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 podcast to tell us about conservation and our role as tourists in protecting endangered species and our planet. James was a caretaker for the last northern white rhinos at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and now he has started his own expedition company, Jemu Expeditions, to show travellers to Kenya what he loves most about his country.  SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! GUEST: James Mwenda @jemu_mwenda RESOURCES Jemu Mwenda Expeditions WATCH: Witnessing Extinction | Get to Know James Mwenda and the Last Two Northern White Rhinos WATCH: My journey to conservation. Solo Traveling Woman Tiktok: @jesswetzstein  Thank you to our sponsor, WORLD NOMADS! Inspiration, opportunities and travel insurance to help you fuel your curiosity, find your journey and travel bravely. @worldnomads Check out www.worldnomads.com. Benefits limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Be sure to read your policy wording. HOW TO SUPPORT US: Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month. ALSO, we're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod. CREDITS Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes Producer: Kattie Laur Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

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72: Is Conservation Tourism Responsible?

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, environmental conservation, and community-based advocacy efforts. We discuss what it means to de-center ourselves as travelers, the role of the travel industry in doing so, consequences of a traveler-focused mindset and how to get the "casual traveler" to care about responsible travel. SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! GUEST: JoAnna Haugan RESOURCES What We Risk When We Rush Back To Travel Connecting With Casual Travelers: Out-of-the-Box Collaborations the Tourism Industry Must Consider Thank you to our sponsor, WORLD NOMADS! Inspiration, opportunities and travel insurance to help you fuel your curiosity, find your journey and travel bravely. @worldnomads Check out www.worldnomads.com. Benefits limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Be sure to read your policy wording. HOW TO SUPPORT US! Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! ALSO, we're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod CREDITS Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes Producer: Kattie Laur Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

71: How to De-Center Yourself in Travel

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 chronicles Andrew’s journey as he narrates a year of his life. Through audio diaries, recordings from the trail, and conversations with authors, experts, Olympians, and special guests, Andrew takes listeners through an eye-opening adventure of self-discovery. In this excerpt, Andrew introduces himself and how his journey got started. 

Introducing: Trail Weight

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 without travel. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast with Amanda Kendle is a show for travel lovers. Each episode is packed with travel stories from fellow travel addicts on topics like using foreign languages, meeting the locals, getting lost and what we learn from our travels. Learn more about Amanda and The Thoughtful Travel Podcast: https://www.notaballerina.com  --------------------------------------------------------------- Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick question survey for us! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod Join our Facebook Group: Alpaca YOUR Bags. Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes Producer: Kattie Laur Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey 

BONUS: 18 Months Without Travel

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 important than ever to make sure that when we travel, we do it right. So where do we start? I’m Erin Hynes, travel writer and host of Alpaca My Bags -  on this season of the podcast, I’m digging even deeper into what it really means to be a responsible traveler. With the help of my producer Kattie, we’ll chat with thought leaders, activists, and passionate travelers -  exploring questions like: How important is it to decenter yourself as a traveller? How will climate change impact tourism, and travel as we know it?  And, is the era of Space Tourism here? And if so, is that something we even need? I am itching to book my next adventure, and I’m sure you are too. So, there’s no better time to be having these conversations. Throughout the season, I’ll share some of my own travel stories - and mishaps - with you. And along the way, we’ll all learn how we can return to travel in a way that’s better for us, and for the planet.  So hit the subscribe button, because Season 4 of Alpaca My Bags, the responsible travel podcast, is coming this October, available everywhere you find your favourite podcasts. Join me every other Wednesday starting October 6th for a new season of Alpaca My Bags! -------------------------------------------------------------- Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick question survey for us! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod Join our Facebook Group: Alpaca YOUR Bags. Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes Producer: Kattie Laur Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

Alpaca My Bags is BACK for Season 4!

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 when S04 of Alpaca My Bags launches in October 2021.  HOW TO SUPPORT US! Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! ALSO, we're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod Join our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB CREDITS Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes Producer: Kattie Laur Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

70: BONUS: Ask Us Anything!

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.” In every video she unpacks the meaning behind a term and how it relates to travel. SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! GUEST: Sojourner White Resources  Decolonization in Action No White Saviors Podcast  Home • Sojournies  Sojourner | Travel & LifestyleHOW TO SUPPORT US!Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags!SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!ALSO, we're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us!Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspodJoin our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB CREDITSWritten and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Christopher McCluskey

69: Lets Unpack Colonialism & Travel

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. GUEST:Jess Brooks is the founder of Eternal Landscapes, a Mongolia-focused tour operator that aims to keep the benefits of tourism within the local community. SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! RESOURCES: Eternal LandscapesResponsible tourism in MongoliaWays to be a More Responsible TouristEternal Landscapes on Instagram HOW TO SUPPORT US!Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags!SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!ALSO, we're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us!Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspodJoin our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB CREDITSWritten and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Christopher McCluskey

68: Are Tour Groups a Responsible Way to Travel?

