Insights

Insights

Insight globe on traveler's eye.

“Discovery is the journey; insight is the destination.”

–Gary Hamel

Explore the narratives below, a vibrant tapestry woven with opinions, reflections, and revelations drawn from diverse travel encounters. Some narratives propose ideas, while others illuminate discoveries, experiences, perceptions, or observations.

Travel storytelling, or travel insights, offers a captivating avenue to traverse the highs and lows of journeys undertaken by fellow adventurers. Even if you’re unable to embark on the voyage yourself, you can immerse yourself in the travel experiences and wander through landscapes via someone else’s perspective.

As Matshona Dhliwayo eloquently suggests, insight—rather than mere intelligence or understanding—is crafted to nurture perception and contemplation. It is our aspiration that these tales will bestow upon you deeper travel insights, enriching your own journeys, whether real or imagined.

 

  • black lives matter

    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.

  • Sea

    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?

  • Guanajuato Mexico monument

    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.

  • Aloha Toronto Roots Canada

    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 [...]

  • Helen Hatzis Travel Journalist from Canada

    World Footprints sat down with travel journalist Helen Hatzis, co-founder of Trip Jaunt and one of Canada's Nicest People, to discuss the future of travel for journalists and the public in a post-coronavirus world. Helen shares her thoughts on how the travel landscape is evolving and what we can expect in the coming years.

  • Covid Report from Pakistan and Afghanistan

    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.

  • Covid Report from Johannesburg South Africa video image shows a man with mask on.

    Following our earlier interview with Johannes Syms from the Western Cape (Cape Town), South Africa, we interviewed a Johannesburg-based reporter, Anita Powell, to learn what is happening in that densely populated city. Some of what we learned about the healthcare concerns in South Africa surprised us.

  • great wall of china view

    Once I returned from my first solo trip, I knew I had changed. It started with me sitting nervously on a flight to Vienna, butterflies swirling around in my stomach and desperately hoping to meet at least one person.

  • Post covid travel image shows girl sitting on beach with a mask

    What will travel look like post-coronavirus, especially for travel writers who make their living by exploring the world? We sought answers from a trusted friend and colleague, Tim Leffel.

  • Covid Report from Mexico image shows an aerial view of a beach in Mexco.

    For weeks, it seemed like Mexico wasn't as impacted by COVID-19 as other countries around the world, and certainly not as affected as its U.S. neighbor. But what was really happening in Mexico, and how is the country handling the coronavirus pandemic today? Was Mexico slow to respond to the pandemic, or did the virus simply not spread there as quickly as it did in other countries? To answer these questions, World Footprints turned to Tim Leffel, an award-winning travel journalist and U.S. expat residing in Mexico. Tim joins us to share his insights on the current situation in Mexico, particularly in the central state of Guanajuato. He provides an in-depth look at how Mexico is managing the pandemic and what the reality on the ground looks like. Guanajuato Mexico monument For more global stories and expert insights, visit World Footprints. Call to Action: Visit our website for [...]

  • family travel photo shows Childs Hand with snacks for travel|Boys reading in a field|infant child with book

    This mandatory pause that’s been imposed on us because of COVID-19 is very challenging; especially for those of us who travel frequently. But a fellow travel journalist, Terri Marshall of Tripping with Terri says that technology has offered us ways to feed our wanderlust at home even during Covid-19. Learn more about virtual travelling from Terri as she talks about travel choices you can choose from post the pandemic. Terri writes a lot about multi generational travel and, in fact, she told World Footprints that the first trip post-Covid-19 she takes will be to treat her grandchildren to a theme park trip to a theme park.  So, as a multi-gen traveler she had some great suggestions for families who are eager to travel post Covid-19. ************ Based in New York City, Terri Marshall is an award-winning writer covering cultural travel, multi-generational travel, food, drink, road trips, cars and characters. From [...]

  • Exploring through virtual travel during lockdown

    How can we explore the world while in lockdown? Although we can’t travel at the moment, it's important to remember that we will be able to again soon. For now, staying home and enjoying some travel alternatives is the best way to satisfy our wanderlust.