Arts and crafts hold a special place in Japanese society. Beyond serving as a means of artistic expression, the methods and techniques that are employed provide a fascinating insight into what’s important in Japanese society. While many of Japan’s native art forms have a long history, some lend themselves to home crafting and have a global following. So how well do you know your Japanese arts and crafts? Origami Photo by Monthira
Quick, ask someone to name their favorite Caribbean islands, and more than likely, you get answers along the lines of Jamaica, Barbados, The Bahamas, and Saint Lucia. Don’t get me wrong, these are all breathtakingly beautiful islands. However, there are a few underrated gems in the Caribbean that don’t often get the love they deserve. Here are ten of our favorites. Vieques and Culebra Commonly referred to as the “hidden islands of Puerto Rico,” Vieques and Culebra are located a short boat ride
For soaking, splashing, swimming, or sipping, who can say no to natural mineral waters? A good long soak or a refreshing splash or sip can mean instant rejuvenation. Whether a posh spa fits your style or you’d prefer to hike to an unimproved and rustic pool or historic site for “taking the waters,” the U.S. has much to offer. So, pack your sneakers, a plastic jug, and swimsuit (or not—several of these locations are clothing-optional) and get ready for a good sip or soak. Alabama Photo Credit:
Aoteoroa, the Maori name for New Zealand, translates to The Land of the Long White Cloud—lovely! And while it is often cloudy, what clouds! What skies! What vistas! For lovers of the outdoors, New Zealand is a cornucopia that keeps on giving. Hikes of all types and ability levels are plentiful, from quick strolls to days-long mountaineering adventures, yet if you’re looking for a fine day hike that requires no special equipment other than decent walking shoes, read on for a few excellent choices
More than 10 months after I was last on a plane, the first question I get during any socially-distanced or virtual meetup is still “How are you surviving without travel?”
There has been one small bright spot in the pandemic — the resurgence of drive-ins, a socially distant alternative to the traditional cinema.
Hands up who thought Mardi Gras was a New Orleans tradition? There’s no denying that the Louisiana city has become synonymous with the festival, but actually, Mardi Gras was originally a European tradition. The French introduced Mardi Gras (the name translates as Fat Tuesday) to the U.S. in 1703, but they’d already been partying since at least the 13th century. But the tradition goes back even further than that. The ancient Greeks marked Dionysia, a spring festival in honor of the god of wine,
Denver might not be on your radar when you think of major American cities with thriving arts districts. But the Mile High City is more than meets the eye.
Aside from ski resorts and scenic drives, “the backcountry” remained a mystery to this Denver newbie. Then, she heard about the huts.
Denver is known for many things — thin mountain air, craft beer, striking views of the Front Range — but its food scene doesn’t often come to mind first. It might be time to change that.
A trip to an ice festival is one of winter’s highlights, something to look forward to once the Christmas decorations have been taken down. Across the world, communities blessed with heavy snow falls and plummeting temperatures make the most of their extreme weather to put on a dazzling show. If you’re keen to take a look, check out our picks for the world’s best ice festivals. Harbin China Harbin’s annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is the most famous of its kind in the world,
Homesickness isn’t hard to identify. We’ve all felt the pangs of longing for what is familiar, comforting, and known, when we’re traveling from one new destination to another. The symptoms appear as frequently as waves along the shore, and retreat just as quickly. Acclimating to the waves is what ultimately makes homesickness bearable, though many of us often feel the pull toward home no matter how well we adjust to the ebb and flow of the water. Whenever I’ve strayed too far, for too long, fr
While you are in Australia, you might have a checklist of experiences that you want to tick off. If you want to cuddle a koala, or get face to face with a great white shark, you won’t have any trouble making this happen at a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, or aquarium where a close-up and a selfie can be guaranteed. However, if you want to see wildlife in the wild, or just on a budget, you’ll need a different approach. In many cases, you can get out and see wildlife wherever you’re staying in Australi
An outing with family, friends and loved ones to see magical displays of Christmas lights is a rite of passage during the holidays. Fortunately, and despite everything that’s been thrown at us in 2020, this year doesn’t have to be any different. You can jump in the car, roll down the windows and delight in socially distanced Christmas illumination cruises. Best of all, many of the events continue into January so there’s still plenty of time to see them. Here’s 10 of the best drive-thru Christmas
Waterfalls are some of the most fascinating sights bequeathed to our planet by Mother Nature. The image of milky-white water tumbling over cliffs is romantic, exhilarating, and mystical all in the same breath. Some waterfalls crash and thunder over rocks due to sheer volumes of water, while others cascade gently into pools. Either way, they can engage our attention for hours. One thing about waterfalls is that they are often best seen in the rain, which is perfect for the wet and damp climate as
Here in the UK, we like to get a jump on Christmas by kicking off the celebrations before the big day. Christmas Eve is a big deal, here. In fact, I’d go so far as to say I prefer it to Christmas Day. Let me share with you some of our Christmas Eve traditions in the UK and you can see for yourself. It’s Pantomime Time (Oh No It Isn’t!) Photo by Duncan Cuthbertson Held in theaters large and small throughout th
A traditional cocktail can tell you just as much about a region’s culture as a signature dish or a popular landmark. From summer spritzes in Italy to the varied types of pisco sours in Peru or Chile, cocktails bring together all the best and most beloved flavors of a region with a boozy twist. While some of these drinks are year-round affairs, many cultures have familiar recipes designated for colder months to fight the chill and celebrate seasonal flavors. If you’re looking to venture outside
This year has been somewhat unusual, to say the least. Christmas, too, may be a little different than normal, so why not add a new custom to your family holiday? Icelanders mark Jólabókaflóð (pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot) on Christmas Eve in a country-wide celebration of the written word, and it’s an easy tradition to adopt in your home. What is Jólabókaflóð? Photo by JLwarehouse Jólabókaflóð is t
