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.

  • 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!

  • La Casa Cottages my self isolation base

    My greeting at YVR International Airport’s customs desk is about as warm as my farewell from Cape Town 27 hours earlier.

  • Covid-19

    Traveling during this period can be difficult for most people, but if you follow the safety measures, you are good to go. As of now, medical experts have said that the virus spreads through the eyes, nose, and mouth. If contaminated hands touch the face, you will definitely contract coronavirus. Before you head out, you should check your state health department’s website for insights about the virus. In some countries, traveling has been restricted or controlled, especially in those countries that have recorded the highest number of cases. Below are tips to curb COVID-19 when traveling or going to the gym. Maintain Hand Hygiene Frequently Hands are best cleaned by washing with soap and water for about 20 seconds according to the WHO. You can also use an 70% alcohol hand-based sanitizer. Cleaning your hands is considered important to avoid the spread of virus through the face or contaminating other [...]

  • WF Virtual Travel Elephant Cam

    With travel stalled around the world, those of us with acute wanderlust continue to look for ways to keep the rewards of globetrotting in our lives.

  • French Alps Covid Report from France. Showing the snow-capped mountains in the small town os Chambery France.

    Our dear friend Catherine Chambre joined us to discuss how her town, Chambery, and other small villages in the French Alps are dealing with COVID-19. Surprisingly, the measures in these smaller towns and villages are just as strict as those in the metropolitan areas, even though the number of illnesses and deaths hasn't been as high.

  • Big Sur 6

    As I write this, the majority of the world is in isolation; the pandemic of COVID-19 has forced us indoors and away from each other.