ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
Travel inspiration, deep-dives into history, explorations into cultures and people, and other fascinating facts about our beautiful world.
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STORIES, INSPIRATION, TRIVIA & MORE ABOUT ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
Your Introduction to Japan’s Kanamara Matsuri Festival: The Annual Party Dedicated to Sexual Health and Prosperity
Held every spring, the Kanamara Matsuri - commonly known as the Japanese Penis Festival - is a celebration of prosperity, health, and fertility. Here's what to expect at this unique festival!
Every Day is Earth Day in the Peruvian Andes
Earth Day first started in 1970, and while that may seem a long time...compared to the history of the Peruvian Andes, it’s a nanosecond!
Ready for Oktoberfest? All About Its History & What to Expect at Oktoberfest Munich 2026!
Oktoberfest started in 1810 as a marriage celebration, and has evolved into a multi-week festival of Bavarian culture. Here's your guide to Oktoberfest's history and what to expect as a participant!
How to Go to SXSW 2026: Your Complete Guide to Austin’s Biggest Festival
Everything you need to know about attending SXSW 2026, including the badge system, where to stay, day-to-day activities, how much it costs, and what to pack.
How to Go to Holi: Your Complete Guide to India’s Festival of Colors
This guide covers the basics you need to know about attending Holi in India this year, including where to go, how to get there, what to expect, how much it costs, and what to pack.
The Battle of Los Angeles: What Really Happened on the Night of February 24-25, 1942?
In the early hours of February 25, 1942, the skies over Los Angeles erupted in chaos. But was there actually an attack, or did the US military flip out over a balloon?
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Order of Countries in the Olympics Opening Ceremonies: Parade of Nations Sorting Explained
How do they sort the countries in the Olympics Parade of Nations? Use this guide to be smarter than your friends while watching the Opening Ceremonies!
Why Does Liechtenstein Have No Army, and How Do They Stay Safe?
Liechtenstein is one of the world's most curious defense paradoxes: a completely demilitarized nation that hasn't been invaded in over 150 years.
Grocery Store Tourism: Explore Local Culture, Take Home Treats, and Save Money
Beyond the monuments, museums, beaches, and parks that garner most of the attention, grocery stores offer a unique cultural experience that tourist spots simply can’t provide.
27 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Travel This Year
While places such as the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu are must-visits, this may feel like the year to do something different. If you’re ready, see these best off-the-beaten-path places to travel!
The Story of the Mojito: Cuba’s Signature Drink (and How to Make the Perfect Cocktail!)
The mojito is one of Cuba’s best exports. Let's look at the history of the mojito, a rum-based highball packed with unique, bright flavor!
8 Cozy Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World
The darkest day of the year inspires reflection, celebration, and hope for brighter days. Here are a few of those celebrations across cultures and millennia!
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25 Books to Ignite Your Wanderlust: Great Reads Inspiring Travel
From Afghanistan, to the UK, to Chile, to Tibet and beyond—here are 24 fantastic books from travelers all over the world. Add these to your must-read list!
13 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Visit in 2026: Desert Oasis, Eco-Luxury, Urban Art & More
From hidden beach towns and art-filled islands to ancient fortresses and tropical eco-paradises, these 13 travel spots will have your friends asking for all the details!
15 Mysterious Travel Destinations to Visit if You’re into Highly Curious Events!
If you're the type of traveler who'd rather chase UFO sightings than sit on a beach, you're in luck: the world is full of places where science takes a backseat and mystery rides shotgun.
When Nature Presses Pause: Bog Bodies, Frozen Climbers, and Human Hibernation
Myths and fantastic stories tell us of people preserved in time - both dead and alive. What can these stories teach us, and will we be able to halt nature in its tracks one day?
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour: Highlights Gallery of the City’s Iconic Skyline
Chicago's skyline tells a story of American architecture through concrete, steel, and innovation. This photo journey captures highlights from a river tour through the heart of the city.
8 Best Black Sand Beaches for Stargazing: Astronomy Destinations in Spain, Greece, Hawaii and Beyond
Discover 8 stunning black sand beaches perfect for stargazing with minimal light pollution. Your guide to volcanic shores meets celestial views.
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Feeling Presidential: Exploring the Roosevelt Railcar and Western Pennsylvania
How about an overnight stay in a classic 1901 Pullman sleeper? That's one of the treasures ready to be explored in rural western PA - plus underground caverns, wildlife tours, and much more!
In the Path of the Flood: A Visit to Johnstown, PA
More than 130 years after a devastating flood, Johnstown still recalls its horrific past - and for that same reason, this Pennsylvania city has a lot to offer visitors! Highlights: trails, creeks, trains, and much more.
One Town That Won’t Let You Down: Trains, Art and Baseball in Chicago
Join the author on a one-night, two-day jaunt through Chicago! Starting with a ride on Amtrak’s new Floridian and rolling right along to the CTA, Wrigley Field, Vincent Van Gogh and Edward Hopper.
Why Are the Netherlands’ Windmills Perfectly Positioned for Instagram?
Long before influencers discovered the picture-perfect views at Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans, Dutch engineers created some of the world's most photographable landscapes.
Want to Visit an Onsen in Japan? Here’s What to Know!
Soaking in a Japanese hot spring is a cultural ritual with rules and customs that might leave you feeling awkward you're unprepared. Here are the basics to know before taking the plunge!
The Bulgarian Buzludzha Monument: A Soviet-Era UFO That’s a Magnet for Urban Explorers
Buzludzha is a massive communist-era monument that's one of Europe's most bizarre abandoned buildings and a magnet for adventurous travelers.
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Happy Thai New Year! Here’s How and Where to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand
Happy Songkran—Thai New Year! This is the world's wettest New Year's celebration, and one you definitely should add to the bucket list.
The Mystery of the “Haunted Doll Island” in Mexico, Covered in Hundreds of Creepy Toys
Mexico's Isla de las Muñecas is a place where tragedy, folk beliefs, and one man's obsession created something genuinely unforgettable in the ancient waterways of Xochimilco.
Antelope Canyon: The Hidden Spot in Arizona That Glows in Neon Colors with No Artificial Light
You'll find one of nature's most spectacular light shows in northern Arizona's Navajo Nation. Let's explore the otherworldly beauty of Antelope Canyon!
Ancient Stargazing: 7 Incredible Sites Where Our Ancestors Tracked the Cosmos
Long before telescopes or NASA, ancient civilizations built innovative structures to track stars, plan calendars, and determine when to plant crops - and you can visit them today!
11 Must-Visit Destinations for People Who Love Light Academia
For those who love linen shirts, pastel book covers, and the kind of libraries where sunlight streams through arched windows, these 11 destinations are for you.
11 Must-Visit Destinations for Travelers Who Love Dark Academia
For those who dream of wandering through ancient libraries, studying by firelight in hidden corners, and sipping tea where poets once brooded, here are 11 destinations that fit the mood perfectly.