Meet Nat Geo’s 2024 Travelers of the Year

Did you know that National Geographic hosts an Oscars for travel every year?

I’m being a little over-the-top—Nat Geo doesn’t actually host a large event in which runners-up compete for awards. Instead, the publication’s editors from around the world put forth nominations for Travelers of the Year.

Final selections are usually made in January, highlighting how travelers can explore the world like these Nat Geo stars.

The first iteration of Travelers of the Year came in the early 2000s. During this period, tourism and travel were segmenting rapidly, with tourism representing a more commercial venture and travel representing a more cultural take.

With decades of cultural and ecological expertise under its belt, Nat Geo began covering travel topics more often.

Not just any type of travel, but a more transformative type of intercultural travel. That probably sounds fancy, but the idea is simple: travel introduces us to new worlds, new people, new languages, and more. It’s an exchange, hence the phrase ‘intercultural’.

If you’ve stuck to traditional tourist routes over the years (like all-inclusive resorts, tour companies, etc), Nat Geo’s Travelers of the Year is the perfect way to stoke your curiosity for a different type of adventure.

One that might even encourage you to venture off the tourist reservation, so to speak.

Ready to meet National Geographic’s 2024 Travelers of the Year? Here they are.

Nat Geo’s Travelers of the Year—where will they inspire you to go?

Liliana Palma Santos—taking you straight to the heart of Oaxaca

Liliana Palma Santos, Courtesy of Zapotec Travel

One of the toughest things about traveling is knowing which platform to book tours with. I usually advocate for locally driven tours because they tend to be more impactful, interesting, and ethical. (That’s a generalization, of course.)

In Oaxaca, you can take tours with full confidence thanks to Liliana Palma Santos’ company, Zapotec Travel. Her tours include hands-on experiences with locals and especially indigenous Zapotec guides, giving you an intimate and responsible look at life in Oaxaca.

Vasu Sojitra—outdoor adventures for the disabled

Accessibility is extremely tough when traveling—especially for those with mobility concerns. But Vasu Sojitra is interested in breaking through the glass ceiling when it comes to outdoor adventuring.

As a one-legged athlete, he’s taken on challenges like skiing off Denali and ascending the Grand Tetons. And you can watch it all live from his Instagram page, which has become a great resource for disabled travelers of all stripes.

Vicky Bennison—documentarian and Pasta Grannies aficionado

Ever heard of Pasta Grannies? This famous YouTube series-turned-cookbook highlights the old-school methods of cooking pasta throughout Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean.

Behind it all is Vicky Bennison, who takes you straight into the heart (or the belly) of what compels so many people to travel to Italy: mouth-watering pasta. Preferably made by nonne, Italian for grandmas.

**Pattie Gonia—a very fresh take on backpacking**

The last thing I associate with drag queens is the great outdoors. Welcome to the magic of Pattie Gonia, a drag queen who offers outdoor adventures to local youth in the state of Oregon.

Every year, her organization sends ten kids into the Oregonian wilderness for a classic backpacking trip where they’ll learn about environmental activism, the basics of survival, and more.

The Anderson Family—an American family of five takes on the world

Back in 2018, a family of five from Miami decided to follow their genealogy test back to their roots—which culminated in a full-time move to Ghana. From their new home base, this American-Ghanian family has started to travel the world.

So far, they’ve visited 22 countries, showcasing what it’s like to dig deep into culture while traveling with kids.

Susanne Eti—going all-in on carbon labeling

Susanne Eti is part of the Intrepid Travel team where she looks carefully at each trip offered to label it with a carbon footprint.

Given how many travel companies are starting to turn an eye toward sustainability, Susanne Eti is laying the groundwork for what will be incredibly important for carbon labeling and carbon off-setting in travel. A green queen!

Leo Ghitis—a new take on Latin American luxury hotels

Courtesy of *South Florida Business & Wealth*

Costa Rica is one of those tropical paradises that focuses heavily on conservation—but Leo Ghitis, who owns resorts in Costa Rica, Panama, and Chile, is just as focused on regeneration.

