The hottest Travel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Travel Topics
Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 23
  1. Smithfield in London is a historically rich area with unique streetscapes and a deep layer of history.
  2. The area is known for its meat markets, medieval hospital, buried river valley, and complex railway infrastructure.
  3. Explore Smithfield to spot historic quirks like two historic houses, bits of embankment, and a distinctive post box.
backstory β€’ 242 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jul 23
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of keeping travel notebooks to remember details like names, characters, and conversations.
  2. Memories can be triggered by recalling specific images and notes, helping reconstruct experiences like restoring an old building.
  3. The post highlights three different locations visited recently: Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Ribeira Sacre region in Galicia, Spain, and Clun Castle in Welsh Marches.
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Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
  1. Get ready for Halloween celebrations and events in Bangkok, including themed parties and special activities.
  2. Stay updated on the latest news, updates, parties, and happenings in Bangkok by following 'Storefronts of Bangkok' on social media.
  3. Engage with the Bangkok community through events like pajama parties, live music performances, and unique shopping experiences.
Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 23
  1. The post discusses 5 historic quirks to look out for on Blackfriars Bridge in London, including birds with hidden meanings and mysterious stumps.
  2. The newsletter, 'Londonist: Time Machine,' makes site visit announcements with the first one being free.
  3. Readers can subscribe to Londonist: Time Machine for a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.
Eddie’s List: San Francisco Events & Bay Area Things To Do β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 24
  1. San Francisco and the Bay Area have a variety of events happening, from Super Bowl watch parties to Jazz performances and Valentine's Day activities.
  2. The newsletter provides recommendations on getting involved in the community and fostering connections, emphasizing the importance of being present and engaging with others.
  3. There is an update informing readers that weekly newsletters may be irregular for a short period but the February newsletter is regularly updated with new events and details.
Jay's Data Stream β€’ 17 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 25
  1. Bali has changed a lot over the years, attracting more tourists looking for a trendy experience. This includes co-working spaces and Instagram-worthy spots that appeal to younger travelers.
  2. The local infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the growth of tourism. Traffic is worse, and essential services, like water supply, are becoming harder to manage.
  3. While the transformation has brought wealth to Bali, it’s also unsettling for locals who may miss the simpler times. The balance between tourism and preserving the island's charm is becoming a big question.
Castalia β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 22
  1. Lviv is a surprisingly lively city despite the ongoing war. Life goes on with open coffee shops and street musicians, making it feel normal even with air raid sirens going off.
  2. Volunteers in Ukraine face unexpected challenges, as many find they're not needed. The military is well-staffed, and some volunteers struggle to fit into local units or deal with a clash of cultures.
  3. Bucha reveals the brutal reality of war, with visible destruction and tragedy. Even amid the chaos, the experience can be surreal, highlighting a mix of emotions and the complexities of covering such events.
Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 13 Oct 23
  1. Canary Wharf in London holds a long and fascinating history despite its modern appearance.
  2. There are unique historical sights, like living fossil trees and a memorial to an influential figure, to explore in Canary Wharf.
  3. The Londonist newsletter offers a collection of favorite historical spots in different areas, providing interesting insights for paying supporters.
Perfecting Equilibrium β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
  1. Three weeks in the Mojave can have a significant impact on mental and physical well-being due to the extreme conditions and challenges faced during military training exercises.
  2. The Mojave Desert is known for its harsh environment, with soldiers having to deal with constant exposure to fine grit that gets into everything, necessitating extensive cleaning upon return.
  3. The military training in the Mojave involves intense combat simulations, followed by periods of downtime in harsh desert camps, highlighting the stark contrast between moments of action and relaxation.
Pocha Life's Learnings β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 18 Apr 23
  1. The journey involved preparing for a trans-continental road trip from the UK to India, initially sparked by a change in plans due to Covid.
  2. Important steps included acquiring necessary visas, deciding on a suitable vehicle, and ensuring proper insurance for the trip.
  3. Packing essentials, finding appropriate riding gear, and making last-minute flight arrangements are crucial aspects of embarking on such a journey.
Pocha Life's Learnings β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 01 May 23
  1. First-time riding in snowfall with low visibility can be challenging but offers rewarding views.
  2. Making pitstops for coffee and food along the route can add enjoyment to the journey.
  3. Engaging with locals and seeking help for bike issues can lead to interesting interactions and solutions.
Joshua's Notes β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 23
  1. Joshua Tree, California, offers stunning natural beauty and a unique desert landscape.
  2. During their Nomad Year, the author and their partner encountered challenges like water scarcity but found joy in local experiences like the farmers market.
