Latest Articles on Culture

7 New Year’s Eve Traditions That You Haven’t Heard Of

Photo courtesy of Flickr/John Haslam Ringing in the new year and bidding adieu to the old one is a tradition that spans the globe. But it’s not just all fireworks and glittery ball drops everywhere. Some celebrate by eating 12 grapes, while others smash fine china. If you’re looking for a celebration that’s a little…

The World’s Most Majestic Churches and Chapels

Whatever your thoughts on religion may be, there’s no denying that some churches around the world are feats of architecture. Some, like Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, are gloriously ostentatious, while others, like Paoay Church in the Philippines, are stunningly humble. All, however, stand out for their beauty. Here, we handpicked nine of the world’s…

How to Say “Cheers” Around the World

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Håkan Dahlström Wherever you are in the world and whatever your drink of choice may be — wine, beer, sake, juice — raising a glass to good health and even better company is a ubiquitous gesture. What you say while toasting, however, varies from destination to destination. We believe, much like “hello,”…

The One Bookstore You Have to Visit in These 8 Cities

Photo courtesy of Celine via Flickr Whether you prefer pop culture-focused titles like “Gone Girl” or you’re a deep-thinking Dostoevsky fan, there’s nothing better than losing yourself in a bookstore. The unmistakable smell of books, the serene ambiance of hushed concentration, and the welcome escape of analogue culture in a digital age continue to make…


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How Halloween Is Celebrated Around the World Might Surprise You

Like most Western holidays, Halloween’s origins date to pre-Christian traditions; in this case, the holiday developed out of the Celtic festival of Samhain. Despite its ancient Irish roots, though, Halloween is considered a new American holiday by much of the world — and it is the U.S. that lent the holiday its more modern, recognizable…

Eat Your Way Through the World’s Coolest Food Markets

From the loud noises of locals haggling to the pungent smells and vibrant colors of fresh fare, food markets around the world can awaken the senses. These indoor and outdoor markets, which can be chaotic or operate in a tidy fashion, are also often the heart of a community. In other words, not only are…

Halloween in New Orleans: 5 Ways to Celebrate

New Orleans is easily one of the spookiest cities in the country — thanks to its old French colonial architecture, dark, cobbled streets, Voodoo traditions, and association with Anne Rice’s vampire series. So it’s no surprise that the Big Easy offers plenty of fun and festive ways to ring in All Hallow’s Eve. Here are…

The 5 Indian Holidays That Are Worth Traveling to India For

India takes its festivals very seriously, and no matter what time of year you visit the country, you’re likely to encounter some sort of traditional holiday or celebration going on. However, if you’re planning a trip and want to align your travel dates with one of the country’s most exciting holidays, here are five that…

Creepy Abandoned Hotels Across the U.S.

Courtesy of Lecates via Flickr When business slows and the game is up for struggling hotels, sometimes there’s nothing for the owners to do but leave everything as is and shut the whole mess down. From ill-advised, Gold Rush-era expansion to miscalculating the willingness of travelers to pay for luxury in the middle of nowhere,…


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