Off the Beaten Path

Aside from Auschwitz in Poland and the incredibly morbid S-21 Prison in Cambodia, I have never felt so absorbed and captivated on my travels. Located to the north of Kiev, this infamous power plant in Ukraine set the scene for one of the most shocking incidents in the history of man – the Chernobyl Disaster.

When I told my Dad I had plans to cycle across Iran, he freaked out. Sadly, western media depicts Iran as a dangerous place. Even the government travel advice is to avoid all travel to the country. In reality, Iran is home to some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I was welcomed into the country, and felt completely safe travelling around. In fact, I felt safer there than walking around the streets of my hometown.

The island of Jamaica is a popular travel destination, in large part because of the abundant all-inclusive resorts on the island—a hospitality concept that Jamaica is credited with. 

As the small congregation of the Salem Chapel streams into the church dressed to the nines and illuminated with bright smiles for all passersby, our Caribbean little league team gathers around a bust of Harriet Tubman.

While most travelers exploring Washington, DC, the capital of the United States of America stick to the usual popular attractions and landmarks, the city harbors many other less known gems and treasures, extremely enticing or interesting for those who venture farther from the National Mall.

Haven’t been to Monaco yet? Then you’re missing out. There are numerous reasons to visit the principality, including the Grand Prix (usually held in May), Michelin-star restaurants, great casinos, amazing luxury shopping possibilities, and beaches straight from the pages of a travel magazine. However, another that stands out is the fact that the country’s is straight out of a fairy-tale.

Actress Stefanie Powers, best known for her role as Jennifer Hart in the television series "Hart to Hart", leads a double life, one in front of the camera or on stage and the other as a champion for animal preservation and protection. 

The best way to experience a city is through the eyes of a local.   We'll travel to New Orleans and walk along Paris’s rue des Martyrs with the people who know them best. Democratic consultant James Carville says that New Orleans is defined by its culture and way of life and that distinguishes the city from other places.  We'll talk to him to learn what he means by this. The beheading of Saint Denis, now the patron saint of France, was one of many events that occurred on the rue des Martyrs in Paris.  Accoring to author and New York Times writer, Elaine Sciolino, the rue des Martyrs was a cultural enclave where Degas and Renoir painted, Puccini replicated in his La Boheme opera and Edith Piaf would sing for a few francs.  Yet, this charming half-mile long street that is steeped in history has been overlooked in Paris guidebooks.  [...]

Mackinac Island, named by Native Americans for its shape as a turtle, is a northern Michigan island made famous by the Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour movie, "Somewhere in Time".  Just as the Victorian-period movie reflected, Mackinac Island has maintained its old world charm.  Many of the buildings reflect Victorian architecture and there are only two ways to travel around the 9 mile island--by bicycle or horse drawn carriage.  Join World Footprints as well explore the island by horse drawn carriage today.

World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival (FQF) 2-hour broadcast.  This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square.  This second hour of our FQF broadcast explores the unique history of New Orleans with two prominent professors from the University of New Orleans.    The diverse heritages of the people of New Orleans makes this city very unique, interesting and alive with traditions that are not found in any other city in the country.  New Orleans is a place where Africans intermingled with Native Americans and european settlers ultimately creating a sustainable culture that distinguishes New Orleans today.   Dr. Mary Mitchell, History Professor at UNO, joins us to discuss the African contributions to the city and the dynamics that slavery played in the development and culture of this city.   Most people don’t equate compassion and beauty when they think of Voodoo, [...]

The idea of a floating market may seem strange to Westerners, but is an Asian wonder that you won’t want to miss.

With numerous dive sites, underwater terrain that has not yet been fully explored, and an incredible sense of eco-diversity, Raja Ampat is a magical place.