Unpacked by Afar

AFAR
  • 4.4 (48)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Unpacked by Afar tackles one tricky topic in travel each week. Whether you want to hack your points and miles, figure out where to travel next, or need advice on an ethical dilemma, we're your expert travel guides. Because the travel world is complicated. We're here to help you unpack it.

  1. Where to Go in 2026: Trade the Serengeti Traffic for This Under-the-Radar Kenyan Safari

    DEC 17

    Where to Go in 2026: Trade the Serengeti Traffic for This Under-the-Radar Kenyan Safari

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released ⁠Where to Go list⁠—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Laikipia, that means looking beyond the overcrowded Maasai Mara to discover a Kenyan plateau where half the country's black rhinos roam, where you might be the only vehicle at a sighting, and where conservation and community go hand in hand. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Alexandra Owens, a travel writer who specializes in conservation tourism and sub-Saharan Africa. Alexandra shares why this network of community-run conservancies offers a model for what safari can be: high value, low impact, and genuinely beneficial to local communities. Plan Your Laikipia Safari (Listen to the View From Afar episode about the Great Migration controversy.) Stay —Book a stay at andBeyond Suyian, a new lodge that opened in July 2024 on Suyian Conservancy —Try Segera Retreat, a conservancy with a collaborative relationship with local communities and a new rhino sanctuary —Stay at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, one of the original conservancies in the region, known for its rhino protection program and house-made goat cheese See and Do —Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy to see the last two northern white rhinos on Earth—a mother and daughter—and learn about groundbreaking efforts to bring the species back from functional extinction —Consider hiring a safari advisor, especially if visiting multiple conservancies—they can help with charter flights and insider experiences. Alexandra recommends Tamsyn Fricker at Travel Artistry Africa and Chris Liebenberg at Piper & Heath Resources • Follow Alexandra's work on Instagram. • Visit Alexandra's website • Learn more about Space for Giants, the elephant conservation NGO working in Laikipia • Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's Where to Go in 2026 list • Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠⁠⁠ E3: ⁠⁠⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠⁠⁠ E4: ⁠Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate ⁠ E5: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention E6: Three Hours From Nashville, the South's Next Great Food Capital Is Waiting E7: The French Riviera's Last Stop Before Italy—and Its Best-Kept Secret E8: Skip the Serengeti Traffic Jams for This Under-the-Radar Kenyan Safari (this one!) Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, ⁠⁠View From Afar⁠⁠, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and⁠⁠ ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  2. Where to Go in 2026: The French Riviera's Last Stop Before Italy—and Its Best-Kept Secret

    DEC 16

    Where to Go in 2026: The French Riviera's Last Stop Before Italy—and Its Best-Kept Secret

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released ⁠Where to Go list⁠—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Menton, that means looking beyond Cannes and Nice to discover a quieter corner of the French Riviera—one with candy-colored buildings, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and lemons so sweet you can eat them like apples. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Jenn Rice, a food and travel writer who fell hard for Menton after a birthday dinner at Mirazur. Jenn shares why this town of 30,000—perched where France meets Italy—deserves a spot on your list. From a subtropical microclimate that produces IGP-protected citrus to affordable hotels with sea views and a culinary scene shaped by one very busy chef, Menton offers all the glamour of the Riviera without the flash. Plan Your Menton Getaway (First, explore our France travel guide.) Stay —Book a room at Hotel Napoléon, right across from the sea and walking distance to old town—rooms with terrace patios and views of the candy-colored buildings start around $200/night even in summer —Check out the newly renovated Villa Genesis, an older villa refurbished by Hotel Napoléon —Try Hotel Gabriel, a newly renovated boutique option with a more modern, hip vibe Eat and Drink —Splurge on dinner at Le Mirazur, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Mauro Colagreco—it starts with a tour of his garden overlooking the sea and mountains, and yes, you'll eat a lemon like an apple —Pick up sandwiches, lemon cake, and the famous lemon panettone (in season) at Mitron Bakery in old town, which uses the same artisanal ancient grains as Mirazur —Try the lemon pizza at La Pecoranegra, Colagreco's pizzeria focused on quality ingredients —For something unexpected, visit Colagreco's Argentinian steakhouse, Casa Fuego, down the street See and Do —Wander the old town, where candy-colored buildings tumble toward the sea in a scene reminiscent of the Italian Cinque Terre —Stroll the brand-new promenade along the waterfront —Hop on the train to Nice, Cannes, or other Riviera destinations—Menton makes a great, affordable home base Resources • Follow Jenn's work on Instagram • Visit Jenn's website • Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's Where to Go in 2026 list • Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠⁠⁠ E3: ⁠⁠⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠⁠⁠ E4: ⁠Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate ⁠ E5: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention E6: Three Hours From Nashville, the South's Next Great Food Capital Is Waiting E7: The French Riviera's Last Stop Before Italy—and Its Best-Kept Secret (this one!) Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, ⁠⁠View From Afar⁠⁠, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and⁠⁠ ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min
  3. Where to Go in 2026: Three Hours From Nashville, the South's Next Great Food Capital Is Waiting

