cultural travel (107)
Central America´s only English-speaking country has a population of around 397,000 and is about the size of New Jersey and a little larger than Wales. It´s something of a diamond in the rough whose small package can deliver gifts of wonderful islands, beaches, eco-experiences, and even Mayan archaeological sites — and all with fewer crowds and often lower prices than its neighbors. And here are seven of its highlights:
Belize’s largest and most famous island (top, 25 mil
Stepping off the plane in capital Kingston earlier this year, I was immediately greeted by a symphony of sounds: reggae beats drifting from open-air cafes, the chatter of street vendors, and the distant buzz of traffic weaving through the city. The colors of murals, tropical flowers, and painted storefronts created a kaleidoscope that dazzled the senses. The air smelled of salt, spices, and something uniquely Jamaican, a promise of adventure waiting to unfold.
This journey was set to be more
On the Caribbean coast and the Magdalena River Delta an hour east of much better known Cartagena, Colombia´s fourth-largest city (pop. 1.2 million) is a thriving port famous for its nightlife, its handsome inhabitants, Caribbean culture, and vibrant Carnaval celebrations. Though with a history stretching back to 1629, these days Barranquilla is somewhat industrial but it has charming neighborhoods, a wide range of shops and huge areas of parks and plazas. Experience the local cuisine of costen
José Balido
In 2021, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) honoured Spain´s capital with its first World Heritage Site designation, elevating Madrid to the ranks of destinations with districts or monuments worth preserving for future generations (the larger Madrid community surrounding the capital already had UNESCO sites, including the royal sites of El Escorial and Aranjuez, which make marvelous day trips).
The city´s leafy Paseo del Prado boulevard,
When I first witnessed a performance of Peking opera (the best-known form of Chinese opera, with Peking by the way being the traditional English spelling of Beijing) years ago in Beijing’s ornate, early-19th-century Huguang Guild Hall, I admit I was mesmerized by the gestalt of this elaborate art form. Unlike Western opera, it’s even more stylized, with exaggerated gestures, vocalisations, and heavily symbolic costume and makeup (and in some cases obviously extremely fakey beards
Japan´s vibrant capital and largest city (its metropolitan area with a mind-bending population of 37 million) blends futuristic innovation with pockets of traditional charm, its streets filled with a variety of allures including historical landmarks, culinary and cultural delights, world-class shopping, amazing entertainment, and of course cutting-edge technology. It´s a truly extraordinary and unique experience for the visitor.
Top 10 Sites and Sights
Shibuya Scramble Crossing:
When autumn rolls in, London slips into its most creative mood. The air cools, the daylight softens, and suddenly the city feels tailor-made for art, theatre, and inspiration. It’s the time of year when locals trade park picnics for playbills and museum passes, and visitors get to see London at its cultural best. From blockbuster exhibitions to timeless theatre, here’s how to make the most of the season.
The West End: Where the Stage Always Shines
London’s West End (top) is of course
Ask many people around the world what comes to mind when they think of Spain, and chances are flamenco will land near the top of the list. The sinuous moves; the rapid, hypnotic shoe tapping; the staccato hand-clapping; the mesmerising guitarwork; the plaintive singing - if you've never witnessed a performance in person, your first time in particular will stay with you forever.
An art form and indeed a sensibility closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of Andalusia, flamenco grew o
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most captivating travel destinations, drawing adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers from all over the world. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, the country offers diverse landscapes, rich traditions, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are planning your first African safari or looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure, Tanzania has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Tan
Freya19
Way out west near the city of Aguadilla (and a two-hour drive from San Juan), the good-size town of Moca (pop. 38,000), founded in 1772, enjoys a unique status in Puerto Rico: it´s the island´s capital of mundillo, intricate cotton bobbin lace brought over from Spain centuries ago, still laboriously woven by hand, and used to adorn all manner of textile items, from handkerchiefs and shirts to tablecloths. (Bobbins are small wooden spindles around which the cotton thread is wound, and t
Mountain Lake Lodge, other photos by Victor Block unless otherwise noted
Is there any pop culture fan who doesn’t know "nobody puts Baby in a corner"? Even plenty of youngsters who weren´t born when Dirty Dancing was made still have a soft spot for this 1987 romantic drama. And of course its mystique also is being kept alive as a hit musical on London´s West End, with a Broadway version expected later this year. So imagine revisiting this iconic flick at its original locale - and seeing with yo
Disc-riding 24-year-old Nemo having made history last year as the first non-binary winner of Eurovision for “The Code,” yesterday the 69th edition of world’s largest, longest, and perhaps most anticipated/beloved music competition came back to the country where it was born and first won the contest (with the lovely old chestnut "Refrain"), in 1956.
Switzerland´s third largest city (pop. around 177,000). It must´ve been the most exciting thing to happen here since, well
The female security guard discreetly slips me through a side door and gestures for me to sit at the table in the corner. The Arabic music is pulsating and the room is reverberating with the nervous energy of 400 women. Suddenly, the lights dim and everyone turns to watch. A bride, dressed in a Western-style long white wedding gown with matching trailing veil has a death grip on her bouquet of roses as she takes very slow measured steps down the center aisle towards the “Bride’s Love Seat.” Her
Ralf Steinberger, Krzysztof Golik, Eleassar
Annually for the last 40 years, the cultural poobahs of the European Union have designated one or more of the continent's cities (and as of 2022 it's been three rather than two), as Capitals of Culture, focusing on their own cultural offerings and allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international
Peter Van Bossche; other photos by Victor Block unless otherwise noted
How often do a toilet and a tea ceremony form perfect metaphors for the culture of a country? But so it is in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The toilet falls into the realm of delightful personal discoveries. First a warm toilet seat along with musical options with a variety of buttons that cleaned more areas with water spray than I have nether-region body parts, a portion of the large bathroom mirror that remained perfectly
Alejandra Perez Alonso
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Colombia, tejo stands out as one of the country’s most fascinating and traditional native sports. With deep roots in indigenous history, it´s is not just a game but a celebration of Colombian culture and community. This sport combines skill, strategy, and a festive spirit, making it a unique experience for both players and spectators. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, rules, and culture surrounding tejo, as well as its growing po
When planning a trip to Thailand, the images that often spring to mind are those of golden pagodas; buzzing markets and nightlife in Bangkok; and the busy beaches of Phuket. But " the land of smiles" holds many more secrets waiting to be unearthed in its lesser-known cities and towns. They´re all safe for travelers; accessible via the country´s efficient network of air routes, roads, and trains; and offer a range of accommodations; The best time to visit them is during the
Marco_Piunti
Chile´s vibrant capital (pop. just under seven million), set in a spectacular setting surrounded by the Andes, is a city which combines a rich history with compelling culture both traditional and contemporary (including a rich legacy of art both in world-class museums and galleries and on its streets). Throw in a handful of charismatic bohemian neighbourhoods, a thriving nightlife, and a delicious dining scene, Santiago has something to offer for everyone who wants to get a taste of
If you're looking for an exciting place to spend your next holidays, allow us to suggest one of the world's most interesting and welcoming countries, Colombia. Located in the northwest of South America astride both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and its people will make you feel welcome and at home whilst you discover amazing new sights, sounds, flavours, and experiences. Here's how...
Fascinatin' Rhythms
The mix of cultures in this country has given rise
