GoNOMAD Travel Podcast (Voyascape Media)

Join travel writer Aysia Reed as she explores Porto Santo, a hidden gem in the Madeira archipelago known for its unique psamotherapy treatment. This therapy involves being buried up to your neck in mineral-rich sand, providing incredible health benefits for those seeking relief from inflammation and stress. With beautiful beaches, natural pools, and a tranquil environment, Porto Santo is a perfect escape for wellness enthusiasts. The island also boasts a unique wine made from the rare Caracol grape, adding to its allure for food and drink lovers. Don't forget to also visit Madeira, where you can indulge in the region's famous wines and breathtaking landscapes.

Madiera is famous for its 600-year wine-exporting tradition, Porto Santo is a smaller island in the same Atlantic archipelago. On Madiera, there are many chances to taste their prized wines and take jeep tours in the countryside. Find out more on GoNOMAD.com

https://www.gonomad.com/181067-porto-santo-relaxing-island

Asia Reid invites listeners to explore the enchanting island of Porto Santo, a tranquil retreat nestled within the Madeira archipelago. Often overlooked in favor of its more popular sister island, Madeira, Porto Santo beckons with its golden beaches and therapeutic wonders. The episode paints a vivid picture of this idyllic destination, highlighting its calm atmosphere, perfect for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Reid shares insights into the island’s unique charm, emphasizing its appeal to travelers who wish to escape the bustling tourist hotspots of Europe.

A significant focus of the episode is on psamotherapy, a traditional treatment that utilizes the island's mineral-laden sands for health benefits. Reid explains how visitors can experience this ancient practice, which involves being buried in warm sand to allow the minerals to work their magic on the body. The discussion delves into the science behind the therapy, discussing its potential to relieve conditions like arthritis and inflammation. This captivating aspect of Porto Santo offers a compelling reason for travelers to venture off the beaten path and engage with local wellness traditions.

The podcast further explores Madeira’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its famous wine-making tradition that spans over 600 years. Reid encourages listeners to indulge in the unique flavors of the Caracol grape, which is exclusively cultivated on Porto Santo, though processed on Madeira. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to discover the exquisite landscapes and culinary experiences that await in this remarkable destination. For those in search of a serene getaway that combines natural beauty with rich cultural experiences, Porto Santo is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Takeaways:

• Porto Santo, a hidden gem in the Madeira archipelago, offers stunning beaches and unique therapy.
• Visitors can experience psamotherapy, a treatment where you're buried in mineral-rich sand.
• The island's natural pools provide a relaxing alternative to the open sea for healing.
• Madeira is known for its rich wine culture, with a history of over 600 years.
• Porto Santo's unique Caracol grape offers a distinct wine experience for travelers.
• Don't miss the lush gardens and rich history of Madeira while visiting Porto Santo.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.gonomad.com/181067-porto-santo-relaxing-island

Today, Beth Reiber shares her story of visiting a remote eco-lodge in the vast jungle along the Amazon river in Colombia.  Water levels are low and there is fear that the jungle's diversity of plants, insects, and animals is threatened. Read more here https://www.gonomad.com/213952-colombias-fantastic-and-wild-amazon

Private rail cars harken back to the days of the robber barons. But with America's Trains, you can rent a private rail car that gets towed behind an Amtrak train.  <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/1659-americas-trains-offer-luxury-train-travel">

Overtourism has become a pressing issue for popular destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain, which welcomed 17 million visitors in 2023 alone. As the influx of travelers overwhelms local resources, residents feel the strain, with soaring housing prices and stagnant wages exacerbating the problem. Protests in various Spanish cities last summer highlighted the locals' frustrations with the tourists and the lack of affordable rentals during the peak season.

The episode explores the stark income disparity between wealthy visitors and lower-paid locals, and the impact of vacation rentals on the community. Solutions such as raising wages, increasing housing availability, and imposing stricter regulations on short-term rentals are discussed as potential ways to address the challenges posed by over-tourism. Plus an interview with a local tourism guide named Marise from Palma. who faces challenges from locals frequently.

Mallorca, a stunning Mediterranean island, has become a focal point for conversations around overtourism, particularly following a significant influx of visitors in recent years. With 17 million tourists arriving in Palma alone in 2023, the local population feels the strain. One solution is cutting cruise ships down to three landings per day.

