Unpacked by Afar

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 [https://www.afar.com/magazine/coming-back-to-guangzhou-changed-my-relationship-with-my-dad]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 [https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/unpacked-minis-five-questions-how-guangzhou-china-bridges-old-and-new]of this episode.  Read Bonnie’s complete feature story [https://www.afar.com/magazine/coming-back-to-guangzhou-changed-my-relationship-with-my-dad] about Guangzhou, China in Afar’s 2025 Culture Issue. Read Bonnie’s story, What Chinatown Means to America—and to Me on afar.com [http://afar.com].  Explore more of Bonnie’s work [https://www.bonnietsui.com/stories]and buy her new book, On Muscle [https://www.bonnietsui.com/].  Listen to this episode [https://pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/B6A62C/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR1368419435.mp3?updated=1738957995] 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 [https://email.afar.com/join/3n4/signup], where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales [http://afar.com/podcast], which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. Unpacked by Afar is part of Airwave Media [https://www.airwavemedia.com/]'s podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com [advertising@airwavemedia.com] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

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 [https://www.afar.com/travel-inspiration/in-the-magazine/spring-2025]. 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 [https://www.lunario.mx/] - Michelin green-sustainability-star restaurant * Silvana Pijoan - Natural winemaker of La Poubelle amber sauvignon blanc at Pijoan Winery [https://www.pijoanbodega.com/] * Veronica Santiago - Winemaker at Mina Penelope Winery [https://www.minapenelope.com/] * Lulú Martínez Ojeda [https://www.instagram.com/luluojeda/] - Winemaker at Bruma [https://www.bruma.mx/] who trained in Bordeaux * David Castro Hussong [https://www.instagram.com/davidcastroh/] - Chef at Bruma * Karina Campos [https://www.instagram.com/bajawineandtravel/] - Guide from Baja Wine, Eat and Travel [https://www.bajawineandtravel.com/] Resources: * Read Anya's complete feature story on Valle de Guadalupe [https://www.afar.com/magazine/this-is-mexicos-most-exciting-wine-and-food-region] in AFAR's 2025 Culture issue. * Explore more of Anya's work in her 2023 book National Dish [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673760/national-dish-by-anya-von-bremzen/], which examines iconic dishes from Paris, Tokyo, Istanbul, and beyond. * Follow Anya on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/anyavonbremzen/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/anyavonbremzen] for more culinary explorations. * Join host Katherine LaGrave in two weeks for a conversation with AFAR contributing writer Bonnie Tsui [https://www.bonnietsui.com/] about her journey to Guangzhou, China, and her new book, On Muscle [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676781/on-muscle-by-bonnie-tsui/]. Follow AFAR Media on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/afarmedia/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@afarmedia] @AfarMedia. Subscribe, rate, and review Unpacked, Five Questions on your favorite podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afar-travel-tales/id1546156893] and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7rvgUfPFuVKmNjJjuvzmXz].

In 2025, wellness is the main ingredient at sea. From elaborate tea houses to shopping excursions with the chef—these are the fresh ways that cruise lines are shedding their overindulgent reputations.  On this episode of Unpacked Minis, Cruise Edition, host Aislyn Greene sits down at F&B@Sea [https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com/fnbsea/en/home.html]—the culinary showcase at Miami's Seatrade Cruise Global conference—with David Yeskel [https://thelasvegas.guru/], a travel and food journalist who has covered cruising for 20 years. Together they uncover the most surprising—and delicious—trends shaping what we eat at sea. On this episode you’ll learn:  * Why cruise lines are embracing plant-based menus—and what that means for travelers.  * How sourcing local ingredients works (and why small ships are able to lead the way).  * The ways that shoreline dining trends are making their way aboard cruise lines.  Don’t miss these moments:  [02:48] Why swapping bars for tea houses is on trend in  2025.  [05:25] Unique and inclusive food options at every level of the industry.   [08:11] Sourcing local food? Sometimes it means taking travelers shopping with the chef.  Featured in this episode:  Virgin Voyages [https://www.virginvoyages.com/] MSC Cruises [https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/ships/msc-world-europa] Carnival Cruise Line [https://www.carnival.com/] Holland America Line [https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us] Celebrity [https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjghMLr_IWNAxXOMq0GHXXmFWUYABABGgJwdg&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2tHABhCiARIsANZzDWrQ7yp1qp60GZyDnSpxNP4rm_h63hkQHLroAFrUpw0SG7TAMqpfV7waAowKEALw_wcB&sig=AOD64_3DfcsuvOv7mpSr37mKRk5dJY-Vlg&q&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwj77b3r_IWNAxWaHzQIHcZjJ3YQ0Qx6BAgKEAE] Princess [https://www.princess.com/en-us] Oceania [https://www.oceaniacruises.com/] Viking Cruises [https://www.vikingcruises.com/] Azamara Cruises [https://www.azamara.com/home] Explora Journeys [https://explorajourneys.com/us/en] Seabourn Cruises [https://www.seabourn.com/] Celestyal Cruises [https://celestyal.com/] Cunard  [https://www.cunard.com/en-us] Resources:  Read the transcript of this episode [https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/unpacked-minis-cruise-edition-wellness-and-the-biggest-culinary-cruise-trends].  Explore more of David’s work on his website [https://thelasvegas.guru/] or follow him on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-yeskel-84844052/]. Listen to other Unpacked Minis, Cruise Edition, like this one [https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/9063871245/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR6072352941.mp3?updated=1746139697]about innovations or this one [https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/9063871245/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR8573352105.mp3?updated=1742907988]about finding a cruise travel advisor.  Looking for more content from Seatrade Global? Check out our sister podcast View From Afar [https://www.afar.com/podcasts/view-from-afar], by the travel industry for the travel industry.

