North American consumers have plenty to celebrate these days say financial gurus and Axios journalists who marked the first week of the new year by noting the nation’s current fiscal health. “The U.S. boasts the strongest economy of any rich nation,” editors write, and since the “much-predicted 2023 recession” never materialized, wages are rising and a healthy outlook for workers in 2024 looks solid. What…
This Wikipedia page may not account for every bird spotted in Belize, but it’s a good estimation. Belize’s national bird is the lively keel-billed toucan, and while this is a particularly handsome species, bird lovers are known to become equally enamored of the estimated 590+ bird species visitors could spot if they stick around long enough. How would you describe your enthusiasm for birds? According…
The year may have just begun, but for those who know that the secret to having the best adventure vacation ever is planning, planning, planning, start now to sort out a super 2024 getaway. If you track trends, you know that there’s been a recent resurgence of SLR camera popularity, say editors at the New York Times. Perhaps the time has come to dig out…
It’s hard to ignore the good news coming from the media that points to the nation’s economic health this week. Axios reporter Neil Irwin used a word that “hasn’t been applicable yet this decade: normal.” Despite the challenges of the previous 3 years, fears of inflation, and “a collective sense of an economy unmoored,” all signs point to continued growth, now that supply chains are…
If you believe that the sport of snorkeling wasn’t “invented” until recently, you’re in for a surprise. The idea took root around 350 BC when philosopher Aristotle observed an elephant submerged in water that used its trunk to breathe. It’s a fanciful supposition and one that can’t be proven, but evidence exists that rudimentary helmets attached to reed tubes were common in the 15th century,…
If you’re currently emulating Santa Claus by making a list and checking it twice, you know that list-making is essential to getting things done. Paula Rizzo divided list-makers into three categories. Are you a Monkey? If so, you can’t function without lists. Squirrels are creative list-makers who are happy to use envelopes, receipts, and paper towels to keep tabs on tasks. Dolphins rely on productivity…
What do families look for when they consider taking their children abroad? We turned to experts at the Travel Channel for real-world advice offered by parents with youngsters of all ages. Some of the advice these moms and dads suggest may help you rethink your game plan if you’re planning an overseas family adventure. Did you know that frequent family travelers always find a way…
If you’ve ever booked a Caribbean vacation with friends—and agreed to let them do all the planning—you know that the likelihood that they’ll customize the itinerary to suit their tastes could leave you out in the cold. For that reason, take control of your upcoming holiday plans by personally designing a stay that includes your favorite activities, attractions, and entertainments. How to assure yourself of…
Scholars at Atlanta’s Georgia Tech University delved into a topic that few academic institutions have attempted: The origins of the term “going viral.” Their discovery, that going viral has been around for more than 120 years, came about as the result of access to databases covering more than 10 million newspaper pages. The first example? Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan’s 1896 Democratic National Convention speech….
Once upon a time, spring break made parents of college-age kids crazy because these school sabbaticals earned reputations for being endless parties inviting risky behaviors by unleashed collegiates. It’s not hard to understand why students wanted to break free after a semester of hard work in classrooms, labs, and during exam times. Over time, spring break grew to be such wild occasions, average travelers grew…