Gjirokastër, Albania Gjirokastër, Albania (image credits: wikimedia) Gjirokastër, nestled in southern Albania, is a stunning city often skipped by travelers seeking Albania’s beaches or capital. Its UNESCO World Heritage status is due to its rare Ottoman-era architecture, with stone-roofed houses and winding, cobbled lanes. The Gjirokastër Castle dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of …
Jacqeline Nomora, M.Sc. Biology
1. Miami, Florida: The Rejuvenated Beach Capital 1. Miami, Florida: The Rejuvenated Beach Capital (image credits: wikimedia) Miami has seen a record-breaking surge in tourism in early 2025, with hotel occupancy rates hitting 87% in March, their highest since 2019. The city’s Wynwood Arts District now boasts over 70 new murals and 12 revamped galleries, …
The Eternal City: A Place of Death or Life? The Eternal City: A Place of Death or Life? (image credits: pixabay) Varanasi, sometimes called the “Eternal City,” is wrapped in the belief that it is more than just a place to die—it’s where the journey of the soul finds its final rest. People from all …
Scorpions on a Stick Scorpions on a Stick (image credits: pixabay) Imagine strolling through a bustling Beijing night market, only to be greeted by the sizzling aroma of something truly unexpected—scorpions on a stick. This daring snack, a favorite among adventurous eaters, is prepared by skewering live scorpions and flash-frying them until their exoskeletons turn …
The Golden Mile: Varosha’s Glittering Past Before 1974 The Golden Mile: Varosha’s Glittering Past Before 1974 (image credits: unsplash) Once dubbed the “French Riviera of Cyprus,” Varosha in Famagusta was a shimmering hub for celebrities and jet-setters. In the early 1970s, the city’s beachfront hotels—like the Argo and King George—were often fully booked by international …
1. January: Post-Holiday Price Slump 1. January: Post-Holiday Price Slump (image credits: wikimedia) After the December holiday rush, January consistently offers some of the lowest airfare and hotel prices worldwide. According to Hopper’s 2025 Travel Pricing Outlook, average international flight prices fall by up to 27% in the first three weeks of January compared to …
The Surge of Insect Street Foods in 2024 The Surge of Insect Street Foods in 2024 (image credits: wikimedia) In 2024, China’s urban night markets have seen a 30% increase in vendors selling insect-based snacks, according to a March 2024 survey published by the Chinese Culinary Association. Dishes featuring silkworm pupae, grasshoppers, and bamboo worms …
The Exclusion Zone: A Land Frozen in Time The Exclusion Zone: A Land Frozen in Time (image credits: unsplash) Stepping into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is like walking into a world where time stopped in April 1986. The zone covers about 1,000 square miles, stretching across northern Ukraine and even into neighboring Belarus. The Ukrainian …
Silkworms: A Crunchy, Nutritious Bite Silkworms: A Crunchy, Nutritious Bite (image credits: wikimedia) Wandering through the bustling street markets of China, it’s impossible to miss the sizzling aroma of grilled silkworms. Skewered and roasted over open flames, these tiny larvae are served hot and seasoned, offering a protein-packed snack that is both surprising and sustainable. …
1. Planning Every Dollar: Budgeting for Cross-Border Travel in 2024 1. Planning Every Dollar: Budgeting for Cross-Border Travel in 2024 (image credits: unsplash) Travelers in 2024 face rising costs, but meticulous planning makes all the difference. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (2024), airfare and accommodation prices increased by an …