In early 2025, a new luxury hotel development from Marriot was announced. The Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp promises visitors “front row seats” to the Great Migration. But soon after the hotel was announced, community members and wildlife experts spoke out, saying that the lodge was approved in a place it never should have been.

Janna Giacoppo joins the show to discuss. She is a photographer and documentary filmmaker focus on animal-human conflict, and notably started the change.org petition to stop the illegal safari lodge.

Links:

1. jannagiacoppo.com
2. Change.org | Help the Maasai Stop Marriott and Ritz-Carlton’s Illegal Safari Lodge Threatening Wildlife
3. Ritz-Carlton Is Sued Over Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya - The New York Times
4. Behind The Viral Video: How Safari Vehicles Endangered The Great Migration In Serengeti
5. https://www.instagram.com/p/DSbIaX0EjEh/?img_index=5
6. https://www.instagram.com/jungle_doctor/

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.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Music is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.

Logo by Nicole Hall

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Erin and Kattie unpack the ongoing Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and why the Mayor of Milan is saying they're set to be most sustainable Olympic Games yet. They look what what we can expect this year, the addition of a fun new decipline, and what Italy has to learn from the Games of the past.

POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics.

Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email [email protected]

If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.

Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.

Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Climate change is having an impact on how predictable seasons are, affecting ecosystems and as well as the daily life and livelihoods of people and communities around the world. And it’s having a trickle-down effect on how we plan our trips. 

We chat with Tarang Mohnot about why the 'best time to visit' no longer applies.

Tarang Mohnot is a freelance writer and journalist. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, Matador Network, DAZED, and more. You can find her article here: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250808-why-the-best-time-to-visit-no-longer-applies

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.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Music is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.

Logo by Nicole Hall

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Erin and Kattie dig into interesting travel predictions for 2026, from noctourism and hushpitality to cold-weather travel and literary tourism.

1. National Geographic | How travel will look in 2026—here's what you need to know
2. BBC | Seven travel trends that will define 2026

POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics.

Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email [email protected]

If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.

Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.

Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

HomeExchange got a lot of love after the release 2006's Christmas RomCom, "The Holiday". Now, there's a new rise in house swapping! Erin and Kattie discuss why and then Erin shares some interesting and wildly cute Christmas traditions from around the world.

POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics.

Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email [email protected]

If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.

Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.

Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

What is it like to travel with severe food allergies? Erin and Kattie chat with food allergy consultant Allie Bahn about what it takes to travel confidently with severe allergies.

We discuss how allergic travelers experience travel slightly differently, the misconceptions that still exist about food allergies, and how the tourism industry can make small changes that make travel more inclusive for allergic people.

Allie Bahn is a travel writer, educator, and consultant who empowers people with severe food allergies to explore the world safely. Learn more about her and her work, here: https://missallergicreactor.com/

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.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Music is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.

Logo by Nicole Hall

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

AI is becoming increasingly embedded into the travel planning experience. While AI might seem like a great hack for creating a travel itinerary, it does come with problems. We unpack these issues, from hallucinated locations to incorrect logistical information.

POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics.

Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email [email protected]

If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.

Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.

Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Joi Schweitzer joins the podcast to unpack the ins and outs of what it takes to become a pilot as a black woman and the state of represention in the skys. She also shares where her love of flying came from and what's ahead for the next generate of pilots. 

PLUS, Erin and Kattie discuss the latest news about Air 4 All's wheelchair accessible airplane seats being developed in partnership with Delta.

Guest: Joi Schweitzer is a commercial airline pilot who got her start in the industry working as a flight attendant. She is also an athlete, and known for her appearance on the reality TV show, The Mole.

Resources:

• https://www.instagram.com/thejoischweitzer/ 
• https://www-insider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.insider.com/delta-developing-first-of-its-kind-seat-for-wheelchair-users-2023-6?amp 

If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast!

Read Erin's award-winning blog: https://pinatravels.org/

Follow us on social media @curioustourismpod

Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter Pod the North, here.

SUPPORT US ON PATREON for as little as $5 a month!

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes

Producer: Kattie Laur

Music from Motion Array

Logo by Nicole Hall

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Erin and Kattie discuss the recent fireworks display in the Himalayan region of Tibet, which drew backlash and an apology from outdoor brand Arc'teryx. They also discuss Bad Bunny's decision to not tour the US and the economic and tourism impact of the 30-show residency on his home island of Puerto Rico.

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1eddw19042o
• https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/13/americas/bad-bunny-puerto-rico-residency-economy-latam-intl

POSTCARD episodes come out mid-month, between each regular episode of Curious Tourism. Catch candid discussions on the latest in travel-related media and hot-button topics.

Send your questions or commentary to the show on Instagram @curioustourismpod or email [email protected]

If you're a fan of the show, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast.

Read Erin's award-winning blog, Pina Travels.

Subscribe to Kattie's podcasting newsletter, Pod the North.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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

Erin chats with Cary Lowe and his wife Trish Butler. Trish lives with multiple sclerosis and uses a mobility scooter, and she and Cary have continued to travel well into their seventies, traveling to nearly half the US states and another twenty countries.

We talk about the realities of disabled and elderly travel, what it takes to plan accessible trips, and how travel can remain rewarding even as our bodies and circumstances change.

• Check out Cary's website and book,On Two Legs and Three Wheels, here: http://www.carylowewriter.com/ 
• Order On Two Legs and Three Wheels, here: https://tinyurl.com/3zj4r77m

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.

CREDITS

Written and Hosted by Erin Hynes

Produced by Kattie Laur

Music is "Night Stars" by Wolf Saga/David R. Maracle/Chippewa Travellers. Additional music from Motion Array.

Logo by Nicole Hall

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This 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.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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