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What does it mean to travel in a way that leaves places better than we found them? In Episode 201 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane sits down with Bryn Geddes, Senior Manager of Program Sustainability at Road Scholar, for a conversation that feels both practical and deeply personal. I've been fascinated by Road Scholar since I traveled to Antarctica with them -- and am delighted to bring this conversation home to you.
We talk about what sustainable travel really looks like on the ground, the everyday choices that add up, and how an organization with almost 800 itineraries in 100 countries is weaving care for people and planet into every trip.
Bryn shares how Road Scholar is moving beyond a few “green” programs to a whole-company approach: auditing itineraries, training teams and group leaders, and setting standards that protect wildlife, reduce waste, and support local communities. She also reflects on her own path from archaeology to sustainable tourism, what makes Road Scholar’s culture unique, and why curiosity and critical thinking are at the heart of meaningful travel. From plastic water bottles to linen changes, from Patagonia to the Civil Rights Trail, this episode is a warm, hopeful look at how we can explore the world with more humility, more respect, and more long-term impact.
If you’ve ever wondered how to travel in a way that aligns with your values — or if you just love hearing stories about people who are building a better kind of tourism — this conversation is for you.
Chapters
- 00:00 Welcome and the promise of travel
- 01:20 Bryn’s role and Road Scholar’s sustainability mission
- 03:45 What sustainable travel really means
- 09:30 Cultural sustainability and local communities
- 10:13 Road Scholar’s long-term sustainability plan
- 12:48 Meeting travelers where they are
- 14:44 Luxury, convenience, and behavior change in hotels
- 20:06 Bryn’s path from archaeology to sustainable tourism
- 24:38 What makes Road Scholar special
- 27:18 Favorite trips and bucket-list destinations
- 29:39 The Civil Rights Trail and immersive travel
- 31:12 Humility, curiosity, and intergenerational travel
- 33:03 Serving travelers 50+ and the next generation
- 35:33 What’s bringing Bryn hope right now
- 37:25 Closing and where to learn more
Links and resources
- Learn more about Road Scholar: Road Scholar
- Explore Road Scholar’s sustainability efforts: Road Scholar Sustainability
Call to action
Listen to the full episode, explore Road Scholar’s programs, and on your next trip, try one small sustainable change: carry a refillable water bottle, ask about towel and linen policies at your hotel, or choose a locally owned business for a meal or tour. This conversation is a reminder that travel can be an act of care — for the places we visit, the people who live there, and the future we all share.
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If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.
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