Helena Walstrom

Japan: Touring the Temple

Touring the Temple, Americans visit to Japan’s holy shrines and temples. An excerpt from Wally Wood’s book about Japan.

Many Ways to See Rome: Walking, Biking, Vespa, Bus and Boat

How many ways are there to experience the timeless capital of Italy? Helena Wahlstrom lists some of the best ways to move around in Rome.

The Perils of Loving a Free Spirit

Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche: Deep-water phobic Torre DeRoche embarks on a cross-Pacific sailing adventure for love and survives.

A Bump in the Silk Road by Suzanne M. Miller

For Dr. Suzanne M. Miller, a bump in the road during her travels along the Silk Road in Xinjiang, China, proved quite literal, when she and her fellow travelers found themselves involved in a car accident.

Ten Most Marvelous Monasteries

Ten Best Monasteries and Convents: Lonely Planet lists the ten best monasteries around the world in their great guidebook, 1000 Ultimate Sights.

No Waves In Cuba: Surfing History

Michael Scott Moore takes readers through a history of surfing in his surprising and superbly written travelogue Sweetness and Blood.

Summers Off: Worldwide Adventures of a Schoolteacher

Larry ‘Jungle’ Shortell describes his traveling adventures in Summers Off: The Worldwide Adventures of a Schoolteacher, this excerpt has him skydiving in New Zealand

Roads Are Changing the World and the Way We Live

Helena Wahlstrom reviews a new book by Ted Conover, The Routes of Man: How Roads Are Changing the World, and the Way We Live Today.

Good read: Route 66 Adventure Handbook

Drew Knowles’s brilliant, genuinely fond account of Route 66, now in its fourth edition, is sure to make readers long for the good old pre-interstate days.

Traveling the Congo in a Dug-Out Canoe

Facing the Congo in a Dug-Out Canoe: Adventurer Jeffrey Tayler, a white man, navigates the Congo River and meets the residents of the jungle in this exciting book.

See the World, Aid the World with Investours

Investours, a non-profit organization, pools participants’ tour fees and contributes them in the form of a micro-loan to aid local entrepreneurs.

BikeSherpa: Bike Touring Adventure meets Social Networks

BikeSherpa: Social Networking and Bike Touring Adventure By Helena Wahlstrom Social networking is used for just about everything these days, with online groups forming around every interest imaginable. Now bike enthusiasts can take that social group and go on a cycling adventure in Europe with BikeSherpa. BikeSherpa, co-founded by Robert…

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Take a few minutes to travel the world with The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Brought to you by the long-running GoNOMAD travel website, The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you audio stories from destinations around the globe. It’s short-form… 3-7 minute long episodes. No jarring AM radio-style theme songs, no ads, just an interesting short travel story and some food for thought, from editor Max Hartshorne. Fun!
While you’re planning your next trip or travel adventure, download and listen to The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

GoNomad is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.