27 episodes

The RISE Traveler podcast features eco-minded and socially conscious travelers, diversity and inclusion specialists, wildlife conservationists, environmental activists and anyone using travel as a way to uplift and inspire. In each episode, we will go a step beyond the “Instagram ready” world of travel, and take a look at how travel can be a source of growth and development for all people and all communities. This podcast is an extension of the RISE Travel Institute. A 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to empowering young travelers through educational programs, research, study tours and scholarships. Visit RISETravelInstitute.org to learn more.

The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel The RISE Travel Institute

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

The RISE Traveler podcast features eco-minded and socially conscious travelers, diversity and inclusion specialists, wildlife conservationists, environmental activists and anyone using travel as a way to uplift and inspire. In each episode, we will go a step beyond the “Instagram ready” world of travel, and take a look at how travel can be a source of growth and development for all people and all communities. This podcast is an extension of the RISE Travel Institute. A 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to empowering young travelers through educational programs, research, study tours and scholarships. Visit RISETravelInstitute.org to learn more.

    Mira's Expedition into Conscious Travel

    Mira's Expedition into Conscious Travel

    Mira Shah is on a personal journey, exploring sustainable travel across India, Australia, Kenya, and Colombia. This is one of the reasons why she opted to participate in The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Program- to gain a deeper understanding of conscious travel. Over time, Mira has embraced intentional and sustainable travel, placing a strong emphasis on forming genuine connections with local communities.
    In conversation with host Amy Hager, Mira shares insights from her travels– from meaningful encounters with sustainability advocate Michael Mobbs in Australia to acknowledging less-than-ideal decisions, like visiting an ethically questionable elephant sanctuary in Thailand. She recognizes the ongoing learning process and the space for improvement.

    Contemplating a potential venture into the sustainable travel industry, Mira hopes for a shift in how people approach travel. Her focus is on making travel experiences more meaningful and authentic, with the goal of bringing a positive transformation to the travel industry.

    Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute
    Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute
    Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director
    Music: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

    • 24 min
    Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights

    Emerald Isles, Mindful Travels: Laura Kelly's Insights

    Laura Kelly is a sustainability advocate with Brendan Vacations, a tour operator focused on Ireland and Scotland. In this interview with host Amy Hager, Laura shares her journey from growing up in an eco-minded household to her current role evaluating and crafting sustainable travel experiences.

    Laura's background in European Languages and Medieval History, coupled with her experience guiding tours in Ireland, prompted her realization of the necessity for a shift in travel practices. This realization ignited her interest in reforming unsustainable tourism habits prevalent in the industry. Discussing her participation in the RISE Flagship Program, Laura sheds light on voluntourism and on the challenges of fostering more meaningful and slower-paced travel experiences.

    In particular Laura shares the importance of responsible tourism in Ireland, and advocates for smaller, more authentic experiences that benefit local communities. She highlights the role of tour operators in steering towards a more sustainable future, and encourages a collective shift in mindset toward sustainability in various professional domains. Laura's insights offer a pragmatic approach to redefining travel practices, focusing on tangible changes that can positively impact the industry and the communities it touches.
    Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute
    Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute
    Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director
    Music: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

    • 18 min
    Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler

    Writing the World: Lily Ann's Journey as an Author and Traveler

    Author and travel expert Lily Ann Fouts is dedicated to advocating for sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. She was a participant in RISE's Flagship Program, where she earned her certificate in Sustainability and Anti-Oppression in Travel. Additionally, Lily Ann joined RISE's Experiential Journey to Guatemala in 2022.

    During her conversation with host Amy Hager, Lily Ann reflects on the invaluable lessons gleaned from the Flagship Program. She highlights the program's comprehensive approach, and discusses how various facets of travel intertwine in complex ways. For instance, she elaborates on the complex balancing act involved in making travel decisions, citing certain examples of activities that harm the environment (eg. airline travel), also benefits the local economy.

    Lily Ann also shares how she has reframed the way she thinks about being budget conscious when she travels. She now understands the value in compensating vendors fairly for the product they are producing or selling, and not trying to haggle down to the absolute minimum.

    According to Lily, the Experiential Journey was an impactful experience, allowing her to immediately apply the course teachings to real-life situations. Her journey to Guatemala with the RISE Travel Institute provided a singular opportunity to engage with fellow students and foster meaningful discussions, and ultimately led to  practical applications of course concepts.

