In Episode 13 of You Came to the Right Place, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton to talk about the company’s 2027 Not Hot List — encouraging travellers to venture beyond the world’s overcrowded hotspots.

For the first time, a Canadian destination has made the list: Whitehorse, Yukon. Thornton explains why it made the cut, why Intrepid believes “Not Hot” is really about better tourism rather than less tourism, and how destinations are evaluated to ensure they’re actually ready for more visitors.

The conversation also tackles one of tourism’s biggest contradictions: Once you shine a spotlight on an under-the-radar destination, how do you stop it from becoming the next overcrowded hotspot?

In this episode:

• Why Whitehorse became the first Canadian destination on Intrepid’s Not Hot List
• How Intrepid decides whether a destination is ready for more tourism
• Whether redirecting travellers can actually help combat overtourism
• The role social media plays in where — and how — people travel
• Why Canadian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional bucket list
• How travel advisors can sell destinations clients may never have considered
• Why responsible growth matters more than simply growing visitor numbers

And in The Pulse Check, James reveals his biggest travel pet peeve, the “hot” destination he can’t resist and the travel behaviour he’d permanently ban.

Subscribe to You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to bring hundreds of people from across the travel industry together in one destination and make sure their presence leaves something meaningful behind?

In Episode 12 of You Came to the Right Place, Natasha and Jen sit down with Dre Giroux, Director of Global Community Operations at G Adventures and one of the driving forces behind GX, the company’s annual community tourism summit.

With GX Cambodia just around the corner, Dre takes us behind the scenes of an event that requires a full year of planning, a small-but-mighty team and, apparently, a truly heroic number of spreadsheets.

Dre reflects on the moments that have stayed with her from past GX events, why she believes travel builds empathy, what excites her most about this year’s destination and why sometimes the best travel advice is simply to “lean into it.”

And in the Rapid Fire Five: Jordan, a travelling pharmacy, Taylor Swift almost makes an appearance, Wonderwall refuses to die, and we learn why Dre was once cut out of an outfit with a chef’s knife.

It’s a conversation about the enormous amount of work that happens behind the scenes of transformational travel and the people and communities who make it matter.

Subscribe to You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guided touring isn’t what it used to be — and neither is the Canadian traveller.

In Episode 11 of You Came to the Right Place, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Christian Leibl-Cote, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Collette, to talk about how guided travel is evolving and what travel advisors need to know about the changing expectations of their clients.

Christian shares why Canadians are travelling longer, spending more and venturing beyond traditional favourites to destinations across Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. He also digs into the growing demand for small-group travel, immersive local experiences and off-season departures — and why more than 20% of Collette’s travellers are now travelling solo.

The conversation also tackles overtourism, sustainability, AI and the enduring value of human connection. For advisors, Christian offers practical advice for growing guided-tour business and explains why experiencing the product firsthand can make all the difference.

Plus, in the Pulse Check, Christian shares the travel memories he hopes his kids will carry for life — including one unforgettable night with a hippo outside their tent in the Serengeti.

Subscribe to You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 10 of You Came to the Right Place, hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia are joined by one of Canada's most respected travel industry leaders, Jane Clementino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. They explore the trends shaping the Canadian travel industry, how travel advisors are evolving their businesses, and why the future remains bright for the trade.

In this episode:

• Why more travel advisors are specializing and building niche businesses
• How traveller behaviour is changing, from AI-powered trip planning to demand for personalization and value
• Why advisors are returning to full-service bookings, including air
• The growing importance of domestic travel and what it means for Canadian advisors
• How AI can improve efficiency while preserving the human touch
• What advisors need most from supplier partners in today's marketplace
• Jane's advice on professional development, leadership and building a successful career in travel

Plus, the Pulse Check returns with rapid-fire questions on Jane's dream destination, biggest airport pet peeve, favourite duty-free purchase, and the best travel advice she's ever received.

Subscribe to You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 9 of You Came to the Right Place, hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia are joined by Chris Austin, President of North America for Explora Journeys. Together, they discuss how Explora Journeys is redefining luxury ocean travel, what's new aboard the highly anticipated Explora III, and why Canadian travellers are increasingly embracing this new style of cruising.

In this episode:
• How Explora Journeys is differentiating itself as an "ultra-elegant hotel at sea"
• What's new aboard Explora III and how guest feedback has shaped the ship's design
• Why Canadian demand for luxury cruising continues to grow
• The changing profile of today's luxury traveller, including the rise of younger affluent guests
• Why immersive itineraries, longer port stays and thoughtful service are reshaping the luxury cruise experience
• The tools, training and resources available to help travel advisors confidently sell Explora Journeys

Plus, the Pulse Check returns with rapid-fire questions on emerging destinations, luxury travel trends, favourite ports and the one travel essential Chris never leaves home without.

