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North America

North America

Low-key Smokys

The Great Smoky Mountains, popularly known as the Great Smokies or the Smokies, is a mountain chain in the Southeastern United States that runs along the North Carolina-Tennessee border. This mountain chain is one of the subranges of the Appalachian Mountains and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains forming the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. Read more…

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Dive light in

Deep blue waters that glow in the dark come night-time sound like something out of a fairytale. However, that's exactly what the world's bioluminescent bays offer, and they make for a pretty spectacular sight. The eye-catching effect is actually the result of a high concentration of plankton which, when they move, causes the waters to light up…

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Dome sweet dome

As we travel the world, not only do we become familiar with the unfamiliar, but we also, over time, see past the obvious and start to focus on the unremarkable or the unusual.  Sometimes it's a reflex action, other times it just drifts into our conciousness. One of those times is when you start to…

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Go FlixHound – and leave the driving to us.

We often write about modern modes of travel, such as trains.  Most of the world use them daily.  They're efficient, fast, inexpensive and ecologically a good idea. Buses are another good alternative to automobiles, as you can transport dozens of travelers, in comfort, to locations where flights may not exist. But, in both cases, the good ole'…

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A slight Nordic edge

Many of us have learned, over the years, that Christopher Columbus (real name Cristoforo Colombo) discovered North America in 1492 -  way before McDonald's was founded. But,  we now know that half a millennium before Columbus crossed the Atlantic, the Vikings reached the “New World”, as the remains of timber buildings at L’Anse aux Meadows on…

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Volando sobre las vegas

Volando sobre las vegas (flying over Las Vegas) We would expect that many of our readers have been to Las Vegas, and maybe more than once.  You  might think that you've seen pretty much everything there. Well, here's a smooth video that might just prove you wrong.  Unless, of course, you're able to fly with…

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I don’t care

Everyone wants their chance to fly, but no-one wants to die doing it. Both United and American Airlines sell basic economy tickets which are non-changeable. If you get sick and do not fly you lose all value of your ticket. That's a huge incentive to fly sick. (Delta makes basic economy tickets changeable through December…

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Is there a palace in Dallas?

...we're not sure, but we don't think so. But it does actually have a load of museums.  And they give culture-rich places like Austin a run for their money. And is it really that surprising? This city not only has a fascinating history, it’s also a hub for otherworldly pursuits like innovative fashion, some of…

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Warm and fuzzy?

Nuclear power - is there anything that is more confusing and even divisive than that?  On one hand, it has the promise to literally power our homes and factories, and with the possibility of doing it cleanly. But, on the other hand, despite decades of opposition by the people, the threat of nuclear arms still…

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Steam pumped!

In the 1800s, Niagara Falls was considered the be-all and end-all of North America's pure promise and unending resources. Being able to visit was considered the trip of a lifetime. The William Birch Rankine Power Station was Canada's first major power station on the mighty river. Built in 1905 using horse-and-carriage labor, it pumped out…

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Bartender, a sunburn on the rocks, please

While we love relaxing on famous Florida beaches, we’re even bigger fans of enjoying the same warm and sunny setting while seated at a beach bar.  Because, really, there’s nothing better than elevating that toes-in-the-sand experience with a tropical cocktail or ice-cold beer and perhaps a light bite or two. Jimmy B's Beach Bar is a winner in…

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Boo who?

Halloween is just around the corner, which makes the cold heart of any horror fan beat faster. Dressed in spooky costumes, little ghosts go trick-or-treating from house to house, while mature vampires, monsters and ghouls choose to imbibe and dance the night away. Halloween is an American holiday and like many American traditions, was brought…

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Mind, blown

Some things are easier to comprehend.  But, when governments - especially those who may not agree with each other - make decisions, sometimes you just have to scratch your head and go back to bed. May we present two islands in two countries, two miles and twenty-one hours apart. Not much else to add here,…

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Don’t throw stones

Those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, but they should throw caution to the wind — especially in this shiny glass palace that you'll find just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. Known as the Invisible House, the elongated 22-story “horizontal skyscraper” is like a shiny, dreamy mirage in the sand. This once-in-a-lifetime stay is one of the…

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Twin Peaks

David Lynch may have been here, but we can't be sure. Many people visit the rather awesome Glacier National Park, but did you know that  Waterton Lakes is right across from Glacier National Park, and this is why you should visit: two for the price of one. Alberta is utterly stunning and the Canadian Rockies…

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Freedom, eh?

In the pursuit of freedom, mankind has created borders.  Okaay. But, in some places (such as San Marino, Monaco, Vatican City, Liechtenstein and Canada etc) there is a level of trust that the surrounding countries are friendly and non-threatening. Surprisingly / not surprisingly, Canada and the USA have an arm's length agreement about borders.  You…

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Ne’er BnB

A major European destination just banished Airbnb. Will others follow suit? AirBnB has had a somewhat chequered past when it comes to the neighbours.  Most renters are polite and responsible.  But it doesn't take too many incidents for the love to sour. A recent crackdown in Barcelona portends stronger laws against short-term rentals across the…

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