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.
Janet Cheatham Bell is an author, scholar, budding playwright and mother to CNN host, W. Kamau Bell, of United Shades of America. Having lived through America’s Civil Rights Movement, Janet joins World Footprints to reflect on her life journey from a segregated Indiana to her interracial marriage that defied the laws of the era.
Do you wonder who will tell your story and how you’ll be portrayed? Author and Publisher Ardre Orie joins World Footprints to discuss the power of storytelling, narratives on race and, of course, travel.
For a long time, Hawaii has been a summer holiday destination for Americans especially those residing in California. However, this year a lot of peoples’ plans have been sidetracked by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Since borders to different States have been closed, local governments and states have considered easing such restrictions with the dwindling number of new infection cases at the beginning of July. However, after the mass protests for #Black Lives Matter (BLM), a new surge of infections are currently being witnessed two weeks after July commenced. Therefore, States like Hawaii have to reconsider their initial decisions to ease travel restrictions into the state for individuals seeking a summer vacation. It is important to note that summer holidays begin in June and end in August. The situation leaves vacationers who schedule their holidays for the same period with barely a month to travel to Hawaii to enjoy [...]
The coronavirus pandemic has treated the world to new norms that have never before occurred. The total shutdown of essential services and normal life during the total lockdown directives and a massive meltdown of economies leading to job losses and restructuring of revenue streams are scenarios that have not been witnessed in the recent past. Borders were shut down and airline companies parked their airplanes in airports. However, the pandemic infection rate is receding and most countries are considering a phased return to normalcy including the United States. Flights are reopening their services but Americans have had to adapt to new ways of air travel. Protection Guidelines Some of the major guidelines that have helped bring down coronavirus new infection cases are social distancing and wearing a protective mask. The airline industry is maintaining the same as a precaution against the spread of the virus. For some airlines, passengers are [...]
As 2020 dawned, my travel calendar filled with big plans. The St. Olav Festival in Norway, gorilla trekking in Uganda, and truffle hunting in Croatia were among the adventures scheduled for the coming months. Sadly, those plans came to an abrupt halt thanks to COVID-19.
As travel journalists who happen to be people of color, we celebrate the cultures of the world.
From the violations of the Constitutional rights of peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters, to the unlawful killings of black citizens--George Floyd, Armaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor (and many more before them), to the global pandemic that is taking lives and undermining the economic security of millions of people, and now Americans facing further threats to freedoms and civil liberties not seen in generations, recent events are begging the question: how are we supposed to heal?
During this pandemic Erin created a challenge called #OurGreatIndoors. This challenge called for other creative and travelers who were under stay-at-home orders to create outdoor using common household items.
When travel writing is your profession, adjusting to a new normal of not traveling can be tough and even downright weird. The Covid Pandemic has caused massive changes in our daily lives and it has surely affected the way we used to travel then and now. The lifestyle changes have been abrupt and too quick.
If you want to hear about what the future face of travel might look like post-coronavirus ask someone who travels for a living. That's what we did when we sat down with fellow travel journalist Helen Hatzis of Trip Jaunt. In addition to being a travel journalist Helen is known for many other things. She she was recognized as one of Canada’s Nicest Person's by Roots Canada celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. Helen also received a Governor General Award for her extensive community work over the last two decades. Hear what the future may hold for travelers and experience a taste of Toronto on World footprints with Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick. * * * * * * Helen Hatzis receiving her Governor's General Award Helen Hatzis is recognised as a ‘rock n’ roll’ strategist by her peers who leads a purpose-driven life. A Governor General Award recipient for [...]
Travel journalist and Toronto-based Greek food tour operator Jim Bamboulis of Travel Mammal joins World Footprints to share the vibrant culinary scene and rich diversity of Toronto, Canada. Jim tells us that we can experience Greece in Toronto and essentially eat our way around the world in the city. Jim takes us on a special virtual tour of Toronto's Greek town and he tells us about a special opportunity he offers to help us taste a bit of Greece from anywhere. Jim also tells us how Toronto is dealing with the coronavirus and how this pandemic is affecting small business and the travel and tourism industry. *For more info about the food tours/gift bags, please visit TravelMammalTours.com. *For all how-to videos, podcasts and travel videos, YouTube.com/TravelMammal. *For everything marketing/social media related, TravelMammalMarketing.com. ****************** Jim Bamboulis has over 20 years of media production experience in the broadcast, digital and social media [...]
Anybody out there ready to hear some good news, for once? 2020 seems to be all about the bad news. I see it all the time on Facebook, TV, and even in my inbox. It seems the only thing anybody wants to talk about these days is COVID-19 and why we should all be terrified by what it brings. However, there is some good news out there! In the middle of this storm, people are reaching out to make this season a bit more survivable—particularly for first responders. I had the opportunity to talk with J.J. Bukowski, one of the founders of AZ Face Shields. This organization creates face shields to donate to first responders. In just a few short months, this organization has given away thousands of shields! J.J. told me how the idea for the organization was born and what the group has done to put a dent [...]
