The hottest Travel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Travel Topics

Come Hell or High Water...

Tom Ryan, Author • 9591 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Weather
  1. The author discusses experiencing unusual stormy weather on a road trip.
  2. Despite usually enjoying good weather on past trips, the author is now closely watching the weather in 2023.
  3. The author humorously reflects on a friend's influence on their travel weather.

I am traveling - open thread

Igor’s Newsletter • 4540 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏝 Travel
  1. The author prefers writing posts on a big desktop screen with numerous open windows
  2. The post serves as an open thread for readers to share their thoughts and request topics
  3. The author is traveling and encourages interaction from the readers
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Walking Phnom Penh

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1311 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🏝 Travel City life Cultural Insights Personal reflections
  1. Phnom Penh is filled with children, which brings a joyful and optimistic vibe to the city. Their laughter and energy can lift people's spirits, making the environment feel more alive.
  2. Walking in Phnom Penh can be challenging due to busy roads and poor sidewalks, but drivers are generally considerate. This unique style of navigating through traffic is a skill learned in bustling cities.
  3. The city has a strong sense of community, as families together create small businesses. Even while facing struggles, like poverty, people still find fulfillment and meaning in having children and being part of a family.

A Return Trip to Morro Bay

Tom Ryan, Author • 8451 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Destinations
  1. The author visited Morro Bay for the first time during a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
  2. The trip to Morro Bay was a bonding experience with a friend after the conclusion of a book tour.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to the author's newsletter.

Tourism is good, actually

Slow Boring • 4127 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Tourism Leisure Policy Opinion
  1. Despite being cringe and annoying, tourists play a role in bad policy commentary.
  2. There is a negative perception of tourism being harmful due to aesthetic considerations.
  3. Efforts to limit tourism, such as curbing AirBNB, often have underlying reasons beyond just tourism impact.

A Sonoran Re-Do

Tom Ryan, Author • 7999 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🏝 Travel Travel
  1. The author explores Tsé Bitʼaʼí in the Sonoran Desert.
  2. The stay in Kanab, Arizona was disrupted by mud during a snowstorm.
  3. Kanab is a place for the author to center, walk, and write.

Red Rock Canyon

Tom Ryan, Author • 7881 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Destinations Nature Exploration
  1. The author is in Summerlin, Nevada, near Las Vegas, for Red Rock Canyon, not the Vegas Strip.
  2. Winter weather has caused travel disruptions at various locations like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Red Rock Canyon.
  3. The current season has presented challenges and unique, snowy scenery for the author during their travels.

Traveling, Thinking, and Thinking About Traveling

Breaking Smart • 45 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Travel tips Travel experiences Cultural Insights
  1. Travel can be exhausting even if it seems exciting. Regular long trips can make it hard to feel relaxed at home.
  2. Some people might think they are nomadic, but that doesn’t mean they have the personality for it. It’s okay to prefer a stable base over constant movement.
  3. Being on the move can spark creativity, but too much travel might not be good for everyone’s mental health.

La rentrée

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 7075 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🏝 Travel
  1. In France, 'la rentrée' is a big cultural event marking the return from summer vacations
  2. The importance of summer vacations in France leads people to plan ahead for the next year's vacation early
  3. Visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and sampling the local cuisine, offers a unique cultural and culinary experience

New York City part four

Tao Lin • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Cultural experiences Personal reflections Lectures Art events
  1. The author enjoyed giving a lecture while in New York City and was surprised by the large turnout. It felt good to share ideas and connect with others who were interested.
  2. While reflecting on their trip, the author mentioned their emotional experiences, including crying during movies, which they attributed to a lack of cannabis at home and the effects of their journey.
  3. The author appreciated the conversations with friends and family while also documenting their feelings about art and society, highlighting the importance of genuine connections.

