Greetings, fellow wanderers! I’m Dhanwant, a corporate employee from Pune who finds solace in escaping the daily grind through travel and adventure. On a vibrant Sunday, I set out with my friends Vedant, Ajay, and their friend Abhi now my friend too, because as the boys’ rule goes, “Dost ka dost, apna dost!” for an unforgettable trek to Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad. Nestled in the Sahyadri Range, this historic fort, famously captured by … [Read more...]
The QE2 Sails Again! This Time… On a Culinary Journey
Around the World in 80 Days — launching October 1 to December 19 2025. From Southampton to Singapore, Marseille to Mumbai — One Ship. Eighty Destinations. Infinite Flavours. This October, the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will set sail on a new kind of voyage – one of flavour, culture, and nostalgia – with the launch of an extraordinary culinary series, Around the World in 80 Days. Running for 80 nights from 1 October to 19 December … [Read more...]
Mexico City to Host the 2025 Day of the Dead Grand Parade: A Celebration of Life, Memory, and Tradition
Mexico City, September 29, 2025 — On Sunday, November 2, Mexico City's iconic Paseo de la Reforma will transform into a river of color, music, and remembrance as the Day of the Dead Grand Parade returns for its highly anticipated 2025 edition. This extraordinary four-hour procession honors those who have passed while celebrating the joy of life, offering visitors from around the globe an unforgettable immersion into one of Mexico's most cherished … [Read more...]
Japanese Fabric Banshu-ori – Explore Nishiwaki’s 200-Year Textile Heritage
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 … [Read more...]
Everest, Inc by Will Cockrell
Everest, Inc., The Renegades and Rogues who Built an Industry at the Top of the World is a fascinating and detailed look at the history of climbing on Mt. Everest. But it is simultaneously a modern take, updating readers on the current state of climbing the world's tallest mountain. Did you know that today 90 percent of those on the mountain are clients of guiding companies. And that guiding companies have transitioned from all western owned … [Read more...]
Catalina Island to Host First-Ever Mermaid Festival October 25–26, 2025
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 … [Read more...]
Ifugao: Terraced Legacy
The morning mist clung to the mountains as our car wound its way up the narrow road from Banaue town. I pressed my face against the window, eager for my first glimpse of what UNESCO had declared a World Heritage site, what locals had farmed for over 2,000 years, and what many call the "Eighth Wonder of the World"—the Ifugao rice terraces. The province of Ifugao sits in the Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon in the Philippines, a … [Read more...]
Embracing the Rain
Terceire, Azores: Smiles in abundance, umbrella needed The plane touched down in high winds, and I almost wanted to cheer the pilot. Normally, I'm pretty calm in planes, but it was a wobbly landing with loads of turbulence, and we both released our breath when the little plane bumped on the tarmac. Peeking out of the small porthole, I scanned the landscape. Luscious greens in all shades, a few hills, a blue sky and of course the … [Read more...]
Mario Rigby, Eco-Explorer, Author, Speaker, and Former Professional Track and Field Athlete
Mario Rigby is an eco-explorer, author, speaker, and former professional track and field athlete. Born in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, he was raised in Germany before moving to Canada. In 2015, Rigby embarked on his epic “Crossing Africa” expedition, traveling from Cape Town to Cairo entirely by foot and kayak. Over two years, he covered more than 12,000 kilometers across 8 African countries. Q. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos … [Read more...]
A Magical Time to be had in Nayarit’s Pueblos Mágicos
Mexico's Pacific state of Nayarit is one whose culture, traditions, and gastronomy have put it in the tourist spotlight. One of the best ways to discover the magic of Nayarit is to immerse yourself in its small towns and villages, especially the ones that are renowned for their authenticity, heritage, and culture. In Mexico, towns that live up to these standards earn a government designation of Pueblo Magico, or Magical Town. Nayarit is … [Read more...]