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:

1. https://dayveesutton.com/
2. https://rootedstorytelling.com/
3. https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/05/travel/socotra-island-yemen-foreign-tourists-stranded-intl

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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

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