New York City part five

Tao Lin • 779 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Cultural experience Personal narrative Photography Exploration
  1. It's okay to choose comfort over appearance sometimes, as it can lead to a more enjoyable experience. Being comfortable helped relax during the NYC trip.
  2. Less phone use during social situations was noticeable and appreciated, showing how people can enjoy the moment without distractions. It's nice when people are focused on conversations rather than taking pictures.
  3. Thoughts about big changes in the world, like the magnetic pole shift, can be overwhelming but also interesting. It's important to reflect on our existence during such significant events.

Paid content: A European sense of style

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Cultural Insights
  1. European style is often seen as elegant and fashionable. Many people admire its simplicity and sophistication.
  2. Traveling gives a glimpse into different cultures and their unique styles. It's a fun way to experience how others live.
  3. Understanding style can enhance one's own taste in fashion and home decor. Learning from different places can inspire personal choices.

A hundred hours in Shanghai

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 650 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏝 Travel Travel tips Cultural Insights Personal experiences
  1. Traveling in China as a tourist can be easy with some preparation. Downloading apps like Alipay and a VPN before your trip is really helpful.
  2. Using a VPN can help you access the internet outside of China's restrictions. It might feel a bit risky, but it's common among many travelers and locals.
  3. Shanghai is a modern city with lots of luxury shopping and global culture. For older travelers, it can be a surprising blend of what they might expect and new trends.

Kraków

Cosmographia • 1597 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Art Verse Cartography Literature Photography
  1. The founding legend of Kraków involves a cobbler's apprentice named Krak who cleverly defeated a dragon that terrorized the land.
  2. Kraków has been an inspiration to many artists, poets, and writers, with its beauty and history influencing pieces of literature, art, and photography.
  3. Poland's history is marked by partitions and invasions, leading to a period of Great Emigration, and subsequent efforts by Poles to fight for freedom and independence.

bath is so me-coded

sweater weather • 4697 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Experience Destination Culture Memories People
  1. Brandon Taylor expresses gratitude for people who supported his book tour and let his characters into their lives.
  2. While in London, Brandon faced challenges in finding a drip coffee machine and dealing with a medication issue.
  3. Bath left a strong impression on Brandon due to its beauty and the feeling of mutual connection he experienced there.

Cappadocia

Cosmographia • 1657 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Destination
  1. The post is about Cappadocia and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia.
  2. The content includes art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography focused on a specific place.
  3. Access to the full post is for paid subscribers only.

Kevin Can't Come to Phone Right Now

backstory • 1018 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Travel Stories Cultural experiences Adventure Historical context
  1. In Sudan, communication was very different. Making a phone call was challenging and expensive, with long waits and unreliable connections.
  2. The desire to escape from the familiar led to adventures. The narrator felt drawn to go to places where they could be far away from civilization and immerse themselves in new experiences.
  3. Unexpected connections can bring joy. Despite the long wait, a surprise delivery from home arrived months later, reminding the narrator of the importance of family and traditions.

Giant’s Causeway

Cosmographia • 1797 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Exploration Adventure Location
  1. The post is about Giant's Causeway and is part of an Atlas' Notebook series from Cosmographia.
  2. The content includes art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific location.
  3. It seems that to access the full post, one needs to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.

Yukon River

Cosmographia • 1158 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Art Verse Cartography Literature Photography
  1. The Yukon River is named after the color of the glacial runoff that feeds it, and it travels almost 2000 miles from British Columbia to the Bering Sea, draining a land area 25% larger than the State of Texas.
  2. Robert W. Service, known as the 'Bard of the Yukon,' was a Scottish-Canadian writer and poet who spent years in the Yukon wilderness, inspired by the Goldrush.
  3. The Yukon River is home to the longest salmon run in the world, with king salmon traveling two thousand miles against the current to return to their spawning grounds and then die, exhausted from their journey.