  3. The trip ended on a romantic note with a marriage proposal in Joshua Tree National Park, marking the perfect conclusion to their adventurous journey.
The Grey Matter β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Oct 23
  1. Carthage has ancient ruins with beautiful mosaics and a rich history of wars and civilizations.
  2. Public opinion in Tunisia shows a mix of views on democracy, jobs, corruption, and economic growth since the revolution.
  3. The visit to Tunisia highlighted aspects of lesser economic standing, decay in some areas, and challenges in tourism infrastructure.
Pocha Life's Learnings β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 23
  1. The trip included a ride from Fjellstova to Gierangerfjord and back, meeting bikers and experiencing snow.
  2. The Fjellstova bathrooms were a notable attraction due to cleanliness and music-playing mirrors.
  3. Encountered challenging weather conditions like rain and snow, facing issues with visibility and warm tunnels.
Splattern β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 23
  1. Connecting with friends is important, and spending time one-on-one can strengthen those bonds. It can be nice to express desires clearly and spend quality time together.
  2. Outdoor activities like mushroom foraging and fishing can create fun and memorable experiences. They also allow for laughter and playful moments, which bring people closer together.
  3. Trying new activities, like a friends triathlon, can be a great way to bond as a group. Enjoying nature and good food together makes the experience even better.
Splattern β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 24 Sep 23
  1. The author enjoyed a run in Lone Elk State Park in Missouri, where they discovered interesting mushrooms that resembled those on their burger.
  2. They caught up with an old math tutor who shared an exciting new discovery in logic and math, which could change how math is taught.
  3. Missouri's geography is significant, showcasing limestone and being a key area for studying river flooding due to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
First principles trivia β€’ 118 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 22
  1. To apply for Czech citizenship, you need to have lived in the Czech Republic with a permanent residency permit for a specific duration, which varies based on different criteria like EU citizenship or total residency time.
  2. Having Czech citizenship offers integration into Czech society, guarantees the right to stay in the country, and provides the benefit of visa-free travel to a significant number of countries.
  3. The application process for Czech citizenship involves submitting a comprehensive set of documents, attending interviews if required, and awaiting a decision that typically takes around a year.
Stories From The Rail β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 22
  1. The post shares a story by Linda Tirado from London 2022, providing a unique traveler's perspective.
  2. The post includes photos taken by Linda Tirado in London and Brighton in May 2022, offering visual insights into the locations.
  3. Access to the full content of the post is likely restricted to paid subscribers, emphasizing the value of the content.
Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan β€’ 54 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 24
  1. Bangkok is seeing fewer babies and a rise in pet ownership. Many young families are having fewer children due to costs and changing social values.
  2. It's hard to find trash bins in Bangkok, making it tricky to throw things away while exploring the city. This small issue can be surprisingly annoying while walking around.
  3. Traffic in Bangkok can be really bad, especially during rush hours. It's better to plan your travels outside of these peak times to avoid long waits.
intellectualinting β€’ 195 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 23
  1. Japan may not work at all times, like after 11pm when the transportation shuts down.
  2. In Japan, cash is still commonly used due to many family-run businesses, but obtaining cash as a foreigner without fees can be challenging.
  3. Visiting a local izakaya in Japan can provide a welcoming and homey atmosphere that immerses you in the culture.
backstory β€’ 242 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 23
  1. In Jerusalem, everyone wants to be at the center but not everyone can be there.
  2. Elaborate stories are constructed by different groups to prioritize themselves in the city.
  3. Different individuals in Jerusalem have unique roles and perspectives, adding to the complexity and diversity of the city.
thegreataffair β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
  1. The post discusses personal reflections on Berlin and the experience of finding one's way around a new place.
  2. The author shares a photodrop capturing the end of 2023, highlighting the vibes and memories from that time.
  3. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling and seeking connections in a rapidly changing world.
The Radar β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 24
  1. Embrace uncertainty and adventure in life. Sometimes it's okay to have no plan and figure things out as you go.
  2. Travel can broaden your perspectives. Get out there, explore, and experience new things.
  3. Don't over-plan and be open to surprises. Over-planning can limit our ability to be genuinely surprised and delighted.