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Abstract

  </div><h2 id="1a69">Spotlight Stories</h2><p id="b75f">Welcome to Globetrotters to these two new writers!</p><p id="10da"><a href="undefined">Jason Newton</a> shares his top travel tip: “A combination of preparation and leaving it down to fate.”</p><div id="7644" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-jason-newton-3a0889f98363">
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            <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Jason Newton</h2>
            <div><h3>Travelling the world while living in Granada in Spain</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="ca8d"><a href="undefined">Louisa Scott</a> loves exploring and tells us: “My favorite way to discover a city is to walk everywhere.”</p><div id="14c3" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-louisa-scott-8a1aee5f9145">
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            <h2>Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Louisa Scott</h2>
            <div><h3>Traveling started young and hasn’t stopped</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="805d">If you haven’t written your spotlight story yet, we want to hear from you! Check out <a href="https://readmedium.com/globetrotters-writer-spotlight-e8219b120894">this article</a> to get started.</p><h2 id="a6f0">A-Z Travel Story Challenge</h2><p id="9c5a"><a href="undefined">Erie Astin</a>’s post is both a monthly challenge response, and she also incorporates the A-Z challenge into it. Since she is the only one to do this challenge this week, I have chosen to place this article here.</p><div id="84cd" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-signs-of-dublin-13a86ad9a465">
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            <h2>The Signs of Dublin</h2>
            <div><h3>My A-Z of favorite travel destinations: D</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="58cd">Many are writing their A-Z favorite destinations list. Join the fun if it inspires you!</p><h2 id="e2ae">Europe</h2><p id="403c"><a href="undefined">Matthew David</a> shares an intertwining of destinies in this very interesting story. These sorts of stories make the world seem so small.</p><div id="5712" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-i-came-to-photograph-heads-of-state-in-the-balkans-7ac734583f53">
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            <h2>How I Came to Photograph Heads of State in the Balkans</h2>
            <div><h3>The unlikely partnership between Iowa and Kosovo</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="e2fb"><a href="undefined">JamieWrites</a> takes us on a quick tour around Ghent, Belgium.</p><div id="f19b" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/three-hours-in-ghent-7810e4f5a8ec">
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            <h2>Three Hours In Ghent</h2>
            <div><h3>My Quick Day Out In Belgium</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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            <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*[email protected])"></div>
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    </div><p id="0f96"><a href="undefined">Simon Whaley</a>’s quaint and beautiful home turf has made a popular ‘destinations to watch’ list. Learn more about the area before you go through Simon’s lovely words and beautiful photos. I think you should offer yourself as a tour guide, Simon!</p><div id="ef0f" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/destination-shropshire-1ed3fde287ee">
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            <h2>Destination Shropshire</h2>
            <div><h3>The ONLY UK destination on ABTA’s Destinations to Watch 2024 List</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><h2 id="de20">Asia</h2><p id="3769"><a href="undefined">Anna Jim Lequenne</a> writes two wonderful stories about her different experiences with wildlife. Both in Indonesia — one on land and one in the sea.</p><div id="1095" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/bali-indonesia-a-close-stroke-with-a-balloon-fish-3b9f1376b279">
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            <h2>Bali, Indonesia — A Close Stroke with a Balloon Fish</h2>
            <div><h3>An underwater odyssey with my knight in diving gear</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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            <h2>Sumatra, Indonesia – Tarzan, Jane and the King of the Jungle</h2>
            <div><h3>A trek through the jungles of Bukit Lawang</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="7143"><a href="undefined">Kristine Harper</a> can’t help but spill the beans about this still-quiet destination in Thailand.</p><div id="0bc9" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/please-dont-tell-anyone-about-this-place-8bb867568d3e">
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            <h2>Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This Place!</h2>
            <div><h3>Thailand still offers incredible beauty and serenity</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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            <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*[email protected])"></div>
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    </div><p id="6554"><a href="undefined">Sanghita Pal</a> shares a beautiful evening at a temple in Udaipur, India.</p><div id="125c" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/embracing-divinity-at-a-temple-in-rajasthan-a2521ce561e3">
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            <h2>Embracing Divinity at a Temple in Rajasthan</h2>
            <div><h3>A captivating sunset was cherry on top</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="23bd"><a href="undefined">Shawn B. Swinger</a> is more daring than I would ever be when he reaches his hand into North Korea from China!</p><div id="6616" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/living-next-to-north-korea-dd9ae331acc7">
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            <h2>Living Next to North Korea</h2>
            <div><h3>Three months in Dandong, China</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="9c6c"><a href="undefined">Tracy.3</a> surprised me with her tale from Koh Phangan. I sort of thought it was a 24/7 party on that island. But that isn’t necessarily the case.</p><div id="556f" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/discovering-a-writers-paradise-on-the-magical-island-of-koh-phangan-in-thailand-78134bb76f86">
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            <h2>Discovering a Writer’s Paradise on the Magical Island of Koh Phangan In Thailand</h2>
            <div><h3>I got so much writing done on this gorgeous tropical island!</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="5d93">Thailand was popular this week as <a href="undefined">Jason Abranches</a> also gives us a very detailed account of a powerful experience he had in the country.</p><div id="9fd9" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-i-got-slapped-by-a-monk-in-bangkok-1a7b69607b3a">
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            <h2>How I Got Slapped by a Monk in Bangkok</h2>
            <div><h3>It all started at the floating village…</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="5f4f"><a href="undefined">Jeffrey Chiu</a> takes us to a stunning Japanese location for his honeymoon.</p><div id="182d" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/staying-at-a-360-year-old-japanese-ryokan-1f857be79a79">
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            <h2>Staying at a 360-Year-Old Japanese Ryokan</h2>
            <div><h3>Matsuzakaya Honten: A centuries old sanctuary</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><p id="5db2">Still in Japan, <a href="undefined">Curious &amp; Hungry by Carly Dela Cruz</a> shares her photos and experience in Noto and her hopes for the devastated community moving forward.</p><div id="8972" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-noto-peninsula-will-it-exist-like-this-ever-again-6a7d089241a2">
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            <h2>The Noto Peninsula — Will it exist like this ever again?</h2>
            <div><h3>As I contemplate the recent earthquake in Noto, a place that holds profound meaning for me, my heart is stirred with a…</h3></div>
            <div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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    </div><h2 id="868c">Africa</h2><p id="d9d6"><a href="undefined">Bebe Nicholson</a> shares her safari experience with us in South Africa. Her photographs are stunning!</p><div id="0818" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/expect-the-unexpected-when-y

