The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel

Celebrating 5 Years of Purposeful Travel: The RISE Travel Institute Story

The RISE Travel Institute

In this special 5th anniversary episode of the RISE Traveler Podcast, we reflect on five powerful years of growth, learning, and impact at RISE Travel Institute. Host Amy Hager is joined by founder Vincie Ho and Board Vice President Amanda Kendle to explore the origin story of RISE, the evolution of its mission, and how a grassroots idea blossomed into a global movement for ethical and justice-focused travel.

We discuss:

  •  How a graduate school capstone became a nonprofit with international reach
  • What responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel really looks like
  • The shift from focusing on traveler experiences to prioritizing host communities
  • The power of diverse, passionate volunteers in shaping RISE’s voice and impact
  • Highlights from our programs, experiential journeys, and educational resources
  •  How universities and tourism professionals are using RISE’s free tools, including the popular Decolonial Guide to Travel


Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

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

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute