This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Sweden, that means skipping Stockholm and heading instead to the Stockholm Archipelago—a series of 24,000 islands about the size of Connecticut. It's home to a new 170-mile-long hiking path network launched in October 2024. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Katherine LaGrave, Afar's executive editor and host of our Unpacked: Five Questions series. This past summer, Katherine and her cousin spent a week hiking through pine and oak forests, island-hopping by ferry, eating post-hike Swedish meatballs, and sweating in saunas along the archipelago—covering about 62 miles across seven islands. Plan Your Stockholm Archipelago Trip Getting There & Around •       The archipelago is easily accessible from Stockholm via a well-connected ferry system •       Boat taxis are available for more direct island-to-island transport •       On the islands, get around by foot or bike—rentals are available •       Use the Stockholm Archipelago Trail app for offline maps and trail navigation Where to Stay •       Grinda Wärdshus—stay at the historic home, once the summer residence of the director of the Nobel Prize Committee •       Ingmarsö—a farmhouse B&B with private garden access •       Waxholms Hotell—a newly restored in Vaxholm, the island's capital •       Thanks to Sweden's Right to Roam laws, you can camp almost anywhere for one night (with stricter rules in nature reserves) Listen to All Our Where to Go in 2026 Episodes E1: This Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude E2: Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret Resources •       Read Katherine's full story and explore all 24 destinations on our Where to Go in 2026 list •       Learn more about sauna culture in the Midwest (and why there's a right and a wrong way to say it...) •       Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Peru, that means looking beyond Machu Picchu and Cusco to discover what lies south—a region of white volcanic cities, canyons twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and a food scene that rivals Lima's in flavor (if not fame). In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Mark Johanson, a Chile-based travel writer and author of Mars on Earth: Wanderings in the World's Driest Desert. Mark recently explored southern Peru—from the gleaming colonial streets of Arequipa to the condor-filled skies above the Colca Canyon—and found a landscape rich with adventure, history, and some of the heartiest food in the Andes. Plan Your Southern Peru Getaway In Arequipa Stay at Cirqa—a luxury hotel in a 16th-century monastery Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery—a city-within-a-city with salmon-pink walls and centuries of history Eat at a traditional picanterías like La Nueva Palomino or the more modern Victoria Picantería Try the rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), chupe de camarones (river shrimp chowder), and adobo arequipeño (tangy pork stew) Wash it down with chicha de guiñapo—the original Andean purple corn beer served in huge glasses called "el caporal" Colca Canyon & Beyond Stay at Puquio—Peru's first safari-style adventure camp in Colca Canyon Watch dozens of Andean condors ride the thermals at sunrise Hike into the canyon and experience the climate shift from cold highlands to near-tropical canyon floor Mountain bike down a volcano (for the brave) or hike up one (for the rest of us) Cotahuasi & Toro Muerto Stay at Tinajani—a new tented camp in the Tinajani Canyon Explore pre-Inca ruins with very few other visitors Experience the wind-swept plains and golden seasonal landscapes Lake Titicaca Stay at Titilaka—with a new sister property coming in 2027 Visit the world's highest navigable lake at 12,500 feet Spot flamingos in high-altitude lagoons along the way Getting Around Belmond Andean Explorer—a luxury train connecting Arequipa to Lake Titicaca and Cusco SA Expeditions—for tailor-made trips and off-the-beaten-path Qhapaq Ñan (ancient Incan trail) adventures Resources Follow Mark's work on his website and pick up his book Mars on Earth Explore all 24 destinations on our Where to Go in 2026 list Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special four-part series, join Unpacked host Aislyn Greene as she travels to Charleston, South Carolina, to unpack the city's deeper currents. For the series finale: Charleston's performing arts scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Aislyn explores the city's world-class venues—from America's first dedicated theater to a stunning apricot-colored concert hall—and meets the people bringing opera, dance, jazz, and theater to life in the Lowcountry. In This Episode You'll Learn The remarkable 300-year history of the Dock Street Theater, where ghost stories and contemporary artists meet How the Spoleto Festival USA became an international arts destination that draws everyone from Yo-Yo Ma to Patti Smith Why the Gaillard Center is "the Carnegie Hall" of the South —and how it commissions new works that celebrate Lowcountry stories and landscapes Don't Miss These Moments [02:00] Inside the Dock Street Theater's drawing room [06:00] The record for most light bulbs blown during a single performance [11:00] Spoleto's general director on why 125 concerts in 17 days creates festival magic [13:00] The two ghosts said to haunt Dock Street Theater [18:00] Aislyn visits Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston—one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the city [21:00] How the Gaillard Center transformed from a brutalist municipal auditorium into a world-class performance hall [24:00] The moment Audra McDonald turned off her microphone and brought the house to tears *Time stamps are estimated and may change due to programmatic advertising. Featured in This Episode Venues Dock Street Theater ⁠Gaillard Center⁠ Festivals & Organizations Spoleto Festival USA Piccolo Spoleto Charleston Stage (Dock Street's resident theater company) Chamber Music Charleston MOJA Arts Festival Charleston Literary Festival Performers The Gullah Collective Step Afrika! Complexions Contemporary Ballet (upcoming) Resources Plan your Charleston arts trip using our guides on afar.com Catch Up on the Series Missed any episodes? Here's the full Charleston series: Episode 1: To Understand the Soul of This Southern City, Head for the Water Episode 2: Charleston Serves Up More Than 300 Years of Flavor—and Every Bite Tells a Story Episode 3: The Artisans Keeping the Soul of Charleston's King Street Alive Episode 4: Opera, Punk Rock, and a 300-Year-Old Ghost: One City's Arts Scene Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For the Bahamas, that means looking beyond Nassau's cruise port crowds to discover what this nation of 700 islands and cays really offers. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Terry Ward, a Florida-based writer who has spent years exploring the Bahamas. She traveled to Eleuthera—one of the Out Islands—where she found pink-sand beaches with barely a footprint, locally-owned guesthouses where Bahamian culture takes center stage, and wild dolphins in crystal-clear waters. Plan your Eleuthera Getaway —Stay at the Farm, part of the Little Island Hotels chain —Stay at the Coral Sands Inn & Cottages, which has eight cottages —Eat at the Fig Tree at the Potlatch social club —Eat the national dish, conch salad, at many Harbour Island restaurants —Explore the Sapphire Blue Hole —Scuba dive at Valentine's Resort/Beach on Harbour Island —Visit Seahorse National Park (when it reopens to the public) —Stay Lighthouse Point while sailing with Disney Cruise Line Resources Follow Terry's work on her website Explore all 24 destinations on our Where to Go in 2026 list Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2026, it's time to travel differently. This year's Where to Go list from Afar isn't about the usual suspects—it's about lessening the burden on over-touristed destinations while discovering places that are equally extraordinary. Today, we released our list of 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that deliver all the magic with none of the crowds. From Bucharest's Belle Époque architecture and lively bar scene to Sado Island's pristine beaches and relaxing onsens, these destinations prove you don't have to sacrifice incredible experiences to travel more responsibly. And on December 5—and over the next two months—we'll explore 15 of these places here on Unpacked, through conversations with the writers who discovered them firsthand. Resources Where to Go in 2026: Places That Are on the Rise and Off the Beaten Path Find inspiration, or start planning your next trip, on afar.com Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special four-part series, join Unpacked host Aislyn Greene as she travels to Charleston, South Carolina, to unpack the city's deeper currents. This week: Step onto King Street, Charleston's iconic retail corridor, where three centuries of commerce come alive. From century-old family businesses to contemporary local makers, discover how Charleston's shopping scene preserves history while embracing innovation—one handcrafted treasure at a time. (And be sure to listen to episode one, where we set sail on Charleston's many waterways, and episode two, where we dive into the city's iconic food scene.) In this episode, you'll learn How M. Dumas and Sons evolved from selling Navy uniforms to becoming Charleston's menswear institution since 1917 The story of the Preservation Society of Charleston—and its fantastic shop, filled with all local products. How Croghan's Jewel Box has been engraving Charleston's history for 117 years—while also embracing modern technology How Brackish turns sustainably sourced feathers into wearable art worn by celebrities from Bill Murray to Blake Lively What makes King Street's three distinct zones unique—and why you might be underdressed for dinner The significance of sweetgrass baskets and their generational craftsmanship Featured Guests Gary Flynn: Co-owner and CEO of M. Dumas and Sons, Charleston's century-old menswear institution Brian Turner: CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston, America's first grassroots preservation organization Jonathan Free: Retail manager at the Preservation Society Shop Rhett Ramsay Outten: Third-generation owner of Croghan's Jewel Box, Charleston's oldest family-run jewelry store Don't miss these moments* [2:30] How M. Dumas and Sons became the number one Levi's dealer in South Carolina after WWII [4:00] The charming story of how a sport coat pattern with "a little bit of pink" brings out Charleston's colorful style [8:45] Susan Pringle Frost's pioneering preservation work that saved King Street's architecture [14:30] How Brackish bow ties made from sustainable feathers became a celebrity favorite [17:00] The day Rhett's mother sold her personal signet ring with the family crest to "a lovely man from Ohio" [19:30] Watch master jewelers transform postage-stamp-sized materials into heirloom pieces *Time stamps are estimated and may change due to programmatic advertising. Resources Read the transcript of the episode Plan your Charleston trip using our guide on afar.com, and learn more about where and how to support local businesses. Join the Preservation Society for 10 percent off purchases at their shop Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special four-part series, join Unpacked