Unpacked by Afar Podcast Por AFAR Media arte de portada

Unpacked by Afar

Unpacked by Afar

De: AFAR Media
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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. Ciencias Sociales Escritos y Comentarios sobre Viajes
Episodios
  • What Happens After You Buy That One-Euro Italian House?

    What Happens After You Buy That One-Euro Italian House?
    Jul 4 2025
    Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a new series where we go behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down with Afar contributing writer Lisa Abend, who recently traveled to Sicily to investigate the viral phenomenon of European countries selling homes for one euro. Based in Copenhagen, Lisa explores what really happens after the headlines fade—both for the buyers chasing their dreams and the Sicilian communities welcoming newcomers. She shares what it's like to be an outsider in a tight-knit village, the reality behind those too-good-to-be-true property deals, and why the distinctively Sicilian spirit still dominates despite an influx of foreign buyers. On this episode you'll learn: The real story behind Sicily's one-euro house program and what buyers actually get for their money How small Sicilian towns are responding to an influx of foreign buyers and what "welcoming" really looks like Why most one-euro house purchases take much longer and cost far more than buyers expect Don't miss these moments: [02:30] Lisa's first impressions of Sambuca di Sicilia and the feeling of being watched as an outsider [04:15] The elderly café customer who seemed hostile but just wanted to ask about his New Jersey cousins [06:45] Danny McCubbin's journey from Jamie Oliver collaborator to Mussomeli community member—and dream crusher [09:20] Why buying a one-euro house doesn't guarantee a residence permit or the right to drive [12:10] The difference between one-euro ruins and Lisa's dream 50,000-euro house with pizza oven potential Resources Read Lisa's complete Afar story about Sicily's one-euro houses. Follow Lisa Abend on Instagram for more European travel insights. Subscribe to Lisa's newsletter, the Unplugged Traveler, where she explores Europe without using the internet. Next Episode Preview Join Katherine in two weeks when she speaks with Peggy Orenstein, author and Afar contributing writer, who traveled to Busan, South Korea, and discovered a new love for the "second cities of the world." Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠Behind the Mic⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠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.
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    20 m
  • Unpacked Minis, Five Questions: For One Writer, This Ancient Chinese City Always Feels New

    Unpacked Minis, Five Questions: For One Writer, This Ancient Chinese City Always Feels New
    May 23 2025
    Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a new series where we go behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down with author and journalist Bonnie Tsui, whose father has lived in Guangzhou, China, for decades. In the 2025 Culture Issue of Afar she writes about how a recent trip to the city transformed three generations of relationships. She shares tips for first-time visitors, why you should visit Guangzhou for the food, and the ways one city can bridge past and present, family and identity. On this episode you’ll learn: • The ways that Guangzhou’s evolving identity mirror the Asian American experience. • Why Cantonese desserts are an underrated and essential part of Guangzhou’s food culture • How first-time travelers to China can adjust to the country’s mobile payment norms. Don’t miss these moments: [01:14] Complicated relationships between China, the Chinese diaspora and familial roots. [05:45] Cantonese desserts to capture any foodie’s heart. [08:44] Tips for first-time travelers to China—and the app that makes everything easier. [10:11] Guangzhou Tower and Shamian Island: a meeting of East and West, old and new. Resources Read the transcript of this episode. Read Bonnie’s complete feature story about Guangzhou, China in Afar’s 2025 Culture Issue. Read Bonnie’s story, What Chinatown Means to America—and to Me on afar.com. Explore more of Bonnie’s work and buy her new book, On Muscle. Listen to this episode of Travel Tales where Bonnie swims to the soul of Switzerland. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, 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.
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    18 m
  • Unpacked Minis, Five Questions: For Some of the World’s Most Exciting Wines, Travel to Mexico

    Unpacked Minis, Five Questions: For Some of the World’s Most Exciting Wines, Travel to Mexico
    May 9 2025
    Welcome to Unpacked, Five Questions, a new series where we go behind the scenes of one great travel story. In this inaugural episode, host Katherine LaGrave sits down with award-winning writer Anya von Bremzen to discuss her journey through Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's exciting wine region just two hours from San Diego, which she wrote about in Afar's spring issue. Von Bremzen, a James Beard Award-winning culinary writer who recently published National Dish in 2023, shares why this area is the fascinating "anti-Napa" and worth the bumpy ride. On this episode you'll learn: Why Valle de Guadalupe is emerging as one of North America's most exciting wine regions How the region's lack of established traditions is fostering incredible creativity Why female winemakers are flourishing in this innovative Mexican wine country What makes the region's difficult access part of its charm and protection Don't miss these moments: [04:12] Why "bad roads make good tourists" according to local winemakers [05:05] Anya's favorite natural wines from the region, including an amber sauvignon blanc called "La Poubelle" (trash can) [08:20] The surprising prevalence of women winemakers in a traditionally patriarchal country [10:15] How Valle de Guadalupe's freedom from tradition allows for experimental winemaking that would "make Europeans faint" Featured in this episode: Lunario - Michelin green-sustainability-star restaurant Silvana Pijoan - Natural winemaker of La Poubelle amber sauvignon blanc at Pijoan Winery Veronica Santiago - Winemaker at Mina Penelope Winery Lulú Martínez Ojeda - Winemaker at Bruma who trained in Bordeaux David Castro Hussong - Chef at Bruma Karina Campos - Guide from Baja Wine, Eat and Travel Resources: Read Anya's complete feature story on Valle de Guadalupe in AFAR's 2025 Culture issue. Explore more of Anya's work in her 2023 book National Dish, which examines iconic dishes from Paris, Tokyo, Istanbul, and beyond. Follow Anya on Instagram and Twitter for more culinary explorations. Join host Katherine LaGrave in two weeks for a conversation with AFAR contributing writer Bonnie Tsui about her journey to Guangzhou, China, and her new book, On Muscle. Follow AFAR Media on Instagram and TikTok @AfarMedia. Subscribe, rate, and review Unpacked, Five Questions on your favorite podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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    17 m
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