Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — October 24, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Evaneos renueva su certificación B Corp fortaleciendo su estrategia de turismo sostenible
Custom-trip platform Evaneos renewed its B Corp certification with a record 124.3 score, tying executive bonuses to impact goals and welcoming ex-Airbnb leader Alexandra Dimiziani to its board. The company is pushing a decarbonization plan, steering travellers toward rail, and backing local communities via its Better Trips Fund, which has invested over €2 million in social and environmental projects. With most partner agencies pursuing Travelife certification and 85% of trip revenue staying local, the brand is doubling down on anti-overtourism itineraries and a traveler “pledge” launched in 2024.
G Adventures CEO is in ‘panic mode’ over 2030 climate targets
Founder Bruce Poon Tip warns that industry climate pledges risk losing credibility unless goals are realistic for all operators, not just leaders. G Adventures swapped its main Antarctic vessel for a more efficient ship to cut emissions, even at significant cost, and is urging stronger consumer demand for sustainable options while questioning the effectiveness of offsets. With five years to go, he says honest dialogue and practical pathways are essential to hit 2030 targets.
How gastronomy tourism evolved into international identity and cultural diplomacy
From poutine to paella, signature dishes are becoming symbols of identity and soft power, with cities using food culture to attract visitors and investment. Kelowna’s bid to become Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy highlights how culinary heritage, sustainability, and community can drive destination branding. As food tourism grows rapidly toward an estimated US$8 billion by 2033, the challenge is celebrating authenticity without sliding into culinary gentrification.
I supermercati sono la nuova mecca dei viaggiatori? Si dice “supermarket safari“
Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 spotlights the “supermarket safari”: 59% of Italian travelers say they often pop into local grocery stores abroad to seek out authentic flavors. Beyond cultural immersion, budget-conscious meals are a big driver as travelers swap some restaurant bookings for market finds. The grocery aisle becomes both a window into daily life and a wallet-friendly way to taste a destination.
9 destinations that are best seen on a guided or small-group tour — including some you wouldn’t expect
From Armenia’s ancient monasteries to Norway’s fjords, Japan’s cultural corridors, and Australia’s vast outback, guided tours unlock insider access and remove logistical headaches. Brands like Globus, Trafalgar, Adventures by Disney, Abercrombie & Kent, Tauck, Intrepid, and G Adventures offer small-group itineraries that blend food, history, and nature with hard-to-get experiences. It’s a compelling case for letting experts handle the planning so travelers can focus on the moments.
What is atmospheric river that could dump heavy rain and 2 feet of snow on West Coast this weekend?
A classic atmospheric river — a narrow, moisture-rich band of air — is forecast to slam the Pacific Northwest through Northern California with heavy rain, high winds, and up to two feet of mountain snow. Forecasters warn of flooding, road closures, and travel disruptions from Washington to the Sierra and Northern Rockies. These systems can deliver a large share of the West’s annual precipitation, offering water benefits but serious short-term hazards.
Scheduling smarter: Combining technology and policy for more pleasant, equitable commuting
UCSC researchers are developing “smart scheduler” technology to cut wait times and congestion by coordinating public transit across systems — optimizing not just for one commuter, but for the whole network. Backed by community engagement and local data, the project aims to align tech and policy for climate-friendly, equitable mobility. Unlike typical navigation apps, the approach factors in collective routes to minimize bottlenecks and improve the commute for everyone.
AAI plans revival of Hadapsar heliport in Pune
The Airports Authority of India is moving to revive Pune’s Hadapsar heliport via a private O&M partner, positioning it as a hub for medevac, tourism, charter, and business services. With Pune hosting India’s largest helicopter fleet and a land lease in place since October 2023, the plan could strengthen regional connectivity — with a second heliport also under consideration. The project aligns with Maharashtra’s broader civil aviation ambitions.
How to see Switzerland in style — one train ride at a time
Switzerland’s world-class rail network and the Swiss Travel Pass make it easy to pair luxury stays with jaw-dropping landscapes, from Villars-sur-Ollon and Glacier 3000 to car-free Zermatt, lakeside Neuchâtel, Biel/Bienne, and culture-rich Basel. The piece blends wellness, fine dining, and alpine adventure with iconic train journeys like Gornergrat — putting transit at the heart of the experience. It’s a blueprint for effortless, four-season exploration where getting around is part of the magic.
Final thoughts
From climate accountability and smart mobility to food as identity and new travel habits (hello, supermarket safaris), this week’s stories point to a traveler who wants meaning, efficiency, and authenticity. Infrastructure — whether rail lines in the Alps, heliports in Maharashtra, or coordinated transit on the California coast — is becoming as important as the destinations themselves. As the industry balances sustainability with access, the journeys that resonate most will be the ones that connect people, places, and purpose.
