CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What You Need to Know: Why Chicago Is the Cultural Center of the Midwest Posted on August 3, 2025February 26, 2026 Chicago’s culture is complex and alive. It’s shaped by working families, bold art, rich history, and political action. Unlike the quieter towns nearby, Chicago pulses with creativity, resistance, and pride. It’s not the story the headlines tell. It’s a city defined by its people—not fear, but fierce love. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know About Wat Ban Pong Pagoda Before You Go Posted on July 31, 2025November 15, 2025 Wat Ban Pong is a quiet hilltop temple near Chiang Mai, known for its 900-step forest climb and peaceful setting. Built over 19 years, the temple offers wide views, simple beauty, and a break from city crowds. A small café at the base makes the visit both reflective and relaxing. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Canadian Travel to the U.S. Is Down in 2025—Here’s What You Need to Know Posted on July 30, 2025December 20, 2025 Canadian tourism to the U.S. is plummeting—and it’s not just about politics. For me and my family, trips from Alberta’s mountain towns to Toronto’s festivals and Québec’s cobblestone streets shaped years of cross-border memories. Now, rising tensions threaten that connection. This post explores what we lose when trust disappears. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Manhattan in a Weekend: Old Favorites, New Stops, and One Tough Puzzle Posted on July 28, 2025April 12, 2026 Each visit to Manhattan, Kansas, brings something new. My son Malik is a senior at Kansas State University, so we’ve spent many weekends here. We’ve done the campus tours, the football games, and even axe-throwing. But this time, we slowed down. We leaned into the quieter side of the “Little… Read more
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL How Black Couples Travel Challenges Stereotypes and Strengthens Love Posted on July 27, 2025June 10, 2026 This post celebrates Black couples who travel together, sharing real stories of love, partnership, and adventure. From digital nomads to retired explorers, these seven couples show how traveling together strengthens relationships and challenges norms—proving that Black love belongs everywhere, even in places that never expected to see it. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Frankfort to Copper Harbor: The Best Northern Michigan Road Trip Posted on July 21, 2025January 14, 2026 This Northern Michigan road trip looped from Frankfort to Copper Harbor, with stops for hikes, beaches, cafes, and lakeside views. We skipped the rush and leaned into quiet mornings, local food, and open skies. Each stop gave us something different—and reminded us to slow down and take it all in. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD $250 Visa Integrity Fee Could Make America One of the Most Expensive Countries to Visit Posted on July 20, 2025December 20, 2025 The proposed \$250 Visa Integrity Fee could reshape U.S. tourism, adding significant costs for international visitors. Industry leaders warn it may discourage travel ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. This ongoing situation requires close monitoring as details remain unclear and potential impacts continue to unfold. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Side of Africa I Never Saw in the Media Posted on July 20, 2025December 21, 2025 I look for street food, quiet cafes, hikes with a view, and places that hold meaning. I’ve found them all over the world. Now I want to find them in Nigeria, Togo, and Benin—three countries in Africa tied to my history that I’ve never seen with my own eyes. I’m ready to see the truth about Africa for myself. Read more