Travel By Design

Darwin, the capital of Australian Northern Territory, is one of those places where people come for a visit and often decide to stay. Its diversity is fascinating and local atmosphere seems to always cheer up.

One of my favorite "Instagrammers," dsjasonnam, had a long layover in Madrid on his way to Mallorca. Knowing he would have an extended period of time in a city he’d never visited before he naturally reached out to his follower base for recommendations. Upon finding out he would be in my city, I contacted him and made plans to show him around the Spanish capital. In the end, I didn’t have to write a long list of recommendations for him, but it got me thinking. A lot of people pass through Madrid on their way to more popular destinations such as Mallorca and Barcelona, and more often then not they have plenty of time to kill. So, I put myself in dsjasonnam’s shoes and thought about what I could do in less than eight hours and still get the real Madrileño experience. I’ve put together five of my favorite things [...]

People come to the desert for many reasons. Some believe the never-ending sun and the warm, dry air are therapeutic. An hour north of Palm Springs, California, nestled in the lunar landscape of Joshua trees, amid the low desert scrub, lies a place some believe is magical, possibly even supernatural in its healing ability.

World Footprints will talk to intrepid travelers, explore America's Natural Parks and endangered World Heritage Sites, and we'll pay a visit to the Philippines and Northern Florida. First, the Congo's Virunga National Park has been ensnared in bloody conflict for years but National Geographic Explorer correspondent, Justin Hall, discusses whether this vast natural resource can uplift the Congo's fortunes. This park is unique with its active chain of volcanoes and rich diversity of habitats that surpass those of any other African park Then, hear about what lies "Beyond the Horizon" with author and traveler Christopher Many, who has taken some unconventional means to traveler around the world. Also, we welcome back television personality and former Travel Channel host, Samantha Brown, who has joined forces with AARP to celebrate the centennial of the U.S. National Park Service. Finally, Dr. Mechtild Rossler, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center joins World Footprints to discuss [...]

Like so many people across the globe, Anthony Bourdain’s death has left me numb. Anthony was a true global citizen who touched many people across countless cultures. He showed his viewers how humanity is connected through the love and necessity of food. The flavors of the world made Anthony feel most alive, and he inspired me when I traveled vicariously through his palate. I idolized and tried to emulate him at World Footprints because of our shared view of the world.

Ever wondered what it would be like to walk on the ceiling? Now you can experience it for yourself at one of Shanghai's most unique attractions. Situated in the Fengjing Ancient Town, the upside-down house has become a magnet for tourists since it opened, offering a mind-bending adventure that challenges your sense of balance and perception.

Jalisco is the seventh largest state of the 32 states in Mexico.  It is rich in history and considered to be the true Mexico since many of the cultural characteristics of the country (Mariachis, the sombrero, Mexican Hat Dance, tequila) originated there.  While touring the state we enjoyed a playful swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Vallarta and spoke to a resident veterinarian about how Dolphin Discovery is at the forefront of marine life conservation.

Tonya Fitzpatrick, an award-winning travel journalist and 3-time TEDx speaker, brings a fresh perspective on the power of travel in her TEDx talk, "Travel as an Antidote to Divisiveness." As co-founder of the social impact travel platform World Footprints, Tonya has spent years exploring how travel can be used as a force for good, challenging stereotypes, bridging cultural divides, and fostering mutual understanding. Her TEDx presentation shines a spotlight on the ways travel can heal divisions, whether they stem from race, religion, politics, or geography. In this inspiring talk, Tonya takes the audience on a journey that goes beyond the typical vacation experience. She explains how purposeful travel, with an openness to learning from others, has the power to transform individuals and communities alike. For Tonya, travel is more than just seeing new places—it's a way to engage with different cultures, challenge assumptions, and grow in empathy. This intentional approach [...]

Today we’ll go on some remarkable adventures and we’ll review the history of friendship between the United States and Japan. Mary Anne Potts has worked in the adventure travel editorial space for more than eleven years. She started on the editorial staff of National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2001 and has moved up the ranks from there.  She has run the magazine’s website and also launched its social media presence. Mary Anne continues to run Adventure as a standalone digital brand for National Geographic and includes her National Geographic Adventure blog which Outdoor Magazine recognized as No. 3 within its Top 10 List of Adventure blogs. Richard Wiese has been called the modern day Indiana Jones.  He is a world-class explorer and host of ABC’s new program, Born to Explore.  As an explorer and field scientist Richard has traveled to all seven continents.  From tagging jaguars in the Yucatan jungles [...]

World Footprints is broadcasting from Sochi, Russia where we have just arrived for the country’s first ever Winter Paralympic Games.  Before we left the United States, however, we caught up with Taylor Imus, a young journalism student from Ball State University (BSU) who traveled to Sochi with other BSU student journalists.  She shared her Olympic experience and some helpful insights into this city that has gained tremendous international attention.  

World Footprints continues to have a wonderful time in Sochi, Russia as the city plays host to the country's first ever Winter Paralympic Games.

Award-winning travel writer and photographer David Noyes has learned to experience the world through more than his lens and pen.  He says that in order to appreciate our world we must investigate a destination as part of the human condition.  His new book, The Photographing Tourist, David shows us remote places around the world and he offers tips that well help anyone develop the well-trained eye of a travel photographer.