Compass: North America
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.

Glacier National Park: A beautiful place with an ugly history
By Ali WundermanIt’s been a tough summer living right next to Glacier National Park. With international borders closed to U.S. travelers, Americans have set their sights on road tripping the national parks, especially in places of low population density, and by extension low COVID-19 cases. Read more
United States History Social Responsibility
The Bittersweet Experience of Repatriation
By Breana JohnsonBecoming an expat in Sint Maarten was hard, with culture shock taking the wind out of my sails for days at a time at the beginning. It Read more
United States Insights
Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes | A Natural Treasure
By Tonya FitzpatrickDo you know that feeling of how a smell, sound, or taste takes you back to some of your fondest memories? That’s what happens to me when something reminds me of my summer family vacations in Michigans Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. So, after all these years, whenever I travel … Read more Read more
United States Landscape Nature & Outdoors
Las Vegas and Formula 1 Team Up to Make an Incredible Travel Opportunity
There are plenty of reasons to visit Las Vegas, though it is a city that’s most famous for being the casino capital of the United States – and the world. Its entire existence is owed to the casino industry which evolved in Vegas to serve the crowds of workers involved … Read more Read more
United States Events & Festivals
Understanding U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts
By Tonya FitzpatrickThe U.S. State Department provides American citizens with regular notifications of events that may affect their safety and security. These notices come in the form of Travel Alerts or Travel Warnings. Read more
United States Insights
Following Mexico’s Tequila Trail
By Jackie JonesTequila is Mexico’s national drink, and a symbol of citizens’ pride and culture. Read more
Mexico Food & Drink
Top 8 Free Things to do in New Orleans
By Tonya FitzpatrickLet’s face it; travel can be expensive. But, when you know where to go, you can explore new destinations at a fraction of the cost. One of our favorite places, New Orleans (aka The Big Easy), can be pricey to visit but is filled with rich culture, historic buildings and … Read more Read more
New Orleans Budget Travel Family Travel
Three Desert Gardens to Visit near Phoenix
By Breana JohnsonWhen you think “Phoenix,” you probably picture a city surrounded by desolate wilderness. Tourists rarely arrive with a list of gardens on their itinerary. However, you may be surprised to learn that the Valley of the Sun offers many gorgeous garden experiences! Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors
Dancing in the Streets: A History of the Second Line
In this episode of World Footprints, Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick visited The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) in the French Quarter to meet with two amazing guests, Judy Cooper and Eric Seiferth, who help us understand the history and traditions of the Second Line. Read more
New Orleans Events & Festivals History
TODAY IN HISTORY: Aloha Airlines flight 243 (April 28, 1988)
On April 28, 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243 took off from Hilo International Airport at 1:25 PM for the short flight to Honolulu. On board were 90 passengers and five crew members. At approximately 1:48 the aircraft reached its flight altitude of 24,000 feet when a section of the hull … Read more Read more
United States History
TODAY IN HISTORY: Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 1862) and…
Cinco de Mayo (“5th of May”) is more than an excuse to drink margaritas. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 – a victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over the French. The date is observed as a celebration of … Read more Read more
Mexico Events & Festivals History
Exploring the Depths of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park
By Michael FilLush rainforest and land transformed for millions of years by volcanic activity, all spread across 520 square miles of protected space. Welcome to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park! Read more
United States Adventure History Social Responsibility
Williamsburg Has a Darker History, Too
By Kathleen WallsWhen we think of Williamsburg, Virginia, usually we think of the fight for American independence and freedom from England. However, there’s an important element that hasn’t been acknowledged until recently: enslaved African Americans built most of Williamsburg. When I visited Williamsburg, I viewed some sites that tell a story about … Read more Read more
United States History
10 underrated destinations to explore in the USA
By Tara TadlockAs large as the USA is, however, a lot of the most interesting places in the country often get overlooked. Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path
Kinston, North Carolina: A Farming and Industrial City Turned Arts Hub
By Kathleen WallsThey say art is in the eye of the beholder. When you visit Kinston, North Carolina, art will be in your eyes, ears, and taste buds too. Read more
United States The Arts