The conversation sheds light on the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices that protect the cultural integrity of destinations and ensure the well-being of local communities.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Airbnb
• VRBO

In Hortobágy, eastern Hungary the Csikos, or Hungarian Cowboys, have been riding the range and performing tricks with horses for thousands of years. Meet the cowboys of Hungary today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Despite a nearly unanimous array of worldwide sanctions and restrictions on travel, people do still visit Russia in 2023. James Pearce wrote about visiting St. Petersburg in early 2023 and the other aspects of travel to a spurned nation that is still the world's largest country. Read more

https://www.gonomad.com/215818-russia-visiting-in-2023

Take a 12-day transatlantic trip on the 596-foot-long Silverseas Dawn luxury ship. GoNOMAD Senior Writer Tab Hauser's article shares the stories of life at sea, the 8 restaurants, and more. To read the story on GoNOMAD. https://www.gonomad.com/217810-going-transatlantic-on-the-silversea-dawn

The newest airport terminal in the United States opened in February 2023 with the Kansas City International Airport, replacing three ugly buildings with one gigantic terminal with 40 gates and a host of people-friendly amenities.

Mystery Trips are a new way to travel. You sign up and have no idea where the bus will go, it's a complete mystery to everyone on the coach. Read the story here <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/202028-mystery-trips-going-no-one-knows-where">

There's something about this remote island located off the coast of New Brunswick Canada that makes locals fall in love with it. A real fishing island full of lobstermen and old cod and herring fishing shacks, and it was the summer home of author Willa Cather. Read more about wonderful Grand Manan on GoNOMAD. https://www.gonomad.com/70094-grand-manan-the-queen-of-the-bay-of-fundy

Cunard is the storied cruise line that goes back 180 years. Their newest ocean liner, the Queen Anne, will bring a new level of comfort and luxury to this popular cruise line. Get a peek at the the new ship today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Gaspe Peninsula, also known as Gaspesie, is a fantastic and out-of-the-way destination in Quebec Canada. Find out what's there.

Take a trip to some of the best military museums in the U.S. at the service academies and Washington DC with GoNOMAD Senior Writer Rich Grant.

Today on GoNOMAD, veteran travel writer Ginger Warder takes a short trip to a fascinating part of South Carolina, The Santee Cooper region. She stayed in some octagonal-shaped cabins, met a friendly armadillo, and then cast her line with one of the only female fishing charter captains, nicknamed Mouse, to fish for catfish sleeping beneath the murky depths. Ginger recalls the local history with the tale of the famous Swamp Fox who was one of the first guerrilla fighters of the Revolutionary War, who captured a British fort with his clever local militia. Read the story <a href=" https://www.gonomad.com/200999-santee-cooper-country-south-carolina">

Oman is green and different from most of the other nearby nations. Find out why today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

There is just something about the mountaintop town of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas Mexico that draws people in, many come and never want to leave. Find out about the town with the laid-back spiritual vibe in Mexico's far south, today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. 

Read the full story here. https://www.gonomad.com/215298-san-cristobal-de-las-casas-might-change-life

The Kinmen Islands are part of Taiwan, but they are located just a few kilometers off the coast of mainland China. Find out what makes these islands worth visiting and meet the Wind Lions who guard the windy archipelago. 

Muscle Shoals is famous for the sounds that came from the two legendary recording studios there, the region of North Alabama is also home to Helen Keller's birthplace, WC Handy's home museum, and a stunning house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Visit Northern Alabama today on GoNOMAD!

Massachusetts has two capes, and Cape Ann is made up of Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Find out what Motif #1 is and where you can get whole belly fried clams in this lovely part of Massachusetts today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

The island of Iceland is crazy for the unique flavor or licorice because for decades it was the only sweet imported to the island. Take a tasty tour of the many places you'll find licorice in coffee, ice cream and in baked treats in Iceland. Read more https://www.gonomad.com/215440-six-places-in-reykjavik-about-licorice

Every year we pick our ten best stories of the year, here is our annual compilation with details about each winner and its author. 

What do Cubans think of how their country is run? Jamey Melcher visited Cuba in Dec 2022 and found people who were unhappy and trying to leave. 

Every year, we publish more than 300 full-length travel stories, with more than 200 different writers submitting their travel articles worldwide. We picked the top ten stories for 2023 based on the length of time reading and other factors. Read more and see the stories here https://www.gonomad.com/229387-best-travel-stories-of-2023

The modern world is full of gigantic megaprojects that many people have never even heard of. In this episode, we take a look at some of the biggest construction projects both completed and ones that are still being built.

In southern Spain's Andalucia province, there is a fantastic walking experience like no other. It's the Caminito del Rey, where you hike along a suspended walkway on the sides of a cliff with a 100-meter drop down into a ravine with a rushing river. 

Coastal Mississippi has 42 miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico at the bottom of the state. We visited the area between Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula and went shrimping, rode an airport, slurped oysters, and found one of the world's largest model train sets. Read more about it on GoNOMAD Travel

There is something about Bend, Oregon that draws so many retirees, tourists, and skiers.  Learn about what makes this central Oregon city so special, today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Chicago, America's Second City, is a fantastic city for a short break. We flew out at a moment's notice to enjoy the famous deep dish pizza, the Architecture tour by boat and comedy in Old Town. Come along for a fun weekend in Chi-town, today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Oktoberfest starts in Germany at the end of September. Here are five cities where you can enjoy the beer and fun.