Subscribe to You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness travel is booming, but what does "wellness" actually mean?

And how can travel advisors confidently recommend experiences that deliver more than just a spa treatment?

In Episode 8 of You Came to the Right Place, hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia are joined by Oxana Spivey, Vice President of Wellness Standards and Education at Wellness in Travel and Tourism (WITT), and Lauren Pronger, Founder and CEO of Well Inspired Travels.

Together, they explore why wellness travel is becoming one of the industry's fastest-growing segments and what that means for travel advisors.

In this episode:
• Why wellness travel is becoming an expectation - not a niche
• How to identify authentic wellness properties and avoid "wellness washing"
• What today's wellness travellers are really looking for
• Why industry standards matter
• How advisors can tap into the growing wellness market with confidence

Plus, the Pulse Check returns with rapid-fire questions on most underrated wellness destinations, digital detoxes and the wellness trend our guests just can't get behind.

Subscribe to You Came to the Right Place wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of You Came To The Right Place, hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Donna Looby, Regional Sales Manager at Brendan Vacations, to discuss the trends shaping travel to the Celtic Isles and the opportunities advisors shouldn't overlook.

You'll learn:

• Why bookings for 2027 are already gaining momentum
• How small group travel is attracting experienced travellers and solo adventurers
• The growing appeal of ancestry and heritage travel among Canadians
• Why multi-generational families are choosing Ireland and Scotland
• The client segments advisors should be targeting right now
• What top-selling advisors are doing differently to grow their business

Looby also shares insights from her own experience growing up in Ireland, explains why these destinations continue to resonate with Canadian travellers, and discusses the tools, training, and support available to advisors through Brendan Vacations.

Plus, hear details about Brendan Vacations' current booking incentives and an upcoming Ireland FAM designed specifically for travel advisors.

Episode 7 of You Came to the Right Place is now available on all major podcast platforms.

Sláinte!

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny, and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit, and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis, and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode six of You Came to the Right Place, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Ian Patterson, Country Manager for MSC Cruises Canada, to discuss what's driving demand among Canadian cruisers, the growing popularity of short sailings and MSC Yacht Club, and how the cruise line is expanding its Fly & Cruise options for Canadian travellers.

Patterson also shares insights on MSC Opera's new Dominican Republic homeport, the arrival of MSC World Europa in the Caribbean, what advisors should know about MSC World Asia, and the booking trends shaping the cruise market heading into 2027.

Whether you sell cruise regularly or are looking for new opportunities, this episode offers practical insights into one of the industry's fastest-growing cruise brands.

Episode 6 of You Came to the Right Place is now available on all major podcast platforms.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 5 of You Came to the Right Place, co-hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia go behind the scenes of the 2026 TravelPulse Canada Readers’ Choice Awards.

Recorded just days after the event at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, the episode offers a candid recap of the highs, hilarity and heartfelt moments that made this year’s awards unforgettable. The conversation covers everything from the explosive reactions inside the ballroom and the rise of ultra-competitive categories to music, fashion, and the meaning of the Readers’ Choice Awards to the industry.

“One of the biggest moments every year at the awards is the Canadian Travel Hall of Fame,” Lair says. “They were so honoured and appreciative, which felt really good.”

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 4 of You Came to the Right Place, co-hosts Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Canadian media personality, travel writer, and parenting expert Kathy Buckworth to unpack one of the biggest trends advisors are navigating right now: multi-generational travel.

Fresh off a trip to Club Med in the Dominican Republic, Buckworth shares what really happens when you put three generations on one vacation—from car seats on planes to splitting suitcases with diapers and formula. The conversation dives into the logistics advisors don’t always see, the emotional dynamics at play, and why destination familiarity matters.

“Who needs more naps—granddad or the baby?”

Buckworth brings real credibility, and this is not another fluffy “multi-gen travel is trending” conversation—it’s what actually happens when you put grandparents, adult kids, and toddlers on one trip (tantrums, logistics, exhaustion), alongside practical takeaways advisors can use.

ABOUT THE HOSTS
Between them, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia bring more than four decades of media and travel editorial experience to the mic. Ontario-based Natasha, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada, is warm, funny and deeply curious, known for finding the human angle and cutting through industry spin with factual, unbiased reporting. Edmonton-based Jen, Senior Editor and travel media expert, pairs two decades of travel editorial experience with charm, quick wit and sharp industry insight. From Central Canada to the West, they’ve got their ears to the ground, delivering real talk, smart analysis and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting.

ABOUT THE SHOW
You Came to the Right Place is a Canadian travel industry podcast from TravelPulse Canada. Expect smart conversation, insider context, and the kind of straight talk that doesn’t always make it into a press release. Each episode blends candid conversations between two editors, interviews with industry leaders, advisors, destination execs, and the people behind the stories we publish. If you work in travel, you came to the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.