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ou-go-on-safari-86b33731e024"> <div> <div> <h2>Expect the Unexpected When You Go on Safari</h2> <div><h3>You never know what you will see, but it will be a powerful experience.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*eLLqcbUIsZ9hwKdOzTV8rA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="6362"><a href="undefined">Seconde Nimenya</a> also has an adventure on a safari, this time it’s in Tanzania.</p><div id="b08d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/an-altercation-with-baboons-in-the-ngorongoro-crater-8e8d5705def5"> <div> <div> <h2>An Altercation with Baboons in the Ngorongoro Crater</h2> <div><h3>My Trip to One of Africa’s Beloved Safaris in Tanzania</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*DsHCHyRBquVhShpCa97MvA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="2e87">The Americas</h2><p id="60d7"><a href="undefined">Michele Maize</a> shows us that there is wildlife in North America as well.</p><div id="5f3f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/theres-a-black-bear-outside-my-window-f04a08b7b36e"> <div> <div> <h2>There’s a Black Bear Outside My Window</h2> <div><h3>No one wants claw marks on their vehicle</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*Q8__cnOVy-qknyEYKgHB7Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="d0b8"><a href="undefined">Joel R. Dennstedt</a> finds a very off-the-beaten-path restaurant and the photos tell me that it was certainly worth it.</p><div id="1fb1" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/day-trip-to-locate-the-mysterious-japanese-restaurant-hidden-in-a-guatemalan-jungle-9c9966da6376"> <div> <div> <h2>Day Trip to Locate the Mysterious Japanese Restaurant Hidden in A Guatemalan Jungle</h2> <div><h3>A short travel adventure</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*OfNofaJrw177M1foKhz-Kg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="720f"><a href="undefined">Sh*t Happens - Lost Girl Travel</a> stays at one of my favorite Guatemalan destinations. Such a beautiful paradise it is and a great place to spend Christmas.</p><div id="ea4e" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-hidden-gem-to-spend-christmas-in-central-america-1a55bcaa9941"> <div> <div> <h2>A Hidden Gem to Spend Christmas in Central America</h2> <div><h3>A hideaway in the Guatemalan countryside may be the perfect place to spend your backpacker Christmas!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*aLgjI-mc3lhGWj9c7ZdhQA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="bcff"><a href="undefined">alexjstockton</a> had me laughing out loud with his recount of the drive he and his wife took up to Yosemite National Park in California.</p><div id="c574" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-beautiful-route-or-a-death-trap-32d0507ce9d7"> <div> <div> <h2>A Beautiful Route or a Death Trap?</h2> <div><h3>Driving the 120 into Yosemite just two hours into my first American road trip was… an interesting experience</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*wqjV8kCDg7XnuHcq6qjYDQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="1a09"><a href="undefined">Claire Elizabeth Levesque</a> shares her experience with an unusual desert plant she found in Arizona.</p><div id="d14b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/towering-cacti-in-the-scorching-arizona-sun-b95978b3df8f"> <div> <div> <h2>Towering Cacti In the Scorching Arizona Sun</h2> <div><h3>Hiking, exploring, and melting in Saguaro National Park</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*DolmIL7TcxS0hoeddeDNqA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="7093"><a href="undefined">Vincent Gragnani</a> takes a remarkable trip to learn more about his family history.</p><div id="e3a4" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-montana-visit-to-find-my-great-great-grandfathers-grave-2c48827b668f"> <div> <div> <h2>A Montana Visit to Find My Great-Great-Grandfather’s Grave</h2> <div><h3>He died working on the railroad in 1917. I took a train to visit him, and the remote region my family called home.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*WEqYql5qS65GYhglk5FKHw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="40a2"><a href="undefined">Greyson Ferguson</a> has an eye-opening moment as he realizes that there is more than one way to craft a popular treat.