Community-based tourism is transforming the travel landscape in Ecuador, offering unique opportunities for cultural immersion while empowering local communities. Travel writer Sarah Arksey engages with Santiago Granda, Ecuador's Vice Minister of Tourism, to explore how this initiative eliminates middlemen, allowing locals to directly benefit from tourism.

With a rich diversity of landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, visitors can connect with indigenous cultures and partake in authentic experiences. The rise of community-based tourism, especially since the 1990s, showcases how local populations have adapted to create sustainable income sources while preserving their heritage. It all began with an earthquake in the 1990s when many tourists were stranded and asked locals to let them stay in their homes. It grew.

Tune in to discover how ethical tourism practices are paving the way for a healthier future for both the communities and the environment in Ecuador.

Unlike traditional tourism, which often leads to a substantial loss of profits for local communities—up to 70% according to a 2014 UN report—community-based tourism ensures that the economic benefits flow directly into the hands of those who preserve and share their cultural heritage. This initiative not only fosters economic independence but also promotes sustainable practices that protect the environment and local customs.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.gonomad.com/237232-community-based-tourism-ecuador

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• La Salva
• Minga
• Sacha Lodge

Donnie Sexton traveled to frigid Fairbanks, Alaska with one goal. To photograph the elusive Aurora Borealis, the famous light show that appears at random times and often after a long wait. Read the story here <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/199474-fairbanks-alaska-patiently-chasing-aurora">

Penang, Malaysia, is a small island located in the north of peninsula Malaysia; it is a relaxing and fun destination for holidays, with George Town being the capital. Penang is like Malaysia, a combination of Chinese, Malay and Indian citizens that blend to form a unique culture.

The narrative unfolds as Chin Liang, a GoNOMAD senior writer, guides us through his home, the island of Penang, Malaysia, a locale that, despite its small size, boasts an impressive array of cultural and natural riches.

He emphasizes the necessity of allocating a minimum of three days to fully appreciate the myriad experiences that Penang presents. The capital, George Town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, with its well-preserved pre-war architecture reflecting a confluence of Malay, Chinese, and Hindu influences, all intertwined with British colonial charm.

The vibrant street art, including the iconic mural 'Children on a Bicycle' by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zakovobek, serves as a testament to the island’s artistic spirit, where every alley and street corner narrates a story steeped in history.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Penang National Park, a compact yet ecologically diverse area that features two distinct trails leading to Monkey Beach and a unique meromictic lake. The latter, with its stratified water layers, presents a rare ecological phenomenon.

Visitors can take guided tours at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary, which fosters awareness about marine conservation. Chin also extols the virtues of Penang Hill, accessible via a swift funicular ride, or for the more adventurous, a scenic hike along the Heritage Trail, where one may encounter diverse wildlife, including flying lemurs and various avian species.

Culinary exploration is an intrinsic aspect of any sojourn in Penang. From the celebrated Assam Laksa to the rich and tangy Kari Kapitan, the dishes are emblematic of the Peranakan culture born from the intermingling of Chinese immigrants and local Malays.

The local food scene is punctuated by several Michelin-starred establishments, ensuring that gastronomes will find themselves in a culinary paradise.

Read more about Penang on GoNOMAD.com. https://www.gonomad.com/226551-thaipusam-festival-in-penang-malaysia

Underwater hotels: A round-up of hotels you can visit where you sleep underwater, including the Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo Florida, The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland in China, the Manta Resort on Pemba Island Tanzania, The Muraka Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and others. Some require SCUBA gear and others don't require a swim to visit. Episode based on a story in Conde Nast Traveler by Caitlin Morton and Noah Kaufman.

Jersey and Guernsey are the two main Channel Islands, between England and France, but they are both independent nations. Find out what to do and some of the history of the Island of Jersey, today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Read more https://www.gonomad.com/207737-jersey-saint-malo-france

A new airline called Invivo Air offers guests a chance to taste 8 wines while flying from Auckland to Queenstown New Zealand. What does wine taste like at 33,000 feet? Find out all about spirits in the air on this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Where are the hottest destinations and trends for 2023? GoNOMAD Editor Max Hartshorne makes bold predictions for the year in travel.

The most significant development in New York City in 2025 is the implementation of the congestion pricing scheme, which has resulted in a remarkable reduction of 26,000 vehicles per day in Manhattan, thereby halving the accident rate in the area.

This transformative initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing urban mobility and safety. In addition to the congestion tax, the city has witnessed an expansion of iconic venues such as the High Line, the popular walking path, which is now extended to connect with the Moynihan Train Hall, and the introduction of new electric ferries that align with sustainability goals.

Furthermore, the theatrical landscape remains vibrant, featuring productions like "MJ the Musical" and the latest Harry Potter play, which continue to draw enthusiastic audiences.

