World Footprints
World Footprints

The Art of Taking It Slow in Chiang Mai

The red on the thermometer crept past 30°C. In Chiang Mai, temperatures remain volatile, chilly in the morning and sweltering by afternoon. I was in an air-conditioned restaurant and had a bowl of khao soi before me, its turmeric-gold broth steaming a rich coconut bisque. The chanting of monks from the nearby temples, fading in and out in an ethereal cadence, was backdropped by the tinkle of the wind chimes.

By |2026-04-16T13:11:11-04:00April 16, 2026|Asia, Compass|Comments Off on The Art of Taking It Slow in Chiang Mai

The Philippines Visayan Islands – Joyful and Hassle-Free

America has a heartland. So does the Philippines. It has 7,600 islands organized into three major island groups, with the midlands comprising the welcoming Visayas region. My ninth trip there delivered an adventurous medley of down-to-earth pensions, a luxe island resort, and a perfect lifestyle mix of everything in between. I explored six different islands where one tune always sings true: this getaway means hospitality on steroids.

By |2026-04-13T16:31:39-04:00April 13, 2026|Asia, Compass, Sustainable Travel|Comments Off on The Philippines Visayan Islands – Joyful and Hassle-Free

The Travel Doctor is IN

Meet The Travel Doctor . Broken bones. Skin rashes. Travelers diarrhea. COVID and… There are many accidents, illnesses and medical mishaps that happen when we’re traveling and now we have COVID to add to the list. So what should travelers do to remain healthy and safe? Get expert travel health advice from Dr. Yvette McQueen on staying safe, preventing illness, and navigating travel in a post-COVID world.

By |2026-04-12T20:36:17-04:00April 12, 2026|Health & Wellness, North America, Podcast, United States|Comments Off on The Travel Doctor is IN

Bread as Spoon: A Casablanca Lunch That Changed How I Think About Hospitality

The tagine lid lifted with a soft clink. Steam rose up in slow, fragrant ribbons of salt, citrus, and warm spice. After a morning of shopping at the market and cooking side-by-side with Chamsi in her Casablanca home, I tasted more than a great meal. I tasted how Moroccan hospitality works. I chase culture through real experiences as a seasoned travel writer and photographer. I’ll show you what this Casablanca cooking class taught me about flavor, table manners, and belonging.

By |2026-04-13T17:03:07-04:00April 10, 2026|Cultural Heritage, Food & Drink|Comments Off on Bread as Spoon: A Casablanca Lunch That Changed How I Think About Hospitality

Exploring the Riches of the Legendary Mekong River

A lifeline uniting six countries, the Mekong River flows from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia. Beginning in Tibet, it traverses China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam en route to the broad South China Sea. For thousands of years, the fabled thoroughfare has provided a connection for merchants and traders from China to Southeast Asia.

By |2026-04-08T14:52:10-04:00April 7, 2026|Asia, Cruising, Travel By Design|Comments Off on Exploring the Riches of the Legendary Mekong River

Last Chance Tourism: Exploring our Planet’s Fragile Wonders

A growing trend among travelers is Last Chance Tourism (LCT)—a bittersweet form of exploration driven by the urgency to experience the world's most fragile and endangered destinations before they disappear. Whether it’s walking among calving glaciers, snorkeling over bleached coral reefs, or photographing sinking cities, LCT embodies both a celebration of Earth's beauty and a stark reminder of our collective impact on its future.

By |2026-04-04T05:00:18-04:00April 4, 2026|Conservation, Experiences, Sustainable Travel, The World|Comments Off on Last Chance Tourism: Exploring our Planet’s Fragile Wonders

Flaws in American Democracy examined and Home Exchanges for Travel

Author Elizabeth Rusch joins World Footprints to examine what American democracy looks like from abroad, where the United States falls short, and what other countries can teach us about representation, participation and reform. She also shares how travel, cultural immersion and home exchange experiences have influenced her life and writing.

A Walking Tour Highlighting a Mumbai Slum’s Innovative Industry

Dharavi, in central Mumbai, is considered one of the largest slums in Asia, but deep within this neighborhood, below the shanty grey roofs, loosely comprised of scavenged, upcycled metal, lives a resourceful and innovative community that plays an imperative role in Mumbai’s city-wide waste management.

Teaching Children to Appreciate Diversity

The best way to travel with the intent of exploring diversity is to ditch the touristy places. Sometimes, tourist attractions bring people from all over the world — the Grand Canyon or Disneyland, for example.

By |2026-03-29T03:30:03-04:00March 29, 2026|Family Travel, Insights, Social Responsibility, The Arts, The World|Comments Off on Teaching Children to Appreciate Diversity
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