The island of Socotra has recently become popularized online. But in January 2026, geopolitics broke this illusion of this island being a detached, apolitical escape. Foreign tourists found themselves stranded there. Flights were canceled, and there was no clear timeline for when they would be able to leave, all due to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, tied to Yemen’s ongoing conflict. It's time to unpack exactly why travel is political.JoAnna Haugen is a solutions-oriented consultant, speaker, and writer working at the intersection of sustainable tourism, storytelling, and social impact. She is the founder of Rooted Storytelling. Dayvee Sutton is a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist and national travel correspondent seen on your favorite national talk and morning news shows. Links: https://dayveesutton.com/ https://rootedstorytelling.com/ https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/05/travel/socotra-island-yemen-foreign-tourists-stranded-intl If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod.Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.CREDITSWritten and Hosted by Erin HynesProduced by Kattie LaurMusic is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.Logo by Nicole HallMentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast