In our recent trip to Chile, I was surprised an the sheer number of churches that were scattered around the country. It's sometimes difficult to get a gauge about how and where religion still factors in a country. As it happens, in 2026, Chile is in the midst of a profound and…
Hey, that's Grand Central Station you must be hollering out to your friends and family! But chances are you are preaching to the converted. If you've been to NYC, or even wandered through its history, the cacophony and the sheer volume of humans who pass through each day, it's one of the world's best…
We here at matouring, on a daily basis, thank our lucky stars that our "job" is discovering new and exciting things to do. Whether it's tours, or flights, or stays, we get as excited as you do. So, if you're not aware, please meet Vidanta: just what you've been waiting for: What makes Vidanta…
History comes in so many places, so many flavours and so many results. That's why we like it, anyway. It's everywhere, and it's accessible. Sometimes it even just pops up out of nowhere, and that's part of the joy. Your editor and his (much) better half love to get around. …
By this time, we would expect that most of our readers here would know about Seoul. How can you not, especially with some of the rather gob-smacking shows that they produce on Netflix? Let's have fun and dig a little deeper into this genuinely wonderful country. While major sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace…
We here at Matouring are senior citizens, and there's no getting around that. Your editor's better half has found ways of capturing all four corners of the world whilst I was writing it down. We've seen a lot, done a lot and are forever grateful for that, especially as we grow older. And after…
Once you land, you'll know. And when you know, you'll know. Curitiba is the capital of the southern Brazilian state of Paraná. Notable skyline features include the Panoramic Tower, with an observatory on top. Known as a cultural center, Curitiba is home to a number of performance venues, including the Wire Opera House,…
. . . of genius! Here we go again, featuring and shouting about another place in Europe, one that you might not know. Welcome to Brest. Brest is an unusual choice for a European trip because it lacks the fairytale, cobblestone charm typical of other French or European cities. Located at the "end of…
Oz? Aaahs. It's the place you want to be, even if it's a hike. Or, several flights, in reality. You can't say no. Our affiliate partners, Tui have just the right way to make your holiday go swimingly. How about an adventure where you are the wizard of Oz?…
Arrr ye ready to take on the seas, mateys? Is adventure your bailiwick? Or do you just fancy a relaxing water adventure? Well, we have it for you, either way. Get ready for your Atlas Ocean Voyages Experience. With year-round expeditions for every season, we offer an…
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Chicago.
Chicago is often called the "most American" of the big cities, and for a traveler with your specific interests in aviation, rail history, and urban design, it is arguably the best destination in North America. Here is why Chicago is a "super destination" for your specific tastes. For example,…
If you're smart, you'll always endeavour to stay smart. And why not? Time races ahead and its a race to the end. So it only makes sense to go with the flow and leave with a good impression. Who knows what the outcome could be? Libraries are an excellent choice,…
We love the Beatles. Have even seen some of them live. One of the songs that we have lodged in our brains is Back in the USSR. Playful, joyous and super catchy. Kind of some of the positive elements we need nowadays. After pondering the song, I wondered if there's a…
Did you know that there are approximately 10,000 to over 48,000 cities in the world, depending on how a "city" is defined? We're certain that our globe-trotter readers have stopped by many of them. While there are over 4.3 million populated places, the number of formally recognized, prominent "cities" is generally considered to be around 48,000,…
Traveling to Damascus in 2026 is a complex decision that involves weighing a rich cultural heritage against significant security risks and logistical hurdles. While the city remains one of the most historically significant capitals in the world, international travel advisories continue to urge extreme caution. But, The pluses are many, such as... Culture and Heritage.…
TU TU: Nizhny Novgorod: Preface: we love everybody unless we're given a reason not to. With that, jump into what could be come your nest new favourite travel location: Russia. What Everyone Criticizes It For. For most of us, Russia is an enigma for much of the world. And, in…
The resurgence of interest in European Brutalism is a fascinating cultural shift. Once derided as "ugly" or "soul-crushing" during the 1980s and 90s, these concrete giants are now celebrated for their raw honesty and bold, graphic qualities. Why Brutalism is Popular Today The "Techno of Architecture": Modern fans often compare Brutalism to techno music—it…
Here we are again. Decades in, no power, food shortages, and the big omnipotent "stable genius of the USA calling the shots in a place that does not belong to them. Regular readers will have seen the posts that we've created over the years, extoling the wonders of this frankly wonderful country. Words can't express…
At this place in time in our world 2026, it's not a very nice place to be. With wars burbling or already underway, the poor succumbing to even more pain and suffering, it almost makes you want to give up. Streets are filled with the homeless, with some countries (guess who) don't seem to…
Watch more of this particular conundrum courtesy of the ever-interesting Jago Hazzard, above.
In the world of transit architecture, "over-designed" is a term often used by critics to describe spaces where the aesthetic ambition feels disproportionate to the simple act of catching a train. For the London Underground (the "Tube"), this phenomenon is usually a…