</p><div id="22a1" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-best-buckeyes-are-not-in-ohio-96192ad1ea27"> <div> <div> <h2>The Best Buckeyes Are NOT in Ohio</h2> <div><h3>Don’t tell my grandmother.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*mKrWOWKyTcYcAchNRiN8eA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="84b2"><a href="undefined">Jason Abranches</a> tells us how he achieved his dream life in Maui.</p><div id="859f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-i-built-a-home-on-wheels-and-lived-the-maui-van-life-75d18c4b3686"> <div> <div> <h2>How I Built a Home On Wheels and Lived the Maui Van Life</h2> <div><h3>My passion for freedom became my home</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*GBTzhR3TNO60bkpJtn6ZHA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="b5b8">New Globetrotters writer, <a href="undefined">Fisher LeVasseur</a>, shares an intimate look at life on an island off the coast of Maine.</p><div id="4236" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/on-a-small-island-in-maine-a-better-way-of-life-7cb8e4f6e506"> <div> <div> <h2>On A Small Island in Maine, A Better Way of Life</h2> <div><h3>On North Haven, ME, community, solitude, and geography collide</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*ZeDVRt1M_T9Pn-2RBzyMfw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="582c"><a href="undefined">Jay Davidson</a> shows us around the quaint town of Missoula, Montana. The houses look adorable!</p><div id="aabd" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/delightful-visit-to-missoula-montana-9a6ffdea1b72"> <div> <div> <h2>Delightful Visit to Missoula, Montana</h2> <div><h3>including a day trip to Lincoln</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*MfmEqXiEZYN4tc2VvT44nQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="a032">Travel Tales & Tips</h2><p id="2514"><a href="undefined">Jay Davidson</a> also talks about getting scammed while traveling. It has happened to the best of us!</p><div id="4d4a" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/have-you-avoided-getting-scammed-658df399d99f"> <div> <div> <h2>Have You Avoided Getting Scammed?</h2> <div><h3>You’ve got to develop your bullshit detectors!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*FnIVfcFIG3hMRdFe5wwtEg.png)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="7b54"><a href="undefined">TRAVEL STORIES BY GABE</a> opens up about how music has given him some unforgettable experiences while traveling.</p><div id="96a2" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/4-unforgettable-travel-experiences-that-happened-because-of-music-b24c8b52d657"> <div> <div> <h2>4 Unforgettable Travel Experiences That Happened Because Of Music</h2> <div><h3>Music simply means the whole world to me because it has touched and changed profoundly every single aspect of my life…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*0bCSfEdOH95S2nuZFDY2qg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="8076">New Globetrotters writer <a href="undefined">Liam Hunter-Bailey</a> shares his first story with us. It’s an interesting scenario. What would you do?</p><div id="674b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/a-guy-on-my-flight-refused-to-move-seats-for-an-elderly-couple-39f21755f31a"> <div> <div> <h2>A Guy on My Flight Refused To Move Seats for an Elderly Couple</h2> <div><h3>It taught me a lot about courtesy</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*sy89fjfE6muP7D0fd5uv8Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><figure id="8cdb"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*gZWnaM0351tQF1R_voah3w.jpeg"><figcaption>The first snow of this winter outside my bedroom window. Today, January 7th, 2024. What a crazy winter it has been. Photo Credit: <a href="undefined">Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages</a></figcaption></figure><p id="d009">Thanks for taking the time to read this past week's stories! And thanks to all of you writers who make this pub as great as it is:)</p><p id="0571">I, <a href="undefined">Jillian</a>, <a href="undefined">JoAnn</a>, <a href="undefined">Michele</a>, <a href="undefined">Adrienne</a>, and <a href="undefined">Anne</a> thank you for choosing us as your travel story destination.</p><p id="abc9">Have a great week:)</p></article></body>

Travel | Travel stories | Weekly wrap-up

Globetrotters Stories January 1st — January 7th

Starting out the year with so many great stories!

The almost full moon rises at sunset on the farm we are staying at in Saskatchewan, Canada. Taken on Christmas Day 2023 when there was still no snow. But there is finally a little bit of snow that has come down in the past couple of days. See end photo. Photo Credit: Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

Happy New Year Globetrotters!

Well, it is clear that the holidays are over and we are all back to our writing routines. We have received a flood of great submissions this week and have enjoyed many responses to our new January challenge already.

To get this year started on the right foot, I designed a new banner for our Globetrotters home page. We encourage you to check it out and read and clap for the stories from your fellow writers. As always, engagement is ultimately the key to your success on Medium.

A New Year and a New Globetrotters Banner

Celebrating a year of travel writing and monthly challenges!

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While you are at it, don’t forget to browse this list of submissions from the past week. The quality of our stories is getting better and better and we editors truly look forward to a great 2024 to come.

Monthly Challenge

Anne Bonfert gives us our new and highly anticipated monthly prompt for January. It's a great theme to kick off the new year I think.

January Monthly Challenge — Signs

Interesting, funny or ordinary things you spotted on your travels

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To get you all started, I, Jillian Amatt, provide my initial response. I think I have more responses to come with this one:)

I’m Happy When I See the Signs

An editor's response to the Globetrotters’ January prompt — SIGNS

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Adrienne Beaumont investigates the signs around Romania.

Signs: What They Taught Me Wandering Around Romania

About history, culture, and language

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And she had me and my partner laughing out loud at some hilarious sign translations in China.

Lost in Translation

Chinese to English makes me smile

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Tara Torres shares an honest account of returning to the US from an Ebola-infected country. I had to laugh.

The Signs To Avoid Getting Ebola And The Quest To Get Home

Traveling to Liberia during the Ebola outbreak and the adventure of getting home

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Scott-Ryan Abt takes us to a few places around the world where he has encountered signs that help him to know where he is.

You Can Get There From Here

Distance signposts are way more fun than Googlemaps

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Brad Yonaka shares an interesting tale of his time spent living in Egypt 40-ish years ago, plus his thoughts about returning.

The Sign of Tutankhamun

And the changing face of Egypt

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Kenny Minker shares the sad fate of a once scenic view.

