Learn more about civil rights history in Birmingham, Alabama, but don’t miss its deep industrial roots, great food, and a downtown park called City Walk BHAM that should be a model for every city.
We're Michael & Therese
Award-winning Photographers & JournalistsWe’ve traveled to:
U.S. States
Countries
Continents
We’ve won a number of awards along the way.
2024
NATJA – Photographer of the Year; 3 Photography Gold Medals; 3 Photography Silver Medals. PPA’s International Photographic Competition – Bronze Medal Wildlife Photography.
2023
IFWTWA – Excellence in Journalism Award; Best in Show Photography; 2 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Silver Medal; 1 Photography Bronze Medal; NATJA – 4 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Bronze Medal. California State Fair – Best in Show Photography. InFocus – 1 Photography Gold Medal. OWAA Excellence in Craft – 2nd place Outdoor Adventure Writing; 3rd place Photo Essay; 3rd place Action Photography; 3rd place Wildlife Photography. Minimalist Photography Awards –3rd place Night Photography.
2022
IFWTWA – 3 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Silver Medal; 2 Photography Bronze Medals. NATJA – Bronze Medal “Best Independent Travel Blog; 1 Photography Gold Medal; 2 Photography Bronze Medals.
2021
IFWTWA – Best in Show Photography; 2 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Silver Medal. NATJA – 1 Photography Gold Medal; 2 Photography Silver Medals, 1 Photography Bronze Medal.
2020
NATJA – 1 Photography Gold Medal; 1 Photography Silver Medal, 1 Travel Essay Silver Medal. Washington Post Travel Photography Contest – 3rd Place.
Recent Travel Posts
We are travelers. Always have been. We engage. We explore. We immerse ourselves everywhere we go. We are both uber-curious and enthusiastic about sharing our experiences. Here are just a few of our latest travel stories.
Fabulous flamingos of Argentina’s Laguna Grande and Carachi Pampa
A photo essay showcasing the incredibly fabulous flamingos of Argentina’s Laguna Grande and Carachi Pampa. Learn where to see and photograph these amazing birds.
Empanada perfection: I learned to make yummy empanadas at Finca Valentina
Seeking a deliciously deep dive into Argentina’s empanada culture, I took a hands-on empanada cooking class with Chef Maria at Finca Valentina in Salta, Argentina.
Paying to pee: bathroom tips for every traveler
Traveling can be a bladder test, especially in Europe, but free public toilets and programs like Germany’s “Nette Toilette” offer relief. Learn tips for finding bathrooms without paying or compromising cleanliness.
My Sicilian adventure: discovering Inspector Montalbano’s Sicily
Southeastern Sicily is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Baroque architecture, food and chocolate. And it’s also famous for a certain Inspector Montalbano — as I was about to find out on my Sicilian adventure.
Michael Hodgson wins Best in Show in the IFWTWA 2024 Photo Contest, HI Travel Tales wins multiple medals
Michael Hodgson, co-owner of HITravelTales.com, wins Best in Show in the IFWTWA 2024 Photo Contest for the second year, while both Therese Iknoian and Michael take home multiple medals.
Berkeley eats: where global flavors meet eclectic culture
Berkeley California’s world-class gastronomic scene makes the city a perfect base camp for Bay Area explorations. Come for eclectic culture, stay for great food and drink.
Gulf State Park: where luxury, sustainability, and nature meet
Explore Gulf State Park, a beacon of sustainability in Alabama, and a perfect destination for anyone seeking nature, relaxed luxury, pristine beaches, and outdoor adventure.
Berlin Tempelhof: Experience history at Berlin Airlift hub
When the then-Soviet Union in 1948 choked off West Berlin from any supplies, the Allies started the massive Berlin Airlift supply operation to Tempelhof. You can visit Tempelhof’s history.
Modica chocolate festival in Sicily: Indulge in all things chocolate
Sicily may be renown for baroque architecture, beaches, and the Mount Etna volcano, but if you venture there in December you’ll discover it is famous for chocolate too. Chocomodica, a chocolate festival for chocolate lovers. Plus, get a bonus recipe here.