The hottest Travel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

5 Weekend Reads: 21 January 2024

Londonist: Time Machine • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The storming of Centre Point by over 100 protesters marked a significant event in London history, bringing attention to the issue of empty skyscrapers.
  2. Londoners were once amazed by the sight of gulls, showcasing how perspectives on wildlife can change over time.
  3. The post offers insights into London's history, making it an interesting read for fans of the city's past.

Vol. 1, Issue 13 - A Pokémon fan in Japan: Vectrex

Johto Times • 119 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. A Pokémon card shop in Japan is only selling new cards to older kids and adults to prevent reselling and help younger fans buy them. This is a nice move to keep the game fun for kids.
  2. A Pokémon fan named Vectrex shares his cool Pokémon finds from Japan, showing off lots of unique Pokémon merchandise. His discoveries include plushies, game consoles, and even themed food.
  3. In Japan, there are various themed places and items related to Pokémon, like a bus featuring their characters for tourists. It's exciting to see how integrated Pokémon is in Japanese culture.

Agony Liz

Lizzie Wrote This • 58 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Travel
  1. Read recipes all the way through before starting to cook to avoid mistakes
  2. In cooking to impress, focus on simple dishes that you can make well or embrace a disaster as a funny story
  3. Make the most of seasonal mushrooms by exploring different recipes and cooking styles

My Face is Mine

backstory • 242 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  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.
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VFYW: Repelling The Persians

The Weekly Dish • 38 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. This week, many guess the location is Greece based on the vegetation and building styles seen in the photo.
  2. Some sleuths enjoyed learning about local history and attractions while making their guess, like the Statue of Liberty experience.
  3. People are engaged with the contest, sharing their thoughts and personal stories alongside their guesses, which adds a fun community aspect.

VFYW: Long Live The Queenies!

The Weekly Dish • 31 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The contest encourages creativity and community involvement, allowing participants to share their submissions and experiences.
  2. Reviewing the clues and previous winners' insights can improve guessing strategies for future contests.
  3. Understanding geographical hints, like license plates and flags, can help identify locations accurately.

Vol. 1, Issue 26 - Interview with The Grand PokéTour

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Alex is exploring real-world locations that inspired the Kanto and Johto regions from Pokémon. He finds it amazing to connect these places with his childhood memories of the games.
  2. Traveling around Japan to visit these Pokémon-inspired sites is not easy. Alex plans his trips carefully, considering safety, local culture, and the logistics of getting to these sometimes remote locations.
  3. He believes understanding the history and culture of the places he visits enhances the Pokémon experience. It helps fans feel more connected to the lore of the games.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 25

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. New Zealand limits airport hugs to three minutes to help everyone have a turn. This makes sure the area isn't too crowded for others waiting to embrace loved ones.
  2. Many famous inventions were created by accident, like the tea bag and the Post-it note. This shows how sometimes mistakes can lead to great discoveries.
  3. Some people are using AI to create voices of famous people like Marques Brownlee to sell products without his permission. He is not pleased about this trend.

WHAT?!? A non-disposable disposable camera???

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. There are new cameras called non-disposable disposable cameras. They let you take film photos without throwing the camera away after use.
  2. Using these cameras makes you appreciate the moments you capture. It feels special to wait for the photos to develop.
  3. The Harman EZ35 is a good beginner's camera that's cheap and easy to use. It allows for casual photography without feeling overwhelming.

Story Thirty-Three

Stories From The Rail • 179 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Mentors can have a profound impact on younger individuals, inspiring and teaching them valuable life lessons.
  2. Sometimes, individuals can defy societal norms and expectations in a way that is both empowering and impactful.
  3. Age can bring a sense of freedom to be oneself without the fear of judgment, allowing for a unique sense of liberation.

The Cooper's Hill Cheese Race

Shore Leave • 39 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The Cooper's Hill Cheese Race is more about the thrill of the race than the cheese itself. People come together to run down a steep hill and enjoy the excitement of it.
  2. The event gathers a diverse crowd, including many tourists who are drawn to the uniqueness of the race. The atmosphere becomes lively and filled with fun as participants prepare for the challenge.
  3. Despite the lighthearted nature of the race, injuries can and do happen. The chaotic energy of the event, along with its silly premise, creates a memorable and exhilarating experience for everyone involved.

Wells and Bells

The Abbey of Misrule • 209 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Travel
  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

Adventure Athlete or Street Performer?

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Running can feel like a performance, where making people smile is just as important as the run itself. It's fun to think of each place you visit as a stop on your own adventure tour.
  2. Having a purpose, like raising money for charity, can make your activities feel more meaningful. It helps you stay motivated and connected to what you're doing.
  3. Life can be full of surprises and connections, like meeting new people or sharing experiences that remind you of childhood. These moments can brighten your day and lead to new adventures.

Hustle Week

Play Permissionless • 99 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
💼 Business Travel
  1. Meeting business partners in person can lead to increased productivity and better collaboration.
  2. Working together in person for a short period can bring clarity and alignment to business goals.
  3. Dedicating focused days to different aspects of business, like client acquisition and retention, can lead to immediate results and progress.

The First Road Trip

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
📚 Literature Travel
  1. Taking a long car trip can be stressful but also a chance for special memories. It's all about managing the chaos and making the best of the journey.
  2. Family homes hold a lot of sentimental value, and saying goodbye can bring up deep feelings. It’s tough to let go of places that hold childhood memories.
  3. Being a mom means constantly trying to prove you're doing well, even when things get chaotic. It’s important to cherish moments with family, despite the challenges.

Ayahuasca, Healing Culture, and the Crisis of Meaning

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Western visitors romanticize jungle isolation while locals often want connection to modern life, which shows a real tension in globalization.
  2. People expect private inner breakthroughs at ayahuasca retreats, but most report visions about family and say the shared bonding (communitas) with others is the most transformative part.
  3. Mental health and healing are collective issues tied to community, work conditions, and the environment, so real wellbeing requires social and ecological changes as well as personal care.

VFYW: A Surprising Place For Surfers

The Weekly Dish • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Surfers can be found in surprising places that aren't by the ocean. It's a reminder that passions can exist far from their usual locations.
  2. Many contributions from a community can highlight unique perspectives, especially through photography and insights during contests.
  3. Public art can be found in unexpected places, like airports, enhancing the travel experience and connecting communities.

VFYW: A Bush-League View

The Weekly Dish • 24 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. People really enjoy participating in contests and feel proud of their achievements over the years. Winning feels special and brings a sense of community.
  2. Views of nature and home are cherished experiences. People love sharing their beautiful surroundings and memories connected to those places.
  3. Wildfires have had a big impact on people's lives and homes, prompting stories of loss and resilience. Documenting these experiences helps keep the memory alive.

VFYW: A Tough Egg To Crack

The Weekly Dish • 20 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The contest involved participants guessing locations based on photos of views. They had to analyze details like language and signs.
  2. Sleuths used creative clues from the images to narrow down countries, like noticing the word 'apartman' indicates it might be in a region where Slavic languages are spoken.
  3. Each week brings new challenges, making participants rely on knowledge from previous experiences to figure out the correct location.

3 Cool Paramount+ Originals I Saw While Flying Delta 

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Flight streaming on Delta Airlines offers a unique way to watch limited but interesting TV shows and movies.
  2. Delta Airlines' partnership with Paramount Plus brings exclusive shows like 'Pink Ladies' and 'Star Trek Prodigy' to passengers.
  3. Shows like 'School Spirits' stand out as must-watch options with emotional depth and strong storytelling.

Podcast Episode + Other Stuff

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 4 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Travel
  1. Posting is paused for about two weeks because of master’s exams and family commitments for a birthday.
  2. A previous piece was translated and expanded for Revista Supernova so Spanish readers can read a version with new material.
  3. A Millennial Dream podcast episode features a conversation about starting on Substack, Argentina’s economic history and politics, digital nomads, and urban topics like walkability and transit.

VFYW: A Pyramid Theme

The Weekly Dish • 21 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The contest this week focuses on a location with a pyramid theme, suggesting a fun and challenging guessing game for participants.
  2. There are personal stories shared from previous contest participants, highlighting their emotional connections to past memories and experiences.
  3. The post encourages submissions from readers for upcoming contests, promoting community engagement and interaction.

VFYW: Wasted Away

The Weekly Dish • 26 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. There was no winner for the last contest, which is unusual. It shows how challenging the contest can be for participants.
  2. A lot of subscribers are engaging with the content, with new subscriptions stemming from interesting shared stories. This highlights the community's fascination with the entries.
  3. This week’s contest is easier than the last, making it more accessible for everyone to guess. Participants are already sharing their thoughts on the photo, creating excitement.