    DEC 16

    Where to Go in 2026: Three Hours From Nashville, the South's Next Great Food Capital Is Waiting

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Birmingham, that means discovering what Alabama's second-largest city really offers—especially its quietly stellar food scene that's been racking up James Beard nominations. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Jenny Adams, a travel writer and Birmingham native now based in New Orleans. Jenny shares why this "big fish in a small pond" city deserves a second look—from its fourth-largest concentration of barbecue restaurants in America to Alabama white sauce, a downtown transformed by Railroad Park, and vintage shopping that rivals anywhere in the South. She also makes a case for an Alabama road trip, from Muscle Shoals to the Gulf Coast beaches. Plan Your Birmingham Getaway (First, explore our Alabama travel guide.) Stay —Book a room at The Elyton, a historic downtown hotel —Try The Painted Lady, a new boutique hotel in the city center Eat and Drink —Start your morning at Continental Bakery in English Village for old-world European pastries —Get a sandwich at The Garage Café, a collection of 1920s car garages with a courtyard bar where everything—including the furniture—is for sale —Try Birmingham barbecue at SAW's BBQ or Jim 'N Nick's, and don't skip the Alabama white sauce—a tangy, mayo-based condiment invented in Decatur —For Gulf seafood and oysters, head to Bayonet, a new raw bar —Sip fancy cocktails at Adios, a Mexican bar and James Beard semifinalist —For a bucket-list dive bar experience, go to The Nick for cheap domestics and live grunge bands See and Do —Walk or bike Railroad Park, a linear park built on former blighted railroad tracks —Tour Sloss Furnaces, the historic ironworks that defined Birmingham's industrial past —Visit the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to engage with the city's essential history —Catch a show at one of three restored historic theaters: The Alabama, The Carver, or The Lyric Shop —Browse Pepper Place, a collection of old brick warehouses with permanent shops and a Saturday farmers market —Find vintage treasures at Devore, with pieces spanning the Victorian era to the 1970s —Pick up artisan Alabama goods at Stone Hollow Farms (pickles, ginger syrups, cast iron cookware) and Design Supply (Southern artists and large-scale art) —Visit Shoppe, a garden store with a charming general store next door where you can eat a BLT while browsing tablecloths and vintage spoons Resources • Follow Jenny's work on Instagram • Visit Jenny's website • Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's Where to Go in 2026 list • Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠⁠⁠ E3: ⁠⁠⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠⁠⁠ E4: ⁠Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate ⁠ E5: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention E6: Three Hours From Nashville, the South's Next Great Food Capital Is Waiting (this one!) Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, ⁠⁠View From Afar⁠⁠, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and⁠⁠ ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  4. Where to Go in 2026: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention

    DEC 12

    Where to Go in 2026: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Rabat, that means looking beyond the well-trodden streets of Marrakech and Fes to discover what Morocco's laid-back capital really offers—especially as Africa's largest music festival transforms the city into an open-air stage each summer. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Yulia Denisyuk, a travel writer and host of the podcast Going Places with Yulia. Yulia shares why this Atlantic coast city deserves a second look—from its free weeklong Mawazine music festival to a non-touristy medina, Andalusian gardens, Roman ruins, and dishes you won't find anywhere else in Morocco. She also reveals what's coming in 2026: new museums, UNESCO World Book Capital status, and a high-speed train connecting Rabat to Casablanca in just 35 minutes. Plan Your Rabat Getaway (First, explore our Morocco travel guide.) See and Do —Attend the Mawazine Festival, Africa's largest music festival, a free weeklong celebration featuring artists from around the world —Explore Chellah, a Roman settlement dating to the first century that doubles as a festival stage —Wander the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a 12th-century Islamic fort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean —Stroll through the Andalusian Gardens for mint tea and ocean views —Take a water taxi across the Bou Regreg River to Salé and back —Browse the medina, where locals shop, have tea, and produce books—a less touristy experience than Marrakech —Visit Mohamed Aziz, a famous bookseller in the medina who has read thousands of books and loves to discuss them Eat and Drink —Try Rabati pastilla, the "royal" version with thick layers and lots of eggs, influenced by Moorish settlers from Andalusia —Seek out kefta, meatballs made with spices unique to Rabat that you won't find elsewhere in Morocco —Eat fresh shrimp and seafood from the Atlantic coast —Sip mint tea at cafes along the riverfront promenade Know Before You Go —In 2026, Rabat becomes UNESCO World Book Capital, with literary events and celebrations starting in April —A new high-speed train will reduce travel time between Casablanca and Rabat from two hours to 35 minutes —The Mawazine Festival typically takes place in late June —Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures; summer is hot but tempered by Atlantic breezes —The medina, Kasbah, and Chellah are all within walking distance of each other Resources • Listen to Yulia's podcast, Going Places with Yulia • Follow Yulia on Instagram • Visit Yulia's website • Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's Where to Go in 2026 list • Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠⁠ E3: ⁠⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠⁠ E4: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate E5: Why Morocco's Chill Capital Deserves Your Attention (this one!) Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, ⁠View From Afar⁠, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and⁠ ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min
  5. Where to Go in 2026: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate

