What tourists do in France that locals find strange

 Amanda Morgan Smilers vs non smilers around the world Tourists from the United States are notorious for their near-constant tendency to flash a toothy grin. It’s definitely part of the culture, and we’re almost conditioned to appear cheerful all the time. Having worked in customer service in the United States for years, I’ve had complete…

Rick Steves Recommends Warsaw, Poland as a European Destination for Adventurous Foodies

 Anna Robinson Learn about Polish culture through a food tour Many travelers book city tours with local guides to learn about Poland’s history, art, or architecture. While these tours are wonderful ways to understand bustling cities like Warsaw, Rick Steves suggests adding a food tour to your itinerary. “These tours provide valuable perspective on how…

Unusual Yet Effective Ways to Avoid Stingrays During Your Beach Vacation

 Brie Schmidt Why the stingray shuffle works Though stingrays have a tail designed to be used as a weapon, they tend to be gentle creatures who try to avoid humans and other threats. The animal typically only stings out of self-defense, such as when it gets stepped on. Unfortunately for humans, stingrays are known to…

Experience the Flavors of Europe in New Ulm, Minnesota, USA

 Kaitlyn Rosati German culture and food for days in New Ulm New Ulm might only be about 10 square miles, but it packs a serious cultural punch. So much so, that it’s been deemed the most German town in the USA. So, just how German does a town have to be to receive such a title?…

Tips for Not Bringing Trendy Luggage to a Music Festival

 Brie Schmidt Suitcases don’t belong in music festivals If you’ve attended music festivals before, you might’ve noticed a suitcase or two being pulled around by attendees. However, there are several reasons you should think twice before bringing your own oversized luggage. First, as @jetsetting_jacki mentioned, festival grounds can be muddy, especially after rainfall. If the…

Discover the Hidden Gem of Europe: Belgium, as Revealed by Rick Steves

Brussels and Bruges — Rick Steve’s favorite Belgian duo According to Rick Steves, “Brussels is one of Europe’s great cities, and there’s a palpable feeling here of being at the center of global events.” The streets of this city speak to its heritage as a comic strip epicenter, with comic strip murals sprawled all across…

The Elusive Coffee Variety Tourists Seek In New Zealand

What a drip: No filter coffee in New Zealand One of the reasons drip coffee is nearly impossible to find in New Zealand is the country’s strong preference for flat white. This drink, which originated in either New Zealand or Australia (the caffeine-fueled debate continues), has become an international sensation. A flat white is made…