Compass
As travel journalists who happen to be people of color, we celebrate the cultures of the world.
Many of us have been sitting idly by as we wait for restrictions and the stay-at-home orders that were imposed during this COVID-19 pandemic to lift. Meanwhile we've been snacking more and becoming stiff from being sedentary. So World Footprints spoke to AFAA Personal Trainer and Venice Nutrition Coach, Neila Bond, who is running online fitness courses and nutritional coaching. Neila shared some easy-to-do exercises to help everyone (of all fitness levels) stay fit.
Gaining even more traction in 2014 during the historic events in Ferguson, Black Lives Matter became a household name. Since then, the movement has spread across the country like wildfire.
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.
The day before I left for Nepal on a one-way ticket, I was having dinner by the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok with a good friend. I took us to my favorite little restaurant in the city that serves Thai staple foods like tom yung soup and pad thai that you can enjoy while looking out at the beautiful river. The place is always packed, and this Saturday evening at the beginning of March was no different. We reminisced of our times teaching English in Korea together and toasted to our friendship and all our dreams for the future. So was life just mere months ago. That travel moment (or just life moment) of mine, which was just an average Saturday at the time, means so much more now.
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 [...]
For many long-term backpackers, it has been a new adventure in survival and endurance as their usual fallback job opportunities have also been affected by the shut-down.
World Footprints speaks with Ayesha Tanzeem, Voice of America (VOA) Bureau Chief for Pakistan and Afghanistan, to discuss the region's COVID-19 response and challenges. Ayesha shares information not widely reported outside the Middle East, offering enlightening insights into the pandemic's impact.
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 [...]