    DEC 11

    Where to Go in 2026: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released ⁠Where to Go list⁠—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Albuquerque, that means looking beyond a quick stop on the way to Santa Fe to discover what New Mexico's largest city really offers—especially as Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Matt Kirouac, a writer who fell in love with Albuquerque several years ago during Balloon Fiesta and has returned many times since. He shares why this "flyover city" deserves a second look—from its 18-mile stretch of neon-lit Route 66 to native-owned breweries, centuries-old restaurants in Old Town, and petroglyphs scattered across dormant volcanoes. Plan Your Albuquerque Getaway (First, listen to our Unpacked episode about the city and explore our New Mexico travel guide. ) Stay —Book a room at ⁠Arrive Albuquerque⁠, a renovated 1930s motor court with a pool, Pan-Asian restaurant, and onsite gallery featuring Indigenous and local artists —Stay at the historic ⁠Hotel Andaluz⁠, which recently opened a rooftop speakeasy-style bar and wood-fired restaurant, Char —Watch for the new boutique hotel opening in the ⁠Hiway House⁠ motel in Nob Hill Eat and Drink —Dine at ⁠M'Tucci's⁠, an Italian restaurant in a former Route 66 service station (don't miss the speakeasy in the alley) —Have lunch at ⁠Church Street Cafe⁠ in one of Albuquerque's oldest buildings, dating to the 1700s —Eat traditional New Mexican fare at ⁠Mary & Tito's Cafe⁠, known for decades-old homespun recipes —Visit ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠, a native- and women-owned brewery known for southwestern-inspired beers like blue corn pilsner —Explore ⁠Sawmill Market⁠, a food hall with local vendors See and Do —Walk or bike the 18-mile Route 66 stretch along Central Avenue, lined with historic neon signs and motor courts —Visit ⁠Petroglyph National Monument⁠ to see some of the 25,000 petroglyphs scattered across dormant volcanoes —Take the ⁠Sandia Peak Tramway⁠ to the top and dine at the restaurant, or hike the 17-mile round trip trail —Explore ⁠Old Town Albuquerque⁠ for galleries, turquoise jewelry, pottery, and the Rattlesnake Museum —See a movie or concert at the recently renovated ⁠KiMo Theatre⁠ —Browse queer cowboy art at ⁠Anthony Hurd Gallery⁠ Resources Follow Matt's work on ⁠Instagram⁠ Check out his new book, Secret Oklahoma Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's ⁠Where to Go in 2026 list⁠ Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series E1: T⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠ E2: ⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠ E3: ⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠ E4: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate (this one!) Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min
  6. Where to Go in 2026: The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago

    DEC 10

    Where to Go in 2026: The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Sweden, that means skipping Stockholm and heading instead to the Stockholm Archipelago—a series of 24,000 islands about the size of Connecticut. It's home to a new 170-mile-long hiking path network launched in October 2024. In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Katherine LaGrave, Afar's executive editor and host of our Unpacked: Five Questions series. This past summer, Katherine and her cousin spent a week hiking through pine and oak forests, island-hopping by ferry, eating post-hike Swedish meatballs, and sweating in saunas along the archipelago—covering about 62 miles across seven islands. Plan Your Stockholm Archipelago Trip Getting There & Around •       The archipelago is easily accessible from Stockholm via a well-connected ferry system •       Boat taxis are available for more direct island-to-island transport •       On the islands, get around by foot or bike—rentals are available •       Use the Stockholm Archipelago Trail app for offline maps and trail navigation Where to Stay •       Grinda Wärdshus—stay at the historic home, once the summer residence of the director of the Nobel Prize Committee •       Ingmarsö—a farmhouse B&B with private garden access •       Waxholms Hotell—a newly restored in Vaxholm, the island's capital •       Thanks to Sweden's Right to Roam laws, you can camp almost anywhere for one night (with stricter rules in nature reserves) Listen to All Our Where to Go in 2026 Episodes E1: This Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude E2: Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret Resources •       Read Katherine's full story and explore all 24 destinations on our Where to Go in 2026 list •       Learn more about sauna culture in the Midwest (and why there's a right and a wrong way to say it...) •       Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  7. Where to Go in 2026: Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret

    DEC 10

    Where to Go in 2026: Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret

    This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released Where to Go list—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure. For Peru, that means looking beyond Machu Picchu and Cusco to discover what lies south—a region of white volcanic cities, canyons twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and a food scene that rivals Lima's in flavor (if not fame). In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Mark Johanson, a Chile-based travel writer and author of Mars on Earth: Wanderings in the World's Driest Desert. Mark recently explored southern Peru—from the gleaming colonial streets of Arequipa to the condor-filled skies above the Colca Canyon—and found a landscape rich with adventure, history, and some of the heartiest food in the Andes. Plan Your Southern Peru Getaway In Arequipa Stay at Cirqa—a luxury hotel in a 16th-century monastery Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery—a city-within-a-city with salmon-pink walls and centuries of history Eat at a traditional picanterías like La Nueva Palomino or the more modern Victoria Picantería Try the rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper), chupe de camarones (river shrimp chowder), and adobo arequipeño (tangy pork stew) Wash it down with chicha de guiñapo—the original Andean purple corn beer served in huge glasses called "el caporal" Colca Canyon & Beyond Stay at Puquio—Peru's first safari-style adventure camp in Colca Canyon Watch dozens of Andean condors ride the thermals at sunrise Hike into the canyon and experience the climate shift from cold highlands to near-tropical canyon floor Mountain bike down a volcano (for the brave) or hike up one (for the rest of us) Cotahuasi & Toro Muerto Stay at Tinajani—a new tented camp in the Tinajani Canyon Explore pre-Inca ruins with very few other visitors Experience the wind-swept plains and golden seasonal landscapes Lake Titicaca Stay at Titilaka—with a new sister property coming in 2027 Visit the world's highest navigable lake at 12,500 feet Spot flamingos in high-altitude lagoons along the way Getting Around Belmond Andean Explorer—a luxury train connecting Arequipa to Lake Titicaca and Cusco SA Expeditions—for tailor-made trips and off-the-beaten-path Qhapaq Ñan (ancient Incan trail) adventures Resources Follow Mark's work on his website and pick up his book Mars on Earth Explore all 24 destinations on our Where to Go in 2026 list Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  8. The City Where You'll Find Ghost Stories, Gullah Rhythms, and the "Carnegie Hall of the South"

    DEC 10

    The City Where You'll Find Ghost Stories, Gullah Rhythms, and the "Carnegie Hall of the South"

    In this special four-part series, join Unpacked host Aislyn Greene as she travels to Charleston, South Carolina, to unpack the city's deeper currents. For the series finale: Charleston's performing arts scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Aislyn explores the city's world-class venues—from America's first dedicated theater to a stunning apricot-colored concert hall—and meets the people bringing opera, dance, jazz, and theater to life in the Lowcountry. In This Episode You'll Learn The remarkable 300-year history of the Dock Street Theater, where ghost stories and contemporary artists meet How the Spoleto Festival USA became an international arts destination that draws everyone from Yo-Yo Ma to Patti Smith Why the Gaillard Center is "the Carnegie Hall" of the South —and how it commissions new works that celebrate Lowcountry stories and landscapes Don't Miss These Moments [02:00] Inside the Dock Street Theater's drawing room [06:00] The record for most light bulbs blown during a single performance [11:00] Spoleto's general director on why 125 concerts in 17 days creates festival magic [13:00] The two ghosts said to haunt Dock Street Theater [18:00] Aislyn visits Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston—one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the city [21:00] How the Gaillard Center transformed from a brutalist municipal auditorium into a world-class performance hall [24:00] The moment Audra McDonald turned off her microphone and brought the house to tears *Time stamps are estimated and may change due to programmatic advertising. Featured in This Episode Venues Dock Street Theater ⁠Gaillard Center⁠ Festivals & Organizations Spoleto Festival USA Piccolo Spoleto Charleston Stage (Dock Street's resident theater company) Chamber Music Charleston MOJA Arts Festival Charleston Literary Festival Performers The Gullah Collective Step Afrika! Complexions Contemporary Ballet (upcoming) Resources Plan your Charleston arts trip using our guides on afar.com Catch Up on the Series Missed any episodes? Here's the full Charleston series: Episode 1: To Understand the Soul of This Southern City, Head for the Water Episode 2: Charleston Serves Up More Than 300 Years of Flavor—and Every Bite Tells a Story Episode 3: The Artisans Keeping the Soul of Charleston's King Street Alive Episode 4: Opera, Punk Rock, and a 300-Year-Old Ghost: One City's Arts Scene Stay Connected Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode.  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
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Unpacked by Afar tackles one tricky topic in travel each week. Whether you want to hack your points and miles, figure out where to travel next, or need advice on an ethical dilemma, we're your expert travel guides. Because the travel world is complicated. We're here to help you unpack it.

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