Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick
Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick are Founders of World Footprints and hosts of the award-winning World Footprints podcast. Travel has always been central to their lives. In fact, Tonya only agreed to date Ian after learning that he had traveled abroad. After a two-year courtship, Ian whisked Tonya away on a secret mission to Toronto where he proposed to her above the city in a small plane that passed another small plane carrying a banner that read: “Marry Me Tonya – I Love You”. The couple held a destination wedding on Bermuda and they honeymooned in South Africa. The rest, they say, is history…
Articles by Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick
World Footprints Podcast Wins Top 2021 Lowell Thomas Award
By Ian and Tonya FitzpatrickWorld Footprints won recognition as a top travel podcast, receiving a Gold Award in the 2021 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition.
United States Events & Festivals
PBS Television Host Rick Steves about his love for Europe and Celebration of Diversity
World Footprints stows away with travel writer and PBS TV host Rick Steves as he shares his new book, “For The Love Of Europe” and how travel is an antidote to the purposeful dumbing down of American society. This interview shows a different side of Rick Steves and our conversation … Read more
Europe Experiences Social Responsibility
Author Janet Cheatham Bell on Civil Rights, Empowerment and Travel
Author Janet Cheatham Bell has lived through both the Civil Rights Movement and today’s Black Lives Matter movement. She joins World Footprints to share her thoughts on the progression of racial equality in the United States. Janet is also the mother of W. Kamau Bell, host of CNN’s United Shades … Read more
United States Insights Social Responsibility
U.S. Democracy examined and Home Exchange inspirations
In her new book, You Call THIS Democracy? author Elizabeth Rusch illuminates undemocratic elements plaguing American democracy. She also offers international comparisons and provides insights into how American democracy is viewed from abroad. “You Call THIS Democracy? gives us a clear look at the problems we face in our politics … Read more
United States Experiences
Controlling Your Narrative and Preserving Truth in Race Relations, Empowerment and Travel
Why is it important for people of color to control their own narrative? How does preserving your story support historical truths? Ardre Orie is a publisher, social activist, and ghostwriter who helps Black men and people of color discover the power of their voice. Enjoy a powerful and insightful interview … Read more
United States Insights Social Responsibility
Viewing Today’s World Through Journalistic Eyes: Can Travel Heal The Divide?
By Ian and Tonya FitzpatrickAs travel journalists who happen to be people of color, we celebrate the cultures of the world.
United States Insights Social Responsibility
Staying Fit during COVID-19
Many of us have been sitting idly by as we wait for restrictions and the stay-at-home orders that were imposed during this COVID-19 pandemic to lift. Meanwhile we’ve been snacking more and becoming stiff from being sedentary. So World Footprints spoke to AFAA Personal Trainer and Venice Nutrition Coach, Neila … Read more
The World Health & Wellness
World Footprints Stands with Black Lives Matter
By Ian and Tonya FitzpatrickIs it possible to heal amid soul-crushing events? From the violations of the Constitutional rights of peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters, to the unlawful killings of black citizens–George Floyd, Armaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor (and many more before them), to the global pandemic that is taking lives and undermining the … Read more
United States Insights Social Responsibility
Discovering ‘The Great Indoors’ with travel photographer and writer of Erin Outdoors
How does a travel writer and photographer keep the spirit of travel alive when COVID-19 has us stuck at home? She uses household items to build outdoor scenes–mountains, lakes, canyons and oceans–to create a photo series called “The Great Indoors”. Erin Sullivan of Erin Outdoors took us on a tour around her … Read more
United States Adventure The Arts
Food and Travel – Experiencing Greece in Toronto with journalist Jim Bamboulis
Travel journalist and Toronto-based Greek food tour operator Jim Bamboulis of Travel Mammal joins World Footprints to share the vibrant culinary scene and rich diversity of Toronto, Canada. Jim tells us that we can experience Greece in Toronto and essentially eat our way around the world in the city. Jim … Read more
United States Food & Drink
Travel Journalist Helen Hatzis, one of ‘Canada’s Nicest People’, on travel and life post-coronavirus
World Footprints sat down with fellow travel journalist Helen Hatzis, co-founder of Trip Jaunt, about the future face of travel for journalists and the traveling public post-coronavirus. Helen also talked about her community work including Aloha Toronto that earned her a Governor’s General Award and about the things that make … Read more
Canada Insights Social Responsibility
COVID-19 Report from Pakistan and Afghanistan
World Footprints speaks to Ayesha Tanzeem, VOA Bureau Chief for Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ayesha provides some background into the region’s COVID response and ongoing challenges. She shares information that hasn’t widely been reported on outside of the Middle East. What you’ll hear will be enlightening. *********** Ayesha Tanzeem heads VOA’s … Read more
Middle East Health & Wellness Insights
Making an Impact with Photography
We all have gifts that we are called to share with the world. Meet Ben Von Wong, a Canadian artist, activist, and photographer best known for his environmental art installations and hyper-realist art style. Ben is focused on amplifying impact with a mission to make ‘impact’ unforgettable. See for yourself … Read more
The World The Arts Sustainability
COVID-19 report from Johannesburg, South Africa
Following our earlier interview with Johannes Syms from the Western Cape (Cape Town), South Africa, we interviewed a Johannesburg-based reporter, Anita Powell, to learn what is happening in that densely populated city. Some of what we learned about the healthcare concerns in South Africa surprised us. What didn’t surprise us … Read more
Africa Health & Wellness Insights
A Travel Editor’s perspective on post-corona travel
What will travel look like post-coronavirus; especially for travel writers who make their living by traveling? We went to a travel journalist friend and colleague for answers. Tim Leffel is an award-winning travel writer, editor and published author. He publishes multiple blogs and online magazines including Perceptive Travel – an … Read more
The World Insights
COVID-19 Report from Mexico
For weeks it seemed like Mexico wasn’t as impacted by COVID-19 as other countries around the world and, certainly, not as affected as it’s U.S. neighbor. But what was happening in Mexico and how is the country handling the coronavirus pandemic today? Was Mexico just slow to respond to the … Read more
Mexico Health & Wellness Insights
Traveling Virtually during COVID-19
Thanks to travel journalist Terri Marshall, she is sharing some great resources that are sure to curb the wanderlust inside that is screaming go somewhere—ANYWHERE! We know this lockdown is for the best and we know it is our responsibility to stay home in order to help save lives. But … Read more
The World Experiences Technology