Most travelers never see the real impact of their trips, not because it’s hidden, but because we don't always see where our money goes or who truly benefits.

In this episode, we sit down with Lily Palma, founder of Zapotec Travel and our Oaxaca tour host, to talk about what ethical travel in Oaxaca actually looks like and how community-led tourism works in practice.

We get into the realities of how the travel industry operates, from commission-based models and hidden pricing to why “cheap” tours often come at a cost to local communities. Lily shares how she built a business rooted in Indigenous culture, long-term relationships, and women-led experiences, working with over 80 families across Oaxaca.

We also talk about what’s changing. Gentrification, social media, and “Instagram experiences” are reshaping destinations quickly, often in ways travelers don’t realize. From fake cultural experiences to polished but disconnected tours, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s truly authentic. Lily breaks down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to travel in a way that actually supports the people and places you’re visiting.

If you’ve ever wondered what responsible travel really means in practice, this conversation will likely challenge the way you think about it.

Connect with Lily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zapotectravelbylily
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zapotectravelbylily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zapotectravelbylily
Website: https://www.zapotectravel.com

www.solofemaletravelers.club