The hottest Travel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Substack Reads: The business of air miles, Bowie’s favorite books, and cold compost

read • 16116 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💼 Business Travel Literature Science History Gardening
  1. Frequent-flier point programs were initially designed for occasional free flights, but evolved into turbo-charged schemes for travelers to earn points quickly.
  2. Weighing ingredients in cooking can make a big difference in recipes, especially in baked goods, where even small variations can impact the final texture and taste.
  3. During winter, composting slows down as decomposition rates decrease, signalling a time for compost piles to rest and wait for the warmer season for active decomposition.

Experimental hello

Patti Smith • 25492 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Family Travel
  1. The writer shares a message from the airport, mentioning the struggle of buying coffee without a credit card.
  2. The writer reflects on the upcoming family gathering and the significance of significant events for them.
  3. The post ends with a wish for the readers to have a great day while considering the challenges faced by others.
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Parma Return

Patti Smith • 13660 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature History Travel
  1. Patti Smith returned to Parma for a festival honoring Guiseppe Verdi and St. Francis.
  2. Loris Borghi, who previously presented an honorary doctorate to Patti Smith, passed away in 2018.
  3. Patti Smith's visit to Parma included exploring the town, sharing pictures, and a venue performance the next day.

The Mourning Moon

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4932 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Politics Art Travel Social Issues
  1. The Mourning Moon serves as a warning of impending dark days and the need to grieve losses and prepare for challenges.
  2. Cahokia, once a thriving city in ancient times along the Mississippi River, is now abandoned, with only earth mounds remaining as haunting reminders of its past.
  3. The heartbreaking reality of modern war and the power of grief, especially in the face of atrocities like the mass killing of children in Gaza, are difficult truths that are hard to reconcile but important to acknowledge.

The Monday Media Diet with Ruddy Aboab

Why is this interesting? • 1447 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Travel
  1. Ruddy Aboab, head of Fip Radio, shares his media diet, starting and ending his day with music and incorporating various sources like Fip radio, France info, and magazines.
  2. Ruddy's reading includes books like 'L’été des Charognes' and 'Nino dans la nuit' by Simon Johannin, showing his interest in raw, emotive writing.
  3. Ruddy's deep dive into freediving after watching a documentary led him to immerse himself in the world of apnea, competitions, and sea-related content online.

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

The Desk Digest, January 2024

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy • 1316 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Newsletter Food Writing Book Reviews Travel Photography
  1. The newsletter relaunch focuses on giving more time and space for essays and discussions about food nonfiction.
  2. The author aims to provide flexibility for subscribers to choose email frequency and plans to provide monthly updates on the newsletter's status.
  3. Recent content includes essays, book recommendations, and upcoming projects like a long-form book.

The Monday Media Diet with Geoff Rickly

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Literature Perfume Travel Books
  1. Geoff Rickly reads voraciously, including magazines, newsletters, and novels, with a preference for publications with a strong physical presence.
  2. Rickly recommends John Fosse's 'Septology' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on him as an artist, blending modern and eternal spirituality.
  3. Rickly fell into a deep rabbit hole exploring perfumes, starting from wanting to smell good to seeking unique and even repulsive scents, mentioning various indie perfume brands and his personal favorite, MeM by Antonio Gardoni.

Goodbye Cairo Dispatch, Hello Caravanserai

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 1139 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Personal Stories Experiences Creativity
  1. The newsletter has a new name and focus: Caravanserai, centered on personal stories and world cultures
  2. Caravanserai is inspired by the historical roadside inns along the Silk Road where travelers exchanged stories and experiences
  3. Readers can continue to enjoy personal tales and insights in this transformed publication

La Rentrée, Part 2

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 4933 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Restaurants Travel Shopping Recipes
  1. Brittany is a beautiful region known for its rocky coasts, dramatic weather, and delicious food like moules-frites and local hard apple cider.
  2. In Languedoc, you can enjoy a relaxing vacation with fresh seafood, warm beaches, and charming markets like the one in Olonzac.
  3. Exploring vide-greniers in the French countryside can lead to great finds, while enjoying delicious food at local restaurants can be a highlight of the trip.

