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.
Tonya and Peter Greenberg Join World Footprints as we catch up with our good friend Peter Greenberg at the Travel & Adventure Show in Washington, DC. Peter has a lot of great travel advice to share and he offers one very intriguing travel tip that is sure to raise some eyebrows. Then we’ll introduce you to Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Dr. Bricker will talk about the power of tourism and travel to implement positive change in society and we’ll get an update about the upcoming TIES conference. Our good friend Kelly Schulz with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau treats Tonya to lunch and a great conversation about what’s happening in New Orleans for 2011. Finally, another good friend, Polish-born composer, guitarist and violinist, Lucas Lechowski (pronounced Le-hoff-ski) shares his unique artistry and musical styles with us. [...]
Pets are a joy to have but travel with them can be a bit of a nightmare, even across the USA. Not only do pet travel rules vary from airline to airline, but if you’re going by train or ship it can be even more difficult to find a carrier that allows pets onboard.
black patriot World footprints showcases positive footprints around the world with today’s guests. Dr. P. Bai Akridge talks about the importance of study aboard programs and how students can discover their potential through global learning. Frank Martin, producer of the PBS documentary, For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots, and Bill straw from Blix Street Records, producer of the original soundtrack, discuss their award-winning film. The film details the military contributions of African Americans from the Revolutionary War to the present. The movie allows the viewers to gain an understanding about the experiences and accomplishments of African Americans in the military, and learn why such a group of heroic men and women would fight for the freedom of others that they themselves weren't able to enjoy. Nancy Rivard, founder of Airline Ambassadors International, talks about her decision to leave the management track at American airlines to focus on building [...]
The North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) announced that World Footprints has received two top awards for journalism excellence.
The Editor-and-chief of National Geographic Traveler, Keith Bellows, joins World Footprints Radio to talk about the magazine, travel storytelling, his upcoming travel book for children, and his never ending quest for discovering different cultures. Then, because culinary treasures are a manifestation of culture, Shelley Galloway from the newly opened Buddha Bar DC, the newest member of the internationally renowned Buddha bar group, will offer a culinary journey that promises to delight every palate. (Note: Buddha Bar DC has recently closed. The food was fantastic as was the ambience.) Finally, Tonya and Ian will introduce a celebrated jewelry designer, Monique Pean, whose socially-conscious and culturally-inspired designs have been featured in the major fashion magazines and have been donned by a who’s who of celebrities including first lady Michelle Obama. Keith Bellows This show is dedicated to our friend, Keith Bellows, a visionary journalist, author, and globetrotter who was editor-in-chief of National [...]
Join World Footprints as we take you on a journey through a national treasure—the State of Montana. We covered just a small section of this wonderful state—Glacier Country--but as you’ll discover from Part I of this series, there’s a reason why many celebrities (Ted Turner, David Letterman, among others) call Montana a “home away from home.”
Today on World Footprints we’ll contemplate the personal boundaries of Stone Walls with Ansel Adams protégé, photographer Mariana Cook. We’ll also look at the fusion between eco-friendly couture and glamour. We’ll talk to one traveler about her initiatives to fight human trafficking and we’ll learn about Dubai’s progressive sustainable initiatives.
World Footprints will journey inside the life of musician/actor Frank Stallone, we’ll also preview a film festival just for travelers and we’ll talk to the founder of the G.I. Film Festival.
Actress Kate Linder, best known for her role as Ester Valentine on The Young and the Restless (CBS Daytime), also travels for a living as a United Airlines flight attendant. Really! Kate didn’t leave her daytime job even after landing the popular role on Y&R. She takes a break from Genoa City to join World Footprints talk about her dual roles and her work as Celebrity Spokesperson for the ALS Foundation.
World Footprints will present two powerful stories of survival from unlikely human trafficking victims and how they’re using their ordeals to support other victims and raise awareness about this elusive crime. We will also share the story of a former Peace Corp volunteer whose experience inspired the development of a new community-based adventure travel resource. Holly Smith is not what many think a human trafficking survivor would look like. She’s a blond American and was raised in a middle-class two parent home. But when Holly was only 14 years old she was taken from her home planted immediately into the sex trade. The trafficking incident was traumatic enough but Holly was also traumatized by the lack of support she received from law enforcement and social services after she escaped. Stacy Jewel Lewis was a 19 year old student and aspiring actress when she was abducted by an elderly man who [...]
Oscar Mayer Car As the world celebrates the 150th birthday of Henry Ford, World Footprints takes you to the place where automobile history was made and beyond. Today we'll explore the treasure trove of history and culture in Michigan -- a State that both Ian and Tonya call home. We'll start our tour of the Great Lakes State in Mecosta County in Mid-Michigan where you’ll meet descendants of the “Old Settlers”—a group of twelve African-American families, including Tonya's family, who migrated by underground railroad and wagon train from Canada and Southern and Eastern states to settle in Western Michigan. Then we'll travel to the Southeast suburbs of Dearborn and Grosse Point where you’ll experience the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village as we share an audio history of American ingenuity. Finally, you’ll take a step back into history and experience what it was like to live the life of an auto baron as we visit the [...]
All around the world natural disasters ruin people’s lives. It often takes months if not years for a community to recover. The need for volunteer work in these areas is thus essential.