host Aislyn Greene as she travels to Charleston, South Carolina, to unpack the city's deeper currents. This week: Dive fork-first into Charleston's legendary food scene, where history and flavor collide. From the resurrection of she-crab soup to the recreation of a groundbreaking 1865 dinner that celebrated equality, discover how Charleston's culinary landscape tells the story of African, Native American, and European influences—one delicious dish at a time. In this episode, you'll learn How she-crab soup went from a presidential delicacy to near extinction—and its triumphant return at 82 Queen The powerful story behind Nat Fuller's Feast, an 1865 dinner celebrating emancipation that was recreated 150 years later Why you can find 30 different versions of shrimp and grits in Charleston (and why they're all "fat on fat on fat") The essential Gullah Geechee influences that shape Lowcountry cuisine, from red rice to okra How formerly enslaved people became Charleston's great caterers and shaped the city's culinary identity What distinguishes Lowcountry cuisine from broader Southern cooking Featured Guests Chef Kevin Mitchell: Chef instructor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston, food historian, author, and host of Savers of Flavor Jonathan Kish: CEO of Queen Street Hospitality Group, which owns 82 Queen, Charleston's first fine dining Lowcountry restaurant Lamont Ferrebee: Executive sous chef at 82 Queen Don't miss these moments* [2:50] How Kevin's grandmother's tough love at age 6 launched his culinary career [4:30] The emotional moment when the rain stopped during the Nat Fuller's Feast recreation [7:15] Why turtle soup still haunts food historian Michael Twitty [11:45] The West African okra variety grown specifically for its leaves [17:00] The invention (and resurrection) of she-crab soup [19:30] What happened when 82 Queen tried to change their shrimp and grits recipe *Time stamps are estimated and may change due to programmatic advertising. Dine around Charleston 82 Queen: Experience Charleston's first fine dining Lowcountry restaurant (since 1982) in their magical courtyard setting. Don't miss the award-winning she-crab soup and their unique barbecue shrimp and grits Chef Scholar Dinner Series: Follow Chef Kevin Mitchell on Instagram for a chance to snag tickets to these intimate 16-seat historical dining experiences (April 15th: honoring Chef Patrick Clark) Hannibal's Kitchen: Try their renowned crab rice and other Gullah Geechee classics For dinner, try Fig, Kultura, Lowland, or the Ordinary For coffee, pastries, or breakfast try Page's Okra Grill, Magnolias, Kudu Coffee, or Bad Bunnies Coffee For a cocktail, try Babas, the Seahorse, or the Gin Joint Resources Read the transcript of the episode Plan your trip to Charleston using our guide on afar.com Follow Chef Kevin Mitchell and the Chef Scholar Dinner Series on Instagram @chefkevinmitchell Watch Savers of Flavor to learn about heirloom Southern ingredients Explore more Charleston restaurant recommendations on afar.com, including the best new restaurants and where to find the best Gullah Geechee food. Next Week Join us as we explore Charleston's vibrant music scene and cultural events, from intimate jazz shows to grand performance halls. Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a very special episode of Unpacked by Afar. This week we hosted Unpacked Live, a—you guessed it—live version of the podcast in partnership with Visit California in Boston, Massachusetts. (You can ⁠watch the full conversation on YouTube⁠.) The event celebrated California's diverse Native communities, and host Aislyn Greene was joined on stage by John Acuna, a Hoopa Valley tribal member and Klamath River kayak guide (listen to his episode), and Christina Lonewolf Martinez, a private chef based in Monterey uniting the worlds of fine-dining and Indigenous ingredients like salmon, seaweed, and acorns (listen to her episode). Because the talk was in Boston, we wanted to acknowledge that Massachusetts is the original land of the Wampanoag, who have called this region home for more than 10,000 years. Angela C. Marcellino, a member of the present-day Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, joined us on stage to share a brief history, and today we're going deeper. Angela is a chef, historian, and author of The True Natives of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Their Food Ways. In this in-depth episode, Angela shares the real story of the original Pilgrim-Wampanoag encounter, how her tribe has retained and expanded its culture, and the best ways that travelers can engage respectfully. In this episode, you'll learn The true history of the Wampanoag-Pilgrim encounter and Squanto's role in American history How Harvard University's 1650 charter was originally dedicated to educating Wampanoag children Why the Mashpee became realtors to protect their ancestral lands How ancient foodways and communal cooking traditions keep the Mashpee culture alive today The 30-year journey to federal recognition and what sovereignty means for the tribe Meet this week's guest Angela C. Marcellino, chef, historian, and author of The True Natives of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Their Food Ways Resources Learn about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and visit their cultural center Jesse Little Doe's MacArthur Award-winning work revitalizing the Wampanoag language The Old Indian Meeting House, one of the oldest congregations in America Don't miss these moments [02:00] Angela's unexpected career path: from tribal grant management to real estate—and why land ownership matters [04:00] The shocking story of Indian districts and forced assimilation in Massachusetts [07:00] Why the Pilgrims really came to America (hint: it wasn't just religious freedom) [09:00] Squanto's heartbreaking return to find Pilgrim houses on his village's footprints [13:00] How the Mashpee church became a center for political resistance [15:00] The 1970s development boom that changed everything for the Mashpee [19:00] Coming home to Mashpee: communal living and 10,000-year-old recipes Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 This is a very special episode of Unpacked by Afar. Because this week we hosted Unpacked Live, a—you guessed it—live version of the podcast in partnership with Visit California in Boston, Massachusetts. (You can watch the full conversation on YouTube.) In 2022, Visit California launched Visit Native California, and the goal with the Boston live event was to celebrate California's diverse tribal communities. Unpacked host Aislyn Greene was joined onstage by John Acuna, a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe in Humboldt County, California, and a river guide with Rios to Rivers and Paddle Tribal Waters. In July, 2025, shortly after the Klamath River was undammed—the largest dam removal project in U.S. history—John helped guide a historic 30-day expedition down the Klamath River, known as the First Descent. On stage, John shared the Klamath River's history and what it was like to spend 30 days kayaking a river that has been so essential to the West Coast Native communities and was for so long diverted and quite literally drained of life. In this episode, we go deeper. John shares his early life, how he found his way back to the water, and the lessons he's learned after spending so many years on the river. He also explains how cultural stewardship, land‑back efforts, and Indigenous fire and river knowledge are reshaping landscapes and communities across Northern California. In this episode, you’ll learn How John’s childhood and early work as a firefighter led him to river guiding and youth programs. Why the Klamath and Trinity rivers matter to Indigenous food security, culture, and health. What the Klamath dam removals changed — and how quickly salmon and waterways began to recover. How Paddle Tribal Waters and Rios to Rivers use recreation, mentorship, and cultural practice to rebuild connections for Indigenous youth. Practical ways travelers and listeners can support tribal‑led stewardship and community‑based guiding. Don’t miss these moments [02:00] — John introduces his community kayak fleet (15 boats) [18:00] — John’s first rafting expedition and the job offer that changed his life [55:30] — Sendoff ceremony at the Wood River headwaters (prayer roots, blessings) [59:30] — Open-lake challenge: wind, waves, and seasickness on early days [01:03:00] — Ikes Falls: a sacred portage and a transformative whitewater run [01:13:30] — Salmon spotted upstream; surprisingly fast ecological rebound [01:20:30] — Cultural burning and prescribed fire: returning Indigenous stewardship to the landscape [01:23:00] — “Tread water” tattoo story — resilience and metaphor Meet this episode’s guest John Acuna — Hoopa River guide, former firefighter, Paddle Tribal Waters leader, instructor with Rios to Rivers Resources mentioned in the episode Rios to Rivers Paddle Tribal Waters (project of Rios to Rivers) Warrior Institute Redwoods & Rivers guide school Hoopa Valley Tribe Yurok Tribe How to support Donate to Rios to Rivers or similar Indigenous-led river programs. Book community-based guides and ethical local tour services when visiting tribal territories, such as  the Beaver Creek Guide Service, which offers fishing charters along with education. Explore our coverage (like this story) on afar.com.  Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a very special episode of Unpacked by Afar. Because this week we hosted Unpacked Live, a—you guessed it—live version of the podcast in partnership with Visit California in Boston, Massachusetts. (You can ⁠watch the full conversation on YouTube⁠.) In 2022, Visit California launched Visit Native California, and the goal with the Boston live event was to celebrate California's diverse Native communities. Unpacked host Aislyn Greene was joined onstage by Christina Lonewolf Martinez, a Monterey-based private chef and founder of Chieftess Monterey Bay, who is reintroducing Indigenous ingredients and practices to California’s central coast.  On stage, Christina shared her early life and how working with local Central Coast tribes like the Esselen people, she is reviving and celebrating Indigenous ingredients like acorn flour and seaweed—and using her fine-dining training to bring them to life in brilliant new ways.  In this episode, we go deeper. Christina shares more of her family’s background, the Central Coast’s Indigenous foodways and living traditions, and where she loves to eat on a rare day off.  In this episode, you’ll learn How Christina’s Mexican and Indigenous family roots shaped her earliest food memories and led her into professional kitchens What “re‑Americanizing” American food looks like when Indigenous ingredients become the centerpiece The labor and ritual behind processing acorns and how acorn flour tastes and performs in dishes How Christina collaborates with local tribal members and community organizations to forage responsibly and honor place Don’t miss these moments [02:10] Watching a grandmother’s kitchen—where Christina’s food story begins [09:40] From Denny’s to the Post Ranch Inn: the pivot into fine dining and foraging [14:50] The first encounter with acorn blinis at Post Ranch and why acorns matter today [23:30] Planning and performing the Chieftess table at Big Sur Food & Wine [26:10] The Salmon People amuse: sea grapes, smoked salmon, and a river rock presentation [33:00] Favorite local escapes: Point Lobos, Esalen hot springs, and Carmel Valley river picnics Meet this week’s guest Christina Lonewolf Martinez, private chef and founder of Chiefess Monterey Bay Resources Chieftess Monterey Bay — find pop‑ups, private dinner info, and event listings Esselen Tribe — local tribal resources and cultural context Big Sur Food & Wine — festival details and past programming Explore Afar’s coverage of Big Sur and the Central Coast Where Christina eats, drinks, and takes visitors Alta Bakery Ad Astra Bread Co Carmel Valley Creamery Stokes Adobe Cella Monterey Hacienda Hay & Feed Esalen Institute  How to engage  Christina offers pop-ups via her Instagram account. Check out Three Sisters garden and seed‑saving workshops (community colleges and local organizations) with Rowen White Watch for college demos at Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz  Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special four-part series, join Unpacked host Aislyn Greene as she travels to Charleston, South Carolina, to unpack the city’s deeper currents. Up first: To really get to know Charleston, you must spend time on its water ways. Aislyn heads out for a pre-dawn paddle, hunts for Ice Age fossils alongside Charleston’s Indiana Jones, and explores one of the most pristine marine parks on the East Coast—making new friends along the way (the human kind and the animal kind).  And be sure to come back next week, when we dive into Charleston’s legendary food scene. In this episode, you’ll learn —The history and geology of Shem Creek —Why Morris Island is such a legendary place for fossils—and what it takes to find the good stuff.  —The moody, remote magic of Bulls Island—home to Boneyard Beach—and what it’s like to cruise through the pristine Cape Romain, one of only three Class I Wilderness Area’s in the United Sates.   —Charleston’s diverse marine life, from oyster-eating birds to dolphins with a unique way to create their very own seafood buffet.  —The best marine wilderness tours to go deeper into Charleston’s aquatic history and landscape.  Don’t miss these moments*  *Time stamps are estimated and may change due to programmatic advertising.  Recreate these experiences Join Coastal Expeditions, where founder Chris Crolley and his team of fellow naturalists aim to “connect Earthlings with Earth.” Take a ferry to Bulls Island, an uninhabited barrier island; join a kayak tour from their Shem Creek headquarters; or tour Charleston's blackwaters. And be sure to check out the nonprofit Coastal Expeditions Foundation, which supports kids who would otherwise not have access to the marine world opportunity to spend time on and with the water, among other efforts.  Paddle with Nature Adventures, which offers kayak and paddleboard tours, as well as kayak and paddleobard rentals for those who want to explore solo. Co-owner Ben-Jamin Toy also runs On Purpose Adventures, a team-building and bonding company.  Explore with Charleston Outdoor Adventures, which offers its frequent Morris Island fossil tour as well as oyster farm visits, Outer Banks film location tours, and fishing charters. Owner Joe Lott founded the business in 2009 and offers year-round exploration. Resources  Read the transcript of the episode.  Plan your trip to Charleston using our guides and stories on afar.com Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you determine what makes a great city? This week on Unpacked, Afar editor at large Laura Dannen Redman sits down with Chris Fair, president and CEO of Resonance Consultancy, to unpack the firm’s annual World's Best Cities ranking. Chris explains how the list measures livability, lovability, and prosperity; the UK city that still tops the chart; the methodology changes that reshaped the top 100; and what the ranking means for overtourism, climate risk, and destination marketing. In this episode you’ll learn How Resonance measures a city’s livability, lovability, and prosperity The two cities that remain neck and neck at the top of the list Which cities climbed or slipped after switching data sources from TripAdvisor to Google Maps The perception gap between measured performance and global awareness, with Sao Paulo as a case study How climate risk and resilience are starting to factor into city rankings Don’t miss these moments [00:03:00] How the ranking began as a consulting tool and evolved into a public benchmark [00:08:00] The top 10 cities, revealed [00:10:00] Why switching from TripAdvisor to Google Maps changed the makeup of the top 100 [00:11:00] Sao Paulo’s rise in lovability and the perception gap in Ipsos survey results [00:16:00] The emerging role of climate risk and resilience in city rankings [00:20:00] The challenge of destination concentration and how only a handful of places capture most traveler interest [00:23:00] Vancouver’s spot at 41 and what it reveals about livability versus prosperity Meet this episode’s guests Laura Dannen Redman, Afar editor at large Chris Fair, president and CEO, Resonance Consultancy Resources Read the full World's Best Cities report at WorldsBestCities.comExplore Afar’s coverage of the World's Best Cities List Read about the WrldCity Forum, hosted by Resonance If you’re interested in small city rankings or regional lists, check Resonance’s Americas and Europe city reports Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Unpacked: Five Questions. In honor of our latest issue of ⁠Afar magazine⁠, which focuses on epic trips—the kind of adventures that change your world—we're hearing from the writers and photographers who chronicled and captured those trips. In the final episode of the series, host and Afar executive editor Katherine LaGrave