A friend recommended I read The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Powers and Perils of Travel, stating it delivered interesting insight into travel. After reading it, I contacted author Paige McClanahan to discuss her book and travel.
Now living in France, travel journalist McClanahan lived in five countries since leaving the United States in 2008. Her travels brought her to many countries and have been featured in many publications. She is also the host of The Better Travel podcast.
In The New Tourist, McClanahan delves into how tourism impacts the world and the role travelers play. McClanahan looks at travel as a bridge for communication. She also weighs the pros and cons of tourism.
At its core, The New Tourist is a reflection on travel. The goal is readers will have a better awareness of the world and their place in it. Hopefully, readers gain a new appreciation and respect for travel.
In our Talking Travel interview, McClanahan discussed how her career and travels led her to writing The New Tourist. She cited interesting, unexpected, positive experiences while traveling. With all of her travels and after writing her book, McClanahan is more positive than ever about travel. She is also more aware and introspective about her travels and hopes readers will feel the same.
Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedPress Releases
Feb 7, 2025Join Us to Celebrate the 13th Annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards
Sun, sea and sand beckon! Join us at this year’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards in Miami, Florida. Global Traveler invites you to celebrate the best in travel for the 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards in this vibrant beach city. What better way to sit back and relax than at an event honoring those who have mastered the art of leisure?
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Feb 7, 2025Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Spoil your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. This iconic hotel boasts an exciting lineup of special experiences celebrating all things love.
Daily
Feb 7, 2025London Marriott Hotel County Hall Reveals New Rooms, Suites
With unbeatable views of the River Thames, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and London Eye, London Marriott Hotel County Hall raises the bar even more with the debut of 35 new guestrooms and suites. From private balconies to interconnecting bedrooms to spacious dining rooms, this upscale hotel brings guests even closer to the splendor and elegance of London.
Sponsored Content
A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO
Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor
Daily
Feb 6, 2025Why You Should Visit Davis Museum at Wellesley College This Year
Until June 1, Davis Museum at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, hosts Better on Paper, a new exhibition showcasing prints, drawings, photographs, books and other works of art on paper. The collection includes a number of newly acquired and previously unseen works.
5 Romantic Hotels for Valentine’s Day in Europe
Daily
Feb 6, 2025eFlyer Reviews
Feb 5, 2025“MSC World Europa” Review
A ship within a ship. That’s how I’d describe my stay in the Yacht Club on MSC World Europa. This private enclave — a luxury offering becoming more sought-after on cruise lines — includes amenities available only to passengers in this floating oasis. And, as I learned during my voyage, the Yacht Club lends a feeling of exclusivity to the onboard experience.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Feb 5, 2025Silversea’s Newest Ship Departs on First Grand Voyage
The newest ship in Silversea’s fleet recently departed Fort Lauderdale to mark the beginning of its first-ever Grand Voyage, a 71-day circumnavigation of South America. Silver Ray will venture to 38 destinations across 17 countries, with 11 overnights in some of these ports.
ShareThis