Read more at

https://www.gonomad.com/254089-new-york-city-in-2025

The evolution of New York City in 2025 is marked by significant transformations in urban planning and transportation, epitomized by the introduction of congestion pricing. This innovative policy has notably diminished vehicular traffic by 26,000 vehicles daily, thereby halving the accident rate, which speaks to the city's commitment to enhancing public safety and reducing congestion.

As we traverse Manhattan, it becomes clear that the streets feel less cacophonous, providing a more pedestrian-friendly environment. This transition reflects a broader movement towards sustainability, with various initiatives, including the expansion of bike lanes and the introduction of electric ferries, working in tandem to foster a greener urban ecosystem.

The modernized Moynihan Train Hall stands as a testament to the city's architectural renaissance, offering travelers an inviting and luminous gateway to the heart of New York.

Takeaways:

• In 2025, New York City's congestion pricing has successfully reduced vehicular traffic by 26,000 daily, significantly enhancing urban mobility.
• The implementation of electric ferries and expanded bike lanes demonstrates the city's commitment to sustainable transportation initiatives.
• The recent extension of the High Line now connects to the Moynihan Train Hall, providing a seamless transit experience for pedestrians.
• Broadway continues to thrive in 2025, showcasing remarkable productions such as MJ the Musical and the latest Harry Potter play, attracting large audiences.
• New York City's public transportation has been modernized with contactless payment options, revolutionizing the convenience of riding the subway.
• The Museum of Modern Art has unveiled a $450 million expansion, emphasizing its dedication to digital art and immersive experiences for visitors.

Travel Expert Ramsey Qubein is on the road 95% of his life and so far he's been to 166 countries. He has great advice on saving money and other travel tips in this short interview.

Ever wondered about all of the little soap bars left in hotels after just one or two uses? So did we. What we discovered from the Hustle Newsletter was a very creative thinker named Shawn Seipler, who saw the need and ended up helping the world. .  <a "https://cleantheworld.org/about-us/about-us-overview/">p

In the first of our 4-part series from the Island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean, we visit Aubocassa, where olive oil is made in a new, artisanal way that's also sustainable. Meet Tiffany Blackman, who shares insights into Spain's top crop and what they do differently. Find out more at www.aubucassa.com

Disney's animated 2021 movie, 'Encanto' relied heavily on the magical realism of Colombia for inspiration. Today we go to the places the movie's creators visited that helped shape the popular movie's look and plot. 

York, England, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and charm, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Known for its stunning York Minster, the city boasts a rich heritage that dates back to 71 AD, including ancient walls and Viking history.

Visitors can enjoy a delightful experience at Betty's Tea Room, famous for 60 years for its traditional tea and crumpets, and explore the fascinating exhibits at the National Railway Museum. The atmosphere is further enlivened by street performers, such as a talented boogie-woogie piano player who brings a lively spirit to the town. With its haunted history and ghost tours led by engaging local guides, York invites travelers to uncover its many stories and treasures.

York, in the north of England near Leeds, is one of the most popular tourist sites in England. It has the huge York Minster, a boogie-woogie piano man in the street, Betty's Tea Room and the National Railway Museum, plus ancient walls and Viking history. Read more about York, England.

https://www.gonomad.com/2175-york-england-the-original-york

Nestled between Leeds and the east coast, York boasts a rich tapestry of experiences, from its impressive medieval walls to the scenic River Ouse that runs alongside them. Listeners are transported to the vibrant streets where the sounds of a boogie-woogie piano player fill the air, reminding us of the city's lively atmosphere.

Listeners are invited to take a stroll through Shambles, an ancient street that retains its 19th-century charm, once bustling as the city's meat market. The narrative unfolds to reveal the Viking history that shaped York, with mentions of the Jorvik Viking Center, where visitors can experience life as it was in the Viking age. The episode doesn't shy away from the darker side of York's past, sharing chilling tales of ghostly encounters and the tragic events at Clifford's Tower in 1190, where a mob's violence led to a significant loss of life in the Jewish community.

Through the voice of local guide Mark Graham, listeners gain insight into the ghost tours that reveal York's haunted heritage, making the city not only a destination for history buffs but also for those intrigued by the supernatural. This rich tapestry of narratives creates an enticing invitation to explore York, a city that is undeniably steeped in history yet vibrantly alive with local culture and attractions.