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 Weight. The show chronicles Andrew’s adventure of self-discovery as he hiked the John Muir Trail while grappling with the death of his mom. We discuss how travel impacts the experience of grief, travel guilt, and how immersing yourself in nature and new experiences can support your mental health. SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month! GUEST: Andrew Steven RESOURCES: ‎Trail Weight on Apple Podcasts  It's official -- spending time outside is good for you  Spending time outdoors is good for you, from the Harvard Health Letter - Harvard Health  HOW TO SUPPORT US!Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags!SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!ALSO, we're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us!Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspodJoin our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB CREDITSWritten and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Christopher McCluskey

67: How Travel Can Help to Heal Grief

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 based photographer who was formally diagnosed with Autism in adulthood, and Nicole, who owns a travel agency that specializes in travel for neurodiverse people.PSA: You'll notice that in parts of this episode person-first language is used. Jenni explained that she, and many others in the autistic community, feel that identify-first language is more inclusive. Please listen critically. Being able to identify person-first language is super important if we’re going to get better at correcting it.  SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!P.S. We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us!  ---Guests:Jenni Chapman - @aliandjenni @jennichapmanphotographyhttps://www.aliandjenni.com Nicole ThibaultSPECTRUM TRAVEL SOCIAL STORY VIDEOShttp://www.magicalstorybooktravels.com/ RESOURCES: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSJaF8dq92kOsOBIWT8DCQ  Autismtravel.com https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/features/adults-living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder.html https://devonprice.medium.com/should-i-come-out-as-autistic-20859ff4304b AANE.org Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags!Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspodJoin our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB Written and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Christopher McCluskey

66: Travel on the Spectrum

The idea of India being tough for Western travelers to prepare for is a common narrative. It's known as a destination 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 explore the diversity of India - from it's languages to it's food and culture. Plus, we dig into the legacy of colonialism in India, class differences, and the ethics of slum tours. SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!P.S. We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us!  ---Guest:Anuj Haribhakti -  @anujph RESOURCES: Inglorious Empire: What The British Did To India by Shashi Tharoor An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags!Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspodJoin our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB Written and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Christopher McCluskey

65: "Nothing Prepares You For India"

South East Asia is extremely popular amongst backpackers, typically because it doesn’t cost much to get there, there is plenty of tourism infrastructure, there are lots of opportunities to party, and most of all - you can travel there on a small budget. But there are tons of stories of tourists being arrested or deported for disrespectful behaviour, or even breaking laws. In this episode, Saphire and Crystal from the podcast Eff It, Go Travel join us to explore how and why this happens - and, spoiler alert - much of it has to with white, and western privilege. P.S. We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us!  ---Guest:Eff It, Go Travel Podcast - Listen here.@effitgotravelRESOURCES: Laos town known for drunkenness and tourist deaths cleans up its act  Why Western expats like Kristen Gray need to stop romanticising Bali Eff It, Go Travel: What You Need To Know About Travel Privilege Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags!SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspodJoin our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources by AMB Written and Hosted by: Erin HynesProducer: Kattie LaurMusic from Motion ArrayLogo by Christopher McCluskey

64: Unpacking Travel Privilege in South East Asia

It's been one full year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. To mark this anniversary, we brought Emily Scott, registered nurse, science educator, and travel blogger, back on Alpaca My Bags to discuss the COVID-19 measures, vaccines, and the future of travel. For Emily, this was the year that she stopped traveling. Instead, she found herself treating the first COVID-19 patient in the USA, and many afterward. She explains what the coronavirus vaccines mean for the future of this pandemic and for travelers, whether it’s ok to travel internationally yet, how to travel safely right now, and her thoughts on the future of travel. Plus, we touch on some common questions about the vaccines! P.S. We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick survey for us! (https://forms.gle/eZFYfduPYA8LV5MB7)   --- Guest: Emily Scott - Registered nurse and travel blogger who has a passion for humanitarian nursing. @twodustytravelers https://www.twodustytravelers.com/ Listen to Emily's episode from the beginning of the pandemic, March 2020:  COVID-19: Is Now the Time to Alpaca Your Bags? (https://audioboom.com/posts/7529789-covid-19-is-now-the-time-to-alpaca-your-bags) RESOURCES: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lealane/2020/11/19/six-major-2021-travel-trends-show-transforming-effects-of-covid-19/?sh=6e81bc9f1d3b https://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/domestic-travel-increases-during-covid-19-pandemic.html  Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON (https://www.patreon.com/alpacamybags) for as little as $5 a month! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod (http://www.instagram.com/alpacamybagspod) Join our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources (https://www.facebook.com/groups/alpacamybagscommunity) by AMB Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes (https://www.pinatravels.org/) Producer: Kattie Laur (http://www.kattielaur.com/) Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

63: COVID-19: Is it Safe to Travel Yet?

