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.
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
Discovering my Roots in Malaysia
By Carmen AngMy first trip was a six-week journey through Malaysia, the country where my dad was born. Not only did this trip ignite the wanderlust that fuels me to this day, it also helped me discover my roots and develop a better understanding of my ethnic heritage. Read more
Asia Experiences History
No Boundaries: Women Explorers and Scientists who are Changing the World
On this World Footprints episode, Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick speak to National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer, Gabby Salazar, to hear about some inspiring stories of women change-makers profiled in her new book, No Boundaries. Read more
The World Experiences
The Falkland Island | A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.So let’s discover why the Falkland Islands are an excellent place to visit and how you can have a unique birdwatching experience. Read more
Central and South America United Kingdom Adventure Experiences
Defying Gravity at the Dead Sea in Israel
By Thomas SpäterIt was a hot summer day when I left Jerusalem to travel south towards the Dead Sea, an indescribably beautiful salt lake, sitting peacefully landlocked between the countries of Israel and Jordan. Although visiting Israel had been on my bucket list since forever, the Dead Sea had always fascinated me … Read more Read more
Middle East Experiences
5 Places to See Dinosaur Fossils in the U.S.
By Breana JohnsonOn your next trip, bring natural history to life with a dinosaur encounter! The U.S. offers many attractions where you can view dinosaur fossils—or even participate in a dino dig. Read more
United States Accessible Experiences History
Longing for isolation: A demanding journey through Mongolia
By Thomas SpäterWhen I was desperately searching for a new place to explore without hundreds and thousands of other tourists around me, I came across a mysterious and equally attractive country called Mongolia. Read more
Asia Experiences
Best Summer Road Trips in Europe
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.Embarking on a road trip through the diverse landscapes of Europe is an enchanting adventure that promises a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. From ancient cobblestone streets that whisper tales of bygone eras to breathtaking coastal roads that caress the edge of the continent, Europe beckons wanderlust-filled souls to explore its … Read more Read more
Europe Rail & Road Travel
Experiencing Toronto Like A Local
By Shahraz AliWhether you stay in Toronto for a week or a year, not a day will go by without you finding something new and exciting to do. Read more
Canada Experiences
Ultimate Road Trip to Tofino
By Sara PerilloTofino is a funky surfer town on the West Coast that has earned its reputation as Canada’s top adventure playground. With its sprawling beaches, wild inlets, and ancient rainforests, it’s easy to see why Tofino has become such a popular destination. Read more
Canada Nature & Outdoors Rail & Road Travel
Cajun Culture in Lafayette Parish
By Kathleen WallsIn Southern Louisiana, French Canadian migrants settled and intermingled with the existing community to create a unique ethnic group, the Cajuns, whose culture continues to thrive today. Visitors can learn more about the Cajuns through a visit to Lafayette Parish, where they can explore their history, customs, music and food. Read more
United States Experiences
Underground Treasure: Poland’s Wieliczka Salt Mine
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the old Wieliczka Salt Mine is the most popular tourist attractions in Poland and offers a unique experience into the underworld civilization and local culture. Read more
Europe Experiences The Arts
America’s Iconic Summer Road Trips
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.If you’re looking for road tips ideas in the United States, there are plenty of options to choose from. The United States is renowned for its vast and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for summer road trips. From stunning coastlines to majestic mountains, charming small towns to bustling … Read more Read more
United States Rail & Road Travel
An African School for the Deaf
By Breana JohnsonThere are only two schools exclusively for the Deaf in Burundi (the other, also founded by my husband’s family, is five hours away). Without the chance to go to school and learn sign language, these kids would never have the chance to learn any language at all, a situation that … Read more Read more
Africa Accessible Experiences
Shooting Stars and Shay in Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve
By Christina NewberryLying on stacked cushions on the roof of a lodge in Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve, I watch a beam of green light shoot into the sky as our guide circles a constellation with the most powerful laser pointer I’ve ever seen. “That orange star, that’s the womanizer,” Ali says. “He’s … Read more Read more
Middle East Experiences