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Unpacked by Afar | Travel Smarter, More Responsibly

Afar
Travel
Sustainability
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Cruising
California
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Experiential Travel
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Puerto Rico
Albuquerque
Holiday Travel Season
Solar Eclipse
Japan
Madison
Bad Bunny
Travel Insurance
Best New Hotels

Unpacked by Afar is your weekly guide to where to go, how to travel, and everything worth unpacking in between. Each week, host Aislyn Greene and the Afar team travel the world and dig into the big questions behind every great trip, from the best new hotels and national parks to traveling more responsibly. Some weeks we follow a story through music, food, and culture. Others we tackle a tricky top... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes197Founded4 years ago
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Places & TravelArtsFoodSociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

Travel journalist Kathryn Romeyn shares how to find Thailand off the beaten path—from Nan Province night markets to Khao Sok's rainforest—plus the best time to visit Thailand if you want fewer crowds and lower prices.

This week on Unpacked, host Ais... more

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The spices in your cabinet are probably five to seven years old—and that's not an accident.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene sits down with Sana Javeri Kadri, founder of Diaspora Spice Co., who spent nine years dismantling a 500-year-... more

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An African safari doesn't have to mean a traffic jam. On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene travels to Tanzania's southern circuit—visiting two parks most first-time safari-ers never consider—and discovers what happens when you trade the fa... more

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By the end of this century, half of the world's 7,000 languages could be gone. On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene hands the mic to travel writer Lucy Kehoe for a conversation about saving language with journalist Sophia Smith Galer, auth... more

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Recent Guests

Kathryn Romeyn
Freelance travel writer who has covered Southeast Asia since 2014
Afar Media
Episode: How to See Thailand’s Wonders Without Feeling Like a Tourist
Sana Javeri Kadri
Founder of Diaspora Spice Co.
Diaspora Spice Co.
Episode: Sana Javeri Kadri's Regenerative Spice Farming Revolution
Elizabeth Gordon
Co-founder of Extraordinary Journeys
Extraordinary Journeys
Episode: For a Crowd-Free African Safari, Head for Tanzania's Southern Circuit
Sophia Smith Galer
Journalist and author of How to Kill a Language
Author, Journalist
Episode: What We Lose When a Language Dies
Lavinia Spalding
Editor of Best Women's Travel Writing anthology
Best Women's Travel Writing (editor)
Episode: Why Women's Travel Writing Matters More Than Ever
Edward Howard
Docent and tour guide at Explore Buffalo
Explore Buffalo
Episode: This Is One of the Best Architecture Cities in America
Terry Alford
Executive Director, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission
Episode: Hallowed Ground: The Street at the Heart of Buffalo's Black History
Rakim Gaines
Executive chef at Capella on 9, Asheville; roots in soul food and African American culinary traditions
Capella on 9
Episode: Asheville Food and the Growth of a Farm-to-Table Town | The Travel Guide
Kate Smedley
Chef de cuisine at a restaurant in Asheville; discusses farm-to-table and local ingredients
Undisclosed Asheville restaurant
Episode: Asheville Food and the Growth of a Farm-to-Table Town | The Travel Guide

Hosts

Aislyn Greene
Host of Unpacked by Afar, Afar Media
Aislyn Green
Host of Unpacked / Feel-Good Friday segment

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 94 ratings
  • Feel Good Friday!

    Love the new Feel Good Friday series!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Happy Traveler5
    United States3 months ago
  • Behind the scenes

    Wonderful podcast that takes us behind the scenes of Afar. The recent episode about a photographer’s assignment in Egypt delves into the trust that must be built before any photos are made. A good mix of travel tips and insights into how magazines are put together.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joe's View
    United States5 months ago
  • It good

    Good

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    List h
    United Statesa year ago
  • Slow, dreary and a really bad presenter

    Could have been an interesting podcast but too much waffle from the presenter whose vocabulary doesn’t extend much past “wow’

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Disgruntled BA traveller
    United States3 years ago
  • Wrong place to go for ethics advice

    AFAR is a partner of the Saudi regime that has a long history of silencing dissent—from murdering journalists to imprisoning Wikipedia editors, denying basic human rights to immigrants, and LGBTQ+ citizens continue to be legally tortured and imprisoned. AFAR needs to get its own house in order and say no to Saudi money before handing out advice on ethics to anyone.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    WmWordsworth
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Positive on storytelling quality and guest variety, with high production standards.
Listeners appreciate the depth on local voices and practical travel insights.
Thoughtful, well-researched travel conversations that respect different cultures.
A few critics note inconsistencies in pacing or presenter style in isolated episodes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to See Thailand’s Wonders Without Feeling Like a Tourist
Q: What is your general advice for people who are planning a trip?
Her guidance includes avoiding peak holiday periods, preferring shoulder seasons for better weather and fewer crowds, and choosing private experiences over large-group tours for personalized and meaningful moments.
How to See Thailand’s Wonders Without Feeling Like a Tourist
Q: And for people who do want to experience some of those more iconic sites like the Grand Palace, what would you recommend?
She suggests visiting early or late in the day to avoid crowds, using boats for sunrise views, and combining temple visits with river excursions to minimize crowds while maintaining a rich experience.
How to See Thailand’s Wonders Without Feeling Like a Tourist
Q: So tell us a little bit more about that journey. How have you explored beyond the main cities?
Kathryn explains that her Bangkok experiences mix river life, markets, and slow exploration, emphasizing local recommendations over quick sightseeing; she highlights staying in boutique hotels and using outfitter-guided itineraries to access less-visited areas.
For a Crowd-Free African Safari, Head for Tanzania's Southern Circuit
Q: Pai, how did the walking safari go, and did you pass the test?
Pai confirms that the guests were keen, attentive, and engaged, learning to observe small signs like droppings and markings, which deepened their understanding of the ecosystem.
What We Lose When a Language Dies
Q: What do you hope travelers take away from engaging with endangered languages while visiting new places?
Lucy and Sophia emphasize respectful curiosity, avoiding exoticization, and recognizing that travelers can contribute to language preservation by supporting speaker communities, using language learning responsibly, and supporting local cultural heritage initiatives.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Unpacked by Afar

What is Unpacked by Afar about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Unpacked by Afar presents thoughtful, culture-rich travel conversations that span architecture, food, history, and community. Episodes frequently blend on-site reporting with expert voices—from local guides and chefs to historians and editors—exploring how places shape identity, how travel can be responsible and inclusive, and how cultures intersect through food, design, and storytelling. Noteworthy are its deep dives into regional histories, sustainable travel angles, and profiles of people and places that illuminate both well-known destinations and overlooked communities. The show often pairs practical tips for travelers with broader conversations about safety, representation, and the responsibilities that come with exploring the world.

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How many listeners does Unpacked by Afar get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Unpacked by Afar?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Unpacked by Afar:

1. Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
2. NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
3. The Frommer's Travel Show
4. Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast
5. The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

How many episodes of Unpacked by Afar are there?

Unpacked by Afar launched 4 years ago and published 197 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Unpacked by Afar?

Recent guests on Unpacked by Afar include:

1. Kathryn Romeyn
2. Sana Javeri Kadri
3. Elizabeth Gordon
4. Sophia Smith Galer
5. Lavinia Spalding
6. Edward Howard
7. Terry Alford
8. Rakim Gaines

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