For decades, Glasgow, Scotland had a reputation for being a down-on-its-luck former industrial hub. But the Glaswegians worked hard to turn their city into a world-class tourist destination with museums, opera, ballet, and more. In 1990, Glasgow was named the European City of Culture and since then travelers from around the world have visited to enjoy its cozy pubs, great restaurants — which include a lot of veg-friendly options, delicious food markets, designer shops, and, of course, cultural offerings.
Read MoreMy friends Daniel and Alinne fell in love when Daniel, an American, lived in Brazil for work as a stunt coordinator. They knew they wanted to stay together, but the U.S. denied Alinne, who’s Brazilian, a visa. To avoid the bureaucracy that plagues multi-national relationships, they decided to travel the world together instead of sticking to one place — and this journey has continued for nearly two years. Volunteering through Workaway has financially enabled them to keep traveling as long as they have. In the latest episode of the Postcard Academy podcast, they share their story and advice on how you can travel more by working your way around the world.
Read MoreNew Orleans celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, and since it’s almost Halloween, I thought this was the perfect time to talk about this haunted Southern city. On the Postcard Academy podcast, Hope Kodman, a tour guide with French Quarter Phantoms, joined me to talk about the history of the Big Easy; the origins of Mardi Gras; the difference between cajun and creole; and other fun stories. Of course, we tell you where to find the best: food and drinks, quirky shops and museums, burlesque, jazz, ‘female-owned romantic boutique,’ and more.
Read MorePersonally, I don’t want Brexit to happen because, as an E.U. citizen, I would like to remain living and working here without any complications or fears of getting kicked out. I also believe in the core tenets of the European Union: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights. When expats on my podcast talk about identifying with the values of their adopted European countries, this is what they’re talking about. And in a world seemingly run by cartoon villains happy to destroy democracy and the Earth, a strong and unified Europe that fights for these values is essential.
Read MoreIn 2016, the U.K. narrowly voted to leave the European Union. There’s a slim chance this break up won’t happen, and U.K. residents are protesting their desire to remain en masse. But what is the E.U. and who cares if the U.K. leaves?
Read MoreSolo travel is a transformational experience that everyone should try at least once. Why? Whether you are a single student, married mom, or happy retiree, you deserve time to yourself to do whatever you want, discover new passions, and explore the world. Here’s what you need to get over your fears and book that first solo trip for yourself.
Read MoreYou may know that Munich was the birthplace of the Nazi movement and that 80-90% of Munich was bombed in World War II. In the decades since, Munich has rebuilt itself into one of the most livable cities in the world. On the Postcard Academy podcast, Munich resident and tour guide Maxine Ryder shares her best insider travel tips on what to do in the old town and outside the city.
Read MoreAs a vegetarian who doesn’t like beer, I never thought Oktoberfest would be an event for me. But, independent tour guide Maxine Ryder has convinced me otherwise! To start, did you know that at Munich’s massive event you’ll also find a Prosecco tent?? On the Postcard Academy podcast, Maxine, an British/Australian expat and Munich resident, and I talk about the history of Oktoberfest, the type of food and drink you’ll find there, strategies to have an amazing time, and more.
Read MoreIn 1965, the Damron Company published the first gay travel guide for men. Today its guidebooks are more LGBT inclusive, but travel resources for lesbians are still paltry compared to what’s offered to the gay male community. Here’s your guide to planning the ultimate lesbian holiday, whether you’re coupling up or flying solo.
Read MoreBarcelona has eight UNESCO sites, beaches, mountains, a beautiful historic center, tons of restaurants and boutiques, and art everywhere you look. No wonder it’s one of the most visited cities on Earth. On the Postcard Academy podcast, Paulina Grzeszczyk, of Devour tours, shares her insider tips to beat the crowds and discover the best the capital of Catalonia has to offer.
Read MoreFlying messes with our mind, body, and spirit in all sorts of crazy ways. And if you’re stuck in economy for hours, it can feel downright painful. Here are 11 top tips to survive long-haul flights that my friend and I came up with after our recent 25-hour journey to Bali.
Read MoreDid you ever really want to try something, but then not because you worried you’d look dumb? Most of us think like this! We’re plagued by what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a ‘fixed mindset.’ The great news is, we can change how we think, and, with a ‘growth mindset,’ get over our fears to pursue what we want in life.
Read MoreIf you’re anything like me, you enjoy wine but are fairly uneducated about it and usually forget everything you learn at wine tastings. That’s OK. With this list of the best Tuscan wines, you’ll know what to order in Italy, or at your local wine shop.
Read More“That olive oil costs how MUCH? Why would I spend $15 when I can spend $4?” You’ve likely said this to yourself at some point. So what’s the difference between expensive olive oil versus the cheap stuff? Does it really matter? Yes. Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence came on the Postcard Academy podcast to explain how to find the best olive oil, when you should use it, and when you definitely should not.
Read MoreItalians usually rush at breakfast, dowing espresso at the counter and eating cornetti, which “looks like a croissant but delivers disappointment...It’s like a croissant and a brioche had a bad one-night-stand.” Here’s how to make sure the pastry you buy in Italy is fresh and delicious.
Read MoreAll summer, the streets of Florence swell with tourists, tired and hungry from museum binges and promenades under the Tuscan sun. Desperate for something to eat, they settle for stale panini in the city’s worst tourist traps. More than 10 years ago, American expat Toni Mazzaglia said, “Basta!” and started the food tour company Taste Florence to help visitors discover the best food in her adopted city. Here are her top recs.
Macedonia, home of about 2 million people, has been in the news lately because it might actually change it’s name. Why? Greece has been pushing them to do this for 27 years and will continue to block Macedonia's applications to NATO and the European Union until they do.
Read MoreWalk around Macedonia’s capital city, Skopje, and you’ll find yourself in three primary areas: the bohemian district, the old town, and the redeveloped downtown, which has been compared to Vegas kitsch on steroids. After snapping your photos of the 72-foot-tall (and unofficially named) Alexander the Great statue and those of his parents, you’ll want to focus your time on the first two areas.
Read MoreIf you need a break from Europe’s overcrowded hotspots (how many tourists can squeeze into Dubrovnik's city walls before they burst?), head to Bosnia’s capital Sarajevo. 🇧🇦
Read MoreA few years ago the Colombian government signed a historic peace deal with the FARC rebels to end decades of violence, though Andrew Dier, author of the Moon Colombia travel guide, says the country has been a safe place for tourists for years. Here’s your insider list on where to eat and what to do in Colombia’s capital city, where Andrew, an American expat, has lived with his husband for 20 years.
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