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.
Red Rock Canyon – A perfect getaway from Las Vegas
By Thomas SpäterVisiting the beautiful Red Rock Canyon, an often-overlooked national conservation area that is located only 15 miles outside Las Vegas and features hiking and trails, plants and wildlife, outstanding geology and camping. Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors
The Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond
By Kathleen WallsThe Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Virginia is a dramatic retelling of the events that occurred, focusing heavily on the experiences of the city’s Holocaust survivors. Read more
United States History
Walking through the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
In this episode, Kenneth Hoffman, Executive Director at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, gives us a guided tour and explains in depth how Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by the cultural heritage of their local communities. Tune in to learn more about the Museum … Read more Read more
New Orleans Insights History
Roadside Stops between Los Angeles and Las Vegas
By Breana JohnsonThe route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas may be a heavily traveled highway, but it’s still a long strip of road through the desert of the American Southwest. Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path
Budget-Friendly Tips When Traveling To New York
New York is not known for being a cheap location to live in. The truth is that the cost of living there is relatively high. However, that shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting New York. If you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that a trip to New York doesn’t … Read more Read more
United States Budget Travel
Exploring the Green Book trail and Rochester’s African-American Heritage
World Footprints will uncover the stories behind the story of the Green Book and we’ll explore Rochester, New York’s rich African-American heritage. In an era of segregation, the Green Book directed African-American travelers to safe havens as they traveled through inhospitable and outright dangerous places. Indeed, being a Black family … Read more Read more
United States Insights History
No Roads Lead to Stehekin
By Eliza AmonTucked in the rugged North Cascade Mountains near the Canadian border, is a town unreachable except by ferry, foot or flight. Remote as Stehekin is, the Washington town is a hub for nature lovers looking to hike, kayak, ride horses or fish in a national park whose glacier-tipped peaks are … Read more Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors Off the Beaten Path
What Happens When You Revisit a Favorite Childhood Vacation
By Cara SieraWhen I was a kid, one family trip inspired my imagination like no other ever had. Recently, I went back to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, hoping to experience some of that childhood excitement once again. What I found was a museum in disrepair – but … Read more Read more
United States Adventure Family Travel
Best Places that Students can Learn about U.S. History
In most schools in the United States, students are required to learn their country’s history. Learning history gets lively when you see the sites related to the country’s history. There are several incredible destinations in the United States that will help you learn fascinating facts about the past. Visiting these … Read more Read more
United States History
Meet the Manatees of Crystal River, Florida
By Cara SieraThe Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge shelters solitary manatees year-round, but their numbers increase to around 600 individuals from mid-November through March, when they retreat to the Three Sisters and other natural hot springs as ocean temperatures drop. Read more
United States Experiences Social Responsibility
America’s First Native American Civil Rights Leader—Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe
By Lana Van CleaveHowever, there is a lesser-known story. Yet one that exemplifies enormous courage and one which has had an immense impact on our nation. It is a story of forced settlement, death, devotion, and incredible spirit. It is the story of Chief Standing Bear. Read more
United States History Indigenous
The Two Sides of Mark Twain
By Kathleen WallsWith the arguments in schools about Critical Racial Theory and not teaching many facts about history because they might embarrass some people, some books are being banned. Mark Twain’s books have long been on the firing line for opposite reasons, i.e. his use of prejudicial language. Because Huck Finn helped … Read more Read more
United States Literature & Music
Exploring Pyramid Lake by Boat – A unique Southern Californian Adventure
By Thomas SpäterAre you looking for an adventurous nature-getaway to escape the hectical Los Angeles city life for a few days? Search no more! Located inside the Los Padres National Forest of California, Pyramid Lake offers a great option for those who truly like to enjoy nature. Read more
United States Nature & Outdoors
Rats and Astronauts: Street Art in Oaxaca
By Eliza AmonFamed for its artistic traditions in weaving, pottery and painted wooden animal carvings known as alebrijes, the Mexican city of Oaxaca is also brimming with contemporary art. Read more
Mexico Off the Beaten Path The Arts
Hiking to Bonita Falls – A perfect Californian daytrip within the San Bernardino National Forest
By Thomas SpäterHiking to a waterfall is likely not the first thing that comes to the mind when people are visiting Southern California. Overwhelmed by all the well-known and frequently recommended must-dos, it is easy to miss the smaller and less famous opportunities, especially when it comes to spending time in nature. Read more
United States Adventure Nature & Outdoors