Insights

In my broken Thai, I pointed toward the water and looked at the boatman. “Bua?” I asked. "Bua" means lotus in Thai. I tried to mimic the local accent and used a hand gesture, hoping he would understand and take me to see the flowers. He nodded and smiled, mumbled a string of words that I could not understand, and steered the boat into the open water, still shrouded in morning fog. The boat slowly pierced through the dissipating mist, eerily silent, like something out of a sci-fi movie. Before us, a sea of pink lotuses started to unfold, bit by bit, like a watercolor painting coming to life with each brushstroke. It was surreal, almost like a dream, yet it was real. My jaw dropped in awe when the scene finally unfolded in its entirety.

When you hear the term astrotourism, you might think about famous figures like William Shatner taking a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket to the edge of space. But astrotourism isn't about going to outer space; it’s about enjoying outer space from good old planet Earth. It's a type of ecotourism centered around dark skies and celestial events such as eclipses, meteor showers, comets, and auroras.

In this special commemorative episode of World Footprints, we reflect on the courage, grief, and resilience that define the American spirit—from the families of fallen soldiers to the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and the heroism of World War II veterans.

Viewing a solar eclipse had been a goal since childhood, but after experiencing one, I knew that one would never be enough. I had joined the ranks of the umbraphiles—eclipse-chasers, literally, “shadow lovers.”

Travelers to Southeast Asia are no strangers to Siem Reap. The city's world-class wonder, Angkor Wat, attracts curious tourists from all over the world. This beautiful destination continues to increase in popularity. And with this boom, opportunities to flourish emerge.

Expanding America's historical narrative to include enslaved and Indigenous people and their contributions to the country.

When you’ve spent your life telling other people’s stories, sitting down to write your own—especially one with global implications—feels daunting, exhilarating, and deeply personal. In a short behind-the-scenes video, my husband and World Footprints co-founder, Ian Fitzpatrick, interviewed me about the beginning of my writing journey for my first business book. This is more than just a publishing project. It’s a calling. A shift. A response to the urgent challenges facing the places we love to visit—and the people who call them home.

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.

Post-election confusion had this crestfallen New York voter needing an escape in late 2024. England and the U.S. have always savored a special relationship, a unique bond, so it made sense that a little British wit and wisdom would go a long way in restoring my fighting spirit. The weekend pilgrimage also gave me reason to explore my growing interest in the roots of democracy heightened by political uncertainty.

In today's fast-paced digital world, remote work has rapidly transformed from a temporary adaptation to a lasting norm. As businesses worldwide embrace this shift, digital security has surged to the forefront of organizational priorities. Amidst this evolution, understanding ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) becomes vital. What is ZTNA?

Travel used to be slow. Granted, it was slow because there was no other way...Somewhere along the way, we got (very) lost.

Travel is more than just movement—it’s a gateway to self-discovery and connection. For men of color, stepping into new environments can mean reclaiming narratives, rediscovering roots, and nurturing bonds with community and nature. From cultural immersion to outdoor adventures and wellness retreats, these experiences foster healing, empowerment, and personal growth.