I Will Probably Never Date Taylor Swift

Integrity Talk • 165 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Encountering unusual situations often comes with engaging in various activities.
  2. Predictions on dating scenarios can vary, with factors like past history and future choices coming into play.
  3. Extraordinary lives come with more opportunities and constraints in dating, highlighting the complexities of finding a life partner.

After Funeral Luncheons

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Travel
  1. The author expresses a desire to escape a society they perceive as sick and exhausting, seeking a simpler life in a tranquil village to focus on art and history.
  2. They outline a plan to move to Sutton-cum-Lound, the ancestral home, offering to work as an artist and historian for room and board, expressing gratitude and commitment to the village.
  3. The author aims to trade the complexities of modern life for a quieter existence, willing to contribute their skills and embrace a slower pace in exchange for support from the community.

VFYW: 'What's With The Funi Business?'

The Weekly Dish • 43 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. This week features a funicular view, which is a unique twist on the usual window submissions. It shows how creative participants can get with their photos.
  2. Participants noticed various clues in the photo, like signage and architecture, to guess the location. It's fun how they piece together hints from the image.
  3. There was a lively discussion about whether certain types of views follow the contest rules or not. It highlights how engaged and enthusiastic the community is about the contest.

Walk This Way

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. Animals move in different ways, like marmots and chipmunks scurrying quickly, while bears just stroll. Observing these movements can make us appreciate the natural world.
  2. Walking slowly and enjoying our surroundings, like with the Italian concept of struscio, helps us take in details and connect with our environment and others.
  3. Exploring a city by strolling can reveal hidden details and experiences. It's a great way to learn about new places or rediscover familiar ones.

VFYW: A Game Of Horse

The Weekly Dish • 14 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. The contest involves solving clues to identify a tourist spot that has a mix of beauty and a troubling history. It's like a fun puzzle for everyone to figure out together.
  2. There are personal stories and recommendations shared by participants, adding a sense of community and encouragement among readers. This makes the experience more interactive and engaging.
  3. The discussions often highlight interesting facts about places and cultures, enriching the understanding of locations beyond just their tourist appeal. It's a learning journey wrapped in a game.

Is This the End of Low-Cost Airlines in the U.S.?

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Travel
  1. Low-cost airlines in the U.S. are struggling due to rising costs and operational challenges. These airlines have smaller profit margins, making it hard to survive when problems arise.
  2. Successful low-cost carriers like Frontier and Southwest are adapting by adding premium options and changing their services. They’re evolving to meet customer demands while trying to keep their budget-friendly roots.
  3. In Europe, low-cost airlines are doing well thanks to higher population densities and a culture that accepts budget travel. This shows how different markets can impact the success of low-cost airline models.

50. Inspiration needs no boundaries!

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Travel
  1. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and it has no limits. It's important to embrace new ideas and experiences to grow.
  2. Preventive medicine is key to living a long and healthy life. Taking care of our health today helps us avoid problems in the future.
  3. Traveling broadens our horizons. Experiencing new cultures and places teaches us valuable lessons and ignites our curiosity.

2023 Reflections

@MacBrennan’s Investor Updates • 19 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Travel
  1. 2023 was about conviction, investment, and hard work to set the foundation for future growth
  2. Launches like mrgnlend, LST, and mrgn points were key accomplishments in innovation and growth
  3. Prioritizing mental and physical health, investing in knowledge, and more travel with friends are personal goals for 2024

VFYW: Everyone's A Winner

The Weekly Dish • 18 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. In the latest contest, nobody won a prize, which is unusual. It shows that sometimes the competition can be really tough.
  2. Participants shared their experiences with travels and skiing, highlighting fun family times. It's great to see how hobbies bring people closer together.
  3. Many entries included clever guesses about the photo's location, showcasing the engaging nature of the contest. It's cool how people can connect over their insights and knowledge.

Essay: TikTok's Eurocore Summer

Kyle Chayka Industries • 135 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Travel
  1. TikTok has popularized the Eurocore trend, emphasizing a Mediterranean aesthetic.
  2. Eurocore is about a mood and lifestyle, not just physical European destinations.
  3. Engaging in Eurocore on TikTok offers a digital escape and virtual experience of Europe.