Beyond the Instagram Post: A Travel Journalist's Call for Conscious Travel

What happens when a travel journalist refuses to stay silent about the industry's biggest problems?

Yulia Denisyuk—storyteller, photographer, and founder of Going Places media—joined the Type 2 Travel podcast for a conversation that went far beyond typical travel content. Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Estonia, Yulia brings an immigrant's perspective to American travel culture, and her observations are eye-opening.

"I don't want to be here anymore," she said about living in the United States, describing how the promise of a better life through hard work no longer feels attainable. But her critique extends beyond borders to the entire travel industry.

From "tourism leakage" (where money doesn't actually stay in local communities) to the "frictionless" nature of modern travel that removes authentic human connection, Yulia challenges travelers to think deeper about their impact. Her message isn't anti-travel—it's pro-consciousness.

Ready to travel with more awareness? Start by questioning who really benefits from your travel choices.