speaks with Ryan Knighton, a memoirist, screenwriter, surfer, and Afar contributing writer, about his first trip to Peru with Intrepid Travel. Blind since his late teens, Ryan reflects on orchestral nights in the Amazon, the terrifying thrill of canopy rope bridges, and why tactile histories — from Incan pebble counting to khipu knot records — stayed with him long after he left Machu Picchu. On this episode you'll learn How a blind traveler experiences the Amazon’s soundscape and why a night in the Amazon became the trip’s standout moment What the canopy walk felt like and why tactile, sensory experiences mattered more than famous vistas The Incan tactile systems Ryan encountered and why those discoveries resonated with him personally How group travel reshaped Ryan’s experience and turned strangers into a supportive traveling “tribe” Don't miss these moments [3:23] Ryan describing the Amazon at night and its “Dolby” soundscape [6:25] The first step onto a high canopy rope bridge and the trust it required [8:49] Reflections on Machu Picchu, expectations, and why some bucket-list sites land differently for different travelers [13:46] The guide’s tactile pebble-and-grid demonstration of Incan counting systems [20:29] How group dynamics transformed the trip into a shared, memorable experience Resources Read Ryan Knighton’s Afar story about Peru Learn more about Intrepid Travel Take This Trip Contributing writer Ryan Knighton joined Intrepid Travel on its nine-day “Premium Peru” trip, which visits Lima, the Amazon, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu. On the ground, meals, transport, accommodation, and luggage and airport transfers are included. Travel dates for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are available at intrepidtravel.com. From $4,600 per person. Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Unpacked: Five Questions. In honor of our latest issue of Afar magazine, which focuses on epic trips—the kind of adventures that change your world—we're hearing from the writers and photographers who chronicled and captured those trips. In the third episode of the series, host and Afar executive editor Katherine La Grave speaks with Afar contributor Chris Colin about his first safari — a family trip through Botswana that mixed biking, Land Cruisers, salt pans, and intimate wildlife encounters. Chris describes the sensory moments that changed how he pays attention, the guides who opened the landscape to his family, and the small-scale wonders (including an antlion and a near-miss with a cobra) that stayed with him long after the trip. In this episode you’ll learn Why Botswana’s slower pace and fewer vehicles make it a different kind of safari How biking through the bush reveals small-scale wildlife moments you won’t see from a Land Cruiser Practical travel advice for families and first-time safari-goers (how to slow down, pack flexibly, and read local history) How local guides turn instincts and small signs into unforgettable wildlife sightings Don’t miss these moments Opening conversation on why Botswana felt like the right first safari Riding on elephant trails with a bike-supported vehicle nearby The antlion pit: a small, gruesome, unforgettable predator encounter Lying on the salt pans under a vast African sky and hearing lions roar at dusk A near miss with a massive cobra while answering nature’s call Meet this episode’s guest Chris Colin — Afar contributing writer and the traveler at the center of this episode Take this trip Contributing writer Chris Colin’s eight-day Botswana itinerary was put together by Teresa Sullivan, cofounder of Mango African Safaris, who specializes in family travel. The trip featured a Natural Selection cycling safari into the Makgadikgadi Pans and exploring the Okavango Delta. From $2,444 per person, per day.  Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down with journalist Chloe Berge, who spent 13 days paddling 80 miles down Canada's Firth River—one of the country's oldest and most northern rivers—before reaching the Arctic Ocean. This epic journey through Ivvavik National Park combines adventure, science, and deep cultural history in one of the most remote regions on Earth. Chloe shares her experience navigating Class IV rapids, disconnecting completely from the digital world, and standing in ancient Inuit hunting grounds that have been used for thousands of years. She reveals why this unique expedition—which hosts only about 100 visitors annually—serves as the sole opportunity for Parks Canada scientists to collect critical environmental data in this pristine wilderness. On this episode you'll learn: Why Canadian River Expeditions' partnership with Parks Canada makes this the only annual scientific data collection opportunity in the region How two weeks completely off-grid changes your relationship with time and the natural world What makes the Engigstciak mountain one of the most important archaeological sites in Arctic Canada Why the region's unglaciated history during the last ice age created such unique geological formations How paddling expectations versus reality shaped the physical demands of the journey Don't miss these moments: [04:00] Chloe's previous Arctic experiences and what drew her to this inland expedition [06:00] Standing at Engigstciak—an ancient hunting lookout used for thousands of years [08:00] Finding the rhythm of the river and how time becomes less linear in the wilderness [10:00] The immediate sense of remoteness when dropped by bush plane 200 miles from civilization [13:00] The geological wonders that didn't make the story—from glittering quartz pillars to sandstone archways [15:00] Surprising truths about the paddling requirements and physical demands [19:00] The profound mental clarity that comes from two weeks without digital connection Resources Read Chloe's complete Afar feature about paddling the Firth River to the Arctic Ocean Learn more about Canadian River Expeditions and their science-focused Arctic trips Explore Ivvavik National Park and its rich Inuit cultural heritage Follow Chloe Berge for more stories at the intersection of travel, environment, and culture Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down with photographer Kari Medig, who has spent 15 years traveling the world documenting ski culture—from Austria's iconic Hahnenkamm downhill to landlocked Lesotho. But one region has captivated him above all others: the Balkans. Kari shares his journey through Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, revealing why these mountains—many higher than the Swiss Alps—offer something beyond world-class skiing. He discusses the unbelievable hospitality that keeps bringing him back, his unique analog photography approach using a Hasselblad film camera, and why he seeks out parking lot encounters as much as pristine powder. From a chance morning photo of a ski rental owner in her bathrobe to reconnecting with a Bulgarian café owner a decade later, Kari's stories illuminate how skiing becomes a lens for experiencing culture in its most authentic form. On this episode you'll learn: Why the Balkans' mountains are higher than many expect—and vastly underdeveloped for skiing How "Midwest Kind" isn't the only form of extraordinary hospitality—the Balkans surprised Kari with their warmth Why Kari shot his Balkan trips on film with a single Hasselblad camera instead of modern digital equipment How parking lots and ski rental shops become unexpected locations for the most meaningful photographs What makes skiing a unique way to participate in—not just observe—a culture Don't miss these moments: [02:00] Kari's first trip to Bulgaria in 2004 and his amazement at the scope of the mountains [03:00] The café owner who Kari reconnected with a decade later [05:00] Why Kari uses a Hasselblad film camera for his nostalgic, muted aesthetic [08:00] The ski hill in Bulgaria and why parking lots are Kari's favorite shooting locations [10:00] The last-morning photo of a ski rental owner in her bathrobe that captured the entire trip [12:00] Why people always ask Kari—who grew up skiing in Canada—"Why are you here? You have the best skiing in the world" Resources Explore Kari's complete Afar photo essay about skiing in the Balkans Follow Kari Medig for more ski culture photography Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albuquerque isn't just a stopover—it's a destination where ancient land meets modern vision. On this replay episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she discovers why this Southwestern city has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, food innovators, and cultural preservation. From sunrise balloon rides to Indigenous-led breweries, explore the Albuquerque that's rooted in 10-million-year-old landscapes and 700 years of Pueblo heritage. In this episode, you'll learn: How Albuquerque preserved one-quarter of its land as open space—and what that means for visitors today The Indigenous entrepreneurs and chefs reclaiming food sovereignty through heritage grains, native ingredients, and innovative brewing Why New Mexico's oldest wine region is finally getting the recognition it deserves The best ways to experience Albuquerque's outdoor spaces, from the Sandia Peak Tramway to the new downtown Rail Trail Meet this week’s guests Sarah Sheasley, director of marketing for ⁠Los Poblanos⁠ ⁠Elaine Briseño⁠, journalist and historian  Terry Brunner, the Director of the city of Albuquerque’s ⁠Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency⁠ ⁠Justin de la Rosa⁠, a local food writer and director of outlets for the Sawmill Market ⁠Dylan Storment⁠, director of wine and spirits at Los Poblanos Missy Begay, cofounder of ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠  Bill Stimmel, the entrepreneurial director at ⁠Indian Pueblo Cultural Center⁠ Murray Conrad, hot air balloon pilot and owner of ⁠World Balloon⁠ My Albuquerque itinerary Where I ate, stayed, and played. Hotels Book a stay at ⁠Los Poblanos⁠ Book a stay at ⁠Hotel Chaco⁠ Restaurants ⁠El Patio⁠ ⁠Mesa Provisions⁠ ⁠Coda Bakery⁠ Campo at ⁠Los Poblanos⁠ Level 5 at ⁠Hotel Chaco⁠ ⁠Farm & Table⁠ ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠  ⁠Old Town Farm⁠ Activities Take a bike and taco tour with ⁠Routes⁠ Tour the ⁠Indian Pueblo Cultural Center⁠ Visit the ⁠Paseo del Bosque⁠ Take a tram up ⁠Sandia Peak⁠ Fly with ⁠World Balloon⁠ If you want to hear more of the flamenco episode you hear at the top of the episode, see a show at ⁠Tablao Flamenco⁠ Explore more places to stay and savor with Afar's New Mexico travel guide. Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This isn't just London—it's England, and there's so much more beyond the royal stereotypes. On this episode of Unpacked—part of Afar's ongoing Off the Tourist Trail series—join host Aislyn Greene as she explores hidden England with travel journalist Lottie Gross. From rebellious Bristol to underground cave networks, discover the layers of England that even locals often miss. Lottie shares her insider knowledge on experiencing authentic English culture, avoiding tourist traps, and finding magic in shoulder seasons. In this episode, you'll learn Why Bristol is the rebellious alternative to London you need to visit Underground adventures in the Peak District's historic Blue John mines The best neighborhoods in London (the ones that locals love) When to visit England for fewer crowds and better prices Essential etiquette tips