Travel and Leisure

Swiss National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Located in eastern Switzerland, Swiss National Park is noted as being the country's only national park. It is also part of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve, an initiative aimed at preserving natural resources and ecosystem conservation. The park spans over 172 square kilometers and is filled with Read More

A Brief History of the Palace of Versailles

Situated about 10 miles southwest of Paris France is an epic and historic production known as the Palace of Versailles. On a land that was once the home of a dreary marsh and ramshackle old farm buildings, Versailles has risen to become one of Paris' main attractions and one of the gran Read More

10 Travel Fears and Phobias: How to Overcome Them

Have you ever been anxious when traveling? You are not alone. According to recent research finding up to 20 million travelers suffer from some form of phobia, and many more are uneasy with certain aspects of travel from airplanes to the teeming crowds. Travel does require one to leave their comfort Read More

The Yosemite South Dome

With the exception of a few spires and pinnacles, the South Dome is the only rock about the Valley that is strictly inaccessible without artificial means, and its inaccessibility is expressed in severe terms. Nevertheless many a mountaineer, gazing admiringly, tried hard to invent a way to the top o Read More

Istanbul's Hagia Sophia: A History of Two Cultures and an Architectural Marvel

Istanbul, one of the most popular cities in Europe for weekend trips, annually hosts over 8 million tourists. This number places it among the ten most-visited metropolises in the world. Located in the area between two continents, Europe and Asia, is this thriving industrial and cultural center. You Read More

Uncovering the German Soul of Chinese Qingdao

Is there any chance to find a piece of Europe in China?  Is there such hope to find a truly organized city routine? Some might be quite skeptical about this, as this is China, one of the most densely-populated countries on Earth: chaotic in soul and noisy by heart. When I was planni Read More