Takeaways:

• York, England is a historic and scenic city with a rich history dating back to 71 AD.
• Visitors to York can enjoy attractions like the York Minster and the National Railway Museum.
• Betty's Tea Room in York has been serving tea and crumpets for over 60 years.
• York is known for its ancient city walls and is one of England's most haunted towns.
• The Jorvik Viking Center offers a glimpse into Viking life with animatronic displays.
• Ghost tours in York, especially by Mark Graham, share spooky tales from the city's past.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Betty's Tea Room
• National Railway Museum
• 19 Restaurant
• Jorvik Viking Center

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.gonomad.com/2175-york-england-the-original-york

Charlie and Kate are two English Park Rangers who have worked worldwide in the wilderness. How to become a park ranger and live around the world working in national parks. Read their story on GoNOMAD: https://www.gonomad.com/217219-rangering-around-the-world

Tom's Wall is a remarkable achievement in the woods of rural Florence Alabama. Built by Tom Hendrix, the one-mile wall is dedicated to his great, great Grandmother who was forced to walk the Trail of Tears when the natives were expelled from the Alabama territory to Oklahoma, and she walked back home by herself.

In Gascony, south of Bordeaux France, we walked in the woods to a unique hunting lodge where traditional methods are used and the food makes it all worth the trip. Today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, learn about this old tradition and foods that go with it.

The most popular sport in Afghanistan is Buzkashi...a bloody and hectic spectacle where riders try to catch a dead goat and run through the goal lines.  Find out what it's like and why so many people in Central Asia love the violent sport. 

The Colorado Hot Springs Loop offers an opportunity for enthusiasts of thermal waters to take a remarkable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Colorado. Spanning a long, circular route of 740 miles, this trail encompasses 19 geothermal mineral springs, connecting notable destinations such as Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, Durango and Ouray.

Ouray's rich history begins with the Ute Native Americans, who first discovered the therapeutic properties of the springs, which later attracted miners and transformed the area into a bustling mining town. Notably, the mineral content of these springs mitigates the common sulfur odor associated with many geothermal sites, for visitors seeking a pleasant soaking experience.

Among the highlights is the town of Ouray, renowned for stunning mountain surroundings and rich history, which attracts visitors to its four prominent hot springs resorts. Notably, the Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs presents a unique experience, transforming from a family-friendly environment during daylight hours to an adult-only, clothing-optional venue in the evenings.

Read more on GoNOMAD Travel:

https://www.gonomad.com/229022-great-colorado-hot-springs

Listeners are introduced to the various hot springs resorts that populate the area, including the Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa, which embodies European charm.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cohotspringsloop.com
• GoNomad.com
• https://www.gonomad.com/229022-great-colorado-hot-springs

In Las Vegas, a strange round arena is being built right near the monorail, attached to the Venetian hotel and resort. What is it?

Winter in Alaska comes with its own set of travel challenges, as Maria Haase learned on her winter trip to Fairbanks and up the Dalton Highway to Coldfoot, Alaska. This part of the world is where they film the TV Show, "Ice Road Truckers" and the Coldfoot Camp is a lot more than a truckstop. It's a hotel, restaurant, gift shop and a place to enjoy being above the Arctic Circle and see the Aurora Borealis in the sky above high north Alaska. Read the story here <a href="Read the story here <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/200615-coldfoot-alaska-the-perfect-arctic-adventure"> 

Traverse City Michigan is well known by most Michiganders. It's a special place about 100 miles south of the Upper Peninsula, and it has 40 nearby wineries, a famous cherry growing tradition, a busy downtown with two independent movie theaters, summer festivals, and the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, along with Fishtown and many other fun places to recreate.  Learn about what makes Traverse City one of Michigan's most popular destinations.

The Deep South is excited about bringing back the popular train service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. It has a new name, the Mardi Gras Express, and hopes to start service in 2024 if issues with the freight railroad CSX are resolved. Read the story on GoNOMAD https://www.gonomad.com/220977-amtrak-train-makes-a-gulf-coast

Punta Gorda is a throwback to the Florida of 1940s and before, when Disney wasn't there and towns like this were the main attraction. Find nature, art and fun people in this town, read more https://www.gonomad.com/216054-punta-gorda-florida

Today I visited "The poor man's Galapagos" the Ballestras Islands in Southern Peru.  These islands are a home to millions of birds and tons of guano, and many sea lions lounge on the rocks and breed here. Take a boat trip to these popular islands, today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Airline Livery is what colors airliners are painted. It's an important aspect of any airline's marketing and there are many who have strong feelings about good and bad airline livery. We spoke with an airline livery expert who recently designed the livery for an Alaskan airline and an airplane pilot who has strong opinions about airline livery, both good and bad. 

La Paz, in Baja California, Mexico, offers wonderful whale watching without Cabo's crowds.

Luggage storage is convenient and in some cases, essential. But you can't really store your luggage in an airport locker any more, now services such as Bounce and Nannybag offer off-site storage in a variety of hotels, self-storage stores and other locations. Some offer pick up and drop off and water taxi service. Find out more about luggage storage on GoNOMAD https://www.gonomad.com/219056-tips-and-tricks-about-luggage-storage-on-vacation

Today on GoNomad, we join travel writer Sara Arksey as she takes a three hour flight to Lubbock, Texas from her home in Winnipeg. The final flight took two hours just to reach the other side of Texas from Houston, a true testament to the state's enormous size.

