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

In this inspiring episode of The RISE Traveler: Unpacking Conversations of Sustainable Travel, host Amy Hager sits down with Carolyn Ray, CEO of JourneyWoman, the world’s first solo travel publication for women. Together, they explore how travel can empower women, foster empathy, and become a catalyst for global understanding.

Carolyn shares her journey of stepping into the legacy of founder Evelyn Hannon, transforming JourneyWoman into a thriving, values-driven community that promotes sustainable, ethical, and inclusive travel. From rebuilding a 25-year-old platform to navigating the pandemic and beyond, she opens up about leadership, vulnerability, and staying true to your mission even when it’s not the easy road.

https://journeywoman.com/

Website: https://www.risetravelinstitute.org

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

Instagram: instagram.com/risetravelinstitute