The hottest Travel Substack posts right now

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The Saturday Selection, Vol. 91

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. A weekend reading roundup points to longform pieces across philosophy, fashion, music, personal memoir, and current events, meant for relaxed, thoughtful browsing.
  2. Resurfaced archival conversations and delayed personal stories show how past voices and memories keep resurfacing to teach and provoke reflection.
  3. Several items explore how individual choices ripple outward — from sustainable wardrobe and quitting addiction to tourist behavior that can disrupt public events.

Full Saturation

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 542 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Published far fewer but steadier pieces in 2025—about twenty posts—and plans to keep that pace in 2026, including one paywalled piece and at least one short story.
  2. Had several big creative wins: a standout viral article, the Historical Tech Tree project, fellowship pieces that led to print, and a short story that won 2nd place and a cash prize.
  3. Went through a major personal season—an end to a long relationship, then a new, intense romance—and came away feeling like life is more vivid, with deeper friendships, more travel, and new professional opportunities.

The Monday Media Diet with Chris Dalla Riva

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Chris enjoys reading print newspapers and magazines like The New York Times and The New Yorker, focusing on in-depth articles rather than just breaking news. He likes getting different perspectives on topics outside major news focuses.
  2. He values newsletters for their unique content, recommending ones that cover youth trends, numerical news, and online culture. This shows he appreciates fresh ideas and insights in addition to mainstream media.
  3. Exploring lesser-known places can be rewarding. Chris highlights Solothurn, Switzerland, as a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a refreshing change from popular tourist spots.

The Mourning Moon

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4932 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  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.

Year in review 2025

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 499 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. I have an urge to tell people I love them and that I was happy in case something happens to me.
  2. I don't actually think I'm about to die — this feeling isn't from a real threat.
  3. Traveling abroad, like a trip to Mexico, makes me a bit paranoid even though I know the odds are low.
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The Monday Media Diet with Dalya Benor

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Dalya enjoys reading a mix of newsletters and news articles, usually including notable sources like the NYT and WSJ. She likes to read books both in the morning and at night.
  2. One of her recommended books is Solvej Balle’s 'On the Calculation of Volume', which features a unique story of a woman reliving the same day. She appreciates the author's clean and engaging writing style.
  3. Dalya finds pleasure in discovering hidden gems while traveling, mentioning the Hunterian Museum in London as a must-visit, especially for its unique exhibits on surgery.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 90

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Watching football on television isn’t just more convenient—it’s often the only way to see the whole game and understand what’s happening on the field.
  2. Restaurants can use loss-leading deals like very cheap oysters to bring customers in, who then spend on drinks and other higher-margin items.
  3. Recent iOS updates are increasingly frustrating for users, highlighting how phone software changes can damage the everyday user experience.

I'm taking a mini-sabbatical and Unhinged Habits made me do it | #322

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 147 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Travel
  1. Build deliberate inefficiency into your life by running small, messy experiments. Even wasted time or money can teach you what you actually want and make you more effective.
  2. Use seasonal rhythms (like an 8:4 on/off model or shorter microseasons) to concentrate on big work during 'on' periods and focus on family, rest, or other priorities during 'off' periods. This prevents being stuck in perpetual maintenance and helps you finish meaningful projects.
  3. Be explicit about off-season maintenance tasks and clear priorities so you can truly step back and return refreshed. Acknowledge the tradeoffs and choose what to emphasize instead of trying to be excellent at everything at once.

La Rentrée, Part 2

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 4933 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Travel
  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.

Mr. Autumn Man, activated

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Traveling to places can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to catch up with friends and explore local shops and events. It's great to discover new books and enjoy the surroundings.
  2. Listening to music while driving can really enhance the experience. Whether it's a rainy night drive or a flight, the right tunes make everything feel more exciting.
  3. It's nice to find joy in simple things, like favorite teas, walks, and creative projects. Sharing and learning about good experiences can make everyday life better.

A path with a view

Austin Kleon • 3836 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Taking a trip to Disneyland can be fun, especially with cool rides and tasty snacks. It's a great place to enjoy beautiful landscaping, which might inspire visits to other gardens.
  2. Riding a bike, especially around interesting paths like the LA River Bike Path, can lead to spontaneous adventures and fun picnics at the beach. Enjoying nature while biking can be a refreshing experience.
  3. There are many new music releases that can be exciting to explore. Discovering unique albums can bring new joy, especially from artists that resonate well with your taste.

October 2023 newsletter

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 4363 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Travel
  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.

An Overstuffed Summer Bouquet of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Traveling can expose us to the beauty of different cultures and histories. It helps us appreciate the world while also reflecting on the struggles that exist within it.
  2. It's important to find joy and hope even in tough times. Balancing happy moments with the reality of current events can be challenging but necessary.
  3. Supporting public art and education is crucial. Many people are advocating for change and ways to help those in need, highlighting our ability to work together for good.

dialectical damage

bookbear express • 2339 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Relationships are essential in life, like clothes you can't avoid. The way we interact with others shapes our happiness.
  2. Different styles in relationships often clash. It's important to appreciate not just who someone is, but also how they handle situations.
  3. Love can be both beautiful and challenging. It brings change and growth, but also involves vulnerability and compromise.

The Weekend Press: Is Staying Married Taboo?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 440 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Divorce is now often framed as a triumphant path to self‑actualization, even though overall divorce rates have fallen, and saying you stayed in a marriage because it was worth saving can feel countercultural.
  2. Celebrity culture is producing glossy, sometimes unintentionally funny content — Meghan Markle’s holiday special was described as charmingly sloppy and emblematic of that trend.
  3. There’s a public debate about travel etiquette, with pushback against wearing slippers or pajamas in airports and a call from some writers to travel in a more polished, gentlemanly way.

Update: The Ultimate Summer Reading Book Report (Including Melody's Romance Corner)

Culture Study • 1756 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. This week’s podcast discusses how motherhood is often watched and surveilled through things like baby monitors and daycare cameras. It's a great listen, even for people who aren't parents.
  2. The writer took a vacation to the Greek Islands, where she had time to read a lot of books. She put together a reading list and shared her thoughts on the books she read.
  3. The post includes a section where her co-producer shares her favorite romance books, adding more variety to summer reading recommendations.

The Monday Media Diet with Chris Danton

Why is this interesting? • 1447 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Many people consume too much content and can benefit from focusing on what's truly valuable. Starting something like a newsletter can help channel that energy in a productive way.
  2. It's important to read and learn from a variety of sources outside your own interests. This helps you gain new perspectives and prevents you from getting stuck in a bubble.
  3. Travel offers amazing experiences and insights. Exploring lesser-known places can be just as rewarding as popular destinations.

April 2023 Newsletter

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 3714 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🍲 Food & Drink Travel
  1. Visiting San Francisco bakeries like Arsicault can be a rewarding experience for pastry lovers.
  2. Prioritizing family time during travel can lead to meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
  3. When traveling to places with potential strikes, it's essential to be flexible and plan accordingly to navigate transportation disruptions.

The Monday Media Diet with Emma Apple Chozick

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. A diverse media diet is important; it's beneficial to read and listen to content from various sources and topics. Exploring different perspectives helps you grow creatively and personally.
  2. Reading for fun is just as valuable as reading for work. Enjoying literature can lead to relaxation and new ideas, breaking away from the grind of constant productivity.
  3. Getting lost in rabbit holes of interest can lead to amazing discoveries. Following your curiosity might connect you with inspiring people and new opportunities.

Cameras, Cars, and Culture: Notes From a Brief China Visit

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. In Beijing, there are cameras everywhere. It's a bit unsettling to feel constantly watched by so many surveillance cameras on the streets.
  2. Electric cars are super common in China. Many cars have green license plates, showing that they are electric, and you can see a lot of brands on the road.
  3. People mainly use mobile payments for everything. It's hard to find places that accept cash or credit cards, making it seem like future payments could all happen through phones.

The Monday Media Diet with Joel Condemi

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Reading both physical books and magazines is very enjoyable and calming, especially on weekends as a way to unwind. It's good to pick interesting articles first rather than feeling obligated to read everything.
  2. Travel plays a big role in inspiration, with personal experiences and unique destinations enriching storytelling and creativity. Visiting special places like jazz bars can be very impactful.
  3. Social media can provide fresh ideas and inspiration, especially by following creatives in areas you love like photography and menswear. Sharing your own experiences online can connect you with like-minded people.

A Man Should Know: How to Travel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Keep travel civil: don't treat the airport like your living room and behave with courtesy toward others.
  2. Dress with a little respect — looking put-together can help you and others act more politely while traveling.
  3. Find a balance between comfort and common courtesy, and be willing to skip a trip if it's not worth the stress or hassle.

March 2023 newsletter

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 3164 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Living between two cultures can pose unique challenges, like mistaking products due to cultural differences.
  2. Living between cultures requires a shift in thinking and behavior, like adapting to different norms at airports.
  3. Embracing different cultures can lead to new experiences, like discovering new food options in Paris.

Non-Euclidean Churches

Reactionary Feminist • 15 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Athens layers ancient and modern architecture so densely that ruins, metro lines, and shops coexist, creating a living palimpsest of history.
  2. The encounter between Greek thought and early Christianity — epitomised by St Paul preaching on the Areopagus and conversions like Dionysius — is presented as a foundational moment for Western identity.
  3. Sacred places carry memory that bends perception, so small churches like Panagia Kapnikarea can feel much larger and more timeless inside than they appear outside.

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

Brittany Addresses

David Lebovitz Newsletter • 3007 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Travel
  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.

February Blues

The Contender • 1454 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. February can be a tough month for many people
  2. Self-improvement may sound good, but can be challenging in reality
  3. Taking time for personal reset and relaxation is important, especially during demanding times

Things Worth Remembering: A Chinese Poem on a Greyhound Bus

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1187 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Traveling can be tough, especially on long bus rides, but it offers a unique view of the country. Seeing the landscape change outside can make the journey more enjoyable.
  2. Memories and poetry can provide comfort during tough times. Having something meaningful in your mind can be a source of support when needed.
  3. Life's challenges can be tough, but there’s a desire for change and better living conditions. Sometimes, getting away is necessary to find some peace and stability.

54 Observations about Mexico

Kvetch • 168 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Mexico is deeply hierarchical and classed, so family ties, ethnic networks, and social rank strongly shape who gets opportunity and wealth.
  2. State capacity is uneven and many public goods are privatized or outsourced, which creates gated wealth, corruption, cartel influence, and wildly variable service quality.
  3. Despite dysfunction there is vibrant culture and real entrepreneurial space — great music, food, and tourism opportunities coexist with low social trust and everyday chaos.

Backcountry Coffee n' Donuts

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Finding old objects in nature, like the donut insulator, can remind us of the people who built things in the wilderness. It's interesting to think about their challenges and dreams.
  2. Many trails in the mountains were created by miners and builders long ago, showing how humans have changed the landscape. These paths help modern hikers enjoy nature today.
  3. Nature has a way of recovering even after human impact. This is a hopeful reminder that the forest can bounce back despite our past actions.

The Monday Media Diet with Jasmine Sun

Why is this interesting? • 4222 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. A varied media diet is important. It's good to consume information from different sources instead of just what algorithms choose for you.
  2. Books can offer deep insights. Reading across genres, like fiction and nonfiction, can help understand complex societal issues better.
  3. Curiosity about subcultures can spark creativity. Exploring unique groups and ideas can inspire new perspectives and work.

FLORIDA, LOVELY FLORIDA

Entering The Lung • 2633 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Florida is a diverse state with incredible people, not just stereotypes.
  2. Support organizations in Florida that are working for positive change.
  3. Reflect on your biases and reconsider your views on people in your own community.

The Monday Media Diet with Caroline McKay

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. It's important to listen to your instincts, especially when it comes to personal safety. The book 'The Gift of Fear' teaches how being aware of subtle cues can help you avoid danger.
  2. Travel should be personal and challenging. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to the most memorable experiences and new perspectives.
  3. Reading is a mix of fun and learning. Choosing books that are entertaining yet insightful can bring joy and comfort to your life.

Looking Back at 2024

The Asianometry Newsletter • 3637 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Travel
  1. The channel enjoyed a lot of growth in 2024, hitting impressive milestones with over 100 million lifetime views. It's amazing to think so many people watched the videos.
  2. Some favorite videos included stories about Nisei interpreters and Texas Instruments, which are rich in history and technology. These stories really resonate and are fun to tell.
  3. There are plans for 2025 to explore a mix of semiconductor topics and new themes to keep things fresh and engaging. It's all about balancing work and passion.

Eloise's Legacy

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 2614 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The reason for the trip was afternoon tea at The Plaza - inspired by the iconic picture book "Eloise."
  2. Eloise represents a girl who has adventurous experiences that are often reserved for boys in children's books.
  3. The Plaza's Eloise branding has evolved into an American Girl dolls-Barbie fusion, catering to a different idea of American girlhood.

The stone walls of Ireland and human insight

The Leap • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The stone walls of Ireland reflect human creativity and resilience. They show how people adapt and use local materials to build something lasting.
  2. The idea of spontaneous human insight is important. Sometimes, communities naturally find solutions to problems without needing a formal process.
  3. Traveling can offer new perspectives. Exploring different places, like the hills of Ireland, can inspire deep thoughts and insights about life.

What Makes Europe Better than America?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1558 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. In Europe, there is a strong focus on community health and shared resources, while in the U.S., the emphasis is more on individual freedom and material wealth.
  2. The experience of eating in a local café in Europe can feel more uplifting and enriching compared to eating in a corporate setting in America.
  3. Aesthetics and the atmosphere of a place can make a big difference in how we feel about our experiences, even when the actual food is similar.

The Desk Digest, January 2024

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy • 1316 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  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.