Who do you see when you scroll popular travel hashtags on Instagram, or turn on Netflix to watch a travel show? Does your travel media include diverse voices, stories, videos, and images? Today, we're unpacking representation in travel media with return guest Zac Schraeder. We break down why representation matters, how diverse and inclusive media can benefit marginalized communities, and what travelers with privilege can do to support equity in travel. P.S. We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick question survey for us! (https://forms.gle/eZFYfduPYA8LV5MB7)   --- Guest: Zac Schraeder - @zed_eh_see (http://www.instagram.com/zed_eh_see) RESOURCES: How the Decade’s Rise of Social Media Changed Travel (https://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/how-the-decades-rise-of-social-media-changed-travel.html)   7 Best Travel Shows (To Binge While You Can't Travel) (https://www.indietraveller.co/best-travel-shows/)   The Black Traveler (https://blacktravelalliance.com/the-black-traveler/)   (PDF) The impact of representation media on customer engagement in tourism marketing among millennials (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333519539_The_impact_of_representation_media_on_customer_engagement_in_tourism_marketing_among_millennials)   African American Travel Represents $63 Billion Opportunity (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/20/1670310/0/en/African-American-Travel-Represents-63-Billion-Opportunity.html)   https://socialsciences.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/UCLA-Hollywood-Diversity-Report-2020-Film-2-6-2020.pdf  DIVERSITY IN TRAVEL REPORT/SCORE CARD (https://www.martysandiego.com/post/diversity-in-travel-report-score-card)   Travel TV Embarrassingly Lacks Female Hosts | Condé Nast Traveler (https://www.cntraveler.com/story/travel-tv-embarrassingly-lacks-female-hosts)   Most travelers today are women, and the industry may finally be catching on (https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2016/08/10/most-travelers-today-are-women-and-industry-may-finally-catching/MrBBK7ZqAt13VqT6Kp50PJ/story.html)   Black History Heritage Tour (http://www.blackheritagetours.com) States Of Undress (https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/show/states-of-undress)   Watch World Wide Nate: African Adventures | Prime Video (https://www.amazon.com/World-Wide-Nate-African-Adventures/dp/B07888QB18)   #PullUpForTravel Campaign Report (https://blacktravelalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Black-Travel-Alliance_PullUpForTravel-Campaign-Report_extended.pdf)   Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON (https://www.patreon.com/alpacamybags) for as little as $5 a month! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod (http://www.instagram.com/alpacamybagspod) Join our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources (https://www.facebook.com/groups/alpacamybagscommunity) by AMB Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes (https://www.pinatravels.org/) Producer: Kattie Laur (http://www.kattielaur.com/) Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

62: Representation Matters! A Look at Travel Media

Have you ever visited a place, and fallen so in love that you think to yourself "I never ever want to leave this place"? What is it like to drop your life in your home country, and move to a place because it just feels right?  We’re chatting with Erin's BFF, Philip Mak, who left everything behind in Canada to work in luxury fashion in London, England. We discuss what happened, his experience with culture shock, what it means to romanticize a destination, and homesickness. P.S, We're looking for more info on what you like and dislike about the podcast, and how you found us! If you have one minute today, please fill out this quick question survey for us! (https://forms.gle/eZFYfduPYA8LV5MB7) --- Guest: Philip Mak @philipmmak (https://www.instagram.com/philipmmak/) Alpaca My Bags is the podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens and responsible travel. If you're a fan of the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Alpaca My Bags! SUPPORT US ON PATREON (https://www.patreon.com/alpacamybags) for as little as $5 a month! Follow us on social media @alpacamybagspod (http://www.instagram.com/alpacamybagspod) Join our Facebook Group: Responsible Travel Discussion and Resources (https://www.facebook.com/groups/alpacamybagscommunity) by AMB Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes (https://www.pinatravels.org/) Producer: Kattie Laur (http://www.kattielaur.com/) Music from Motion Array Logo by Christopher McCluskey

Living Abroad: Little Gay, Big City

The podcast that is creating a platform for discussing travel through a critical lens. Travel enthusiast, Erin, chats with guests about travel controversies, ethical tourism and travel stories with no holds barred! Why are people obsessed with dark tourism? How can we travel ethically? Which destinations should we rethink? Plus we tackle travel mishaps, mainstream destinations, hidden gems, and more! Sometimes serious and often hilarious, this Canadian podcast (recorded and produced in Toronto) is released bi-weekly and features a different hot topic and guest in each episode.

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Alpaca My Bags

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