Travel By Design

Design your own travel experience by exploring many travel niches on this Travel by Design page.

Whether you are an adventurer or arm-chair traveler you will find stories on this page that will pique your interest and curiosity. Nearly any hobby, interest or experience can be the very essence of a travel niche and you’ll find many of them below.

Perhaps you are looking for the best LGBTQ destinations or you’re interested in different experiences, volunteer travel (voluntourism) or health and wellness opportunities there are many travel niches to experience. We have several stories that showcase a traveler’s insights and there are other stories that illuminate the outdoors and beautiful landscapes. We have stories of varied experiences from far and wide. The experiences are unique and quite interesting and come from various places across the globe. Our stories will give you a wide coverage of places from around the world.

Whatever travel experience you’re interesting in learning about or designing for your future travels you can find something here. As new travel trends evolve we will continue to add new content that addresses new travel niches.

Go through the interesting stories listed below on this Travel by Design page.

  • 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.

  • backpack

    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.

  • 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.

  • IMG 20200410 132817|Breana Johnson headshot e1588729185824|IMG 20200410 132754|IMG 20200409 173831 e1588728405183|IMG 20200409 121626|IMG 20200410 113534 e1588728611802

    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 [...]

  • 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.

  • travel restrictions

    Rest assured, the tourism industry is remarkably resilient. Whether for work or leisure, once travel bans are in the rear-view mirror, it is likely that people will be back out and at it, albeit traveling a little differently than before.

  • Virtual travel thumbnail for Traveling Virtually video.

    Thanks to travel journalist Terri Marshall, she is sharing some great resources that are sure to curb the wanderlust inside that is screaming go somewhere—ANYWHERE!