News & More
Foods speak of place. They reflect a region’s culture, geography and history through their ingredients, preparations and traditions. When traveling, you can take in much of the essential nature of a new place by eating its local, favorite foods.
News & More
For most of us, the Christmas holidays and the end of the calendar year signify a time of peace and reflection; a respite from our day-to-day routines and struggles.
Nature & Wildlife
At first glance, geese and reindeer (called “caribou” in North America) may not seem to have much in common. But there is a link: in some places, they share diets and habitats.
News & More
Iceland has one of the loveliest holiday traditions I’ve ever heard of. It’s called Jolabokaflod (pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot), which roughly translates to “Christmas Book Flood.” Jolabokaflod combines a cozy atmosphere, gift giving, holiday cheer, hot cocoa, reading and an ancient storytelling tradition all in one wonderful word.
Nature & Wildlife
Every year, without fail, Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to come right on top of each other. The four weeks between the two holidays fly by, with hardly enough time to savor one before the other is upon us. Magical, flying reindeer, in other words, quickly follow the turkey feast.
Nature & Wildlife
Just five days from now, the magic will happen. Santa Claus will step into his gift-laden, reindeer-powered sleigh and make his annual, around-the-world trip. The character of Santa Claus was originally inspired by the fourth-century, Greek bishop Saint Nicholas of Myra in Asia Minor (now Turkey), a man renowned for his generosity and kindness.
Videos
Nature and the end-of-the-year holidays. If you ask me, they go together, traveling across Earth hand in hand at this special time. Maybe that’s because of all the evergreens, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias that we see everywhere we go. Or it could be that this is traditionally the time for awe, contentment, joy and peace.
Nature & Wildlife
Throughout time, reindeer have been used for economic purposes by various circumpolar peoples, including the Chukchi, Evenks, Khants, Nenets and Sami. Long heralded for their dependable and docile natures and their dexterity in a range of tasks, reindeer were even widely used during World War II by the Soviet forces to help transport injured soldiers.
Conservation
During this time of year, a lot of us are thinking about trees. For those who celebrate Christmas, a tree is usually the centerpiece for a family gathering around December 25. But that’s not the only time when we honor trees.
Asia & The Pacific
In a few days, many of you will be celebrating Christmas or another religious holiday.
U.S. National Parks
After almost a year of isolation, lockdowns, mask-wearing, and strained relationships with family and friends, you might think that there’s not much good to say about 2020 as we come to its end.
Nature & Wildlife
Santa Claus has long been known as the world’s biggest spreader of happiness and joy, but he now has some competition when it comes to eliciting smiles on Christmas Day.