His luxury properties all work with providers, hotels, and brands that have concrete programs designed to give back. One of his latest pursuits funnels revenue from a resort toward housing for its employees with a special focus on single mothers. It’s a new look in the world of luxury hospitality.

Dolly Parton—pure, Smoky Mountains royalty

Surprise, surprise—it’s America’s sweetheart! While most other names listed here have focused on sustainability, accessibility, and intercultural exchange, Dolly made the list for her unbeatable hospitality.

Not only has she put Eastern Tennessee on the map with her famous resorts, but she’s also stayed close to home. Every year, she shows up for the season opening of Dollywood—pure dedication.

Zakia Moulaoui Guery—walking tours like never before

Meet one of the most revolutionary ideas in the travel world: teaching unhoused people how to offer walking tours of their hometowns. The organization is called Invisible Cities.

This project was launched by Zaki Moulaoui Guery from the UK and is now live in Manchester, York, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. Not only do travelers get a top-notch walking tour, but it’s also helped break down the stigma around homelessness.

5 Perfect Spas in Seoul (And How to Go Au Natural)

If you’ve lived in New York City before, you’ve probably heard of Spa Castle.

Spa Castle is a well-known Korean spa that—as the name suggests—is absolutely grandiose.

I remember my first visit back in the late 2010s. I was looking forward to spending time with my partner, soaking in hot tubs and then floating in pools before heading into a steam room.

That wasn’t the case. I was told to strip and then sent into a room to scrub my body clean—before getting into any of the pools. And speaking of pools, there were around five or six to choose from. Nude ladies were sitting in them, zenned out.

Naked, cold, and confused, I slipped into the closest option. For a while, I wondered what to do next; this space didn’t look like anything from the brochures.

I didn’t know it at the time, but this women-only, nude area is a gender-segregated area in Korean spa culture that’s known as the ‘wet area’ or jimjilbang. They’re segregated by gender because, like I just outlined, everyone is bucked naked.

Though it took my a while to figure out, this is the pre-spa area. Once you’ve prepped your body for more relaxation in the jimjilbang wet area, you can put on your bathing suit and head into the ‘dry area’ of the spa where there are saunas, sitting areas, cafeterias, and even gaming centers.

And while Spa Castle is some 6,800-something miles away from Seoul’s traditional spas, the experience isn’t too far off from what you might find if you travel to one of the city’s popular bathhouses.

If you’re heading to Seoul, don’t miss out. Even if you’ve never spent time in the nude before, you’ll be happy you went for it.

Consider this your guide to the best spas in Seoul and how not to get weirded out in the wet area wearing only your birthday suit. (Want a crash course in the Central European nude spa experience, instead? Start here.)

First, a note on nudity in spas

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but nudity is often cultural. In the context of the spa, nudity is non-sexual in the highest form.

Wet areas are gender-segregated because the idea is that you’re there for a medical-grade wellness treatment—not to see and be seen.

I can’t overstate this—there’s nothing sexy going on here. If you catch other guests staring at you, it’s probably just some unabashed curiosity. I noticed a few stares at Spa Castle because it was an overwhelmingly Korean establishment, and I stood out as a non-Korean.

So, what do you do if you want to have this experience in Seoul but you’re terrified of your own naked form and how others might see it?

Fake it till you make it. Walk in, undress, and keep moving. You’ll realize very quickly that it isn’t a beauty contest.

Here’s how things go at a traditional bathhouse. You enter and pay the admission fee, then pick up your smock and towels. These are the only items you’ll need in the wet area. Drop your shoes in the shoe locker, then store the rest of your belongings in a larger locker. Scrub yourself clean before getting into the water.

If you want to dig into spa experiences in Seoul, here’s a nice breakdown from a German solo traveler named Renata.

5 perfect spas in Seoul

Below, you can find five spas in Seoul that are perfect for your first jimjilbang and traditional bathhouse experience. As you check them out, you should be able to find a basic set of instructions on how the spa works. That should help you feel a bit more comfortable heading into your first South Korean spa.

