America First: Changing How Americans Explore America First: Changing How Americans Explore (image credits: pixabay) When Donald Trump introduced the “America First” agenda, few expected it would spark such an explosive shift in how Americans travel. These policies, built around prioritizing U.S. interests, have ignited a fresh enthusiasm for discovering the country’s own wonders. Americans …
Jacqeline Nomora, M.Sc. Biology
The Free Bracelet That Costs More Than Dinner The Free Bracelet That Costs More Than Dinner (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: You’re walking through the cobblestone streets near the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, camera in hand, when a smiling stranger approaches with colorful bracelets draped over his arms. “Free gift, my friend!” he says, extending his …
When the warm weather calls and vacation plans start forming, millions of Americans set their sights on the nation’s breathtaking national parks. But behind the glossy Instagram photos and tourism brochures lies a more complicated reality that’s leaving visitors exhausted, frustrated, and wondering if they should have just stayed home instead. With a record-breaking 331.9 …
Coral and Shells from Protected Beaches Coral and Shells from Protected Beaches (image credits: unsplash) It’s tempting to pick up a beautiful shell or a piece of coral when strolling along a sun-drenched tropical beach, but many travelers don’t realize that this simple act can break the law. Coral reefs are valuable, fragile ecosystems and …
Imagine walking through your garden without the constant worry of rodent damage, knowing that nature itself is working as your silent protector. With crop damage from rodents costing between $44 million and $128 million annually in Monterey County alone, and California’s almond industry facing over $310 million in losses from rat infestations in 2025, it’s …
Imagine waking up in a city where the air feels light, the streets are bustling but calm, and the skyline brims with confidence. The secret? Sometimes, it’s not just the scenery or the food—it’s the quiet power of a country’s financial health. Some places seem to sparkle with possibility, while others carry the weight of …
Imagine stepping off a plane into a place where the air feels lighter, laughter drifts through sun-dappled streets, and time seems to slow down just enough for you to soak in every moment. In some corners of the globe, this isn’t just a travel fantasy—it’s real life. These are the countries where people live longer, …
Imagine landing in a city where your phone instantly connects to lightning-fast Wi-Fi, robots serve you coffee, and a tap on a screen gets you just about anything—food, a ride, even a virtual museum tour. In some places, this isn’t a scene from the future. It’s happening right now. The digital frontier is real, and …
Imagine the feeling of cobblestones under your feet, the scent of old stone and fresh espresso dancing together in the morning light, or the hush that falls over you as you step into a centuries-old temple. For some travelers, the real magic happens away from the shoreline, in places where the past feels close enough …
Americans are drowning in debt traps that would have been unimaginable just a generation ago. From splitting grocery bills into four payments to financing vacations through apps, we’ve normalized borrowing for everything. American households carry a total of $18.388 trillion of debt and average $105,056 per household. Total debt is at an all-time high as …