    In addition, Lily Ann also delves into her current project, a guidebook centered on responsible travel in Latin America for travelers who seek longer-term Latin American stays  in order to nurture strong, long-term connections with locals. She provides suggestions on how to foster these connections in ways that make travelers feel welcome without inadvertently causing resentment or discomfiture within local communities.

    Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute
    Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute
    Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director
    Music: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

    • 25 min
    Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations

    Off the Beaten Path: The Dilemma of 'Secret' Destinations

    Aurora Christy Oktavia, an Alumni of the RISE Travel Institute's Pilot Program, currently resides in Bali, Indonesia. She recently completed her Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University in Australia. In her conversation with host Amy Hager, Aurora shared insights into her journey in sustainable tourism, leveraging her educational background in forest conservation and tourism management, as well as her role as a luxury travel agent.

    Aurora emphasized the challenges of community-based tourism, pointing out that while mass tourism can be problematic for some destinations, they often have the necessary infrastructure to handle it. Conversely, less frequented, "off the beaten path" locations – like Komodo Island in Indonesia, for example – may struggle due to the lack of infrastructure. She also delved into the concept of "keeping it secret" destinations, where locals prefer not to disclose hidden gems to tourists, underscoring the delicate balance between satisfying traveler curiosity and respecting the desires of local communities.

    Aurora credited the RISE Flagship Program with enhancing her ability to ask probing questions, fostering open-mindedness, and shedding light on the complexities of sustainable tourism. She voiced concerns about "greenwashing" in the travel industry, and stressed the importance of long-term sustainability. Her ultimate legacy aspiration is to enhance people's lives through better travel experiences and to foster positive, transformative changes.

    Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute
    Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute
    Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director
    Music: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

    • 24 min
    Leaving a Legacy of Peace: A Former Government Employee’s Vision for Sustainable Travel

    Leaving a Legacy of Peace: A Former Government Employee’s Vision for Sustainable Travel

    Tracey Ford is the Founder of Local Insights, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting locals with tourists, offering them authentic personal encounters that go well beyond the typical guidebook experience. Previously, Tracey held a government role working with the armed services, where she specialized in coordinating logistics for events with a focus on cultural considerations among attendees.

    In this conversation with host Amy Hager, Tracey Ford shares her journey and the unique path that led her to her current role. During this discussion, Amy and Tracey dive into the impact of The RISE Travel Institute's Flagship Certificate Program. This program has played a pivotal role in enhancing Tracey’s comprehension of responsible tourism, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity. 

    Tracey’s goal is to create a positive impact on the world through tourism, making it a better place one friendship at a time. She aims to leave behind a legacy of promoting world peace by connecting people from diverse backgrounds.
    Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute 
    Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute
    Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director
    Music: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

    • 16 min
    Knowing Names, Building Bonds: Jabulile Ngwenya on Meaningful Travel

    Knowing Names, Building Bonds: Jabulile Ngwenya on Meaningful Travel

    Jabulile Ngwenya is a travel coach and advocate for sustainable and responsible travel at Travel Africa with Jabu. With a vision to reshape perceptions of travel to Africa, Jabulile's impactful work is rooted in changing the narrative. In her RISE Flagship Course Capstone Project, she focused on tribal photography, aiming to bring attention to the profound identities behind the subjects. She firmly believes that every individual carries a story and a name, urging us to see beyond the surface.
    In a conversation hosted by Amy Hager, Jabulile delves into the essence of travel as an avenue of abundance. She underscores the significance of understanding the lives of the people we encounter on our journeys, stressing that they are more than just extras in our personal narratives. Her insights illuminate the transformative power of travel, as it expands horizons and challenges our perspectives.
    Jabulile's perspective on the world is a testament to her belief that there's always more to explore, learn, and experience. In a moment where all we may have is a screenshot of our current reality, travel serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities and connections awaiting us. This interview is an invitation to venture beyond our assumptions and engage with the richness of the world through meaningful interactions.

    Host: Amy Hager - Social Media Manager at The RISE Travel Institute
    Video and Audio Editing: Kate Mulvihill - Video and Podcast Producer at The RISE Travel Institute
    Graphic Design: Shirley Wong - Freelance Art Director
    Music: On My Way by Kevin MacLeod (License) 

    • 24 min

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