Unpacked by AFAR

Sidestep a stereotypical trip to Paris with cultural insights from journalist and long-time Paris resident Lindsey Tramuta. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, she shares ways that Paris has changed over the last 20 years and tips for travelers to key into those changes when they travel. From etiquette to fashion, cuisine to favorite neighborhoods—she helps you experience Paris off the beaten path.  Paris Like You Haven’t Seen It Before In this episode, you’ll learn:  How Paris is blossoming into a global leader for urban transformation.  How the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics affected French locals.  Insider tips and must-knows before you travel to Paris.  French Tip: Always say “Bonjour” Don’t miss these moments:  [04:32] Key insights from 20 years of change in Paris [18:34] French etiquette and other things to know before you go.  [ 27:04 ] Lindsey’s favorite neighborhood spots. An Insider’s Guide To Paris Your local guide is Lindsey Tramuta, a journalist who has been living and reporting about life in Paris for two decades. In her work, she explores the people and ideas shaping Paris, and in today’s episode she lets us in on 20 years of change.  From what it’s been like in The City of Light since the Olympics and Paralympics wrapped, to the city’s evolving food scene, get local, these are the need-to-know tips for your next Paris trip.   Resources Read the transcript of this episode.  Check out Lindsey Tramuta’s books: The New Paris and The New Parisienne Follow The New Paris podcast Explore more Paris content from Afar, including a travel guide, local tips for a 4-day trip, and where to go to avoid crowds.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

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 Afar, was selected as one of our favorites. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do—and stay tuned for more archival Travel Tales episodes from September - December 2024. Explore more of our favorite stories over the years at afar.com/fifteen. Hoping to recreate the same magical trip she took as a teen, author Emma John takes her friend’s 13-year-old daughter to Venice. But instead of awe, she’s filled with anxiety as she flies through a packed itinerary and struggles to impress her teenage companion. Will a reluctant teenager give into the wonders of the Floating City? A Gondolier Wake Up Call In this episode, discover: Ideas for a week-long trip to Venice, beyond hitting tourist hot spots.  How to (and how not to) dress for a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica.  What one traveler did to help a teenager fall in love with Venice.  “What Are We Going to Do Next?” Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:  [02:13] A midnight chase in the streets of Venice.  [05:38] Glass blowing at Murano, making Venetian masks and an otherwise packed itinerary.  [07:35] The unexpected views that led to a breakthrough.  Single in St. Mark’s Square When Emma John was a teen, her mom’s single friend took her on a life-changing trip to Venice. An Afar contributing writer, and a traveler who is up for anything, Emma has written about country bluegrass, cricket and her most recent book is a memoir about singleness: Self-Contained: Scenes From a Single Life.  In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, she rediscovers the magic of Venice and learns a thing or two about travel itineraries and connections.  Resources • Read Emma’s original story.  • Explore her other work.    • Check out Afar’s Venice travel guide.            Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

How do you manage stress when you’re traveling during the holidays? And is it better to book with points or cash during some of the busiest travel days of the year? Believe it or not, it’s almost time to book your holiday travel, and our friends at NerdWallet have some tips for traveling stress-free. In this special episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, their objective finance journalists answer real-world questions to help you make smarter decisions with your money and help your finances thrive. Listen to Smart Money by NerdWallet wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/1tURflyR

Explore an ancient, biodiverse rainforest by land, sea and air at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, follow senior deputy editor, Jennifer Flowers, as she hikes through new and old forests in Ursus Valley, tastes bull kelp on a boat ride in Clayoquot Sound and helicopters to a mountain peak.  She learns why “untouched” isn’t an accurate description for a remote rainforest like this one on Vancouver Island. From the histories and sustainable work of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations people who have stewarded the land for centuries to the flora and fauna that work together to thrive, this weekend trip is a cold plunge into a harmonious ecosystem.  Inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve In this episode you’ll learn:  What makes a forest old? A primer on CMTs (culturally modified trees) and signs of old growth.  Who the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations people are and how they have sustained and protected the ancient forest for centuries.  How the coastal biome of Clayoquot Sound contributes to life on land.  Nature Encounters at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge  Don’t miss these moments:  [07:40] An expedition into an old forest valley: baconlike bark and CMTs:  [11:02] Borrowing banana slugs, and the First Nations groups who steward the forest.   [15:48] Coastal encounters at Clayoquot Sound: black bears, bull kelp and more.  A Plunge, a Hike and a Helicopter Ride “If These Walls Could Talk” is an Afar series that explores the stories—and secrets—hotels can tell us about the places we visit. One of Afar’s Hotels We Love, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge promises to immerse guests in the biodiverse ecosystem of an ancient rainforest.  In this episode, Jennifer Flowers takes us along as she hikes through old and new forests in Bedwell River Valley and Ursus Valley, tastes bull kelp on a boat in Clayoquot Sound and encounters the traditions of the Ahousaht people who have sustained the forest for millennia.  Resources:  Read the full transcript of the episode.  Book a weekend at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.  Explore our Canadian Hotels We Love list.  Follow Jenn on Instagram to see more great hotel content.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

Embrace the benefits of solo travel with seasoned tips to conquer fears, make the most of any trip and respond confidently to concerned loved ones. From the best places to visit solo to how to make plans for unexpected hiccups— in this episode of Unpacked by Afar, audio engineer and solo traveler Nicolle Gatleland chats with Pamela Holt, the host of TV Show, Me, Myself and the World: The Art of Solo Travel, and Bonderman Travel Fellowship advisor, Brook Kelly, to give you the tools to safely enjoy traveling alone.  Going Solo, But Not Alone. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to conquer common fears and feel safe while traveling alone.  Tools to embrace the benefits of a solo trip and connect with others.  Tips to ease the concerns of loved ones and translate your experiences.  When Women Embrace Solo Travel.  Don’t miss these memorable moments:  [02:13] 80 countries by age 50. The origins of a solo travel evangelist.  [12:06] French fries, new friends and avoiding arrest in Russia.  [40:32] Overcoming self (and parental) doubts about the safety of solo travel.  Feeling Nervous About Traveling Solo?  At age 23, Afar audio engineer, Nikki Galteland, traveled solo for 8 months with The Bonderman Travel Fellowship. Her advisor, Brook Kelly, continues to help hundreds take safe and meaningful solo trips. She shares how to prepare for the unexpected, ease the concerns of loved ones and get the most of a solo trip.  In this episode, Nikki also interviews Pamela Holt, the host of Me, Myself and the World: The Art of Solo Travel, who vowed to visit 80 countries by the time she was 50 (mostly solo). She shares anecdotes and advice to help you overcome barriers, connect with others and embrace the joy of solo travel.  Resources Read the transcript of this episode.  Explore more Afar content for solo travelers—from the best places to go solo to how to make friends on a solo trip.  Need help getting travel insurance? We got you.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.