The hottest Travel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Travel Topics

The Forgotten Capital

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 271 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏝 Travel City exploration Monuments Cultural analysis
  1. Madrid, despite its historical significance and size, lacks a single iconic monument that stands out globally, which may contribute to its feeling of being 'normal'.
  2. The presence of iconic monuments in a city is not necessarily crucial for its day-to-day functioning, but they can play a role in enhancing a city's global recognition and status.
  3. The absence of iconic monuments in Madrid could stem from factors like historical timing, cultural preferences, or simply random chance, leading to its 'forgotten capital' status.

Some additional thoughts about Sofia

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 550 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Experiences Freedom
  1. The author reflects on a childhood memory from Sofia, Bulgaria, during the Communist era.
  2. The experience of living behind the Iron Curtain shaped the author's skepticism towards official narratives and authority.
  3. The restrictions on travel and fear experienced by the people in countries like East Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Romania left a lasting impact on the author.

Havana

Cosmographia • 1397 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Photography Literature Art
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. Access to the full content requires a subscription - this post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author of this post on Havana, published on October 11, 2023, on Cosmographia.

I'm headed to Iceland.

Volts • 1415 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Tourism Exploration Adventure
  1. The author is traveling to Iceland to explore sustainability and energy ventures.
  2. They will be visiting geothermal power companies, carbon removal companies, and more.
  3. There will be a short break in service, with normal content resuming in late October.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Okinawa 沖縄諸島

Cosmographia • 1617 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Culture
  1. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content
  2. The content focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place, Okinawa
  3. The post is part of the 'Atlas' Notes' series within Cosmographia, offering a variety of creative content

👋 Weekly dose of the "5 Coolest Things I've Found in Bangkok!"

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 99 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Events Music Nightlife Tickets
  1. Stay up-to-date with the trendiest and most unique discoveries in Bangkok through a weekly digest.
  2. Exciting events in Bangkok include a Bruno Mars live performance, EDM Addicts Top 20 DJ & MC Awards Ceremony, and the Red Velvet party with techno and drum & bass fusion.
  3. Immerse yourself in the electronic music scene with events like Sathorn Klubnacht and Inakoma for a captivating experience.

A Walk and Talk

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Outdoors Adventure Socializing Physical activity Location
  1. Consider implementing a walk-and-talk activity to engage in intense conversations in a new environment.
  2. Plan logistics for the walk such as staying in a hotel, carrying belongings in a van, and driving the van in rotation.
  3. Adjust the walk to suit personal preferences, like duration, location, terrain, and meal preferences.

I Review My Stay At Holiday Inn Express Jamaica - JFK - AirTrain - NYC, An IHG Hotel

The Real Sarah Miller • 452 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏝 Travel
  1. The front desk clerk at the hotel did not readily address concerns about a free shuttle service, causing frustration for the guest.
  2. The guest had to request to change their room due to noise issues, leading to a night of discomfort and worry about the structural integrity of the building.
  3. The guest felt conflicted about the entitlement of requesting a room change in an empty hotel, questioning if they deserved better.

The parish at the top of the world

The Pillar • 314 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Cultural experience
  1. Oulu, Finland is exceptionally cold compared to other parts of the country.
  2. The Holy Family of Nazareth parish in Oulu has a unique history rooted in missionary work and community building.
  3. The Catholic Church in Finland faces challenges of secularization but focuses on community, family, and transmitting faith through generations.

Capturing the Lesser-Known Golden Hour

The Planet • 452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Nature Photography Experience
  1. The lesser-known golden hour is a beautiful time for capturing unique moments in photography.
  2. Nature holds a unique magic at dawn, providing moments of peace and connection with the planet's beauty.
  3. Silence in nature can be the best company, offering lessons and solace in the quiet surroundings.

The Place We're At Now: Whale Beach, Australia

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 393 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Accommodation Activities Cost
  1. The authors are currently at Whale Beach, Australia after exploring various regions in Australia and New Zealand.
  2. Their Airbnb at Whale Beach offers stunning views of the beach, trees, and wildlife like kookaburras and parrots.
  3. Whale Beach is described as a serene location with wild waves, rock pools, and beautiful scenery, offering a tranquil and picturesque experience.

Southern Farm Story

Non-Boring History • 275 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Culture History Food & Drink Photography Event
  1. The post shares a story about a Southern farm in the middle of Atlanta, written by Annette Laing.
  2. There's an important announcement of a Zoom chat event scheduled for March 2, 2024, for paid subscribers to connect with Annette Laing.
  3. The post emphasizes the opportunity for Nonnies (subscribers) to have exclusive discussions and insights into Annette Laing's series.

Masters of Atlantis

quite useless • 294 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Experience Food Entertainment Accommodation
  1. The weather in Atlantis was perfect and helped improve the child's eczema.
  2. The resort had different areas and guest privileges based on colored wristbands.
  3. The food at the resort was expensive, but the son found entertainment in various activities like viewing aquariums and playing with Legos.

Paris Irrealis

Cosmographia • 1537 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Cultural Experiences Reflections Photography Imagination
  1. Imagining a place, like Paris, can create a vivid and idealized version in our minds that we may be hesitant to experience in reality.
  2. The concept of 'irrealis moods' explores the idea of events or situations that exist outside of our current knowledge, reflecting on what might have been or could still be.
  3. The fear of losing our imagined version of a place, like Paris, can prevent us from pursuing the real experience, yet it's the evolving nature of memories and experiences that make a place intriguing and worth exploring.

The Costa Meno: Italy

Yolo Intel • 2417 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Accommodation Destination Cost Methodology Discovery
  1. The "Costa Meno" list features affordable, authentic, charming, and soulful places to stay in Italy near the coast.
  2. These accommodations offer a deeper connection to the location and owners compared to traditional 5-star hotels.
  3. The list includes accommodations under 300 euros a night, focusing on small hotels and rentals near the water.

The Hard Stuff

backstory • 290 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Local culture Food Friendship Memories
  1. The author shares a personal story about the challenges of finding and enjoying alcohol in South Sudan
  2. The story highlights the cultural experiences, friendships, and adventures that come with seeking a specific type of drink
  3. Through encounters with different people and places, the narrative reveals the complexities and dangers of alcohol consumption in a rural setting

Season-Chasing

Passing Time • 234 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Destinations Activities Local culture Lifestyle
  1. The author reflects on moving between different locations each season to chase different activities and experiences like climbing, skiing, and biking.
  2. The contrast is highlighted between a lifestyle of constantly changing scenery and jobs versus a stable, but potentially boring, life at home with familiar surroundings.
  3. The post captures the excitement and challenges of living in areas like Boulder, Aspen, Jackson, and Denver, known for outdoor activities and seasonal changes.

My Heart of Darkness

Cosmographia • 1897 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Culture
  1. The post recounts a visit to Entebbe, Uganda, known for a daring rescue mission in 1976.
  2. The experience in Entebbe is described as something significant and impactful.
  3. The post is available to paid subscribers on the Cosmographia Substack platform.

🔓 Unlock the Best of Bangkok's Events!

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Events Entertainment Cultural experiences Local Cuisine
  1. Experience the old town of Bangkok at HELLO OLD TOWN 2024 event, showcasing the city's timeless charm and vibrancy with live music and workshops.
  2. Don't miss the chance to witness the debut of 7CIRCLE in Bangkok presented by RIOTNOX, promising innovative techno and industrial music experiences.
  3. Join the Soho District Party NYC Edition 2024 at Fraser Suites Sukhumvit for a lively event blending Bangkok's dynamic essence with the vibrant energy of New York City.

Paris Highlights

Susanality • 393 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Paris Highlights
  1. The author shares highlights from their recent trip to Paris
  2. They mention it was their second plane trip since Covid
  3. They invite readers to subscribe to access more content and a 7-day free trial

Is Travel Overrated?

