seem harmless. But often, these descriptions can play into misconceptions about places and usually lack the context behind why the places…

What is halal travel, and how inclusive is the tourism industry really when it comes to Muslim travelers? Erin is joined by Soumaya T. Hamdi to chat about how the Muslim travel market is growing, the barriers are Muslim travelers facing when they travel, and how can the tourism industry address these barriers and create a welcoming, inclusive space…

What is responsible tourism, really? We’ve been exploring this question for years, looking for tangible ways that we can be more responsible travelers. Today, we're moving away from the small individual things travelers can do, and talking about how collective action is an important piece of responsible tourism. PLUS, Erin and Kattie finally get to…

What is responsible travel? We’ve been unpacking this question for years, looking for tangible ways that we can be more responsible travelers. Sure, we can cut down on how much we fly, and book small, independently owned hotels… but these are all individual actions. Is it really fair to put the pressure on individual travelers to be responsible, wh…

Finding the right balance between travel and life can be hard. Especially as we get older there is more and more pressure to follow the traditional life path, which – let's be honest – doesn’t include tons of world travel. Amanda Kendle joins us to have an honest discussion about how we’ve made travel fit into our lives, while balancing work, finan…

Global travelers still don't think much about Indigenous tourism when they think about travel to Canada. Post cards show Royal Canadian Mounted Police and maple syrup. But Canada has a long, rich, and diverse history that was shaped by the people who were here first: Canada’s First Nations. We're talking to Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Ind…

At the end of every year Lonely Planet releases their list of top places to visit for the following year. Erin and Kattie chat about the 2023 Lonely Planet places that caught their eye and what's missing from the list. They also look back that at their long-awaited travels in 2022 - from Iceland to Belize and Madeira Island - and discuss what's ahe…

You cannot travel through Nepal without thinking about the world’s tallest mountain. So what does Mount Everest mean to Nepalese people, and how is it shaping Nepal’s culture, economy, and tourism? And what is it like to climb Mount Everest in the first place? We’re chatting with Philip Henderson, a member of the first all Black team of climbers to…

Wheelchair users around the globe are having some of the worst travel experiences imaginable, because aircrafts do not allow wheelchairs to roll right on. Most mobility devices have to be stowed in the cargo hold along with luggage. But mobility devices aren’t just luggage. This system is resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage to wheelch…

Traveling within Canada is incredibly difficult. The quick options are expensive and the cheap options take FOREVER! The transport landscape in Canada is extremely limited, which means that if you don’t have a car, there are barriers to get around. This is a problem not just for people in Canada, but for people who would like to visit and spend tou…

For immigrants and the generations that follow them, traveling back to a “home” country can be a complicated experience. For some, visiting a place that their parents, grandparents, or generations even further back left by choice, or fled, can bring happiness and learning. But for others, it might bring conflicted feelings. Leah from the Ticket 2 A…

In the last few decades travel has become increasingly accessible, resulting in a tourism boom around the world. But while there are many benefits to the growth in tourism, there's a downside too: Overtourism. Today, we’re diving into the reality of overtourism. Erin and travel journalist Paige McClanahan discuss what overtourism is, what causes it…

Going on vacation doesn't mean your depression is on vacation, too. Even when you're out traveling the world, it's important to take care of your mental health. Erin is joined by Tammy Tran to explore mental health and travel. They chat about what it feels like to be depressed while traveling, how to take care of your mental health while traveling,…

Digital nomads are on the rise, as more and more people embrace working remotely as a way to make seeing the world more accessible. According to data from MBO Partners, in 2019 there were 7.3 million Americans who identified as digital nomads. But in 2021, the number of American digital nomads surged up to 15.5 million. We're talking about all thin…

In 2021, the internet reacted as the world’s wealthiest men blew millions of dollars to spend just a few minutes traveling to the edge of space. Right now, space tourism is for the rich and famous, but in the coming years, it may become more accessible to regular travelers. We chat with space tourism journalist Valerie Stimac about what it's like t…

Kristen and Kyla are joined by Erin Hynes and Kattie Laur to discuss how we can travel more responsibly. Topics: choosing a place to travel to; carbon offsets and flying; how to find vendors, tour guides, and places to stay; choosing souvenirs; general intentionality. Website: https://www.pullback.org/episode-notes/episode91 Harbinger Media Network…

In S05 we are unpacking some of the major factors that have been changing travel over the last few years. We’ll explore the impact of space tourism, the rise of digital nomadism, overtourism, sustainable travel, mental health struggles abroad, and more. If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Curious Tourism: Respons…

With summer ramping up in the northern hemisphere, lots of us are planning to travel. What's something you should pack for your next trip? Travel insurance! In this summer bonus episode, we're covering what travel insurance is, whether you need travel insurance, and what type of travel insurance to buy for your trip. OUR GUEST Erin is joined by Chr…

NOTE: Hey Pals! We're on a break right now to work on putting together the next season of the show. In the meantime, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favourite episodes every few weeks - episodes are that a MUST LISTEN! From Season 3, Erin is joined by Jess Brooks to talk about tour groups! Tour operators sometimes get flack for their practices, bu…

NOTE: Hey Pals! We're on a break right now to work on putting together the next season of the show. In the meantime, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favourite episodes every few weeks - episodes are that a MUST LISTEN! Back in Season 2, we talked to Andrew Gurza, a disability consultant, speaker, fellow Torontonian and host of Disability After Dar…

NOTE: We're on a break right now to work on putting together the next season of the show. In the meantime, we’re rebroadcasting some of our favourite episodes every few weeks - episodes are that a MUST LISTEN! This week we're revisiting our chat with Sojourner White. Erin picked this episode because Sojourner is so talented at helping regular folks…