Siloam Sauna: Traditional dry spa experience that’s known for its high-quality treatments, including massages
Myeongdong Hwanggeum Sauna: An upscale and traditional Korean spa where you can choose from four different sauna programs
Whoo Spa Palace: A VIP-level spa that local celebrities love—expect to pay a pretty penny to soak here
Spa Lei: A woman’s only bathhouse where family and friends usually gather—feel free to bring a (girl) friend
Aquafield: A large-scale bathhouse that looks a lot like my Spa Castle experience—expect plenty of space to hang out in the cafeteria and even gaming areas (family friendly)

eSIM Advice: How to Use Firsty for International Cell Service

The eSIM industry is growing at lightning speed.

For the last few years, I’ve used Airalo to purchase the right plan for my next trip. At their most basic, eSIMs allow you to purchase a temporary plan for the country you’ll visit. That plan dictates how much data you have access to for a given period of time and in a certain geographic range.

Sounds simple, right?

Similar to AI travel planners, there’s a lot of headway being made when it comes to finding a great data plan. Though I’m happy using Airalo, I’ve started to look into a newcomer: Firsty.

Firsty was founded in January of 2024, making it one of the newest players in the eSIM arena—and it does things differently than most other eSIM providers, including a flexible data plan. Here’s what you need to know about Firsty.

Welcome to Firsty

The main difference between Firsty and other eSIM providers is that there’s a flexible and free basic mobile data plan.

When you first download the app, you get free hourly data connections.

But every sixty minutes, you need to watch a short advertisement. I’ve had enough of these little ads, which means I’m more than happy to pay for a more standard plan from Airalo, for example. (Or from Firsty! There are more plans listed below.)

However, this is probably going to be a huge benefit for budget travelers and backpackers.

Another distinction is that Firsty doesn’t sell different eSIMs based on the country. There’s a single eSIM that covers all of Planet Earth, so you don’t need to worry about switching your phone back once you get home or cross a border.

The gist is this: You don’t need to worry about figuring out how much data you’ll need, for how long, and for which countries. Just download the app, load it up, and start browsing the internet wherever you go.

How to use Firsty

When you download the app, you can choose between three different plans. The above scenario I described is Firsty Free.

Firsty Free comes with 300 Kbps speed, which is ideal for loading maps, ordering meals, and more. It’s totally free—but you need to watch a 30-second ad every hour to keep using it. Plus, you might need to re-connect to Wi-Fi when it’s time to watch the ad.

Comfort + has a limit of up to 5 Mbps, which is ideal for social media and internet browsing. This is the plan I’d go for because it doesn’t include any nonsense ads. And at only around $1 a day, it’s also not too pricey.

The final offer is First Class, which includes 5GBs of data each day before being throttled to 1 Mbps. It works by connecting you to the best available provider. That’s enough of a boost for even remote workers to do their thing while on the go.

Is it good for first-time eSIM users?

I’m not the biggest fan of the daily charges simply because keeping track of the days is hard to do when you’re crossing time zones and traveling around the world.

That’s a personal no-no for me; as a remote writer who has clients on multiple continents, I absolutely hate thinking about this type of stuff.

That being said, Firsty lets you move between these plans each day, letting you pay more when you need reliable service and pay nothing when you don’t need immediate access to data.

That’s the magic here—being able to dynamically switch up your data plan based on your immediate needs. If flexibility is big for you, then sign up with Firsty.

The 7 Most Important Features in a Vacation Rental

The realm of vacation rentals is constantly in flux.

Some of that variation boils down to local restrictions. Over the last few years, places like New York City and Maui have both put forth strict rules on when and how guests can book stays.

In NYC, short-term rentals of less than 30 days are no longer allowed, while Maui authorities want to get rid of private rental properties altogether.

And that’s just the legal side of things. In a constantly evolving private rental industry, which features do you actually need? And what else should you look out for in this over-saturated market?

