Destinations Off The Beaten Path Travel Articles

swimming in a waterfall in Nuqui Colombia

Visiting Nuquí, Chocó: Colombia’s Wild Pacific Coast, Then and Now

Visiting Nuqui, on the wild Pacific coast of Colombia, getting there by a three-hour boat ride in rough seas, what’s new there in 2025.

Exploring Rogers Arkansas: Gateway to the Ozarks’ Best Experiences

Rogers Arkansas, in the state’s northwest corner, is part of a fast-growing part of the country with Wal-Mart and other corporations hqs right here.

Eating Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Great Reasons to Return

A food tour of Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

Renting in Ischia, Italy, or on Cape Cod

Comparing the costs of renting on Cape Cod, Mass versus renting on the island of Ischia on the Bay of Naples. Italy is cheaper.

GPS Trackers For Luggage: My Bag Disappearing Made Me Write This

Best GPS trackers for luggage in 2025 ! Track your bags in real-time and never worry about lost luggage again. Learn what, how and more to travel stress-free.

Slow Roads and Empty Maps: Three Days in Forgotten Upstate New York

Taking the slow roads and discovering a new way to travel across a big state like New York, enjoying the road, not the destination.

Traveling to Valencia Spain

A visit to the Valencia Spain for giant paella, City of Arts and Sciences and great culinary discoveries.

Why Slovenia Should Be Your Next Food And Wine Destination

Slovenia is a foodie paradise, and the greenest country in Europe. A visit to some of the truffle hunting grounds and gourmet finds of Slovenia.

Mexico City’s Roma Neighborhood: Leafy and Green

Mexico City, known as CDMX, offers wonderfully leafy and safe neighborhoods like Roma. A visit to the city plus a trip to Guanajuato, Mexico.

Mekong or Amazon? Exploring the World’s Great Rivers

Explore the Amazon and Mekong rivers—two of the world’s greatest waterways through their biodiversity, river cruises, and transformative journeys.

Moments in Mallorca

Moments in Mallorca, photos by Paul Shoul of this gloriously beautiful Balearic island off the coast of Spain.

Frisco Texas: A Children’s Paradise for Families

Frisco Texas has many fun things for kids as well as their grownups, visiting Frisco Texas.

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.