Walking Bangkok

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 617 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Urban Exploration Cultural Insights
  1. Bangkok is not an easy city to walk in because it is really hot and humid. The streets often flood, making walking uncomfortable and challenging.
  2. The city lacks charming walking areas; instead, many alleys feel long and dreary with lots of traffic. Most of the vibrant activity happens on the main roads.
  3. Despite the heat and chaos, Bangkok is full of interesting sights and experiences. There's a lot of life in every corner, with vendors selling everything imaginable.

PILOT INCAPACITATION - LATAM Brasil Flight LA-3744 (BSB-JPA) Brasilia to Joao Pessoa on Jan.16, 2024 - Pilot Incapacitated, plane diverted to Salvador for safe landing (1st incident in 2024)

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 1886 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Air Travel Incidents Safety
  1. Pilot incapacitated on LATAM Brasil Flight LA-3744 on Jan. 16, 2024, prompting a safe landing in Salvador.
  2. The first incident of pilot incapacitation in 2024.
  3. Commercial airline pilot incapacitations inflight were a total of 25 in 2023.

Summerhome swim

Jeff Giesea • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Family Nature Memories Lifestyle
  1. Swimming alone in a quiet river is a beautiful way to enjoy summer. It's peaceful and reminds us to be grateful for simple moments.
  2. Family memories and traditions are important during summer vacations. The cabin where family gathers holds stories of both joyful and dramatic moments.
  3. Nature has a way of connecting us to our past and loved ones. Small things like the smell of a bay leaf can bring back memories and feelings of nostalgia.

Paris Dispatch

Yolo Intel • 1906 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Food & Drink Art & Illustration
  1. The post highlights a 2-day gallery-packed itinerary in Paris.
  2. The article includes a 'Costa Meno' food list for affordable dining options in the city.
  3. Readers can discover a recommended new hotel in Paris to consider for their stay.

Walking Vientiane (Laos)

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 595 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing City exploration Cultural Commentary Adventure Travel Urban life
  1. Vientiane has a super hot sun that makes everything feel sticky and slow. People tend to stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
  2. The city is small and spread out, making it less crowded during the day, but it comes alive again in the evening when the temperatures drop.
  3. While Vientiane can feel busy and bustling at times, it often shows signs of poverty and squalor, especially when the sun is shining.

Reflections on a brief visit to Florida

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destination Culture Lifestyle Nature Transportation
  1. Florida is known for its nice weather and pretty coastlines, but the culture can sometimes feel strange and self-centered. People generally move there because they like the Florida vibe, which adds to its unique reputation.
  2. Getting around in Florida can be tough because there isn't much public transportation. Most people rely on cars, and walking or biking isn't easy or safe due to the layout of the roads.
  3. Gated communities are common in Florida and often feel very secure, with lots of safety features. These communities can have great nature spots, but outside of them, the pace and accessibility of life can feel very different.

I got a surprise for you! 🎁

Ali's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Lifestyle Photography
  1. The author is excited to move back to Indonesia after a long break in Canada. They have booked their flight and are looking forward to starting a new chapter.
  2. They plan to start vlogging their life in Indonesia, sharing travel experiences to lesser-known islands and focusing more on video content.
  3. The author will continue to maintain their newsletter while creating long-form weekly vlogs, which they see as a way to keep a journal for themselves and their kids.

Notes on cities

Brain Pizza • 927 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Urban Exploration City life Cultural Insights Travel experiences
  1. Cities are really fascinating places to explore and enjoy, often more appealing than the countryside. There's a lot of energy and life in urban areas that many people love.
  2. As more people move to cities, the populations keep increasing. For example, London's population grew 1.04% in just one year.
  3. Visiting iconic cities can bring back memories and highlight how they've changed over time. It's interesting to see what has remained the same and what is new.

Dispatches from the Road

Tom Ryan, Author • 1533 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Travel
  1. Author shares experiences from a road trip in Moab and upcoming plans to visit Kanab and Tucson
  2. Different terrains in each location provide unique walking experiences
  3. Post is exclusive for Founding Members, prompting others to consider upgrading