Private rentals—they’re not how they used to be

As a frequent traveler, I’ve also noticed a huge gap in the quality of rentals offered. The most famous example is those skyrocketing cleaning fees.

I’ve stayed at rentals with hefty cleaning fees that included a list of chores for the guests—all the while, the stay wasn’t clean to start with.

For example, one rental I stayed at had a stained sheet being used as a window curtain… and this was a nearly $300 per night stay that had a long list of cleaning chores for its guests. (This rental was in Oslo, too—a city known for great design and sensibility.)

Then there are increasingly common situations in which hosts ignore rules and regulations. I recently had a friend book a private rental near my place in Barcelona’s Old City. The hosts knew they weren’t allowed to rent out their place to guests—so they put a note on the door asking my friend to tell any chatty neighbors that they were friends of the owners. Yikes.

So, if you’re a little nervous about booking private rentals, then you aren’t alone. To make it clear, I still love staying at a great rental—I’m just unhappy with the inconsistency from some hosts.

And while you usually have options when it comes to a subpar, dirty, or dangerous stay, it’s always best to know what to look for before you book.

If you want to nail a private rental booking, I’ve got a few tips about the most important features. These are based on my own experience having stayed in private rentals around the world, plus the great minds of Lodgify.

Their 2024 trend report is geared toward hosts, highlighting the most important features that guests want to see.

Guests like me and you.

Most important features of a private rental like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking, & more

If you can’t find a clear answer about these features in a private rental’s description, feel free to reach out to the hosts. But don’t forget to dig into the rental’s reviews to see how other guests felt about certain features.

Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi

I’m a fan of dropping off the map—but I also work a lot when I travel, so a rental must have reliable Wi-Fi.

I don’t usually need high-speed Wi-Fi because I don’t have too many calls, but that’s not the case for my partner. He needs video-call-sufficient Wi-Fi.

When we need to get some work done on the road, our top priority when booking a private rental is usually verifying the Wi-Fi speed.

We look for at least 20mpbs, but a very reliable connection and speed is more like 60mpbs. If a rental has this type of fast Wi-Fi, they’ll usually list it.

Fully equipped kitchens

One of my tried-and-true tips for saving money—especially on group trips—is to make some of your meals yourself. In fact, I think this is the core appeal of a vacation rental: giving visitors the tools to feed themselves.

Not only does that enable you to save a little bit of money, but it’s also great for picky eaters. Americans are known for having limited palates, so it’s great when we can grab a few staples from the grocery store that we know we’ll like.

I’ve also found that a fully equipped kitchen makes those late-night meals even easier—and nothing prevents a bad hangover like a midnight snack. A midnight steak, more specifically.

Washer-dryer

The very best way to stay fresh and clean on a long trip is to do laundry when you have the chance. The most convenient way to do that is with a washer-dryer set up at a private rental.

Just make sure to watch out for those dryer settings—a little heat could shrink your favorite gear when you’re far from home.

Outdoor spaces

According to the Lodgify report, 62% of respondents said that access to outdoor spaces is of utmost importance. Lawns are the top selection, but balconies and rooftops are also important in dense urban centers.

I think outdoor spaces is one of those deceptively important features—at least, it is for me. A solid outdoor space lets you unwind right where you are, amping up the downtime on your vacation by offering a comfortable hang out spot.

Whether a rooftop sitting area or a backyard, these are the places where you can reflect on your trip with friends while sharing drinks and a snack. Best of all, many outdoor spaces include a view—and those views let you maximize your experience by giving you a backdrop to hang out in front of.

Parking

Again, this feature is more important for more suburban or rural stays. The only time you’ll need a car in a city is if you’re visiting a destination in the United States or Canada.

In both cases, make sure your parking is covered—even if you’re staying smack in the middle of a city like Houston or San Diego.

The basics for kids—and pets

The Lodgify study found that 22% of private rental guests want specific gear for their young children. To my great surprise, that percentage is even higher for pet-specific amenities at 27%.

I think both of these stats point back to the added desire for outdoor space.

Having a fenced backyard, for example, gives your kids extra space to run around, explore, and hang out. The same for pets, except it’s also their bathroom.

Self-check-in

Guests and hosts are overwhelmingly interested in self-check-in. Not only does it leave more flexibility for both parties, but it also gives them unique benefits. Hosts can live further from their rentals and avoid long trips.

Guests, on the other hand, have an even more convenient and private way to check in and start enjoying their vacation.

The Priority Pass Debate—Should You Join or Not?

In case you’ve missed out, Priority Pass is one of the longest-running travel membership programs out there.

Back in 1992, the company was founded as a network of partner lounges and restaurants in American airports. The idea was simple: pay an annual fee for unlimited access to a more satisfying airport experience, one lounge at a time.

Over thirty years later and the company is still going strong—a testament to the high-value offer of lounge access. As airports become more hectic and unpredictable, more travelers like me are starting to ask… is it time to join?

Here’s what you need to know about Priority Pass, including what may or may not make it worth it for your travel needs. (Also—you might already have access and not know it!)

Inside the Priority Pass

Joining Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,700 airport experiences, which includes around 1,500 lounges. That’s coverage in over 600 cities in 45 countries around the globe—a pretty unbeatable offer in terms of application.

That’s the magic here: lounge access at the world’s busiest airports. You can pre-book a trip to the lounge for a small fee or show up unannounced. You even get access to unique offers, like discounts at airport restaurants and spas.

That’s great for any easily stressed travelers or business people who need to log a few hours before boarding their flight.

You can choose from three membership tiers, including Standard ($79 for the first year, then $99), Standard Plus ($279 for the first year, then $329), and Prestige ($469 per year).

Standard membership gives you access to the lounges—but you still need to pay the $35 fee to enter. Standard Plus grants you ten free visits a year. A Prestige membership gives you unlimited access to lounges all year round, although you still need to pay for some guests to join you.

Do you already have a Priority Pass membership?

Three popular travel rewards credit card programs come with Priority Pass membership.

If you carry a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or The Platinum Card from American Express, you’ve got unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges. Congrats!

Signs it’s time to join—or not

At least once a year, I talk myself into and then out of paying for that Priority Pass membership. I always back out when I consider paying for the membership, and then another $35 each time I want to enter a lounge.

So let me lay out the cons first:

You’ll still be paying to enter the lounges with a Standard and Standard Plus membership. Given how expensive travel is, handing over $35 to get access to a lounge is a pretty low charge. That being said, I still dislike paying an annual membership fee when every lounge visit also has a charge tacked on.

Plus, guests aren’t included. Even with a Prestige membership, you still need to pay $35 for a guest to join you. At any elite membership status, that seems a little weird.

You can always pay for a day pass. Most Priority Pass lounges allow travelers to pay around $50 to access their lounge for a limited period. Viewed in this way, the membership isn’t actually saving you money—it’s just guaranteeing you can get through the door.

Lounges fill up. If there’s no space for you at a packed airport during rush hour, it doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not—you won’t make it into the doors. (That being said, I’m sure Priority Pass agents would work hard to help you find a solution.)

Now onto the benefits:

The lounges are built to offer total comfort and convenience. From great snacks to charging ports to comfortable chairs, Priority Pass lounges act like little oases that offer shelter from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Some even have showers… and the select few even have pools. If you’re a frequent flyer, you might need a membership like Priority Pass to stay sane.

It’s great for domestic flights in the US. The bulk of Priority Pass’s top lounges are located around the United States, covering some forty airports. Obviously, they have lounges around the world—but you’ll get even more out of the pass if you usually fly domestically.

It’s not only the Priority Pass network. When you purchase membership, you get access to additional lounges from other great brands. For example, some Plaza Premium Lounges are joint ventures, giving you even more ways to unwind.

Airports are only going to get messier. This is just my opinion—but I’ve seen a sharp downturn in the overall airport experience over the last ten years. Having access to the Priority Pass network gives you the guarantee of sanctuary in places that could make a monk cry. I’m talking about Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, Dallas Forth Worth International Airport, JFK, and beyond.

Should You Bring Cash When You Travel? And What About Exchanges?

When I immigrated to Barcelona back in 2018, I had a hefty chunk of (physical) change in my suitcase.

I’d taken on a side gig to save up for the big move, and some of those earnings were in cash. While it’s legal to bring up to €10,000 into Europe (or its equivalent in another currency), I was more than a little apprehensive about what to do with that money once arriving.

Should I exchange it for euros in one fell swoop? Should I hold onto it until I open up a bank account, and then deposit it? Or should I keep it in a shoebox under my bed and parse it out for those tighter moments? (I know this isn’t the Great Depression, but that’s my impulse.)

The better question is probably, does the average traveler actually need to bring cash with them?

In my case, I was immigrating full-time—so I needed every dime with me, including cash earnings. But the average traveler probably doesn’t need more than a hundred or so dollars with them when they head abroad.

Here’s what you need to know about bringing cash abroad, exchanging dollars for local currency, and using a card, instead.

Should you bring cash with you?

I always recommend having some cash on you when traveling.

Some travel writers consider this risky due to pickpocketing, but you can always leave the bulk of your cash in your hotel room or rental.

The idea behind having cash on hand is that it’s more widely accepted globally. Though places like Europe and East Asia are renowned for accepting cashless payments, from Apple Pay to credit cards, you can’t go wrong with cash. (So long as you have smaller bills, at least.)

Plus, an electrical outage won’t bar you from spending your physical bills.

I prefer to use cash for smaller purchases, like coffee. If you’re leaving tips abroad, you should also have some small bills on hand.

Just make sure to keep your cash safe in your hotel room—and always break those larger bills. Not only are they easier for vendors to change, but you won’t be as upset if you lose a $5 bill compared to $50.

What’s the best way to exchange currencies?

Again, you don’t need to spend only in cash on your next vacation—that would be flat-out insane. But how should you exchange your dollars?

Remember, currency exchange rates are constantly changing, so you need to pay attention to conversions just as much as the rates offered by currency exchange businesses.

Here’s my advice:

Start with your bank. They’ll help you out without adding on fees, which means you’ll get the precise exchange rate conversion when transferring your dollars into another currency. Just make sure to call ahead to see if your bank has the notes you’re looking for. While most banks have euros and pounds on hand, that’s not the case for more unique bills.
Exchange your cash locally—but not at the airport or in touristy centers. If you weren’t able to make it to the bank on time, don’t worry. Most cities offer reasonable exchange rates—outside their tourist hotspots, at least. When I exchanged my dollars for euros in 2018, I did so in a neighborhood outside the city center. That got me a slightly better exchange rate than what was offered in the touristy area. But avoid those airport kiosks at all costs—they usually charge the highest fees.
Ask for small bills. I’ve touched on this a few times in this article, but I highly recommend requesting small bills when you exchange your dollars. Smaller bills are easier for vendors to handle, letting you use those bills whenever you need to. On top of that, you won’t be nearly as upset by misplacing (or being robbed of) a small bill compared to a large one.

What about using credit cards?

I’ve lived in Barcelona for six years now and I still use my Bank of America travel rewards card. The sole purpose of that card is for me to charge larger expenses here in the city, from a sailboat tour with friends to a fine dining experience.

Though I also have a local bank account and debit card, I still like to charge things on my credit card now and then.

Given it’s a travel rewards card, I don’t have to pay any international transaction fees. That should be your main priority when using credit cards abroad: avoiding those small fees that will add up by the time you’re heading home.

That brings me to my next point about spending on credit cards while traveling: always pay in local currency. When a vendor hands you a POS device, you’ll be prompted about whether to pay in the local currency versus dollars. While it’s probably tempting to pay in dollars, the conversion won’t work in your favor. Always go local.