Dominica Jazz Festival. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”

Susan Sontag

From villages to big cities, festivals and events bring people together to celebrate culture, heritage, cuisine or just about anything.  From religion to music, from agriculture to sports, from food to just plain fun, festivals and events sustain communities and encourage travel all over the world.

A trip or a small drive to an event with friends or with family needs no reason except just fun. And most importantly we can take a break from our daily routines and experience some celebration without going away too far. Festivals reminds us of our cultures, traditions, and above all is a time to celebrate with family.


Women in Tourism - Women on the World

The Women Making Tourism Powerful

By Lola Méndez

Celebrate International Women’s Day by supporting women around the globe through unique tourism experiences that benefit women’s empowerment and travel with female-led groups. International Women’s Day is honored annually on March 8th to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and serves as a call to action … Read more   Read more

The World Events & Festivals Social Responsibility
women history-

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a Visit to These English Museums

By Ali Jennings

March is Women’s History Month. Celebrated in the UK, the USA, and Australia to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th, this month highlights the contributions women have made to events in history and contemporary society.   Read more

United Kingdom Family Travel Events & Festivals History The Arts
The Hershey Story Photo Courtesy of Hershey, PA

For the Love of Chocolate

By Terri Marshall

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love, romance and chocolate step into the spotlight. This love and chocolate thing dates back more than 1,500 years to the Maya and Aztec cultures.   Read more

United States Experiences Events & Festivals Food & Drink
Heart hands on a sunset for Valentine's

18 Valentine’s Day Customs From Around the World

By Lola Méndez

Looking for unique ways to shower the ones you love with gifts and praise for Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered with inspiration from different cultures around the world who honor love in unique ways. Here are 18 of the sweetest ways that people declare their love on Valentine’s Day … Read more   Read more

The World Events & Festivals
New France festivalgoers dressed in period costumes

Quebec City: Where New France celebrates its heritage

By Tonya Fitzpatrick

In 1608 the first Europeans set foot on North American soil. Samuel de Champlain, considered to be the founding father of New France, built a settlement that would later be called Quebec City.   Read more

Canada Events & Festivals History
Drum lanterns light the night sky. Lunar New Year Photo: Kirsten Harrington

Central Florida Lantern Festival Shines Light on Chinese Culture

By Kirsten Harrington

The Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia by gathering with family, decorating the house with red couplets and giving red envelopes with money to friends and colleagues. Also known as Spring Festival in China, this 15-day celebration starts on January 22nd and ends with the Lantern Festival on February … Read more   Read more

Asia The World Events & Festivals
London at Christmas photo by Kellie Paxian

It’s Official: London Wins At Christmas

By Kellie Paxian

London during the holiday season is something I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime. I mean, you think you’ve seen Christmas spirit, until you go to London in the month of December.   Read more

United Kingdom Events & Festivals
Kwanzaa - Christmas lights in Texas

‘Tis the Season: Texan Celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa

By Courtney Campbell

During this season, Texans celebrate these holidays with unique customs and traditions. With a population fast approaching 30 million, the diversity of the Lone Star State is particularly demonstrated in the last month of the year.   Read more

United States Events & Festivals
duck-for Christmas dinner

Traditional holiday dishes from around the world

By Natalie Hoy

With the holidays approaching, I’m sure all of us already have our holiday dinner menu planned. Today, let’s go on a virtual journey to learn about traditional holiday dishes from around the world.   Read more

The World Events & Festivals Food & Drink
Santa Claus at Christmas on the beach

I’m Dreaming of a White (Sand) Christmas

By Kerri Driver

It 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
White House Christmas. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

World Footprints Holiday Music Special

‘Tis the season with the gift of holiday music.  As you enjoy the musical selections from around the world, please accept our gratitude for your support of World Footprints over the years.    Read more

The World Events & Festivals Literature & Music
Isle of Wight beach

An Expat’s Christmas Journey to the Isle of Wight

By Bianka Cramblit

Jude Law stopping by your snow-covered cottage in the English countryside…. Yes, please! The many other festive British holiday movies had left me feeling like I had already celebrated there.   Read more

United Kingdom Events & Festivals
netherlands Christmas Dutch presents under the tree

Dutch Christmas Traditions

If you’re staying in the Netherlands during the holiday season, you’re truly in for a treat! Although many Christmas traditions are the same in different countries, the Dutch have a few traditions that you probably haven’t even heard of. In order to prepare you for this year’s holiday season, we’ll … Read more   Read more

Europe Events & Festivals
Christmas in Spain

Far From Home: Experiencing the Holidays in Spain

By Bianka Cramblit

When I moved to Spain, I knew I’d have to say goodbye to the very North-American traditions of Halloween and Thanksgiving.   Read more

Spain Events & Festivals
Thanksgiving in Beijing with friends and party favors. Photo: Kirsten Harrington

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Beijing, China

By Kirsten Harrington

It was Fall of 2019 and Beijing was beautiful, with ripe persimmons hanging from trees like lanterns and golden gingko trees glowing in the park. But as the days grew shorter and the arctic chill set in, my spirits sank. Thanksgiving was just around the corner, and I longed for … Read more   Read more

Asia United States Family Travel Events & Festivals