Peek into the colorful, immersive, and luxurious innovations shaping the future of cruising—straight from the floor of Seatrade Cruise Global [https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com/global/en/home.html], one of the cruise industry's most important events. From flying theaters to floating pickleball courts, this episode of Unpacked Minis, Cruise Edition takes you behind-the-scenes of the surprising sights (and smells) making waves in cruising.  * The luxury innovations taking cruises and yachts to the next level.  * How cruise ships utilize technology to create immersive experiences for guests  * Which innovations were revealed on the floor of Seatrade 2025.  Don’t miss these moments:  [02:30]  Bike the Great Wall of China on your next cruise.  [03:54] The sights and smells that a cruise ships bottle up.  [08:33] Party-banas and a floating pickleball court.  [11:57] What does pouring resin on a bear have to do with eco-cruising? [15:46] Behind the scenes of Disney Cruises’ immersive experiences. Special Thanks To: DOF Robotics [https://dofrobotics.com/] Froggy's Fog [https://www.froggysfog.com] Aquabanas [https://aquabanas.com] Bolidt [https://www.bolidt.com/en/home] Zenko [https://zenkoint.com/]and  HF Interior [https://www.hfinterior.com/] Resources: Read the transcript of this episode [https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/minis-s4-e3-cruise-ship-innovations].   Explore other Unpacked cruise content, like this episode [https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/9063871245/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR5972188582.mp3?updated=1744287801] about sustainable cruising, or this one [https://pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/9063871245/traffic.megaphone.fm/AFAR1118333907.mp3?updated=1741133732] about finding the right cruise for you.  Follow Afar for all the ⁠cruise news⁠ [https://www.afar.com/tips-and-news/cruise-news] you need to know.

With just five years under it's belt, Hotel the Mitsui has already stood the test of time. Housed in the former estate of one of Japan's most influential families, this five-star hotel is full of details that help guests see the rich traditions of Kyoto with a fresh pair of eyes. In this “If These Walls Could Talk” episode of Unpacked, Aislyn Greene takes you on a tour of the stories—and secrets—that a hotel can reveal about the places we visit. On this episode you’ll learn:  * What it’s like to stay at Hotel the Mitsui, one of Japan’s most luxurious and historic hotels.  * The ways that interior architect Andre Fu collaborated with local artisans to bring guests an intimate journey through Kyoto culture.  * How Japanese tea ceremony traditions have evolved over time.  Don’t miss these moments:  [03:24] Step into a mystical journey through time.  [11:39] What do samurai, monks, and matcha have in common?  [19:43] Intimate and local: How artisans nod to the soul of Kyoto Resources:  Read the full transcript [https://www.afar.com/podcasts/unpacked/s4-e12-an-inside-look-at-kyoto-hotel-the-mitsui]. Book a stay at Hotel the Mitsui [https://www.hotelthemitsui.com/en/kyoto/]or follow their Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hotel_the_mitsui_kyoto/?hl=en].  Check out Andre Fu's work on his website. [https://andrefustudio.com/] Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic [https://email.afar.com/join/3n4/behind-the-mic-aislyn], where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales [http://afar.com/podcast], which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. ** Bonus Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here [https://www.speakpipe.com/UnpackedbyAfar], for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **