As Americans, we tend to take our favorite foods for granted, assuming that if we enjoy it, the rest of the world must too. But you'd be shocked and saddened to walk into a Starbucks in Dusseldorf, Germany in autumn in search of your favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte because the locals wouldn't dream of drinking something that tasted like pumpkin. While eating and snacking in other … [Read more...] about Top International Snack Olympics
culture
Tips for avoiding that tourist “look”
It's fun to be a tourist. You're out there exploring a new place and experiencing a lot of different things that enriches you as a person. But the word 'tourist' also has certain connotations. 'Tourist' usually evokes the image of a person who is out of his natural environment and is conspicuous because he just doesn't blend in his present milieu. One of the best ways of really … [Read more...] about Tips for avoiding that tourist “look”
7 Quirky Christmas Rituals from Around the World
Flying reindeer? Filling oversized socks with candy? The Christmas traditions we grew up with are, if you think about it, pretty bizarre. Thankfully, every country has its own Christmas quirks. Here are some of more unique holiday rituals—unusual, yes, but don't you think that's one of the things that make Christmas so fun? … [Read more...] about 7 Quirky Christmas Rituals from Around the World
7 Ways to Learn a Language When You Travel
Every time you travel, you have a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a country's history and culture. One of the best ways to do this is to try to learn and speak the language while you're there. Of course, you're not going to be very fluent at it, but the effort you put into it and the interaction you get with the locals can take your trip to another level. You're … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Learn a Language When You Travel