Hey, lovers of Southeastern USA road trips. Y’all need to ask yourselves these two questions. Do we love Louisiana? And do we love andouille? Hint, that previous sentence IS how you pronounce the word, so let me repeat  the question: AND DO WE love andouille? The best answer, of course, would be a resounding yes. But to help convince those of you who are unsure, this article helps you discover the Andouille Trail and the many other fascinating things you can do in the Louisiana River Parishes. The parishes of Saint […]

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Eddy L. Harris is a writer, filmmaker, and lifelong traveler who mixes memoir, adventure, and cultural insights in books like Mississippi Solo and Native Stranger. His stories dive into race and identity, inspired by his journeys across the USA and Africa. Q. Back in the 80s, you made a journey down the Mississippi by canoe, solo. What was the hardest part of doing it solo? The hardest thing about doing it solo was doing it. And I imagine that would have been the case had I not been alone – the […]

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Oslo in winter doesn’t try to impress with postcard-blue skies. It seduces with low grey light, the smell of woodsmoke drifting over the fjord, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing the city was built for this season, not in spite of it.  Two days is barely enough to scratch the surface, yet it’s perfect for feeling the vibe, and slipping into the rhythm of a place that treats darkness like an old friend. I have escaped to Norway twice, once in December during thick snow, and second time in February […]

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With Missouri’s official launch into legal sports wagering in 2025, the Midwest’s entertainment map has shifted. The Show-Me State’s arrival in the regulated gaming arena puts it shoulder to shoulder with neighboring heavyweights like Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa. But legality is only part of the story. For sports fans, weekend travelers, and casual gamers alike, it’s about the full experience, convenience, pricing, culture, and game-day energy. From St. Joseph to the Bootheel, and across state lines into neighboring metros, the borderlines define more than geography. They now shape how and […]

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Originally published via Armageddon Safari: “Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain? Tell me, have you these in your houses? Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and becomes a host, and then a master?” -Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet Of all the cancerous cultural exports America has inflicted upon the unsuspecting innocents of the Third World, the mega-shopping mall is arguably the most unforgiveable. Overpriced soulless condo buildings […]

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AVALON, Calif. – Oct. 20, 2025 – Catalina Island is diving into something brand new this fall: the inaugural Catalina Island Mermaid Festival, splashing into Avalon Oct. 25–26. The free, family-friendly celebration will transform Avalon’s waterfront into an under-the-sea playground of art, music, food, and – of course – mermaids. The festival kicks off Saturday, October 25, at 10 a.m. along Crescent Avenue with nearly 20 ocean-themed artist and craft booths, interactive activities, face painting, crown and costume making, and photo opportunities with mermaids. Highlights include the Rubber Ducky Derby […]

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Japan is home to many famous destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. Step beyond these classics and you’ll discover lesser-known regions and cultures with their own allure. This time I visited Nishiwaki, Hyogo, a town celebrated as the birthplace of Banshu-ori textile weaving, where a distinct heritage and craftsmanship thrive alongside daily life. In this article, I’ll share a hands-on trip through under-the-radar spots—from Banshu-ori workshops to museums, parks, and local cuisine. Illustrated report of the Banshu-ori factory tour in Nishiwaki City — highlighting Japanese cotton textiles, vintage looms, and unique […]

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AVALON, Calif. – Sept. 25, 2025 – Catalina Island is diving into something brand new this fall: the inaugural Catalina Island Mermaid Festival, splashing into Avalon Oct. 25–26. The free, family-friendly celebration will transform Avalon’s waterfront into an under-the-sea playground of art, music, food, and – of course – mermaids. The festival kicks off Saturday, October 25, at 10 a.m. along Crescent Avenue with nearly 20 ocean-themed artist and craft booths, interactive activities, face painting, crown and costume making, and photo opportunities with mermaids. Highlights include the Rubber Ducky Derby […]

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The morning sun cast long shadows across the sugarcane fields as I made my way north from Manila along the MacArthur Highway. Like many travelers before me, I had always seen Tarlac as a place to pass through – a mere waypoint on the journey to more famous destinations in the Philippines’ northern reaches. But something made me stop this time, drawn by whispers of historic haciendas, sacred mountains, and a culture that blends the Kapampangan, Pangasinan, and Ilocano traditions into something uniquely its own. My first stop was Tarlac […]

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From food festivals and surf contests to concerts on the beach, eco fairs and classic car nights, Encinitas offers an unforgettable lineup of summer events along the California coast Encinitas, California – June, 2025 – This June, the laid-back beach town of Encinitas is making waves with a packed calendar of events that capture the spirit of summer in Southern California. From food and wine tastings to free concerts, classic car nights, surf festivals, and eco-friendly community fairs, Encinitas is the perfect destination for weekend getaways, day trips, or local […]

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Holland America Line continues its long-standing commitment to celebrate Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness by expanding its partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)—a renowned nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. As part of the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line will introduce a variety of onboard activities designed to benefit AWCC and raise awareness of Alaska wildlife among guests. This initiative launches with the debut of Harry & David’s iconic Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn on all Alaska sailings, with […]

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Kentucky, April 2025 – The Kentucky Department of Tourism is excited to highlight more than a dozen new trails and initiatives launched through multijurisdictional tourism collaborations over the past year and a half. These initiatives were developed and are operated by local destination marketing organization partners across the state. Projects were recipients of American Rescue Plan Act funding distributed by the Kentucky Department of Tourism. In total, $10 million was distributed to tourism commissions for the purpose of multi-jurisdictional collaborative destination marketing. For more information about this, click here. Some […]

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Urca: The Tranquil Refuge in Rio de Janeiro The Urca neighborhood, one of the oldest in Rio, is where the main house of the film is located, a setting that blends charm and serenity. With tree-lined streets, historic houses, and a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Urca evokes a sense of warmth that is central to the film’s narrative. Take a stroll along the Mureta da Urca, enjoy a pastel with a cold beer, and watch the sunset in one of the calmest places in the city. And since you’re […]

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I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity as I stepped off the bus and ambled along the streets of Batangas. This charming city, nestled in the heart of the Calabarzon region, has long been a favorite among locals and travelers alike. And as I delved deeper into its winding streets and bustling markets, I began to uncover the secrets that make Batangas City a true gem of the Philippines. My journey began at the city’s historic center, where the stunning Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception […]

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While visiting family in Hampshire, I decided to make a weekend of it and accept an invitation to make our base the newly rebranded voco® Winchester Hotel & Spa. Previously part of the Holiday Inn group of hotels, we were lucky enough to be among the first to have the voco® experience as the wraps came off a £2m refurbishment. The contemporary hotel, which was first built in 2010, is located on the edge of the beautiful South Downs National Park and within 5 minutes from Winchester City Centre. The […]

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