Shows / Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly
Unpacked by Afar is your weekly guide to where to go, how to travel, and everything worth unpacking in between. Each week, host Aislyn Greene and the Afar team travel the world and dig into the big questions behind every great trip, from the best new hotels and national parks to traveling more responsibly. Some weeks we follow a story through music, food, and culture. Others we tackle a tricky topic, share our favorite destinations, or help you plan where to go next. Because the travel world is…
Episodes
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: The Texas City Getting a Juneteenth Museum, FIFA World Cup Matches, and a Cowgirl Museum Expansion
It's a shiny new year, so this month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's Where to Go list—24 emerging regions and overlooked locales to explore this…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: Malaysia's Most Overlooked Island Is a Feast for Every Sense
It's a shiny new year, so this month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's Where to Go list. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: The White Lotus Architect Designed a Hotel in This Vietnamese City—Now the World Is Noticing
It's a fresh new year and this month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's Where to Go in 2026 list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: The Pacific Northwest's 80-Mile Playground Just Got Even Better
It's a shiny new year, so this month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's Where to Go list. And this year's list is a little different. Because in 2026…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: Trade the Serengeti Traffic for This Under-the-Radar Kenyan Safari
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: The French Riviera's Last Stop Before Italy—and Its Best-Kept Secret
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: Three Hours From Nashville, the South's Next Great Food Capital Is Waiting
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThe City Where You'll Find Ghost Stories, Gullah Rhythms, and the "Carnegie Hall of the South"
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: This Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhere to Go in 2026: The Most Underrated Destinations for the Year Ahead
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThe Artisans Keeping the Soul of Charleston's King Street Alive
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyCharleston Serves Up More Than 300 Years of Flavor—and Every Bite Tells a Story
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThe Wampanoag Story: 10,000 Years of Food, Land, and Survival in Massachusetts
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyHow Ancient Food Traditions Shape California Cuisine Today
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhat California’s Klamath River Revival Means for Travelers
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyTo Understand the Soul of This Southern City, Head for the Water
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…
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The World's Best Cities List Is Out. Here's How They Actually Pick Winners
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly"The Amazon at Night Is Dolby Sound"—What It’s Like to Visit Peru as a Blind Traveler
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyIn Botswana, Tracking Lions and Elephants—By Bike
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked, Five Questions: Finding Flow on Canada's Oldest River
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked, Five Questions: A Ski Photographer's Love Letter to the Balkans
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyReplay: The Land of Hot Air Balloons, Heritage Grains, and 300 Days of Sunshine
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyA Local's Guide to England's Best-Kept Secrets
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyGiants of the Highway: The Secret Story Behind Route 66's Most Unusual Museum
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyBeyond the Ring Road: An Iceland Insider’s Guide to Avoiding the Crowds
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked, Five Questions: The Secret Life of New York's Oldest Businesses
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked, Five Questions: When a British Writer Meets the Cape Cod of the Midwest
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyParadise by Design: The Florida Story
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyA Slow Traveler's Guide to Korea's (Second) Busiest City
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…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThis Beat Is the Real Heart of D.C.
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…
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From Controversial Pizza to Comeback Stories: America's Most Compelling Cities Right Now
In this special Unpacked bonus episode, we're going behind the scenes of our newView From Afar podcast, which spotlights the people and the ideas shaping the…
- Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly
Newark's Comeback, L.A.'s Wildfire Recovery, and This Summer's Travel Reality
In this special Unpacked bonus episode, we're going behind the scenes of our newView From Afar podcast, which spotlights the people and the ideas shaping the…
- Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly
From Freezing to Steaming: A Minnesota Love Story
Welcome to Unpacked, America 250, a new mini series celebrating the music, art, food, and more that makes America, America—in honor of our nation's upcoming…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhat Happens After You Buy That One-Euro Italian House?
Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a new series where we go behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked Minis, Five Questions: For One Writer, This Ancient Chinese City Always Feels New
Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a new series where we go behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked Minis, Five Questions: For Some of the World’s Most Exciting Wines, Travel to Mexico
Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a new series where we go behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this inaugural episode, host Katherine LaGrave…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked Minis, Cruise Edition: The Culinary Trends Shaping the Way We Eat at Sea
In 2025, wellness is the main ingredient at sea. From elaborate tea houses to shopping excursions with the chef—these are the fresh ways that cruise lines are…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked Minis, Cruise Edition: The Five Innovations You’ll See on Your Next Cruise Ship
Peek into the colorful, immersive, and luxurious innovations shaping the future of cruising—straight from the floor of Seatrade Cruise Global, one of the…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyI Traveled Through 300 Years of Kyoto's History—All From One Hotel
With just five years under it's belt, Hotel the Mitsui has already stood the test of time. Housed in the former estate of one of Japan's most influential…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly“Nobody Knows We’re Here.” Inside the Real D.C.
This isn’t Washington, it’s D.C.—and it belongs to the people. On this episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she meets the D.C. locals who are…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThese Two Cruise Lines Are Charting a Surprising Path to a Better, Healthier World
When it comes to the future of cruising, sustainability is steering the ship. On this episode of Unpacked, Afar cruise expert and deputy editor, Michelle…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThese are the Best New Hotels of 2025—and They Have Stories to Tell
The best hotels offer so much more than a place to stay. In this episode of Unpacked, go behind the scenes of our Best New Hotels list to discover the hotels…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThe State Where Blues Music Legends Are Born
These locals are blazing a trail back to the legends that made Mississippi, specifically the Delta, a region that was (and is) vital to the development of…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyWhy Off-Season Travel is the Key to Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure
Hut-to-hut skiing, frozen waterfalls and seaside foliage—there are surprising outdoor adventures to have in the off-season. Whether you're looking for "softer…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked Minis, Cruise Edition: Please Don’t Plan a Cruise Without This
There's a surprising key to booking a successful cruise, whether it’s your first or 100th. In our second episode of Unpacked Minis, Cruise Edition, host Aislyn…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyHidden Islands and Local Favorites: How to Hack Your Summer Travel
Looking to avoid the crowds and make the most of summer travel in 2025? On this episode of Unpacked, Afar contributor Mark Ellwood—a seasoned traveler who has…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly“She’s an Italian Mama.” Get to Know Rome Like a Local.
This year—2025—is a holy one in Rome. But you can still avoid the crowds. On this episode of Unpacked by Afar, Rome local and journalist Laura Itzkowitz, takes…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyUnpacked Minis, Cruise Edition: There's a Cruise for You (Really!)
Welcome to Unpacked Minis, our new Unpacked series. Throughout the year, over the course of four bite-size episodes, we'll dig into the biggest themes in…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyThe Secret to Stress-Free Family Travel? These Parents (And Travel Pros) Say It’s All in the Bag.
“How soon can you put this baby on a plane?” When No Reception Club founders Gemma and Daniel Ng became parents, they vowed not only to keep traveling, but to…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyTravel Tales Bonus: Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski Will Eat Anything—Except This
Welcome to a special bonus from our sister podcast, Travel Tales. In it, Antoni Porowski, our favorite culinary expert from Queer Eye, takes you…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyI've Been Booking Trips With Points Since I Was 12—Here's How To Win at Travel
Stop making these common travel mistakes and start maximizing credit card points and airline miles with these tips from The Points Guy, Brian Kelly, author of…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyI Always Visit a Cemetery When I Travel—Here's Why You Should, Too
Step aside cheesy ghost tours, “tombstone tourism” is so much more than visiting cemeteries to hear about local legends. In this episode of Unpacked, a…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyYour Next Tour Might Be a Silent One. AI Will Remake Your Hotel Experience. These Are the Travel Trends to Watch in 2025
This year in luxury travel, customization is king. Afar’s resident hotel expert, Jennifer Flowers, and editor in chief, Julia Cosgrove, go behind the scenes of…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyAfar, A Retrospective: The First Female Flamenco Guitarists, Turning Suffering into Passion
This podcast episode is part of Afar, A Retrospective. As part of Afar’s 15-year anniversary celebration, this episode from our sister podcast, Travel Tales by…
Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More ResponsiblyHow to Plan Your Best Travel Year: An Astrologer Shares Her 2025 Predictions
Who needs a travel planner when you could consult the cosmos? According to astrologer Adama Sesay, your astrological chart can be the key to an ideal travel…
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9 Inspiring Companies Changing the Way We Travel
In our annual Travel Vanguard awards, Afar honors nine companies that are working to improve the world and how travelers experience it. We launched the Afar…