Author: Adam Parks

Since the 1970s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has operated the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), one of the most quietly consequential public health initiatives. Under its authority, any cruise ship carrying 13 or more passengers on an international itinerary that stops at a U.S. port is subject to twice-yearly, unannounced sanitation inspections. No heads-up. No grace period. Just a team of trained environmental health officers stepping onto the gangway, clipboards in hand, ready …

How would you “measure” a city many believe to be the world’s smallest? Population? Surface area? While the metrics for the distinction are open to debate, the fact is that sitting quietly in the hills of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula is the village of Hum, widely regarded as the smallest town in the world. With a population that rarely exceeds two dozen residents, Hum is less a bustling destination and more a living artifact that rewards …

Each year, as the air turns crisp and city lights glow a little warmer, New York City enters a season unlike any other. Between late November and early January, the city becomes a living celebration — from parades and public art to Broadway marquees and winter markets. For visitors, these weeks offer a chance to witness the city in full holiday splendor, shaped not just by tradition but by the energy of the moment.

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Lake Tahoe is a destination perfect for a getaway, provided you appreciate skiing or hiking or nature, golf, shopping, gambling, fishing, boating, or dozens of other outdoor activities.  Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Its natural beauty, crystal clear waters, towering Jeffrey pine trees, and mountains are stunning during any season.

But there is more. Lake Tahoe surprises with its casinos and city life. It …

Scattered across the waters of the South Pacific, Vanuatu is one of the world’s most captivating yet underexplored destinations. This Y-shaped archipelago of 83 islands offers visitors an authentic Melanesian experience wrapped in pristine natural beauty, active volcanoes, and some of the most culturally diverse communities on Earth.

Vanuatu lies approximately 1,080 miles east of northern Australia and 310 miles northeast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific Ocean. The nation stretches across roughly 800 …

In a country famous for its pristine pebbled shores and crystal-clear waters, Susak stands as a geological anomaly. This small Croatian island, composed entirely of sand deposited by ancient winds onto limestone bedrock, offers something almost impossible to find elsewhere along the Adriatic coast: genuine sandy beaches that rival those of tropical destinations and very few crowds.

Susak sits in the Kvarner Bay, approximately 7.4 kilometers southwest of Mali Lošinj island, making it one of …

On France’s Atlantic coast, a remarkable natural phenomenon has created one of the world’s most unusual roads. The Passage du Gois, a 4.125-kilometer (2.6-mile) causeway connecting the mainland town of Beauvoir-sur-Mer to the island of Noirmoutier, completely disappears underwater twice daily when high tide sweeps over it. With water levels reaching up to 4 meters (13 feet) during high tide, this remarkable road offers travelers a unique but time-sensitive journey.

The Passage du Gois wasn’t …

The U.S. Department of State has stopped processing applications for passports that feature the “X” gender marker. As it stands, passports will only be processed and issued for individuals identifying explicitly as male or female, a spokesperson for the department confirmed.

This recent action follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order establishes the current official stance of the U.S. government by mandating the recognition of only two genders – male and …

Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, hosts a mystical and otherworldly forest. Wistman’s Wood, one of Britain’s highest-altitude oak woodlands, is what remains of the ancient wildwood that once covered much of Dartmoor’s landscape thousands of years ago. The woodland occupies a steep-sided valley near Two Bridges, situated at an elevation of approximately 380-410 meters above sea level. The name “Wistman’s” is believed to derive from the Saxon word “wisht,” meaning eerie, uncanny, or haunted …

Hidden in the forests of Romania’s Bucovina region, just two kilometers from the famous Putna Monastery, lies a rather remarkable home built by an Orthodox Christian Monk – the hermitage cave of Daniel the Hesychast (Daniil Sihastru). This sanctuary, Daniel the Hesychast carved from a massive rock formation with 15th-century tools and his bare hands, and in doing so, became one of Romania’s most venerated spiritual figures.

Daniel the Hesychast (1400-1482) was a Romanian Orthodox …

Florida always rises to the top when putting together a list of travel favorites due to its ecological variety and year-round perfect weather. Now, I tend to stay away from Orlando and Miami when trekking through the Sunshine State these days because I’ve discovered many more spots that offer some richer experiences and unexpected attractions. I still think everyone should see spots like Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville. I also want to encourage people to …

Located directly on the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains, at the end of Route 66, Santa Monica enjoys an average of more than 280 days of sunshine each year. With average temperatures in the mid to upper seventies year-round, this beachside city’s weather is one of its most attractive assets and being outside is a part of the city’s lifestyle. But there is so much more to discover in Santa Monica than great weather, …

The story of Glass Beach begins in the early 20th century when, even more so than now, environmental consciousness was far from the forefront of public concern. Located in Fort Bragg, approximately 170 miles north of San Francisco, Glass Beach is a unique spot along the coast.   In 1906, following a devastating earthquake in San Francisco, Fort Bragg residents began using the coastline as an unofficial dump site. For decades, the local community discarded household …

Chiricahua National Monument spans over 12,000 acres and is home to a vast array of towering rock spires, precariously balanced boulders, and intricate hoodoos. Located approximately 120 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona, near the town of Willcox, the monument sits at the intersection of the Chiricahua Mountains, Sulphur Springs Valley, and the expansive Sonoran Desert.

The unique geological formations that define the landscape are the result of a violent volcanic eruption that occurred around 27 …

The autobahn, a German term translating to “automobile road” or “motorway,” is Germany’s vast network of high-speed, limited-access highways. Renowned for its absence of a general speed limits on specific sections, the autobahn emerged in the early 20th century as a vision for advanced infrastructure and efficient transportation. The first autobahn section opened in 1932, and the network expanded significantly during the Nazi regime. After World War II, the autobahn continued to grow, and the …

International travel becomes a bit more complicated when navigating with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in your rearview mirror. DUIs, seemingly straightforward in their nature, can actually vary significantly in their impact on travel opportunities, depending on the destination and the severity of the offense.

While some nations may treat a DUI as a minor offense, akin to a misdemeanor, others elevate its seriousness to that of a felony, especially if it involved …

The coast of Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, is a chain of old fishing villages that have, over time, transformed into charming resort towns adorned with steep cliffs, secret caverns, and wonderful sandy shores. One such beach town was just named the “best in the world.” The accolade was bestowed upon Praia da Falésia, a name that aptly translates to “cliff beach” in Portuguese. This beach is beautifully positioned between the towns of Albufeira and …

With the exception of Native Americans, every citizen has roots tracing back to an immigrant ancestor. This gathering of diverse backgrounds is not just a characteristic of the American identity; it is the foundation of the nation’s unparalleled success. The Tenement Museum in New York City attests to our immigrant legacy, exploring the immigrant experience and its central role in shaping our country.

Immigration is the narrative of the United States, often referred to as …

Saturnia Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Known for its therapeutic properties, the springs are steeped in history and geological significance. An easy day trip from Rome or Florence, Saturnia is open and free to the public. The waters here originate from deep within the earth’s crust, heated by geothermal energy. As the water makes its way to the surface, it absorbs minerals and sulfur compounds, which many …

Children. They are our bundles of joy until they start making a scene on a plane or squabble in the car during a journey. Some portion of our childhood memories are fondly remembered family vacations. But you probably also remember those threats from the front seat when you and your siblings distracted yourself by picking on each other. It is possible to be strategic in your family trip planning. How do you ensure a peaceful …

Maybe you want to get away from your normal life for a while – to rediscover who you are, or just get some much-needed alone time. Maybe your relationship has ended, wreaking havoc on your plans for that dream trip to Africa. Maybe your best friend backed out of accompanying you to Asia, or perhaps for any number of reasons, you’ve found yourself suddenly solo.

You can see the world anyway. Not only can you …

Opals, a brilliant gemstone celebrated for its kaleidoscope of color, are notably prominent in Australia, which produces around 95% of the world’s opals. While this shimmering treasure is not unique to Australia, notable deposits are found in South Australia’s Coober Pedy, Andamooka, and Mintabie, as well as Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs in New South Wales, and Queensland’s Quilpie and Winton districts. Many gemologists consider Australian opals to be the world’s finest.

The Coober Peddy …

Situated in the desolate beauty of Chile’s Atacama Desert, a colossal hand emerges from the sandy surface. This iconic, larger-than-life sculpture known as “La Mano del Desierto” or “The Hand of the Desert” has been an intriguing spectacle for many who traverse Chile’s Route 5. The Hand of the Desert is an imposing, 11-meter (36 feet) tall sculpture that depicts a right human hand, rising eerily from the desert sands, palm facing up towards the …

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a vibrant, 9-Day event held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, painting the sky with a palette of colors and a tradition that began with just 13 balloons in 1972. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was born out of a birthday celebration for 770 KOB Radio. The station’s general manager, Sid Cutter, owned a hot air balloon, and the …

Cappadocia is a historic district that lies north of the Taurus Mountains, at the heart of Turkey. It is renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery, characterized by expansive soft volcanic rock formations molded by erosion into cones, valleys, towers, and caves.

In 1963, a local resident stumbled upon a hidden entrance in his home when he uncovered a passageway that led to a labyrinth of underground chambers, including dwellings, storage rooms, stables, schools, wineries, and even …