North America
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.
Mention Alaska, and images of vast wilderness, rugged beauty, and epic outdoor adventures quickly come to mind. Yet beyond its scenery and adventurous spirit, Alaska’s culture and history have stories of their own to tell, and one of them comes alive each summer in Fairbanks.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts more visitors each year than any other national park in the USA. However, few people know that a group of determined Girl Scouts once saved an island in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. In the 1930s, Camp Margaret Townsend sat along the Middle Prong of the Little River. Here, girls swam, camped, and lounged on their favorite spot, an enormous boulder at the tip of an island known as Girl Scout Rock.
Southwest Louisiana has always known how to celebrate, and Lake Charles is no exception. I experienced my first Mardi Gras in this gem of a city, and I loved every minute of it. Unlike the louder party atmosphere associated with New Orleans’ rowdy Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras in Lake Charles offers a family-friendly celebration.
Author Nancy Brown Diggs joins World Footprints to explore the real history, culture, music, and identity of Appalachia while challenging the stereotypes surrounding one of America’s most misunderstood regions.
Howey‑in‑the‑Hills may be the best‑kept secret in Lake County, Florida. It’s tiny, but its story is anything but. In these rolling hills, yes, Florida really does have hills, the state’s citrus industry found its footing.
Night had fallen when we pulled into the Izamal train station. Awash in a golden yellow, illuminated by gentle lighting and the glow of the night sky, I could already tell that this ancient Mayan town was something special.
I met Lily one early January morning at a donut shop off the highway, about a 30-minute drive from Oaxaca City. Lily introduced herself to our small tour group — me and a family of four from Minnesota. She would be leading us for the day, as we visited some of the "must-sees" of Oaxaca. This included the scenic mineral springs and waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, the Zapotec archaeological site of Mitla, lunch at a local spot for memelas, and a visit to a locally owned and run mezcal distillery.
Patrick Henry delivered his iconic “Give me liberty or give me death” speech at the Second Virginia Revolutionary Convention at St. John’s Church in Richmond on March 23, 1775, igniting a spark that fueled the American Revolution. While living in Scotchtown, his only surviving original residence, Henry composed this famous address. The home offers insight into both the historical figure and Patrick Henry's daily life, while a tour of the St. John’s Church in Richmond takes you back to the day the famed speech was delivered.
Explore the history of New Orleans Second Line parades, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, and jazz funeral traditions. Discover the cultural roots behind the music with World Footprints podcast.
Aaron Kellum gestured toward the Colorado River sliding past the banks of Camp Eddy, a collection of vintage Airstreams and custom tiny homes perched on the water's edge in Grand Junction, Colorado. The general manager and former raft guide could have been describing the whole Western Slope when he said, "To be in a place where we get to share that with other people is something I'm never going to take for granted."
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.
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.
