Compass
As the gateway to the world-famous Norwegian fjords, Norway’s Ålesund and Sunnmøre region overflows with an abundance of natural treasures. But nature is only part of the story. The town of Ålesund is a cultural treasure as well, with a tragic yet beautiful history. On a winter’s night in 1904, Ålesund was devastated by a rapidly spreading fire. The fire left 10,000 people homeless and 850 homes in ashes. In a span of three years, the entire town rose from the ashes. Rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style prevalent throughout Europe then, its new facade was stunning.
Over the years, many people helped create the Florida Keys we know today. Some lived there, others only visited. Today, Mallory Square Sculpture Garden displays busts of people who impacted Key West. From Bogart to Hemingway to President Harry Truman, the Florida Keys has always been a magnet for famous characters.
When conjuring up images of Canada, the Rocky Mountains or the CN Tower might come to mind first. Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, rarely lands in the top five of most Canadian travel bucket lists. I would know–I've written some of those. But suppose you're looking for a city break with lots of outdoor adventures, history, and great food served with a side of Canadian charm. In that case, Ottawa is undoubtedly a destination that deserves a look.
An iconic American riverside outpost, Savannah resembles a charming European city fronting an urban-yet-pastoral landscape of botanical gardens and period homes. Here, 100-year-old gigantic moss-draped live oak trees dominate America’s first planned city. Savannah also overflows with handsome squares, monuments, eclectic locals, and a genteel southern heritage.
Explore the world’s most unforgettable destinations and awaken your inner explorer with bestselling author Patricia Schultz and publishing trailblazer Grace Fujimoto in this inspiring episode of the World Footprints podcast. Travel is more than a checklist—it’s a transformational experience. In this vibrant conversation, we dive into the newest editions of two iconic travel books that celebrate the beauty, culture, and diversity of our planet: the Deluxe edition of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz and Wanderlust: A Traveler’s Guide to the Globe from Avalon Travel. Patricia Schultz: Reimagining a Travel Classic Patricia Schultz’s groundbreaking travel book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, has inspired millions since it first landed on bestseller lists. Now, she’s raised the bar again with a stunning Deluxe edition, fully redesigned for the visual era. Featuring 1,000 jaw-dropping photographs and 100% new content, this coffee-table keepsake brings the world to life [...]
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District in Atlanta, Georgia, shares the story of how a young Black boy born into the segregated South became a national icon for Civil Rights. The park consists of several blocks along Auburn Avenue. Here you’ll find the Visitor Center, Martin Luther King, Jr’s birth home, and the BEHOLD monument. Other historic sites include Fire Station No. 6, The King Center, where Dr. and Mrs. King are buried, and Freedom Hall. The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Traveling with Pomegranates A Mother’s Day Celebration of Bonding, Reinvention, and the Transformational Power of Women’s Journeys Just in time for Mother’s Day, this special episode of World Footprints honors the enduring power of mother-daughter relationships and the life-changing experiences women share through travel. Whether you're seeking inspiration for a Mother’s Day getaway, planning a female retreat, or navigating your own journey of reinvention, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of the bonds that shape us—and the places that help us grow. We are joined by Sue Monk Kidd, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees, and her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor, for a powerful conversation about their co-authored memoir, Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story. The book chronicles a transformative trip through Greece and France, taken at a time when both women were facing deep personal questions: Sue was working through early ideas [...]
Expanding America's historical narrative to include enslaved and Indigenous people and their contributions to the country.
New Orleans has an unparalleled tradition of comfort cuisine and infectious music. It’s also a big-time art town that overflows with culture. Arguably the Caribbean’s northernmost outpost, the homeland of funk and soul music has long been one of the world’s most celebrated cities. From the bustling French Quarter to pastoral Audubon Park, this storied destination provides every angle of having a good time. There are also a few really cool places to stay, too.
I adore car museums for the same reason I admire artifacts in archaeology museums. They teach us about history, style, and ways of life shaped by the parade of automobiles on display. They're an ode to America's love affair with automobiles, and few do it better than LeMay — America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
A short flight southeast of Mexico City, the state of Oaxaca holds a mysterious allure for those who travel Latin America. Its culturally rich tapestry may be little more than a blip on the radar of those seeking glitzy beach resorts in Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. However, for those seeking authenticity, Oaxaca has no rival. Twenty distinct ethnic groups reside in the state. And, a full third of the population speaks an indigenous dialect.
Oconee County, South Carolina, museums take you from the earliest human habitation at the Museum of the Cherokee to the most modern innovations in the world of energy, where Duke Power showcases the many ways energy is created from wind and solar to nuclear.
