Articles by Katherine Hewitt
Truly Enchanting Places
We all love that the perfect vacation spot that we venture to again and again. But sometimes we crave something else, something that draws our senses. A place that calls to our inner emotions, our inner poet. Here are some places that do just this.
Dream of Summer: Lisbon Getaway
While it is still cold and snow falls, escape the depressing winter by planning your trip to Portugal. As it is a Mediterranean country the temperatures stay milder in winter. And while you may not necessarily think the high 50s is warm the humidity is well over 50%, so the temperature will feel much warmer. Also the sun is out to warm you.
Oh, The Places You Should Go: 10 Exciting Spots You Should Be Going
Every place you will go to will offer a unique experience and cultural differences. You should take advantage of them, because when will you have another opportunity to experience another culture. And isn't that part of the point of travelling, to gather a deeper understanding an appreciation of another's culture and way of life. Also, some of these activities and places are just plain fun, awe inspiring, or breathtaking. So, why not?
Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand, a mystical land, down in the “corner” of the world. Once an unknown, rarely visited country, New Zealand has grown to become one of the most popular destinations. The bustling cities, the forests and mountains, the diverse natural life, and unique native culture bring people here to explore and experience. One of the best cities to begin your Kiwi (a common slang term for anything New Zealand related) vacation is Auckland.
Perserved Sri Lankan Culture
A small island nation of the coast of India, Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean was exposed to much sea faring, South Asian trade. Despite this exposure to diverse cultures, Sri Lankan culture survived untarnished by many foreign customs, even during the British Imperial rule and the internal political strife in the 80s and 90s. What are preserved now are wonderful, ancient testaments to the past.
Not Your Typical Australian Trip
The Great Outback: Australia. The land of kangaroos and koalas. Home to the largest coral reef in the world. There is more to Australia than just the desert, the unique animals, and the diverse coral life. There are mystical rainforests, white beaches, and environmental mysteries.
Hidden Paths and Gothic Architecture: A Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland is filed with mystery and intrigue. Whether this feeling comes from literature or purely from the nature, is another topic. The capital city of Edinburgh is an old town filled with nooks and crannies to search. There are monuments, castles, churches, art, and outdoor sceneries for all people.
Eerie Murders and Royal Gems: The Tower of London
Probably the most popular attraction in London, the Tower of London tells the story of England's monarchial history. People come to hear the stories of all those killed (or murdered) here or just to see the Crown Jewels. The palace was built around 1077, for William of Normandy, more commonly known in history as William the Conqueror. The Kings and Queens lived here until Queen Victoria moved into what we know as the Royal Palace, Buckingham Palace.
Mysterious Irish Castles
Ireland, the Emerald land, called so because of the vibrant green fields and moors evokes feelings of eeriness and awe. Whether it's the hallowing wind in the moors or the dark rainy skies, a visit to Ireland is rather mystical. Within the countryside are castles and manor houses tucked away with their own private stories to tell.
Sintra, the City that Boasts of Past Portuguese Trading Success
Full of unique and contrasting architecture, Sintra, Portugal, is home to four UNESCO Wolrd Heritage sights. Each one was built at different times, for different purposes, with different styles. Yet despite the differences, these sights all work together to create an exotic and very Portuguese feeling.
Gateway to New Zealand: Wellington
The capital of New Zealand, Wellington, is a central door to the entire country. Being located at the bottom of the Northern Island, trips to the North are quite accessible, and the South Island is only a short ferry ride away. The capital is a bustling city with a growing arts and food community yet stills maintains a small town charm.
Mystical Temples
Over centuries and centuries Southeast Asia has acquired many beautiful and awe-inspiring temples. The temples have been preserved for years as holy sites for believers. Even today many of the temples are still in use. These temples are an important part of the society as collectors of culture and art, religious values, and engineering feats.
Get your Coffee Fix in Savannah
While visiting Savannah in winter may not provide you with as much beautiful scenery than in spring, it does have its pluses, not being intolerably hot is one of them! With the milder temperatures that means you can really enjoy that cup of hot coffee or tea after touring all day that much better. Here are some old and new favorite coffee shops to visit in Historic Savannah.
Grab your Teacup and Try these Tea Rooms
Grey skies and cold wind. It is winter for sure. That means staying inside curled up in bed drinking tea...or maybe that is just me. But instead of staying bundled up at home why not get out of the house and visit these tearooms around the world.
Travel Underground: Glowworm caves of New Zealand
Known for its natural beauty and landscapes, New Zealand has become a favorite destination for outdoor lovers and nature appreciators. There are forests to hike through with unique, different fauna. There are geothermal actions such as geysers, hot pools, and mud pools. While this beauty can all be found above ground, New Zealand offers just as much beauty underground, in the form of caves.
