The hottest International travel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Travel Topics

The Drug Tourism Series: 3. Nine Mile, Jamaica [Photographs of Drug Related Places, Scenes & Cultures]

The Drug Users Bible • 19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Nine Mile, Jamaica is known for its connection to Bob Marley, and visiting his home and mausoleum can be an amazing experience.
  2. When visiting places associated with drugs, it's important to know the laws and stay safe, especially if using any substances.
  3. Jamaica offers more than just drug-related tourism; it's also a place to enjoy beautiful beaches and local culture.

I've tracked my last 800 flights. Here's when you really need to get to the airport.

Silver Bulletin • 848 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. You usually don’t need to arrive two hours early for domestic flights; one hour from the airport door to departure is often enough if you have expedited security, aren’t checking bags, and there are reasonable backup flights.
  2. Adjust arrival time to your situation: add buffers for a long or traffic-prone commute, big or unfamiliar airports, regular (not expedited) security, checked luggage, international check-in or preclearance, and holiday or bad-weather peaks.
  3. Decide how risk-averse to be by asking how many later flights are available and how bad missing this one would be; if it’s essential or there are few alternatives, add extra time, and consider TSA PreCheck/CLEAR to reduce wait-time variability.

Some final China thoughts, a short political rant, and my upcoming England walk

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1355 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Traveling to China is smoother and more rewarding than most people think. You can use a simple transit visa to explore major cities without much hassle.
  2. China wants visitors and the people are friendly and helpful. Tourists are a rare sight, making your experience feel special and engaging.
  3. Understanding China is key to grasping modern global dynamics. The country's unique political system offers a different perspective that is important to explore.

misc. thoughts from spain

Midnight Musings • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Language can change how we express feelings. For example, in Spanish, you say 'I have hunger' instead of 'I'm hungry', which shows a different way of thinking about sensations.
  2. The pace of life in Spain feels relaxed compared to the hustle in places like New York. They have slow mornings and enjoy long nights, making life feel more balanced.
  3. Life in Spain seems healthier without a focus on gyms or strict diets. People walk a lot, enjoy good food, and have strong social connections, which might contribute to their overall well-being.

The Travel Authorization Edition

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Starting in 2026, the EU will require most tourists to apply online for travel permission, similar to systems in the US and other countries.
  2. Visa-free travel has been a privilege for wealthy nations but is becoming more restrictive due to new travel authorization systems.
  3. The new ETIAS system may lead to easier traveler screening, making it simpler for authorities to deny access based on various factors.
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Culture Shock 2

Obvious Bicycle • 2564 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture International travel
  1. India is much dustier than the US, which makes photos look better in cleaner air. It's something people often mention, but it's really felt after living in a less dusty environment.
  2. Payment options in India, like UPI, are super flexible for various transactions, though Apple Pay can be more convenient because it doesn't require entering amounts or PINs.
  3. There's a lot of SMS spam in India, ranging from transaction confirmations to promotions. It's overwhelming and sometimes feels like you'll get a text for any little thing you do.

Walking Beijing

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 958 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Beijing and Shanghai are both shaped by the same government plans focused on modernization, making them feel very similar despite their differences.
  2. The city has transformed from old, chaotic neighborhoods to new, orderly structures, as the government aims for a future of wealth and progress.
  3. Walking in Beijing shows a stark contrast; the streets are wide and often empty, with public transport making it easier for people to avoid walking long distances.

Various things from a last week of travel

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1201 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Japan has public baths that provide a relaxing and restorative experience, perfect for easing travel stress. Many hotels offer them, and using them can really improve your mood.
  2. Collectibles like Pokémon items hold value based on the stories and emotional connections people have with them, which makes them comparable to financial markets. This highlights how both collectors and investors are motivated by myths and desires.
  3. Travel can be tiring and sometimes disappointing, but meeting new people and having unique experiences, like ferry rides, make the journey memorable despite the ups and downs.

Next Stop for S(ubstack)-Bahn

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 281 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Traveling to Japan and South Korea gave me a deeper understanding of their transit systems. I got to experience firsthand how these systems work and the improvements they've made over the years.
  2. Writing about transit has helped bring together my thoughts and experiences into a clearer perspective. It’s rewarding to see how my research connects with real-life situations.
  3. I'm looking for ways to collaborate with others on transit topics, and I'm also seeking an editor to improve my posts. I appreciate everyone who reads and supports my work!

Welcome to Kilamajuu

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Success shouldn't just be about how much you achieve or how many miles you run. It's more about feeling good and enjoying life.
  2. Listening and learning from others is important. Curiosity can lead to great insights and experiences.
  3. Collaboration and laughter make adventures more enjoyable. Healing and love should be at the center of your journey.

Jet Lag: A Fool-Proof Fix

Bet On It • 462 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Don't sleep on the plane. Staying awake helps you adjust to the new time zone more easily.
  2. Stay active when you arrive. Keeping busy until the evening helps you feel more awake and ready for bed.
  3. Eating dinner just before sleeping helps you crash and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Remote Stands, Bus Boarding, and Last-Minute Gates: A Tale of Two Airport Systems

Gad’s Newsletter • 41 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. European airports often use bus boarding and announce gates last minute. This helps them manage space better and serve more flights, but can confuse travelers used to U.S. airports.
  2. The system in Europe allows for flexibility and efficiency, especially when handling delays. It can mean faster boarding by using multiple doors, helping flights get back on schedule.
  3. In the U.S., airports prefer to use jet bridges and fixed gates, prioritizing passenger comfort. This leads to fewer bus boardings but can cause delays when gates are occupied.

A Traveler's Survival Guide to Bureaucracy Across Borders

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 122 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. Always be prepared with plenty of documents. Having extra papers and stamps can help you impress the officials you meet.
  2. Be assertive yet polite. It's important to show that you know what you need while also being respectful to those who can help you.
  3. Patience is key when dealing with bureaucracies. Things often take longer than expected, so bring a book or find ways to keep yourself occupied.

1963 revisited with French dressing

A Zoetic Message • 19 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. The story reflects on a family's journey to France in 1963 with unique experiences and cultural connections.
  2. Living on an Air Force base in France in the 60s provided a diverse and vibrant community for American airmen and their families.
  3. The significance of travel, family experiences, and historical context shape a personal narrative with insights on culture and values.

Travelling on Sept 11, 2001

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 13
🏝 Travel International travel
  1. The author's travel experience on September 11, 2001 was dramatically affected by the terrorist attacks, leading to unexpected disruptions and unprecedented experiences.
  2. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, the author witnessed the sense of solidarity and peace among people in the United States during that challenging time.
  3. The lasting impact of the author's journey is encapsulated in the entry stamp on their passport dated September 11, 2001, a poignant reminder of a significant moment in history.