A major focus of the trip to Lubbock was Texas wine, something the author admittedly had no clue existed before her visit. It turns out that Texas was actually the site of the first American vineyard established nearly 400 years ago by Franciscan monks.

Today, Texas ranks fifth in wine production by American state after Oregon, New York, Washington and of course, California, which produces an overwhelming 81% of all US wine. Sarah visited two wineries during a visit to Lubbock.

McPherson Cellars Liano Estesado The McPherson family has been producing Texas wine for the better half of a century, as explained by owner Kim as he guided the group through an array of delicious samples. Sarah's favorite was his crown jewel, a Roussanne that was awarded double Gold and Best in Class at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Llano Estacado lays an impressive claim. The winery is the birthplace of West Texas wine, founded by a group of hopeful investors way back in 1976.

Among these investors was a Texas Tech horticulturist who was convinced that West Texan soil could produce quality wine in a time when most had their doubts. Sarah left with a now treasured souvenir, a T-shirt that reads Brave Texans didn't die at the Alamo so we could sip California wine.

Lubbock is a hub of culture and creativity as reflected in the scores of public art found on its streets.

The city's largest university, Texas Tech, has an impressive collection of public art dotting the campus, and visitors can condense their tour of the sprawling property by booking a free ride on the art cart, a 12-person trolley that makes stops at several outdoor sculptures. Plan to visit after sunset for the best view of the installations that contain illuminated components.

Lubbock's art scene was explored at the Charles Adams Studio project, called CASP for short. CASP is home to the Helen Devitt Jones Print Studio, where she had the opportunity to create her own tote bag using a printing press.

One of CASP's most unique features is its Live and Work Studio complex, which provides full-time residences for professional artists and gives them ample opportunities to exhibit their work, such as the popular First Friday Art Trail, which boasts pop up exhibitions at several locations in downtown Lubbock along with food trucks and live music. Like visual art, Music has a long history of importance in Lubbock. The city is the birthplace of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly.

Holly fans can tour the Buddy Holly center to learn little-known facts about the singer and view memorabilia, including his instantly recognizable thick-frame glasses. You can't miss the museum. It has a pair of those giant Holly spectacles right out front.

Whether you're looking for a traditional Southern Texas barbecue or eclectic fine dining, Lubbock's restaurant scene offers a wide array of tastes.

Evie May's Pit BBQ in Lubbock, renowned for smoked meat and Dirks, named for the cartoonist and former mayor Dirk west, is well-loved for its crispy fried chicken.

On the final night in Lubbock, Sarah included a visit to the Nicolette, where chef Finn Walter showcased ingredients native to the High Plains using techniques he's picked up through his long career between the Napa Valley, Austin, Paris, and Santa Fe. The three-course dinner began with caviar and smoked antelope, perfectly cooked and dressed with a sweet and savory sauce.

Unsurprisingly, antelope was another first for Sarah from Canada, and Lubbock seemed to be the perfect place to give it a try. The animals are commonly found roaming the American High Plains in Texas and beyond and are not...

Bird Strikes are something that every airline pilot is concerned about.  More than 10,000 bird strikes to aircraft are reported every year, at all 850 airports across the USA.

Learn about how airports keep birds away from runways and the many different ways they use to scare them as far away as they can from aircraft on runways and in hangars. 

What Took Place Underground Rome's Colosseum? Listen to Episode 1 of The GoNomad Podcast. Discover more travel articles at https://www.gonomad.com/

Verdun might be the saddest town you can visit in France. That's because of what happened there. Find out about World War One sites in Northern France on this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Sticking out into Lake Michigan, Door Peninsula in Wisconsin is a famous vacation spot and has been inhabited by the descendants of Scandinavian countries who began coming here in the 1800s. Today Door offers rafting, kayaking, hiking and a famous dive bar where Angostura bitters can be found. Cherries, too, are a big deal here.

Find out more about Door Peninsula Wisconsin on GoNOMAD.com

Today is a rant. Why are airport terminals so noisy? In his Ask the Pilot column, airline pilot Patrick Smith talks about the noisiest terminals in the U.S. and some of the quietest ones, such as Berlin-Brandenburg Airport and Helsinki. Read the column here. https://askthepilot.com/airport-noise-scourge/

A day in the desert of Dash' e Kavir in Iran. As the bus drove out of Tehran, my feelings became more and more relaxed. A trip to a caravansary learning about life in Iran for young people and how they rebel against the rules.

