You Came to the Right Place, by TravelPulse Canada

Northstar Travel Group
Northstar Travel Group
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Canada’s travel trade doesn’t need more spin — it needs real talk. On You Came to the Right Place, TravelPulse Canada's Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia unpack the news, trends, and tensions shaping the industry, with candid conversations and a distinctly Canadian point of view. 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, brings two decades of travel media experience, along with charm, quick wit and sharp industry insight. Together, they deliver real talk, smart perspective and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting. Questions or comments? Contact us at mail@travelpulse.com

  1. 5d ago

    What the Fjord? Hurtigruten’s Matt DeWitt Talks Norway

    In Episode 15 of You Came to the Right Place, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Matt DeWitt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas for Hurtigruten. From chasing the Northern Lights and embracing the growing “coolcation” trend to sailing alongside locals on Norway’s historic Coastal Express, DeWitt explains what makes Hurtigruten a different kind of cruise experience. He also clears up the confusion between Hurtigruten and HX, breaks down the differences between the Original and Signature voyages, and shares what's ahead for the Canadian market, including new itineraries and expanded advisor training. In this episode: Why Norway is attracting growing interest from Canadian travellers What makes Hurtigruten different from traditional cruising How Hurtigruten’s 130-year history continues to shape the Norwegian coastal experience The differences between Hurtigruten’s Original and Signature voyages Why coolcations, Northern Lights and astrotourism are creating new opportunities How local communities, authentic experiences and Norwegian cuisine are central to the journey What solo travellers should know about single supplements Why Canada is an important market for Hurtigruten and what’s ahead for Canadian travel advisors New itineraries, expanded advisor training and opportunities beyond the traditional coastal route And in The Pulse Check, Matt shares the cruise industry jargon he’d happily ban, his best packing advice and the Jimmy Buffett song that sums up his philosophy on travel. 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.

  2. Sep 29

    The Places We’ll Go: DCI’s Tania Kedikian on the Changing Canadian Traveller

    In Episode 14 of You Came to the Right Place, Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia sit down with Tania Kedikian, Vice President of Tourism at Development Counsellors International (DCI), to unpack new research into who the Canadian traveller is in 2026. In this episode: Where Canadians are travelling    Why long-haul travel is on the rise   How much Canadians — and affluent Canadians — are spending on travel   How travel preferences differ across Canadian provinces   Why safety, value and quality accommodations matter to Canadian travellers   How social media and AI are continuing to change the way Canadians discover and plan trips   What these changing habits mean for travel advisors   Why the Canadian traveller can’t be treated as one single market   And in The Pulse Check, Tania reveals her biggest travel pet peeve, the travel trend she thinks is officially overhyped, and the destination she’d board a flight to tomorrow. 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.

  3. Sep 15

    The Road Less Travelled: Inside Intrepid’s 'Not Hot List' with CEO James Thornton

    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.

  4. Sep 2

    The Power of Travel: Inside G Adventures’ GX with Dre Giroux

    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.

  5. Aug 18

    Small Group, Big Adventure: Collette’s Christian Leibl-Cote on the Changing Face of Guided Travel

    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.

  6. Aug 4

    The Business of Travel: Travelsavers’ Jane Clementino on Trends, Technology and Tomorrow

    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.

  7. Jul 21

    Sea of Change: The Luxury Cruise Trends Shaping Traveller Demand

    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.

  8. Jul 7

    Healthy Bookings: Wellness Travel Trends Shaping Client Demand

    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.

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Canada’s travel trade doesn’t need more spin — it needs real talk. On You Came to the Right Place, TravelPulse Canada's Natasha Lair and Jen Mallia unpack the news, trends, and tensions shaping the industry, with candid conversations and a distinctly Canadian point of view. 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, brings two decades of travel media experience, along with charm, quick wit and sharp industry insight. Together, they deliver real talk, smart perspective and just enough sarcasm to keep it interesting. Questions or comments? Contact us at mail@travelpulse.com

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