When Signs Lie: Dark Humor and Satirical Artwork on the Road

When the background shifts, a sign’s meaning may change

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Rhonda Carrier gives us a lighthearted look at using toilets in different parts of the world.

Toilets Signs of the Times

Ladies and Gents?? Which toilet and how to use it ….

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Simon Whaley teaches us a thing or two about what the various walking signs mean in the UK.

Best Foot Forward

The secret signage system walkers use to stay legal when roaming the English and Welsh countryside

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Barb Dalton follows Anne’s prompts closely to provide us with her list of signs.

Signing Up For the Globetrotters Challenge on Signs

It’s a sign

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Erie Astin shares some ancient artwork and history at an Irish ruin site.

Signs of Ancient Ireland at Brú na Bóinne

Stone age art and standing tall beneath the stars

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Favorite Read

Brina Patel shared my favorite read this week. Her solo travels led her to meet a local woman on a bus who ultimately invited her back to stay in her family home.

Not only does this article highlight the kindness of most people in the world, but the experience inspired Brina in ways that she had never considered before. Little did she know what insights awaited her because she said ‘yes’ to the woman, or how incredible and life-altering this lady's small act of kindness could be.

This story highlights the very essence of why we should travel and underscores just how much we all have to learn from each other when we take the time to stop, talk, and listen.

A Chance Encounter Near the Himalayas

And the kindness of an inspiring stranger

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Spotlight Stories

Welcome to Globetrotters to these two new writers!

Jason Newton shares his top travel tip: “A combination of preparation and leaving it down to fate.”

Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Jason Newton

Travelling the world while living in Granada in Spain

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Louisa Scott loves exploring and tells us: “My favorite way to discover a city is to walk everywhere.”

Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Louisa Scott

Traveling started young and hasn’t stopped

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If you haven’t written your spotlight story yet, we want to hear from you! Check out this article to get started.

A-Z Travel Story Challenge

Erie Astin’s post is both a monthly challenge response, and she also incorporates the A-Z challenge into it. Since she is the only one to do this challenge this week, I have chosen to place this article here.

The Signs of Dublin

My A-Z of favorite travel destinations: D

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Many are writing their A-Z favorite destinations list. Join the fun if it inspires you!

Europe

Matthew David shares an intertwining of destinies in this very interesting story. These sorts of stories make the world seem so small.

How I Came to Photograph Heads of State in the Balkans

The unlikely partnership between Iowa and Kosovo

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JamieWrites takes us on a quick tour around Ghent, Belgium.

Three Hours In Ghent

My Quick Day Out In Belgium

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Simon Whaley’s quaint and beautiful home turf has made a popular ‘destinations to watch’ list. Learn more about the area before you go through Simon’s lovely words and beautiful photos. I think you should offer yourself as a tour guide, Simon!

Destination Shropshire

The ONLY UK destination on ABTA’s Destinations to Watch 2024 List

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Asia

Anna Jim Lequenne writes two wonderful stories about her different experiences with wildlife. Both in Indonesia — one on land and one in the sea.

Bali, Indonesia — A Close Stroke with a Balloon Fish

An underwater odyssey with my knight in diving gear

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Sumatra, Indonesia – Tarzan, Jane and the King of the Jungle

A trek through the jungles of Bukit Lawang

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Kristine Harper can’t help but spill the beans about this still-quiet destination in Thailand.

Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This Place!

Thailand still offers incredible beauty and serenity

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Sanghita Pal shares a beautiful evening at a temple in Udaipur, India.

Embracing Divinity at a Temple in Rajasthan

A captivating sunset was cherry on top

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Shawn B. Swinger is more daring than I would ever be when he reaches his hand into North Korea from China!

Living Next to North Korea

Three months in Dandong, China

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Tracy.3 surprised me with her tale from Koh Phangan. I sort of thought it was a 24/7 party on that island. But that isn’t necessarily the case.

Discovering a Writer’s Paradise on the Magical Island of Koh Phangan In Thailand

I got so much writing done on this gorgeous tropical island!

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Thailand was popular this week as Jason Abranches also gives us a very detailed account of a powerful experience he had in the country.

