Author: Virginia Atwater


Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, France

Initially constructed in 1145 and later reconstructed over a span of 26 years following a fire in 1194, Chartres Cathedral stands as a pinnacle of French Gothic artistry. Situated in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral represents one of the most genuine and comprehensive specimens of early 13th-century religious architecture.

Chartres Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. …

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A small glass globe representing ecology held by a pair of hands

I recently returned from a trip to Anchorage, and while I was there, I was struck by the local concern for the well-being of the indigenous community and local economies. I have seen those same concerns expressed to an even greater degree by native Hawaiian travel advocates. At a time when our planet and its cultures are as accessible as they are vulnerable, the importance of traveling responsibly has to be taken seriously.

“Responsible travel” …

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The golden Buddha at Wat Traimit

Bangkok’s Wat Traimit is an unassuming temple housing a treasure of great cultural significance to the Buddhist world– the Golden Buddha. Officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, the statue isn’t simply beautiful; it harbors a captivating story of disguise, war, and a serendipitous rediscovery.

Historians believe that the Golden Buddha was cast sometime during the Sukhothai Dynasty, an era of Thai history that spanned the 13th and 14th centuries. Thailand’s history, like much of

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Cheerful little girl traveling with parents on airplane

Long-haul flights can be daunting, often involving hours of travel across multiple time zones. Fear not.  With the right preparation, long-haul journeys can be more comfortable and even enjoyable. Here are a few salient tips for the next long-hour flight on which you find yourself.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

The seat you choose can significantly impact your comfort. Consider opting for an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom or an exit row for …

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Travel insurance graphic

Travel insurance is more than merely a prudent choice for safeguarding the funds you’ve invested in your holiday. An experienced traveler, I don’t travel more than 1,000 miles from home without it. Post-Covid, travel insurance has become a more commonly purchased travel accessory. The thought of having to shell out for the cost of a hotel to hole up with a COVID-19 infection contracted internationally is enough to convince me of the merits of purchasing

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The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an subterranean church located 200 meters underground in the Andean mountains of Colombia, carved out of solid rock salt. The Salt Cathedral has become a top tourist destination and an important place of pilgrimage in Central and South America.

The history of the Salt Cathedral goes back to the Muisca indigenous people who occupied this region before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. The Muisca extracted salt from …

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Remnants of Hadrian's wall along the border of England and Scotland

Hadrian’s Wall is a historically significant monument representing the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. Constructed under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, the wall’s purpose, dimensions, and preservation efforts make it a fascinating subject of study for historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike.

Hadrian’s Wall was built by Roman legions under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, who ascended to the throne in 117 AD. During his reign, he visited Britain in 122 AD and, …

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Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is not only a place of rest for the deceased but also an important cultural attraction in the city. Cementerio de la Recoleta in Spanish, is a famous burial ground located in the heart of Buenos Aires. The cemetery has a rich history and is considered one of the most beautiful and important cemeteries in the world.

 Recoleta Cemetery was first opened in 1822. At the time, the cemetery …

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Marie Catherine Laveau: the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

Marie Catherine Laveau was a powerful figure in New Orleans during the 19th century. She was known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans and is still remembered today for her spiritual abilities, her healing powers, and her mystical legacy. Born in 1801, Marie Laveau lived through a time of great change in New Orleans, including the Civil War and Reconstruction. She played a significant role in the city’s history, and her influence is still …

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