Features

Matt Gross: Reflections From a ‘Round-the-World Journey

Matt Gross Photos by Matt Gross.

The New York Times told him to make the full circle in 90 days -- as a budget traveler. Upon his return, Michael Yessis spoke to him about "interactive travel" and why he's in no hurry to get back to Croatia.

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Smackdown in Tijuana

Smackdown in Tijuana Photo by Jim Benning.

The teeming border city has a bad reputation. But in a rickety arena on a Friday night, Jim Benning discovers the forces of good still have a chance against the forces of evil, at least in swan-diving, chair-slamming lucha libre Mexican wrestling.

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Uncommon Ground

Uncommon Ground Photograph by Alex Stonehill

After covering rarely reported stories in harrowing corners of the world, Sarah Stuteville thought little could scare her. Then, in a small Pashtun village in Pakistan, she had to face a fear she didn't know she had.

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Yukon Summer Sky

Yukon Summer Sky Photos by JDB99, via Flickr.

A century ago, Canada's Yukon River carried dreamers from around the world in search of gold. Laurie Gough recently followed in their wake and found a multi-national assemblage immersed in love, languor and a valiant quest to save a runaway honey-baked ham.

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Around the Globe with No Clothes On

Michael Yessis visited seven countries in less than three hours -- all without a swimsuit -- at Spa World, Japan's kitschiest, most worldly spa.

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Reading Rushdie in India

He carried a Rough Guide on the subcontinent, but James Mutti also devoured "Midnight's Children," Premchand's "Godaan" and other classic works of Indian literature. Those readings, he later realized, influenced his experience of India.

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How to Find Good Gelato in Italy

gelato Photo by David Turner.

No trip to Italy is complete without savoring a little gelato, but all gelato is not created equal. Valerie Ng reveals how to find the best and avoid the mediocre. (Hint: don't let bright colors fool you.)

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Tags: Food, Gelato, Europe, Italy

Bali’s Bargaining Ballet

Bali’s Bargaining Ballet Photo by Terry Ward.

On a trip to the Indonesian island, Jerry V. Haines bought a batik shirt, a painting and a flying pig. Along the way, he discovered that haggling is like a dance, and you can't stop dancing until the music is done.

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A Tale of Two Twains

Kristin Van Tassel considers two recent books about Mark Twain, arguably America's greatest traveler -- and travel writer

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The Sound of Sunshine

Frank Bures was working for a boss he didn't like, spending too much time alone. It was a dark time. He found light in the bright, poignant music he first encountered in Africa: soukous.

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I Daydream About Traveling All the Time. Should I Go Now or Wait Until I Retire in 14 Years?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

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World Hum’s Top 30 Travel Books

We recently counted down the best travel books of all time. Here's the entire list -- and loads of picks from World Hum readers.

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Time Traveler

As a teenager traveling in Europe 35 year ago, Charlie Clark kept a diary. Now in his 50s and preparing for another trip abroad, he cracked open its pages, wondering whether that fumbling kid could teach him a thing or two.

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Jason Wilson: One Traveler, Three Dishes Named ‘Jason’

Never mind his travel-writing accomplishments. Jason Wilson has a breakfast sandwich, a pizza and a dessert named after him in three countries. Go ahead: Be stunned. Jim Benning gets the inside scoop on this rarest of travel feats.

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The Places We Find Ourselves

Her official title was faculty sponsor. But in the confusion of post-Katrina New Orleans, Kristin Van Tassel realized the slippery nature of the roles we all play.

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