How I Got Slapped by a Monk in Bangkok

It all started at the floating village…

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Jeffrey Chiu takes us to a stunning Japanese location for his honeymoon.

Staying at a 360-Year-Old Japanese Ryokan

Matsuzakaya Honten: A centuries old sanctuary

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Still in Japan, Curious & Hungry by Carly Dela Cruz shares her photos and experience in Noto and her hopes for the devastated community moving forward.

The Noto Peninsula — Will it exist like this ever again?

As I contemplate the recent earthquake in Noto, a place that holds profound meaning for me, my heart is stirred with a…

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Africa

Bebe Nicholson shares her safari experience with us in South Africa. Her photographs are stunning!

Expect the Unexpected When You Go on Safari

You never know what you will see, but it will be a powerful experience.

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Seconde Nimenya also has an adventure on a safari, this time it’s in Tanzania.

An Altercation with Baboons in the Ngorongoro Crater

My Trip to One of Africa’s Beloved Safaris in Tanzania

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The Americas

Michele Maize shows us that there is wildlife in North America as well.

There’s a Black Bear Outside My Window

No one wants claw marks on their vehicle

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Joel R. Dennstedt finds a very off-the-beaten-path restaurant and the photos tell me that it was certainly worth it.

Day Trip to Locate the Mysterious Japanese Restaurant Hidden in A Guatemalan Jungle

A short travel adventure

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Sh*t Happens - Lost Girl Travel stays at one of my favorite Guatemalan destinations. Such a beautiful paradise it is and a great place to spend Christmas.

A Hidden Gem to Spend Christmas in Central America

A hideaway in the Guatemalan countryside may be the perfect place to spend your backpacker Christmas!

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alexjstockton had me laughing out loud with his recount of the drive he and his wife took up to Yosemite National Park in California.

A Beautiful Route or a Death Trap?

Driving the 120 into Yosemite just two hours into my first American road trip was… an interesting experience

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Claire Elizabeth Levesque shares her experience with an unusual desert plant she found in Arizona.

Towering Cacti In the Scorching Arizona Sun

Hiking, exploring, and melting in Saguaro National Park

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Vincent Gragnani takes a remarkable trip to learn more about his family history.

A Montana Visit to Find My Great-Great-Grandfather’s Grave

He died working on the railroad in 1917. I took a train to visit him, and the remote region my family called home.

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Greyson Ferguson has an eye-opening moment as he realizes that there is more than one way to craft a popular treat.

The Best Buckeyes Are NOT in Ohio

Don’t tell my grandmother.

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Jason Abranches tells us how he achieved his dream life in Maui.

How I Built a Home On Wheels and Lived the Maui Van Life

My passion for freedom became my home

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New Globetrotters writer, Fisher LeVasseur, shares an intimate look at life on an island off the coast of Maine.

On A Small Island in Maine, A Better Way of Life

On North Haven, ME, community, solitude, and geography collide

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Jay Davidson shows us around the quaint town of Missoula, Montana. The houses look adorable!

Delightful Visit to Missoula, Montana

including a day trip to Lincoln

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Travel Tales & Tips

Jay Davidson also talks about getting scammed while traveling. It has happened to the best of us!

Have You Avoided Getting Scammed?

You’ve got to develop your bullshit detectors!

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TRAVEL STORIES BY GABE opens up about how music has given him some unforgettable experiences while traveling.

4 Unforgettable Travel Experiences That Happened Because Of Music

Music simply means the whole world to me because it has touched and changed profoundly every single aspect of my life…

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New Globetrotters writer Liam Hunter-Bailey shares his first story with us. It’s an interesting scenario. What would you do?

A Guy on My Flight Refused To Move Seats for an Elderly Couple

It taught me a lot about courtesy

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The first snow of this winter outside my bedroom window. Today, January 7th, 2024. What a crazy winter it has been. Photo Credit: Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages

Thanks for taking the time to read this past week's stories! And thanks to all of you writers who make this pub as great as it is:)

I, Jillian, JoAnn, Michele, Adrienne, and Anne thank you for choosing us as your travel story destination.

Have a great week:)