In many countries, tea is far more than just another hot drink. It has become a cultural expression of hospitality, spirituality, peace, or harmony. It is often a reason to gather socially. Discover the different tea cultures around the world.
Michael Hodgson
Winner of multiple gold, silver and bronze medals for travel writing & photography excellence from multiple travel associations every year since 2018, including an overall Excellence in Journalism award from IFWTWA in 2022.
Michael has authored more than 16 books and penned many hundreds of feature articles over the years that have appeared in publications such as Outside, Backpacker, Men's Health, Men's Journal, Adventure West and more. His travels have taken him to all seven continents. He's still in search of the perfect gin and tonic.
He is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA), and Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Switching seats on a plane? Why I often say ‘no’ to swapping seats
I often say “no” to swapping seats on a plane. I do get asked to switch seats on a plane often enough, and sometimes, though infrequently, I am the one doing the asking. There is an etiquette to seat swapping to keep the skies friendly.
Skunk Train’s Railbikes on the Noyo – a railbike adventure deep into California redwoods
Ride custom-built electric railbikes along historic railway tracks deep into the heart of a Mendocino redwood forest on the Skunk Train’s Railbikes on the Noyo experience.
Things to do in Cary North Carolina: Raleigh’s fast-growing neighbor
Cary, North Carolina, offers a small-town vibe with all the benefits of a big city – culture, arts, entertainment, world-class restaurants, amid acres upon acres of greenways. Its proximity to Raleigh and RDU International Airport makes Cary a perfect stopover for any traveler.
Lost your smartphone when traveling? What to do if your phone is stolen
Losing your smartphone while traveling is no fun. Be sure you have prepared your phone and protected your data well before a thief strikes so your stolen phone becomes an inconvenience, not a disaster.
Adventure in Eiger’s shadow: Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch and the Eiger Trail
The Eiger is an iconic mountain to climbers, artists, writers, musicians, and hikers. The Eiger Express, Jungfraujoch, and the Eiger Trail each provide travelers a unique way to experience the Eiger from many sides without having to be an alpinist.
Running with the wind – the wild horses of Shackleford Banks
Descendants of horses cast off from Spanish galleons, the wild horses of Shackleford Banks can be seen running in the surf, wandering through the trees of a maritime forest, or grazing with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse as a backdrop.
“Top of Adventure” fun and views at Grindelwald-First in Jungfrau Switzerland
Grindelwald-First, above the town of Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau region, offers a taste of adventure for everyone — you don’t have to be a climber or paraglider to enjoy it all.
Wildlife Photography Tips: 9 tips to improve your wildlife photos
It is not difficult to take eye-catching images of animals if you know a few wildlife photography tips. These nine tips improved my wildlife photos immediately, and they will improve your photographs, too.
Clean your luggage after every trip to protect against bed bugs and germs
Don’t bring germs and bugs into your home after you travel. Know how to properly clean and sanitize your carry-on and checked luggage to keep your suitcases looking good as well as bug and germ free.
Iconic Berlin TV Tower promises best views in Berlin
The Berlin TV Tower’s distinctive needle and giant sphere is visible throughout Berlin, and it is still the tallest building in Germany. From the panoramic floor or restaurant inside the sphere high above Berlin, visitors enjoy some of the best views in Berlin.
Berlin one-hour sightseeing cruise on the Spree River
A one-hour historic sightseeing cruise along the Spree River is a perfect introduction to some of the most important historic sites and buildings in Berlin.
Gulliver in Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg, the world’s largest model railway
Travel around the world in under a day at Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg – the world’s largest model railway. Stride like Gulliver through an ever-expanding miniature world that includes Europe, the United States, and soon South America.
Danube cycle path – biking the Danube from Regensburg to Vienna
The Danube cycle path from Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, Austria, is a very popular and classic cycling route for a reason – mostly flat bike paths beside a very scenic section of the Danube River.
