Events & Festivals
Crowd at the Dominica Jazz Festival photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”
– Susan Sontag
From villages to big cities, festivals and events bring people together to celebrate culture, heritage, cuisine or just about anything. From religion to music, from agriculture to sports, from food to just plain fun, festivals and events sustain communities and encourage travel all over the world.
A trip or a small drive to an event with friends or with family needs no reason except just fun. And most importantly we can take a break from our daily routines and experience some celebration without going away too far. Festivals reminds us of our cultures, traditions, and above all is a time to celebrate with family.
On the occasion of International Press Freedom Day, World Footprints was invited by the UN Foundation to attend a powerful event sought to change the narrative and examine women's voices in fragile states and why those voices matter. The UN Foundation co-hosted a distinguished panel which was led by Ambassador Melanne Verveer of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. She was joined by Krista Hendry from The Fund for Peace, Amy Slaughter and Yar Ayuel with RefugePoint and award-winning filmmaker Elaisha Stokes. The panel discussed the challenges that women face in fragile states and areas where women are taking the lead in reconciliation. They also examined what happens to girls and women as the most vulnerable and neglected victims in conflict afflicted states, and why telling these stories is important. In fragile states, women can be agents of change, leading the way in promoting development and achieving social [...]
The couple that travels together stays together so in the spirit of Valentine’s Day we found a few gifts for traveling couples. If you’re tied to giving traditional gifts like chocolate and flowers just attach them to a travel gift below. This will make your Valentine’s that much sweeter.
Sydney comes to life in summer. It is a glorious city, no matter what time of year but in the summer, we have long days, warm nights, hot beaches, and the biggest party in all of Australia: The Sydney Festival.
Although the Times Square Ball made it’s debut on the roof of One Times Square in New York on December 31, 1906 to ring in 1907, Dick Clark began a new holiday tradition to televise the international event and surrounding celebrations as his first New Year’s Rockin’ Eve broadcast rang in 1973.
Get ready to be dazzled by the spectacular Christmas on the Potomac at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland. This annual holiday extravaganza is a feast for the senses, featuring over 2 million holiday lights and acres of stunning decorations that transform the resort into a winter wonderland.
There are always many exciting things to do on vacation when you have the money to spend. Monte Carlo is a place that often comes to mind when you think about extravagance and a good time. Regardless of what your idea of holiday relaxation or recreation might be, chances are you won’t be disappointed here.
On July 14, 1789, an iconic event of the French Revolution took place when revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a medieval fortress in Paris. At the time, the Bastille was not only a prison but a symbol of the French monarchy's absolute power. Though it held only seven prisoners at the time, its significance lay far beyond the walls—this fortress had come to represent the tyranny and oppression of King Louis XVI's reign.
On July 4, 1776, a defining moment in world history occurred as the thirteen American colonies officially broke ties with Great Britain. On this day, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the colonies' right to self-governance and marking the birth of a new nation—the United States of America.
Today we’ll go on some remarkable adventures and we’ll review the history of friendship between the United States and Japan. Mary Anne Potts has worked in the adventure travel editorial space for more than eleven years. She started on the editorial staff of National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2001 and has moved up the ranks from there. She has run the magazine’s website and also launched its social media presence. Mary Anne continues to run Adventure as a standalone digital brand for National Geographic and includes her National Geographic Adventure blog which Outdoor Magazine recognized as No. 3 within its Top 10 List of Adventure blogs. Richard Wiese has been called the modern day Indiana Jones. He is a world-class explorer and host of ABC’s new program, Born to Explore. As an explorer and field scientist Richard has traveled to all seven continents. From tagging jaguars in the Yucatan jungles [...]
World Footprints continues to have a wonderful time in Sochi, Russia as the city plays host to the country's first ever Winter Paralympic Games.
For over a century Detroit, Michigan has hosted an auto show. The show's start in 1907 had a regional focus and continued that way for several decades.
We heard many things about Rio de Janeiro before traveling to the country of Brazil for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Some things we heard were not positive so we were determined to explore the city upon arrival and form opinion. This short reflection segment offers our initial impressions. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are two of the most visited destinations in the country, offering visitors (whether in the country on business or pleasure) a fabulous peek into the complex heritage and natural spectacle of Brazil (the largest country in South America). Because of the abundance and accessibility of many of its natural attractions, Brazil has also become acclaimed for its increasing focus on eco-tourism. From the wilderness of the great Amazon rainforests and sun-kissed tropical beaches to the Grand Carnival celebration in Rio, the country has it all. Visit the colonial era towns in the state of Minas [...]
