What if travel could do more than create unforgettable memories? What if it could create lasting change for the communities we visit?

If you were able to attend the RISE Travel Institute Annual Conference this is a wonderful follow up to Jame’s presentation. And if you weren’t able to attend, take a listen to this interview and then head to our YouTube channel to catch his presentation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbMeOB4AA_0.

In this episode of RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel, host Amy Hager sits down with James Nadiope, Founder and CEO of the Justice Tourism Foundation in Uganda. Together, they explore the concept of justice tourism and how travelers can become active participants in creating positive social, economic, and environmental impact.

James shares the inspiration behind launching the Justice Tourism Foundation after witnessing the disconnect between thriving tourism industries and the persistent poverty experienced by communities living alongside Uganda's most visited national parks. He discusses how traditional tourism models often leave local people out of the economic benefits while international operators maintain most of the influence and revenue.

The conversation dives into the importance of community-centered travel, equitable partnerships, fair wages for tourism workers, and helping travelers understand where their tourism dollars actually go. James challenges listeners to rethink travel as more than recreation—encouraging intentional journeys that foster meaningful connections, support local communities, and contribute to long-term sustainability.

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Maria Hernandez, we explore the future of travel through the lens of identity, technology, privacy, and belonging. Drawing from her lived experience as a transgender traveler and technologist, Maria shares thoughtful reflections on how modern systems—from passports and biometrics to surveillance and social media—shape who gets to move freely through the world and who faces barriers along the way.

Together, Amy and Maria unpack questions around gender markers on identification documents, the growing role of technology in global travel, the trade-offs between security and privacy, and how privilege impacts access to seamless travel experiences. Along the way, Maria offers a deeply human perspective on connection, inclusion, and the importance of continuing to imagine a more compassionate and equitable world.

This conversation challenges us to think beyond travel as tourism and consider what freedom of movement truly means in today’s increasingly data-driven society.

If you missed Part 1 of Maria’s story (Season 6 Episode 7), be sure to go back and listen before diving into this episode.

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute

In this powerful episode of RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel, host Amy Hager sits down with self-acceptance coach and longtime traveler Maria Hernandez for an honest conversation about borders, identity, safety, and belonging.

Maria shares her perspective on political borders as human-made systems that shape how people move, travel, and experience freedom. Drawing from her own experiences as a transgender woman and person of color, she reflects on the emotional realities of crossing borders, encounters with law enforcement, and the lasting trauma caused by racial profiling and systemic scrutiny.

The conversation explores what it means to seek safety in today’s world, particularly for transgender individuals navigating an increasingly politicized environment in the United States. Maria opens up about her and her wife’s decision to relocate to Spain, discussing how factors like identity protections, quality of life, immigration policy, and economic realities influenced their choice.

Blending personal storytelling with deeper reflections on travel, privilege, immigration, and human connection, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the purpose of borders and what it truly means to feel at home in the world.

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risetravelinstitute/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute