Whale shark tourism in the Philippines has exploded in recent years, especially in Oslob where encounters are guaranteed by feeding the sharks. When I first started planning my trip, I was so tempted — I mean, how often do you get the chance to swim alongside a whale shark? But then I started hearing more about the ethics behind it, and I knew I wanted to dive deeper into the debate. In this episode, I sit down with two incredible guests who love the ocean even more than I do.

Planning a trip to the Philippines can feel overwhelming — there are more than 7,600 islands to choose from, and I wanted to see everything. In this episode, I share what I actually did on my two-week trip and what I wish I had done differently. I’m joined by my friend (and actor) Mucho Garcia, who grew up in Cebu, and he adds local insight, cultural context, and plenty of must-do recommendations.

In the season finale of Broad Abroad: Korea, I travel to the DMZ to get a firsthand look at the world’s most surreal border—and then stumble into protests the next day. From secret infiltration tunnels to speakers blasting K-pop into North Korea, this episode unpacks the bizarre reality of life at the edge of two Koreas.

How did South Korea go from being one of the poorest, most war-ravaged countries on Earth…to becoming one of the richest and most influential in just 40 years?

From $60 Botox to K-pop boy band controversies, this episode of Broad Abroad goes more than skin deep. Katie spills on the Korean beauty treatments that froze her face at 30, the viral scalp therapy that humbled her soul, and the cultural expectations around male beauty and mandatory military service. Featuring insights from locals and laughs with co-host Grace, this episode is your all-in-one Korean makeover + military crash course.

🌏 In this episode: Katie’s housing hack that helped her afford a month of global travel 🏠 Visiting the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival — a 3-week trout ice fishing festival complete with bare-handed fishing and heated “foreigner shelters” → Festival Website (2024 version, typically runs in January) Skiing at Yongpyong Resort, the biggest ski resort in Korea and home to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang → Yongpyong Resort Getting around Korea without Google Maps (hint: download Naver Maps or Kakao Maps) Using a T-money card for metro rides (pick one up at any CU convenience store!) Grilling freshly caught Sancheoneo trout and trying bare-hand ice fishing 🐟 Navigating etiquette with a toddler, an octopus, and a very helpful Korean man Visiting a traditional fish market and witnessing the king crab selection process at Sorae Pogu Fish Market (소래포구 종합어시장) → Sorae Pogu Info Sampling beondegi (번데기) aka silkworm pupae 🤢 and classic street snacks like hotteok (호떡) Dining at Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자), a Michelin guide restaurant serving legendary kalguksu noodles → Myeongdong Kyoja Joining a Gwangjang Market food tour with a guide who may or may not be a K-model 😳 → Gwangjang Market 🧠 Katie’s Travel Tips: Don’t rely on Google Maps in Korea! Naver and Kakao are your besties. Hold onto that T-money card—you’ll use it for trains, buses, and more. Want to ski in Korea? Rentals are cheap, slopes are accessible, and you can even rent ski clothes on the spot. Sharing food is the norm—expect lots of plates, scissors, and communal bites. 🍻 Featured Korean Drinks: Soju + Beer = Somaek (소맥): The country’s go-to drink combo Makgeolli (막걸리): A traditional, slightly fizzy rice wine served in bowls → Makgeolli 101 Guest Cameos: 🎙 Maria & Mark (Dan’s friends on sabbatical in Korea) 🎙 Bryan Jun, Korean-American content creator → Bryan on TikTok 🎙 Grace’s flashback to her 2011 whirlwind trip to Asia

In Season 2 of Broad Abroad, I travel curiously through South Korea—from ice fishing to the DMZ, spa treatments, sizzling K-BBQ, and Seoul street snacks. But it’s not just about food and fun—I sit down with locals, professors, and creators to ask: what does it really mean to be Korean today? Expect honest conversations about beauty standards, family pressures, cultural taboos, and Korea’s dramatic rise from war-torn to world stage. This season peels back the glossy surface to reveal the heart of Korea. Full episodes drop every other Monday starting May 26. Let’s travel curiously.

My last few days in El Salvador have given me so much to think about. This trip wasn’t just about the amazing adventures, like the jaw-dropping seven waterfalls hike with my guide, Elmer, or devouring pupusas (seriously, I could eat those every day). It was also about getting a deeper understanding of the country’s complicated history with gang violence and political struggles. One of the most impactful moments was a free walking tour with Hector, who shared what life was like during the height of gang control. Hearing his firsthand story of resilience and hope, along with his take on President Bukele’s controversial security policies, gave me a new perspective on how much El Salvador is changing. The more I travel, the more I realize how important it is to listen to local voices and their stories—it’s what makes exploring new places so meaningful to me. I’m already dreaming about my next adventure… Asia might be calling! 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:57 Seven Waterfalls Hike 05:34 Héctor and His Story 12:59 Bitcoin and Tourism in El Salvador 21:28 The Height of Gangs 26:17 Bukele's Rise to Power 29:06 Personal Encounters with Police 32:26 CECOT: The Harshest Prison 42:50 Historical Context of Gangs 44:22 Hope for El Salvador's Future 48:44 Reflections on Travel 51:02 Credits and Acknowledgments

Next stop: El Salvador! I’ve heard so much about the country’s dramatic improvements in safety under President Nayib Bukele, and I was curious to see it for myself. I met Giovanni, a local Spanish teacher, who shared his perspective on how things are changing here—especially when it comes to security and tourism. Spending time with Giovanni reminded me why I love learning Spanish so much. It’s not just about the language itself but about connecting with people on a deeper level. And speaking of new challenges, I decided to try my hand at surfing for the first time! Let’s just say it was a humbling experience, but there’s something so exhilarating about learning a skill that forces you to let go and go with the flow (literally). El Salvador surprised me in all the best ways, and I’m leaving here inspired and more curious than ever about this vibrant country.

After checking out of my birthday villa, I took a quick two-minute lancha ride to Free Cerveza, an eco-friendly hostel, to spend my final two nights at Lake Atitlán. In hindsight, I’m starting to think I should’ve done these two stays in reverse order... Next, I headed to Antigua—a picturesque Spanish colonial city brimming with museums, restaurants, and shops. It’s truly a tourist’s haven. With its lava cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and incredible food scene, it’s no surprise this gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To dive deeper into Guatemalan history, I joined a free walking tour with Happy Harold, who brought the city’s rich history and culture to life. He was so entertaining and, true to his name, so happy! Definitely a 10/10 tour. But, of course, no trip is complete without a little chaos. Just when everything seemed picture-perfect, disaster struck… below the belt. And, of all nights, it happened right before my Acatenango Volcano overnight hike—a must-do experience in Guatemala if you’re up for it. Let’s just say it became a cautionary tale of what not to do before tackling the country’s most iconic trek. But hey, what’s an adventure without a few hiccups? Between the laughs, lessons, and jaw-dropping views, this trip has already secured its spot as one for the books. I should get some rest now because tomorrow I’m up early for my flight to… El Salvador!

Turning 30 at Lake Atitlán: Volcanos, Culture, and Celebration What better place to celebrate my 30th birthday than at Lake Atitlán, AKA the Lake Como of Central America. This place is pure magic—surrounded by three towering volcanoes and home to indigenous Mayan communities who craft the most beautiful handmade clothing and cook up mouthwatering local dishes. I found the dreamiest (and budget-friendly!) Airbnb villa with jaw-dropping views of the lake and volcanos, and to make things even more special, I hired local chefs to whip up a feast twice a day. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the trip! The warmth of the people here, the vibrant culture, and the sheer beauty of the landscapes have completely stolen my heart. Guatemala isn’t just a hidden gem—it’s a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. If it’s not on your bucket list yet, trust me, it should be!

I’m Katie, and traveling the world is basically my main personality trait. I just got back from my latest adventure—Guatemala and El Salvador—and I can’t wait to overshare every juicy detail with my desk-mate Grace (whether she likes it or not). On this trip, I turned the big 3-0, leveled up my Spanish (hola, ¿cómo se dice “help”?), explored the fascinating culture of the local Mayans, surfed some gnarly waves, and dove deep into the recent political discourse in El Salvador. This travel series has it all—laughs, learning, food that’ll make your mouth water, and moments so unforgettable they’ll have you reaching for your passport. So, join me as we head south to Central America, meet incredible locals, and uncover how tourism is shaping their world. This is Broad Abroad!