Historic Hotel Boulderado: a landmark Boulder luxury hotel
The Hotel Boulderado has been a Boulder, Colorado centerpiece and landmark since 1909. Experience living history and modern amenities with a stay at this historic luxury Boulder hotel.
Stargazing tips: dark skies, stargazing apps, and proper gear
From the best stargazing apps to unforgettable stargazing locations and Dark Sky preserves, we share stargazing tips that will make your next stargazing adventure memorable.
Death of a wildebeest: Great Migration crocodile attack
The Great Migration is considered the world’s largest migration of wildlife with over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles moving from Tanzania to Kenya each year. Nearly 250,000 wildebeest die during the migration, many to drowning and crocodile attack.
Photographing the “Big Five” while on an African photo safari
For travelers heading to Kenya on a photo safari, getting a glimpse of the “Big Five” animals tops many photography bucket lists. Being able to photograph the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard – requires skill, timing and patience.
Put St Nikolai Kirche memorial in Hamburg on your list
The St Nikolai Kirche has been a part of the Hamburg skyline since the 12th century. In ruins since World War II, just its spire remains standing. The spire and restored crypt below serve as a haunting and moving memorial to the horror of war’s devastation.
Christmas Garden Berlin at the Botanical Garden: 2021 photo tour
The beloved Christmas Garden Berlin, closed due to the pandemic in 2020, returned in 2021, for its magical, illuminated journey through the Botanical Garden Berlin. Enjoy a photo and video tour of the 2021 trail of lights and music.
I tested positive for COVID while traveling … now what?
Testing positive for COVID while traveling is a fear many new and veteran travelers share. Who wants to get stuck for an extended period far from home, let alone while sick with COVID? Know your options before you travel so you stay as comfortable as possible and get home quickly, too.
Bike the Bridge: Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Bike the Golden Gate Bridge with us! Ride with us as we pedal eBikes from Blazing Saddles bike rentals along San Francisco’s stunning waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito, and take the Blue & Gold ferry back.
Photo Safari Tips: Make the most of your African photo safari
10 essential photo safari tips to ensure you get great photos on your African photo safari. It’s less about the camera than you may think.
Visit Winters: California wines, cuisine, and a side of adventure
You may not have heard of Winters, but you do need to visit Winters, located just 40 minutes from Sacramento. It’s a quaint farming town that will delight anyone interested in wine, world-class cuisine, and fun adventures such as hot air ballooning.
Why I Love Kenya – For 43 years I dreamed of returning
I fell in love with Kenya in 1978. It took me until 2021 to return. Despite the years between visits, it didn’t take long for me to remember why I love Kenya so much. Kenya still had much to teach me and so much love to give after all these years.
Travel safe: 10 things you should NEVER do while traveling!
Travel is fun … until it’s not. Like when someone breaks into your home because they knew you were away or robs you at your hotel because they knew you were coming. Know the 10 things you should never do while traveling to ensure your safety and protect your valuables.
Floating in a hot air balloon with Yolo Ballooning Adventures
Flying in a hot air balloon over Yolo County in Winters, California with Yolo Ballooning Adventures is spectacular and fun. Finish off the sunrise balloon flight with a bubbly rosé at Turkovich Family Wines.
Biking the Presidio and San Francisco waterfront on electric bikes
The perfect way to really experience and explore the San Francisco Waterfront — and the Presidio park — is on an electric bike or e-bike. Some of the best overlooks and views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen when biking the Presidio and the waterfront.
Adventure Cat Sunset Sail – Best Views in San Francisco
One of the very best views in San Francisco can only be had from the deck of a sailboat. Jump on an Adventure Cat sunset sail to see the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The best railbike adventure – Find railbikes near me
Railbikes have been used on railroad tracks since the 1800s. It wasn’t until recently that individuals and companies began designing railbikes and offering railbike trips for the public. Railbiking companies are numerous. Our guide will help you to find the best railbike adventure near you and to understand what railbiking is.