for respecting English communities Don't miss these moments [08:45] The Cotswolds photography problem that's driving locals crazy [16:30] Why Bristol tore down Edward Colston's statue—and what it means [24:15] Taking a boat through underground caves to a "bottomless pit" [31:20] The purple heather moors and heritage railways of North Yorkshire [42:35] Winter seal pups and life-changing venison curry in Norfolk Meet this week's guest Lottie Gross, travel journalist and England expert who explores her home country's hidden gems Resources —For more tips from Lottie about where to go, where to say, and what to eat, read her England Off the Beaten Path story on afar.com —Follow Lottie's ongoing UK adventures on Instagram —Read about South Oxfordshire in Afar's 2025 Where to Go list —Dog lovers, be sure to check out Lottie's books, Dog-Friendly Weekends and Dog Days Out —Check out our Iceland Off the Tourist Trail episode Where to Stay Soho Farmhouse (Oxfordshire) The Grand hotel (North Yorkshire) What to do Bristol's Banksy street art tours with Where the Wall SS Great Britain ship museum (Bristol) North York Moors heritage railway (Pickering to Whitby) Speedwell Cavern boat tours (Peak District) Borough Market and Maltby Street Market (London) Holkham Beach for winter seal watching (Norfolk) Whitby's annual Goth weekend Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Unpacked, America 250, a mini series celebrating the music, art, food, and more that makes America, America—in honor of our nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. The mini series is part of Afar's "52 Places to Travel in the U.S. This Year" story, and in this fourth episode, host Aislyn Greene takes us to Illinois to explore the towering fiberglass giants that once ruled America's highways. From Bob Prewitt's rodeo horse trailers to Texaco's massive "Big Friend" campaign, this episode reveals how a cowboy's creativity sparked a nationwide phenomenon of supersized roadside advertising—and how one man's obsession saved these giants from extinction. On this episode you'll learn How rodeo cowboy Bob Prewitt accidentally launched the fiberglass giant industry while building horse trailers in 1960s California Why these towering figures became known as "Muffler Men" despite most never holding mufflers The story behind Texaco's ambitious Big Friend program that deployed 300 twenty-three-foot servicemen across America—and why it failed spectacularly How oil companies like Phillips 66 and Texaco drove the nationwide expansion of roadside giants in the 1960s What happened when Texaco ordered all their giants destroyed, echoing Cecil B. DeMille's Hollywood set demolitions Why Joel Baker became America's leading expert on fiberglass giants and opened the country's only dedicated museum How the American Giants Museum on Route 66 preserves these analog attractions for smartphone-era visitors Featured Expert: Joel Baker, founder of the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and Unpacked,⁠ where we dig into the trickiest topics in travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iceland is so much more than the Golden Circle and Northern Lights—there's a vast country that exists beyond the tourist hotspots. On this episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she speaks with travel writer Ali Wunderman, who has been exploring the country for more than a decade. Ali shares how to connect with authentic Icelandic culture, avoid the crowds, and discover the spots that most visitors miss. From traditional lopapeysa sweaters to remote West Fjords adventures, learn how to experience Iceland like a local. In this episode, you'll learn How to avoid crowds at Iceland's most popular destinations Why the West Fjords and East Fjords offer Iceland's most authentic experiences The cultural significance behind Iceland's tourism boom and economic recovery How to respectfully engage with Icelandic hot spring etiquette and local customs Don't miss these moments [03:00] The tourism video that changed everything and launched Iceland's boom [08:00] Why dating an Icelander is the ultimate travel hack (and passport strategy) [15:00] Iceland's transformation from a place left off maps to overtourism destination [20:00] The real story behind Icelandic cuisine beyond fermented shark [25:00] How WWII American soldiers accidentally created modern Iceland's progressive culture [30:00] Essential Icelandic words and cultural tips for connecting with locals Meet this week's guest Ali Wunderman, travel writer for National Geographic, Vogue, and Afar, and author of an Iceland guidebook Resources —Read the transcript of this episode —Read Ali's Afar.com story about off-the-beaten-path Iceland —Explore Afar's guide to Iceland —Browse Ali's Iceland guidebook —Follow Ali's travels and writing on Instagram —Explore her ex-boyfriend's Icelandic music playlist. "He often shares this with foreigners to get a deeper taste of Iceland's music beyond the stuff that makes it to the USA," Ali says. Where to Stay Find your dream Icelandic hotel Where to Eat, Drink, and shop Shop for traditional Icelandic sweaters at the Handknitting Association of Iceland Eat Icelandic cuisine at Dill restaurant (Iceland's first Michelin star) Try local Thai restaurants (a surprising Iceland specialty) Eat the famous hamburger with fries inside at Leirunesti in Akureyri Activities Horseback riding with Eldhestar Sheep herding during réttir season (September) Iceland Airwaves Music Festival (November) Þorrablót winter festivals (January) West Fjords photography expeditions Highland four-wheel-drive adventures Bonus 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. Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices