True Travellers Society Podcast — October 3, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
How a tiny Norwegian mining town became a sustainable travel hotspot
Røros has transformed from a 17th-century copper company town into a UNESCO-listed model for sustainable travel, where heritage, local food systems, and community-led tourism set the agenda. The destination helped inspire Norway’s national sustainability certification and keeps visitor impact in check while supporting artisans, events, and low-impact outdoor experiences. Even getting there by train underscores the town’s commitment to slow, authentic travel.
The town where ghosts never check out — and tourists are checking in
Cape May leans into its haunted lore each fall, with ghost tours at the preserved Emlen Physick Estate anchoring a thriving shoulder-season economy. Once taboo, paranormal tourism now fuels year-round programming by Cape May MAC, drawing visitors with trolley tours, channeling dinners, and even haunted hotel stays. The story captures how spooky storytelling, preservation, and local programming can extend tourism well beyond summer.
Writing a travel memoir is a journey of research and relationships
A solo traveler to Ireland turns journals, research, and community into a published memoir that grapples with grief, fear, and renewal. The piece underscores two practical takeaways for aspiring authors: document everything (journals become primary sources) and build a trusted circle of editors, peers, and mentors to navigate the lonely moments of writing. It’s a reminder that craft, clarity, and relationships shape the journey as much as the miles do.
How your travel plans could be affected by a prolonged government shutdown
Airports remain open during the shutdown, but as unpaid shifts drag on amid staffing shortages, travelers should expect longer TSA lines, potential delays, and even cancellations. Amtrak continues service, ports of entry stay open, and most parks remain accessible—though some closures and reduced services are possible. Practical move: build in extra time, monitor airline and park alerts, and have a backup plan for itineraries.
Required Reading
This curated roundup spans film restoration feats in Bologna, a controversial Riyadh comedy festival, the U.S. National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, and a remembrance of Jane Goodall. It also highlights a climate change–linked hybrid Blue-Green Jay in Texas and a very opinionated tour of pasta shapes. A lively cultural sampler that connects art, ethics, ecology, and everyday pleasures.
Survey shows fewer companies proving sustainability ROI, but C-suite exec says ‘it’s pretty simple’
New Forbes Research data shows only 40% of organizations can consistently prove ROI on sustainability, down sharply from 59% last year. Salesforce’s Suzanne DiBianca offers a clear metric—cut carbon, cut costs—while FedEx’s Karen Blanks Ellis urges regulators to keep incentives flexible for critical areas like sustainable aviation fuel and EVs. The takeaway: tie sustainability to operational savings and advocate for adaptable policy support.
RateGain to buy Sojern in $250 million deal, expanding its marketing reach
RateGain is acquiring Sojern for $250 million, integrating its AI-driven marketing platform and U.S.-based team to bolster reach with hotels, airlines, and DMOs. The combined company expects to top $310 million in revenue and $50 million in EBITDA, pending approvals. For travel marketers, expect more unified tools spanning acquisition, distribution, and guest experience.
Both planners and suppliers agree: there are too many industry events
With dozens of conferences, fams, and hosted buyer trips crowding the calendar, 88% of surveyed professionals say the industry is oversaturated. Planners prioritize relevant education, senior-level networking, and qualified suppliers; sponsors need better vetting to avoid “vacation” attendees and repeat audiences. The message: be intentional—quality education and fit beat quantity every time.
Nove das viagens de trem mais sensacionais do mundo
Marking 200 years since the first public passenger train, this guide spotlights epic rail journeys—from Spain’s historic “Sr. Henderson” line and India’s tunnel-laced Visakhapatnam–Kirandul route to Japan’s 60-year-old Shinkansen. It also highlights Portugal’s nostalgic Vouga line, Scotland’s remote Far North Line, Mexico’s Tequila Express, and Amtrak’s restored Gulf Coast “Mardi Gras” service. A timely shortlist for travelers seeking scenic, lower-impact ways to roam.
Amazon tests loyalty as Walmart tests gravity
Walmart is wiring its physical network with sensors (via Wiliot), AI, and drones to turn proximity into a convenience moat, while Amazon tightens its digital ecosystem with Alexa devices and a new grocery brand. Both bets hinge on automation; Walmart leans into tracking and moving goods, Amazon into personalized engagement and subscription lock-in. The retail race is now a clash of ecosystems where data, devices, and delivery define the edge.