The Contender • 1827 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Tourism Sustainability
  1. Revenge travel can create crowded and high-anxiety tourist destinations
  2. Cities are reconsidering tourist economies due to overcrowding and disrespect towards locals
  3. Tourists sometimes treat locals as extras in their social media posts and engage in inappropriate behaviors

Paris Reinvented: A 15-Minute City's Journey to Urban Sustainability

The Planet • 373 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Sustainability Urban planning Culture Architecture
  1. Paris has made significant progress in becoming a green and sustainable city.
  2. Paris is evolving into a 15-minute city where residents can easily access various amenities within a short distance.
  3. The concept of a 15-minute city prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over cars, which differs from traditional American urban design.

Romania is quietly doing great

Karlstack • 216 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Exploration Experiences Destinations
  1. Romania's rustic Transylvania is recommended over Bucharest, but the city's hidden truths are worth exploring.
  2. When in Bucharest, be wary of airport cab drivers and consider using Uber to avoid inconveniences.
  3. The city of Bucharest is described as a mix of communist remnants and capitalist aspirations, creating a unique urban landscape.

⬜ How we pack now

One Thing • 237 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Packing Aesthetic Influencer Accessories Cultural
  1. Travel packing is changing, now influenced by algorithmic recommendations and social media content like Pack With Me videos, promoting aspirational packing styles.
  2. There's a focus on aesthetic and product-driven packing, often influenced by influencer culture and capitalist ideals, encouraging excessive consumption and dissatisfaction with what one already owns.
  3. Travelers can still maintain personal style and practicality by using versatile items like zip-lock bags, colorful hard shell cases, accessorizing creatively, and opting for unique identification markers on luggage.

Omens

backstory • 193 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Cultural Exploration Memories Artifacts
  1. Discovering old items can evoke strong memories and emotions, connecting us to our past experiences and travels.
  2. Objects collected over time can create a tapestry of memories, serving as a personal museum of experiences and encounters.
  3. Each item found, no matter how seemingly ordinary, can carry a story or history that adds to the richness of our personal narratives.

The Streets of Sarajevo

Cosmographia • 1397 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The author shares a post about their experience in Sarajevo and traveling to Split, Croatia.
  2. Some places we visit are only brief stops in our journey, leaving us with memories of interesting backdrops.
  3. The post seems to be available for paid subscribers only, encouraging readers to subscribe for more content.

Interlude: On Tour, Part 1

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy • 1100 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Events Food Exploration Accommodation Sightseeing
  1. The author documents the timeline of a book launch, including travel, preparations, and the launch event.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and interactions during the book launch process, such as baking cakes and meeting with colleagues.
  3. The author expresses emotions and reflections related to the events of the book launch, including nerves during the lecture and excitement during the launch party.

Why is Albuquerque Interesting?

Why is this interesting? • 2232 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Food Nature Entertainment
  1. Albuquerque is a unique intersection of various strands of the American mythos.
  2. The layout of Albuquerque includes the North Valley, South Valley, Downtown, Old Town, Nob Hill, and Rio Grande.
  3. Explore local experiences in Albuquerque like New Mexican food, Sandia Peak Tramway, and the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team.

Data Dump: National Park visitation 2023

The Land Desk • 255 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🏝 Travel National parks
  1. National Park visitation in popular areas bounced back in 2023 after a temporary easing in 2022 due to high gas prices.
  2. Glen Canyon Recreation Area saw a huge surge with over 5 million visitors in 2023, breaking previous records.
  3. Utah's 'Big Five' national parks, like Zion and Arches, experienced fluctuations in visitation numbers with some implementing reservation systems.

I could live in Seoul

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 858 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Cuisine Nightlife Cultural Exchange
  1. The author fell in love with LP bars in Seoul, enjoying rock music from the '60s through '90s and experiencing the unique bar culture.
  2. Seoul LP bars offer a fun project of exploring different places, talking to owners, and understanding their passion for collecting music.
  3. Despite spending time in Seoul's LP bars, the author found insights that people admire US pop culture, something he already knew.