Travel By Design: Experiences
“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”
―
Travel is one of the best teachers and the lessons we learn from journeys undertaken provide the richest travel experiences.
When we interact with our friends and our near and dear ones who are just back from one or other trip, there is so much excitement in the room as they share their travel stories. There is a long list of activities they might have taken like diving, sight seeing, tasting delicious food, some adventure trip up the hills, finding some off the beaten path spot, some warm interactions with local people, and so on. Each travel journey has some good and bad parts , yet they all are memorable ones.
The stories in this section reflect the range of emotional, spiritual and physical experiences one can have from a travel opportunity. Some travel experiences are deep, some are lighthearted and some are “adventurous” (referencing the night in jail story). All of the experiences shared here are impactful.
Create your experience vicariously through these stories.
Confronting Cannibalism Stereotypes in Papua New Guinea
By Cara SieraI hate to admit it, but when we booked our trip, I didn’t even know where to find Papua New Guinea on the map. Our travel companions had selected the destination. But in the months leading up to our departure, I began to fall in love with a place that … Read more Read more
Oceania Experiences History Indigenous
Why Walking the Camino de Santiago is Not Just a Religious Journey
By Derek CullenThough it’s best known as a religious pilgrimage, walking the Camino de Santiago does not need to be a spiritual journey and people from all walks of life can and do take this adventure for different reasons. Read more
Europe Experiences Religious Travel
Sikh and You Shall Find: Searching for Cultural Experiences Closer to Home
By Nicole BanksAfter a year of being confined to my home state of New South Wales, I’m desperate to experience another culture. It was this desperation that saw me eagerly scoop up a pamphlet for the Sikh Heritage Museum of Australia when I spotted it on display at the (locally) famed Big … Read more Read more
Australia Experiences
Alternative Game of Thrones Locations You Can Visit Today
When searching for inspiration for your next vacation, it is likely you may turn to the world of film and television.Movies and television series can often open your eyes to new and wonderful locations, creating a tourist destination where previously few people visited. A classic example is Game of Thrones; … Read more Read more
The World Experiences
I’m Dreaming of a White (Sand) Christmas
By Kerri DriverIt was Christmas Eve and it was snowing! This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Growing up in Houston, Texas, we rarely saw snow, and for it to happen on Christmas Eve had me jumping for joy. Read more
The World Experiences Events & Festivals
Like Peering into Human Eyes: Swimming with Humpback Whales
By Cara SieraWhales, it turns out, are a lot like us. They live in family groups whom they go to great lengths to protect and care for. They love to sing, and “chart-topping hits” spread quickly from group to group. They’ve even been known to stand up for other, weaker species — … Read more Read more
Australia Adventure Experiences
Cold Water Confidence
By Natasha TuckerAs a kid growing up near the ocean, the movie that I resonated with the most was The Little Mermaid. I wanted to be Ariel, but, in reverse. Unlike Ariel striving to transition from a life underwater to on land, I wanted to live underwater, where the fish are, to … Read more Read more
The World Adventure Experiences
Game On: How Melbourne Leveled Up as a Playable City
By Ann-Marie CahillMelbourne is a Playable City; in both name and character. It is one of my favourite cities to visit, with its hidden laneways scattered throughout the bustling CBD. Read more
Australia Experiences Off the Beaten Path
Inspirational Life and Travel Journeys from a Woman Marine
In honor of our Veterans we are pleased to share a conversation with Dr. Betty Moseley Brown, one of the first women of color to join the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1970s. Read more
United States Experiences Insights
Ghost Towns and Goblins: Halloween Traditions in the Lone Star State
By Courtney CampbellThe Lone Star State contains some unique Halloween traditions. Filled with ghost towns, haunted hotels, and spooky lore, Texas has summoned attention for its intense connection to the paranormal. Read more
United States Experiences History
Escape from India during COVID-19 (Part 3 Final)
The conclusion of Escape from India during COVID-19 continues with Anietra sharing more of the roller coaster ordeal that took her and Ian from hope to hopelessness and back. Now she is confronted with the memories of the traumatic experience. Read more
India Experiences
How to Experience Train Tourism and Become a Railfan
By Breana JohnsonWhile many of these train activities are rooted in nostalgia, there are still plenty of modern-day travelers who not only enjoy trains as a means of transport but also the object of entire vacations. Read more
United States Family Travel Rail & Road Travel
Escape from India during COVID-19 (Part 2)
In Episode One of Escape from India during COVID-19, we introduced you to veteran journalist Anietra Hamper who was trying to escape from India after COVID-19 derailed her fishing assignment trip. Anietra and her fishing guide, Ian Henderson, were left stranded in India with only a narrow window to get … Read more Read more
India Experiences
Escape from India during COVID-19 (Part 1)
What was meant to be a four-week writing assignment to Nepal and India for veteran journalist Anietra Hamper, turned out to be an absolute nightmare for her and her traveling companion, Ian Henderson. Read more
India Experiences
Exploring Comfort Zones and Culture in China
By Alexander GalantLeaving Canada for a three-week cultural adventure in China, I become infected with the travel bug that now fuels my future. Read more
Asia Experiences Transformative Events & Festivals