

Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler
Condé Nast Traveler
Though travel and adventure have historically been publicly claimed by men, women have always been part of those narratives, too. Each week, host and Condé Nast Traveler editor Lale Arikoglu shines a light on some of those stories, interviewing female-identifying guests about their most unique travel tales—from going off-grid in the Danish wilderness to country-hopping solo—sharing her own experiences traveling around the globe, and tapping listeners to contribute their own memorable stories. This is a podcast for anyone who is curious about the world—and excited to explore places both near and far from home. For more from Women Who Travel, visit our website or subscribe to our email newsletter.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 8, 2025 • 41min
Introducing “Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant”
Today, we are sharing an episode of Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, the chart-topping and Webby Award-winning podcast from our friends at Nature on PBS. Back for a brand new season, Going Wild features some of the coolest champions of nature – like a paleoanthropologist who hunts fossils in conflict zones, and a former butterfly technician who saved an endangered species while incarcerated. Each episode explores what led them to create change within themselves, their community, and the natural world.In today’s episode, you hear from Alexis Nikole Nelson, better known to her millions of fans on TikTok as the “Black Forager.” She talks all about rediscovering her childhood love of foraging and falling back in love with food and plants. It’s a really inspiring conversation, and just one example of the many exciting stories in the brand new season of Going Wild.To listen to the rest of their new season, follow Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Apr 24, 2025 • 24min
The English Countryside Is a Hiker's Paradise
Our guest this week is British journalist Emma Lunn, an avid hiker who has hit the trails all over the world. But a particularly memorable solo walk for her was closer to home—across the English countryside, and filled with dramatic moors and grand coastlines. Lale chats with Lunn to find out how she pulled it off, why she believes in the healing powers of hiking, and how she navigated both unexpected wildlife and eccentric fellow travelers.
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Apr 17, 2025 • 29min
A Search for the World's Most Quiet Places
Join Yulia Denisyuk, a passionate traveler who finds serenity in hidden corners like Wadi Rum, and Arati Menon, the Global Digital Director at Condé Nast Traveler, as they explore the rise of quiet travel. They share captivating stories of tranquil places, from the Arctic Circle to Botswana’s salt pans. Discover how silence goes beyond mere absence of sound and learn about the therapeutic power of nature's whispers, including the healing effects of birdsong, in our loud world.

Apr 10, 2025 • 31min
Diving For Shipwrecks
Tara Roberts, a National Geographic Explorer and author of 'Written in the Waters,' dives into the emotional depths of slave shipwrecks and their significance. She shares her transformative journey with Diving With a Purpose, where connecting with submerged relics leads to personal healing and ancestral revelations. The discussion weaves through the historical narratives tied to the transatlantic slave trade, exploring resilience and the Makua people's ceremonies that honor their heritage. Dive into her insightful reflections on identity and belonging.

Apr 3, 2025 • 19min
A Life-Changing Move To Italy
Barbara Boyle, author of the memoir "Pinch Me," shares her inspiring story of relocating from San Francisco to the idyllic hills of Piedmont, Italy. She discusses the joys and challenges of renovating a 300-year-old farmhouse, emphasizing the importance of community in her new life. Listeners will find insights into adapting to rural Italian living, the emotional journey of a home makeover, and how her experiences following a health crisis led her to a deeper appreciation for life and connection to her surroundings.

Mar 27, 2025 • 28min
How Pop Culture Drives Our Travels—From 'White Lotus' to 'Eat, Pray, Love'
Shannon Sims, a journalist delving into the phenomenon of 'set jetting,' shares her insights on how pop culture influences travel. She discusses the allure of destinations showcased in shows like 'White Lotus' and how such trends can lead to both exciting travel experiences and challenges like overtourism. The conversation highlights ethical tourism practices in Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant charm of Ischia, and the narrative power of films in shaping travel landscapes, emphasizing the balance between exploration and respect for local cultures.

Mar 20, 2025 • 26min
Natasha Rothwell on Living in Thailand for 'White Lotus'
Right before filming the latest season of White Lotus, Natasha Rothwell booked herself a silent Buddhist retreat—a move she says reflects her deep spiritual roots. In this week’s episode, Lale chats with the actor and longtime traveler about returning as the character of Belinda in Mike White’s hit HBO dramedy, her own relationship with wellness, and what it was like to spend six months in Thailand for the show.
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Mar 13, 2025 • 19min
Singer Naïka Explains Life As a Third Culture Kid
With French-Haitian roots, and multiple cities she can call home, Naïka is a self-proclaimed Third Culture Kid—an identity that she explores regularly through her music. Lale speaks with the singer-songwriter, who at the time is wrapping up her day in Paris, about how singing in multiple languages helps her tap into different parts of herself, her upcoming album, and a childhood spent across continents.
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Mar 6, 2025 • 28min
Tracee Ellis Ross Loves Seeing the World Solo
Tracee Ellis Ross, a talented actor known for her roles in Black-ish and American Fiction, discusses her journey into solo travel. She reflects on childhood memories with her mother Diana Ross and how they shaped her worldview. Tracee emphasizes solo travel as an act of radical self-care, sharing practical tips and her packing philosophy. She explores cultural differences in fashion from her time in Europe and highlights her upcoming Roku series, aiming to inspire personal growth through solo adventures.

Feb 27, 2025 • 31min
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor on Fighting For Roles and How to Visit the South Thoughtfully
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, an accomplished actor and activist celebrated for her roles in 'Nickel Boys' and 'King Richard', shares insights from her Mississippi upbringing. She discusses the joy and pain intertwined in her childhood, emphasizing the importance of cultural ties. Aunjanue offers thoughtful recommendations for exploring the South, focusing on the depth of its cultural history rather than mere tourism. She also reflects on her career, advocating for representation and the meaningful roles that challenge societal issues.