October 2023 newsletter

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 4363 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cookbooks Travel Recipes Gardening
  1. The author missed writing the September newsletter but enjoyed taking a break in Sicily.
  2. In France, 'Non' doesn't mean being rude; it's about valuing personal time like vacation and work-life balance.
  3. When dining in France, tipping is not mandatory as service is included in the price, but leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated.

Post to the Host

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance Literature Travel Music History
  1. Fans share personal stories and experiences with Garrison Keillor, showing deep appreciation and connection with his work.
  2. Garrison Keillor responds to fan messages and comments with wit, humor, and humility, engaging with his audience in a friendly manner.
  3. Audience members express excitement, plans, and hopes for attending Garrison Keillor's upcoming shows, showcasing their anticipation and admiration.

The Monday Media Diet with Ahmed Al Omran

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Media Books Apps Travel Web Development
  1. Ahmed Al Omran shares his diverse media diet, including newspapers, RSS feeds, newsletters, podcasts, and social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
  2. Al Omran recommends 'Endel,' an AI-generated personalized soundscapes app, and expresses a preference for trains over planes due to the unpleasant aspects of flying.
  3. Japan is highlighted as a must-visit destination known for its attention to craftsmanship across various aspects of culture, providing unique experiences.

My Face is Mine

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Religion Travel Art History
  1. The concept of image rights and consent has been a concern since the early days of photography in 1838.
  2. Different cultures and religions have varying views on images; aniconism plays a significant role.
  3. Photography can evoke strong reactions based on territoriality and cultural norms, as seen in various encounters in different parts of the world.

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.

Wells and Bells

The Abbey of Misrule • 209 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Travel Religion Culture Literature
  1. The story introduces St Declan of Ardmore who was an influential figure in Ireland before even St Patrick's arrival, suggesting early Christian ties even to Egypt
  2. St Declan had a powerful presence in Ardmore, with his monastery becoming popular and attracting pilgrims
  3. The well associated with St Declan is a historic site where he baptised early Irish Christians, and is still a place of pilgrimage today

The Half-Finished House

The Abbey of Misrule • 260 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Travel Literature Fiction
  1. The coastal walk in Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, offers layers of history including industrial mines, revolutionary soldiers, and slave raids, showcasing the area's rich and varied past.
  2. Father O'Donnell's wellhouse, built with the intention of healing properties, remains unfinished due to a local complaint to the priest, halting the project and leaving it frozen in time a century later.
  3. The incomplete wellhouse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of peaceful times and the enduring presence of ruins along coastlines, highlighting the intertwined stories of ambition, social dynamics, and history.

Brittany Addresses

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 3007 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Travel Recipes Beverages Restaurants
  1. Brittany is a popular destination for its cool weather, coastline, beaches, and delicious food like seafood, crêpes, and pastries.
  2. Brittany is known for its sparkling apple cider, love of salted butter, and local specialty honeys.
  3. Reserve in advance when dining in Brittany, explore local beverages like cider and wines, and try the delicious salted butter available at markets.

Soundless

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 279 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Travel City life
  1. Living in a city means being surrounded by a constant cacophony of sounds, which can both be maddening and strangely comforting.
  2. Over time, distant sounds can fade into the background as your brain tunes them out to focus on specific noises.
  3. The noise of a city is like its heartbeat - a chaotic blend of various sounds that make up the urban symphony we experience daily.

CodeChella Madrid 2024

Scott's Substack • 746 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🚌 Education Workshop Training Event Learning Travel
  1. CodeChella Madrid 2024 is a four-day workshop in Madrid focused on diff in diff, featuring various speakers.
  2. The workshop aims to be fun, supportive, and educational, providing practical exercises and hands-on coding experience.
  3. Costs for attending are kept reasonable, with discounted rates for students and faculty, along with affordable hotel options.