Medford Oregon is located in the southern part of the state, about 30 miles north of California. Highlights of a recent visit to Medford were Crater Lake, Table Rock, two large mesas near town, and the 70 wineries that line the Rogue Valley. Read the story on GoNOMAD.com

San Diego is called America's Finest City.  Local resident and GoNOMAD Senior Writer Noreen Kompanik writes lovingly about her adopted hometown, moving there with her husband Mike, a retired naval officer 20 years ago.  Learn about Balboa Park and the big zoo, the city's many beaches, the Embarcadero where many historic ships can be viewed and more in this episode. Read the GoNOMAD article here <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/172017-san-diego-california">

<a href="https://www.gonomad.com/199474-fairbanks-alaska-patiently-chasing-aurora">

Tips on taking your small dog on a flight with you.

Gorlitz in the eastern part of Germany, is a movie-making capital, with more than 100 films shot here over the years. It's a perfectly preserved town with 500 years of different architectural styles and a tall tower above the town hall. 

Guanajuato is in the very center of mountainous Mexico, it's both a state and a city and it offers Spanish colonial cities, ATV and kayaking adventures, and the special charm of the less-touristed interior of wonderful Mexico. Read Irene Thomas' GoNOMAD story https://www.gonomad.com/217734-guanajuato-the-mexico-you-havent-seen-yet

In Middleton, Wisconsin, you can visit a museum dedicated to one of the world's favorite condiments...it's the Mustard Museum, founded by Barry Levenson. He was so sad after the Red Sox lost the World Series in 1986 that he went right out to the store and realized that there were more than 1000 different kinds of mustard, and a lightbulb went off...if you build it, they will pay to come. So today you can see antique mustard jars and more at the Mustard Museum.

Malta is the capital of Moviemaking in Europe, with 150 movies and TV shows filmed there so far. Learn why the Island of Malta is such a hot spot.

Timber Rafting on the The Klaralven River, or “the clear river” in Swedish, that runs for over 250 miles of clean and fresh water stretching from Sweden through Norway. Vildmark and Varmland, a Swedish tour operator, takes travelers into the woods and helps them build their own timber raft, then it sets them loose without a guide to navigate the long river, on either a one, four or eight night adventure.

Read the story on GoNOMAD about a couple from England who built their own raft and took the eight day journey.

https://www.gonomad.com/5175-timber-rafting-in-sweden

The exciting sport of F1 auto racing attracts 350,000 spectators to the Ile de Notre Dame in Montreal, where the 20 drivers race around the track that hugs the shape of the small urban island. Visiting Terrebonne, north of Montreal for historic mills and a great sports bar La Cage, with poutine.

Read more about Montreal on GoNOMAD.com

Have you ever wondered what those series of numbers, letters and codes mean on your airline boarding pass?  We did too. 

Las Vegas is open for business, and here are some new attractions to enjoy there in 2022. VIDEO PODCAST, listen to this on Spotify to see the video and the music. 

What do those numbers used to designate airlines and flights mean? Patrick Smith of Ask the Pilot, helps us explain.

Travel is really back...and there are already nine new international travel routes that have been announced by major airlines. Find out where you can go in 2023 on this edition of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. HT: Conde Nast Traveler

On the island of Penang, Malaysia, GoNOMAD Senior Writer Chin Teh Liang attends the wild Thaipusam Festival, where devotees of Lord Murugan follow his golden chariot to the temple, and coconuts are broken in celebration. Read more about it here https://www.gonomad.com/226551-thaipusam-festival-in-penang-malaysia

In Laguna Beach every summer, art comes alive at the Pageant of the Masters, a spectacle for the ages. Find out why it's so great. 

The Sedlec Ossuary in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic is a collection of bones...millions of them, all formed into elaborate art pieces in the cellar of a chapel. Take a nighttime visit to this eery and remarkable place today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Federica Petrilli spent four months living in Riyadh and found it to be one of easiest places in the world to live as a woman. Despite some of the restrictive laws that are being relaxed, she found the men chivalrous and the woman kind. Read her story on GoNOMAD.com https://www.gonomad.com/139881-saudi-arabia-why-i-loved-living-there-as-a-woman

Today on GoNOMAD, we visit cities that were built to fight pirates, in Saint Augustine Florida, Cartagena Colombia and San Juan Puerto Rico. 

We just returned from France and found some new tricks and tips for planning our trip and how to make it easier when we arrived. Using AI, Uber, Airbnb other information for modern travelers.

Amtrak is getting a lot of new improvements...including whole new train sets of both their high-speed Acela Trains and the regular train lines that run up the Knowledge Corridor and around the U.S. See what's new for Amtrak this year on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Portugal has become one of the top destinations in Europe for American travelers. And one of the best places in Portugal is in the south, the famous Algarve. Find out what to eat, see and enjoy there today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku in Japanese, is the art of walking into a forest and taking stock of every sense...the sights, the sounds, the smells and the feel of what you're experiencing. We meet two women who are forest bathing guides and find out details about this popular practice. Read more https://www.gonomad.com/216657-forest-bathing-a-mindful-woodland-journey

River cruising has never been more popular. Why? We talk with river cruising expert Elliot Gillies about the business and about Scenic Cruises.

