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.

Where to Celebrate National Pride Month this June
By Lola MéndezCities across the States get a little more colorful as groups of people come together to celebrate Pride each year in June, with rainbow flags and clothes to symbolize gay pride. Read more
United States LGBTQ Events & Festivals
Western New York’s New Onöhsagwëde’ Cultural Center
By Kathleen WallsThe Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, New York are the homeland of The Seneca Nation, one of six Native American tribes that formed a confederacy in the region. The largest of the six tribes, The Seneca, who lived in the Western part of the Confederacy, called themselves the Onöndowa’ga,’ or … Read more Read more
United States Experiences Indigenous Preservation
One Night in Jail: A Travel Horror Story
By Katherine BertrandSuddenly, below several work emails and app notifications, a Whatsapp message from your mother catches your eye: “Well… I just had the longest shower…ate breakfast and drinking 3 cups of coffee… I just spent my first night ‘ever’ in jail.” Read more
Mexico Insights
Have a high time in Albuquerque
By Kathleen WallsA major highlight in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a hot air balloon ride at daybreak. Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path Food & Drink
A day trip to Mexico’s Playa Balandra will leave every nature lover speechless
By Thomas SpäterAlthough I usually have a hard time ranking landscape destinations, there is one specific beach I would easily consider the most beautiful in the Baja California area, if not even in all Mexico: Playa Balandra, a spectacular, crescent-shaped bay with crystal clear and shallow water. Read more
Mexico Landscape
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by Visiting These Sites
By Erica ChatmanMay is Jewish American Heritage Month and that means it is a great time to learn while exploring. I describe my own background as “Jewish lite” because while both my parents are Jewish and all my ancestors hail from Eastern Europe, growing up my household was more spiritual than religious. Read more
United States Events & Festivals History
Enterprise Alabama: Thank the Boll Weevil
By Kathleen WallsSometimes tiny towns are overlooked. Enterprise, Alabama is just such a spot. I was on my way to Columbus, GA, when I decided to stop briefly to see the iconic Boll Weevil Monument in Enterprise and was captivated by its perfect small-town Main Street. Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path
Re-entering the world with new footprints: Navigating the current landscape
By Kellie PaxianThe future is uncertain, but a few things are for sure. We still love to experience the adventures, landscapes, and cultures that our planet has to offer. None of us wish to go through another pandemic. And travel, as we know it, may never be the same. Read more
United States
Uncovering Appalachia
Who are the Appalachian people? Whoever you think they are you’re probably wrong. Author and scholar Nancy Brown Diggs joins World Footprints to peel back the layers of Appalachian culture that she uncovers in her new book, In Search of Appalachia. Read more
United States History
Girlfriends Getaway with New Friends
By Casey WohlCasey Wohl enjoyed a therapeutic girlfriends getaway on the Beaches of South Walton with complete strangers and she returned with life-long friends. Read more
United States Experiences
What It’s Like to be an Expat Wife
By Breana Johnsonfter throwing myself from this comfortable middle-class life into the world of expat living, I realized that as hard as it can be, I would never want to change it. Here’s what it’s like to be a third culture wife. Read more
United States Insights
The Inspirational Women of Wytheville, Virginia
By Terri MarshallDriving along Interstate 81 through southern Virginia you may notice a sign for Wytheville. Exiting the highway, you’ll find an array of ordinary eateries and gas stations. Venture beyond those into the heart of Wytheville and you’ll soon discover that nothing in this charming town is ordinary. Read more
United States History
Experiencing the Power of Children at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Experience the extraordinary stories of children who have made and are making a difference in this world at the Power of Children exhibit in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Read more
United States Family Travel Social Responsibility
Hiking the “Bridge to Nowhere” after rainfall feels like paradise
By Thomas SpäterSouthern California has many hiking trails, but only a few are as famous as the trail heading towards the “Bridge to Nowhere.” This arch bridge is 120 feet high and 180 feet long, a majestic throne over the San Gabriel River. Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors Off the Beaten Path
Ladies of Laura: A Southern Plantation Run by Women
By Kathleen WallsWe think of southern ladies of yore as deferring to their gentlemen about anything concerning business. Not so with the ladies of Laura Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana. Read more
New Orleans History