Tara Tadlock

Over four years in the early 1970s, Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country now frequented by backpacking tourists, faced one of the worst human atrocities imaginable-- a state-sponsored genocide wiping out one-third of the nation’s population.

Hungary, and Budapest more specifically, was once known for its mistreatment of those with physical and intellectual disabilities. Today, however, the people of Budapest are creating a more inclusive community thanks to businesses that are breaking down social stigmas and changing attitudes towards those who were once excluded in the community.

Every year in the autumn, the ground at Custer State Park shakes and the air is filled with clouds of dust. You can hear cheering from crowds of people as they watch almost 2,000 bison being herded into a corral by nearly 60 cowboys and cowgirls on horseback.

In the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina was considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. The capital city, Sarajevo, was under constant siege by sniper fire and mortar shells. Today, however, Bosnia looks very different. Though still scarred by the remnants of war, the country has seemingly found a way to come through a very dark tunnel. 

Serene white sand beaches. Tropical cocktails garnished with slices of fresh fruit. Catamarans floating through turquoise water. Images like these tend to be the first to come to mind when thinking of the Turks and Caicos Islands. But this tropical destination, which has stringent COVID protocols, has much more than luxury resorts to offer travelers.