VIDEO PODCAST Enjoy this famous drink in a store and bar full of absinthe, in Antibes, France.

Prices are going up everywhere, there is almost no way to escape it. However, there are ways to get discounts and deals on popular museums and attractions across the USA. In 2021, DealA created several lists highlighting the museums and attractions with the highest ticket price increases from 2017 to 2021, as well as those that have stayed the same. We decided to borrow some of the attractions on their lists and show how you can save at these locations in 2022.

New gadgets for travelers to make things more comfortable. A fan, white noise machine, Apple airbags, a portable steamer, and a device to make one wired sound stream into two. Find the items here VERSIONTECH FAN https://amzn.to/3pzfqkL

APPLE AIRTAG LINK https://amzn.to/3JNjYuv

MEE AUDIO CONNECT https://amzn.to/3D2Ad36

YOGASLEEP WHITE NOISE MACHINE https://amzn.to/3PH9rVH

CONAIR FABRIC STEAMER https://amzn.to/44c6ZLi

UPXON 360 TRIPOD https://amzn.to/44eaEbs

Take a tramp steamer, up the massive Amazon and Rio Negro in Brazil! GoNOMAD Contributor Johnny Motely shared his tale of time spent on the Greyhound of the river in South America, with tips on taking the most inexpensive cruise in the world. Read more https://www.gonomad.com/159687-amazon-river-cruising-to-see-the-rainforest

Hunan is one of the largest provinces in China, famous for being the birthplace of Mao Zedong. Visiting the Hunan Museum, the Tongguan Yao Ancient town and the Huitang hot springs region of the country. Chinese food and local culture are explored.

The exploration continues at the Hunan Museum, where I encounter the fascinating exhibit of a 2000-year-old mummy, a relic of the Han dynasty that reveals the province's deep historical roots. A visit to Tungwan Yao, an ancient town, offers a glimpse into the past, with traditional pottery demonstrations and cultural performances that evoke the grandeur of the Ming dynasty.

The rain does not deter my exploration, as I enjoy a captivating IMAX experience that transports me through the skies of Hunan. The journey culminates in the Huitang hot springs region, where relaxation and rejuvenation are paired with the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. My visit to Shoushan, the birthplace of Mao, adds a personal connection to the historical narrative. I engage in local traditions and savor street food flavors, further enriching my understanding of Hunan's culture.

Read more on GoNOMAD Travel: https://www.gonomad.com/173656-china-highlights-of-hunan-province

The TSA has some good news. Their new CAT scanners can eliminate the stop to show the TSA agent your ID at the airport. 

Roosevelt Island lies between Manhattan and Queens and makes for a fun day trip in NYC, where you can enjoy great views, historic buildings and lunch. Find out more about the island, today on GoNOMAD Travel.  Read Tab Hauser's story https://www.gonomad.com/216349-roosevelt-island

The Republic of Georgia is a unique country with its own alphabet and language, located just below Russia near the Black Sea. Take a ski trip to Gadauri, the country's largest ski resort in the mountains up north. The skiing is about as cheap as you can imagine and there are no trees on the slopes but plenty of snow.

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are almost unchanged from the ones George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Daniel Boone knew 250 years ago.  Read the story here <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/201666-seven-reasons-blue-ridge-mountains">

Did you know you can sleep in a treehouse?  Here are two unique treehouse stays, one in central Ohio and the other in South Carolina, that offer serenity, isolation, and a little bit of adventure. 

Midtown Manhattan’s Morgan Library & Museum, was once the personal library of late 19th and early 20th-century financier, investment banker and cultural benefactor John Pierpont Morgan, a fervent collector of early printed books, music scores, manuscripts, prints, and paintings from some of history’s most noted artists, writers, composers, and heroes. Visiting the library is a treat, you can view one of two Gutenberg bibles and see countless other historic treasures at this beautiful ornate library that isn't on most tourist's radar. Read about it on GoNOMAD: Read the story here <a href="https://www.gonomad.com/200428-morgan-library-in-nyc">

Electric Vertical Take off and Landing Aircraft are the newest rage in flying.  EVTOLs are being purchased by United and Delta Airlines to take passengers to airports.  Find out when a flying taxi might just be picking you up in the years not very far ahead.

Around the Table, Stories of the Foods We Love is a new exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx that is all about the food we grow and the many interesting aspects of growing it. GoNOMAD Senior Writer Cathie Arquilla takes in this very cool exhibition https://www.nybg.org/event/around-the-table-stories-of-the-foods-we-love/

Sumo--the mind art--is woven into the culture of modern-day Japan. Find out what takes place behind a sumo match in Tokyo.