Stay Cool in Hot Texas this Spring
Making summer or Spring break plans? Think bout going to Austin, Texas! The city is known as a music center with vibrant young nightlife. Some may call it the Live Music Capital of the World with the frequent concerts and regular music events happening at various venues around town.
Managing a Home Stay on your Travels Abroad
Whether a student or avid traveler, staying with a host family can be an amazing experience with first hand exposure to the culture, language, and food. But, of course there are fears and worries about staying with a family you have never meet, and the host family has them too about letting a stranger into their home. You want this time that you are staying with them to be enjoyable, full of intercultural learning and exchanges.
Little City, Big Heart: Luxembourg City
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany. The capital city, Luxembourg City, may be a small city, but there is a lot to explore. Not to mention Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe despite its small size!
Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is undeniable one of the natural wonders in the United States and is one of the world’s famed Seven Natural Wonders. The canyon is immense, larger than can be conceived: 277 miles long and over a mile deep. But you don’t have to go to Arizona to see the amazing earth process of forming a canyon. There are several throughout the country including Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.
Become an Eco Tourist, Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famed for its preservation of the native environment, which enables the country to thrive off of ecotourism. Interestingly, Costa Rica is one of the countries to meet all five requirements to reach environmental sustainability set out by the United Nations. Because of the dedication to the environment, Costa Rica offers unparalleled opportunity to explore the beauty of the rain forests of Central America.
Escape to the Swiss Alps
We all dream of an escape to the Swiss Alps, whether during winter to ski down the slopes or summer to hike through the mountains. It seems each little town is the perfect little mountain town. The green mountains (or snowy peaks), dark green firs, and blue skies provide an awe-inspiring background to the towns.
Old World Christmas Traditions: Christmas Markets
With the beginning of December or even mid-way through November, cities around Europe and small begin to set up Christmas Markets in the center of town, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. They are more popular in Germany and France, though. German immigrants brought this centuries- old tradition to the United States. Today, many large cities like Chicago and New York City as well as smaller places like Helen, GA have their own markets.
Winter Skating Wonderlands
Winter rolls around and the sleds and ice skates come out of storage. People of all ages wait patiently (or impatiently) for ponds to freeze over and the first heavy snow to fall. There is something enchanting about these winter activities, especially ice skating. Here are some unique skating rinks around the world to visit.
Escape Paris While Still in Paris
Paris is the city of lights and love. We go there to see the famous works of art, the Eiffel Tower, the cathedrals, the opulence. We want to feel French so we buy baguettes, eat croissants, and read books in the parks. We want to appear cultured so we try to speak French, dress a la mode, critique art. But why visit the ethnic parts of Paris? Leave behind the Parisian life. See what makes up a modern Paris, a modern France.
Escape Winter with Warm Thoughts from Morocco
Morocco, the destination of Europeans. It has been the inspiration for artists and writers alike. It offers a sense of mystical adventure and is closer and safer that its Middle Eastern and African counterparts. The winters are rather mild and sunny making it the perfect escape from wintery weather and snow.
Bringing Europe a Little Closer to Home
So, you went to Europe recently, and fell in love with whatever country you visited. Am I right?? We can all be amazed by the old world charm or the bustling cities that manage to preserve the cultural habits. We sit in the park or at the café table and wonder why life at home is not like this. We think how can we make our life more European. Well, here are some steps to making yourself feel more European.
Tasting Greece Through Some of the Favorite Foods
Greece has so many wonderful foods to try, like any place really! Many we are familiar with like Spinach Pie (Spanakopita) or Baklava. But Greece has so much more to offer. Here are some must tries to have while in Greece.
Grecian Sunsets: An Easy Passport into Greek Mythologies
Greece has become a very popular destination with its ancient ruins and Mediterranean coastline. It is here that democracy began. There is an appeal to come to Greece, in particular Athens to see where it began and to experience the great accomplishments of the ancient Greek civilization. There is also the natural beauty of the coast with the blue waters and cliffs that allure people.
Reflections Around the World
Part of the fun of traveling, is finding a little spot that is all yours. Whether you sit there and take in the beauty of the area, the interactions of the people, or the cultural flare this place is where you like to waste away your afternoon reflecting and enjoying life. Here are some spots to check out the next time you travel.
Why Iceland Is The Perfect Place for Adventurers of All Levels
We all like to go adventures now and then. Some of us are intrepid travelers ready for anything, while some of us prefer a place with a little less uncertainty. Iceland is different enough to provide the thrill and adventure we all seek, but is familiar enough to not scare people away.
