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.
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.
Known as Pueblos Magicos, (magical towns), these gems of Nayarit are recognized by the Mexican government for their unique cultural or historical significance. The hamlets are prime destinations for visitors seeking more than pristine coastal sands.
In 1917, a group of women was forcibly shoved into freezing prison “punishment” cells, brutally injured by male guards, and left to survive the night without medical treatment—simply because they wanted to vote. While many people take this privilege for granted today, the battle for women to represent themselves at the ballot box was hard-fought and hard-won—yet can still easily be taken away.
Phyllis Wilson, a retired Army veteran of 37 years and President of the Military Women’s Memorial Foundation, joins us to talk about the Memorial and two important campaigns to preserve history and honor a group of female veterans.
This is not your average hotel lobby. This is where presidents have plotted, where the Beatles hid from screaming teenagers, and where Dwight D. Eisenhower maintained his Western White House. And on this particular trip, it's where I found myself standing in the same suite where Ike once practiced his golf swing.
Women’s History Month often highlights the achievements of women from the past, which is important given the wealth of inspiring stories to tell. However, Women's History Month also presents an opportunity to celebrate women who are making history today. In Salt Lake City, Utah, you can find some of these remarkable women in the Maven District.
I’m honored to write about Lady Bird Johnson, a woman whose vision still shapes the city I call home — Austin, Texas. I live just a few miles from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and I go often. In every season, something is blooming. It feels less like a formal garden, and more like an ongoing conversation she began decades ago, one that Austin is still answering.