We are two years into this global pandemic that has changed whether and how we travel. With some countries now loosening travel restrictions, we’re in a bit of a confusing time. It’s becoming possible to travel again, but it isn’t becoming less complicated. We unpack the current state of the pandemic and what it means for travel in 2022 with Emily …

In 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report that outlined how climate change is now widespread, rapid, and intensifying. So at this point, is travel is an unnecessary privilege that is worsening our climate situation? Or, is there a way to strike a balance between travel and sustainability? Erin is joined by Dr. Daniel …

In the 1960s and 1970s young people from the UK, Europe, America and elsewhere, hopped on bus services or into their own converted vehicles, to travel from Europe to South Asia. This epic overland trip often lasted from several weeks to several months long. Along the overland route, travelers would gather in popular spots like Istanbul, Kathmandu, …

A passport isn’t just a symbol of your national identity. For some around the world, it represents oppression, and for others, it’s a symbol of privilege. We're joined by Kay Kingsman from The Awkward Traveller to unpack passport privilege. We discuss the history of passports, and why when you look below the surface, passports have a problematic ro…

Erin and Kattie share their takeaways from the last year, and take some time to appreciate the Pals that made a huge impact on them throughout 2021. 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 @…

When you look on social media there’s tons of content that shows you glamorous, relaxing, and flawless travel. But as we all know, social media is a highlight reel. The reality? Travel sometimes goes a little wrong. From missed flights to bouts of food poisoning, most of us are guaranteed to face some trials and tribulations on our travels. Erin ch…

Solo travel can make a massive impact on your sense of confidence and independence. Lots of women travel solo for this reason, and they span across all ages and backgrounds. In fact, according to a 2020 report, 47% of travelers with Overseas Adventure Travel are registered as ‘solo' - and 85% of these solo travelers are women. In this episode, we c…

When Westerners travel to India, they occasionally experience culture shock that can feel overwhelming. In some cases, the experience of being immersed in a new place becomes too much. “India Syndrome,” a psychosis said to effect Westerners seeking spiritual enlightenment in India, has been cited as the cause behind the disappearance and deaths of …

Women are often told that they shouldn’t travel alone. We’re warned that it’s dangerous, and we need to be careful. But this doesn’t mean that women shouldn’t travel. And in fact, by traveling, women can challenge the status quo. We chat with Juvena Huang, who wanders the world by scooter. As a young woman, she rode 44,000 kilometres across 25 coun…

There are just two northern white rhinos left in the world. Staggering rates of illegal hunting for its horn have led to its (almost certain) extinction in the wild. The rise of conservation tourism, or, safaris, is one way that tourists can support species that are going extinct. But how effective is conservation tourism? James Mwenda joins the po…

The decisions we make as travelers impact more than just us. Our travels impact the communities we visit, in different ways, from economic, to even political. And nowadays, health is a major factor, too. Erin is joined by JoAnna Haugen, a solutions-oriented writer, editor, and public speaker who works at the intersection of sustainable travel, envi…

After 30 years of feeling stuck, Andrew Steven attempted to get in shape for a month-long backpacking trip through the Sierra Nevadas. Looking at his career for inspiration, Andrew finds an unlikely revelation by imagining his life’s narrative arc. But after a death in the family, he found himself in a story of repeating loss. Trail Weight chronicl…

It's been 18 months without travel. We joined Amanda Kendle from the Thoughtful Travel podcast to have an honest and vulnerable discussion about what life without travel has been like. We talk about how Canada and Australia have handled the pandemic differently, share lessons we've learned throughout the pandemic, and talk about how we're coping wi…

It’s been feeling like the travel industry is slowly but surely coming back to life. But we can’t help but feel a little cynical about this return to travel. The pandemic is still raging around the world, we're facing the growing consequences of a climate crisis, and we're continuing to grapple with inequity in our communities. It seems more import…

We're back in your feed for a bonus episode! Erin and Kattie answer your questions about responsible travel, culture shock, revenge travel, the podcast, and more! Plus, we tell you about some of the episodes you can expect to hear in Season 4. If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Trave…

What is colonialism, neocolonialism, and ethnocentrism, and how do these "isms" intersect with travel? Guest Sojourner White joins Erin to unpack these three isms, and explain how and why they are relevant to travelers. Sojourner is an international social worker and travel blogger, and she hosts an Instagram TV series called “Let’s Unpack That.” I…

Erin is joined by Jess Brooks to talk about tour groups! Tour operators sometimes get flack for their practices, but others seem to be doing a good job when it comes to responsible and sustainable practices. Erin and Jess discuss the impact that group travel has on our planet, and give tips for figuring out which tour operators deserve our dollars.…

Grief is something that all of us will experience in life. Erin, host of Alpaca My Bags, has experienced grief several times in her life. Two of those times, the loss happened right before she was meant to travel. And somehow, traveling really helped her to heal. In this episode we're joined by Andrew Steven, the host of the new podcast Trail Weigh…

Traveling often means changes in our routines, unpredictable moments, new sights, new languages, and new sounds. While all of us are likely familiar with these challenges on some level, for autistic people, they can be especially tough. In this episode, we’re exploring how the Autism spectrum impacts travel. We're joined by Jenni, a California base…

The idea of India being tough for Western travelers to prepare for is a common narrative. It's known as a place where most travelers will face culture shock. In this episode of Alpaca My Bags, we're exploring these perceptions with one of our listeners, Anuj! We discuss the stereotyped perceptions of India that are held by foreigners, and we explor…