travel advice

All the travel how-tos, where-tos, must-dos, packing suggestions and more.

Teaching Abroad Forced Me to Unlearn the Lies I Grew Up With
Editor's Note Teaching abroad didn’t give me answers — it stripped away beliefs I didn’t know I was carrying. This essay traces how living overseas challenged my ideas of normalcy, worth, and identity, and how unlearning those ideas made room for something softer and more human.
By Restless Wandererabout 4 hours ago in Wander
Mike Savage on New Canaan’s Best Kept Secrets
New Canaan is often admired for its charm, schools, and beautiful neighborhoods. However, there is another side to the town that only longtime residents truly recognize. Beyond the well-known landmarks, there are quiet corners and simple pleasures that rarely appear in guidebooks. These hidden gems are part of daily life, discovered through routine walks, casual chats, and years of living here. Mike Savage New Canaan frequently mentions that these lesser-known spots make the town feel personal rather than polished.
By Mike Savage New Canaana day ago in Wander
Solo Female Travel in Africa: Simple Tips to Stay Safe. AI-Generated.
Africa is rich in beauty and adventure. For women traveling alone, it can be an unforgettable experience. It is normal to think about safety and where to stay. Africa is a big continent, and every country feels unique. With good planning and a little caution, the journey can be smooth and enjoyable.
By Nishant3 days ago in Wander
The Problem With Living in Maryland
I was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and lived in Maryland for 30 years of my life. Currently, I live in Germantown, Maryland, where I live at is not so bad, there are some shopping centers around the area including a Walmart and Target side by side towards each other, a Germantown library, and a local theatre next door for live music events.
By Gladys W. Muturi3 days ago in Wander
Racing Toward the Sky: The World’s Tallest Roller Coaster Loop Is Coming to a U.S. Theme Park. AI-Generated.
For decades, the United States has been a global leader in roller coaster innovation. From the gravity-defying drops of Florida to the high-speed launches of California, thrill seekers have always known where to travel for the world’s most iconic rides. But now, a new chapter in coaster history is being written — and the location may surprise you. A major U.S. theme park, far from the usual thrill-ride capitals, is preparing to unveil the world’s tallest roller coaster loop. The announcement has already sent shockwaves through the amusement community and stirred excitement among coaster enthusiasts worldwide. This monumental addition is about more than breaking records; it represents an evolution in engineering, design, and the future of theme-park entertainment. In a country where theme parks compete fiercely to capture public attention, this new ride is poised to become a game-changer. Not Florida. Not California. So Where Is It? One of the biggest reasons this reveal is making headlines is the park’s unexpected location. While the exact name of the park has been kept under wraps until the official announcement, sources confirm it is not in the usual hotspots of Orlando or Southern California — the two regions traditionally dominating the theme-park industry. Instead, the world’s tallest loop is coming to a Midwestern entertainment destination, a region long known for unique coaster designs and experimental thrill rides. The choice highlights a growing trend: major attractions are expanding beyond coastal hubs, breathing new life into parks that once relied purely on seasonal visitors. This strategic move puts the spotlight on the Midwest as a rising powerhouse in the amusement world — and thrill seekers are eager to see how this will shift the landscape. A Loop That Reaches New Heights The defining feature of this new roller coaster is its colossal loop, set to exceed the height of any loop currently on Earth. Engineers behind the project describe it as a “vertical horizon,” a structure so tall it appears to bend the sky itself. While the park hasn’t released the exact height just yet, early estimates from industry analysts suggest the loop may surpass 200 feet, towering above previous records and offering riders an unmatched perspective as they flip through the air. The loop’s design is more than just tall — it’s an engineering challenge requiring: A precisely calculated launch speed to maintain safe yet exhilarating momentum Reinforced steel architecture to withstand extreme forces Carefully controlled banking and rotation to ensure rider comfort State-of-the-art restraint systems tailored for inverted movement at unprecedented heights These elements combine to create a structure that pushes the limits of coaster technology. Engineering the Impossible Building a record-breaking loop isn’t as simple as making a tall metal circle. It requires innovation, advanced materials, and a deep understanding of physics. The design team reportedly collaborated with leading coaster manufacturers known for groundbreaking concepts. Their goal? To build a ride that doesn’t just break records — it needs to be safe, smooth, and repeatable. Some of the technical highlights include: 1. A Multi-Launch System Instead of a traditional chain lift, the ride is expected to use a magnetic launch, giving trains rapid acceleration. Riders may experience several launches as the coaster builds enough force to climb the enormous loop. 2. High-Strength Track Alloy To handle the extreme stress of inversion at such height, the steel track uses a strengthened alloy that resists bending and vibration. 3. Aerodynamic Train Design The coaster trains have been streamlined to minimize drag and maximize fluid movement through the loop. This ensures a smooth ride experience, even during high-G transitions. 4. Advanced Safety Enhancements The ride features next-generation restraint systems that keep riders secure while offering comfortable freedom of movement. These systems are tested under a wide range of conditions before public use. This level of engineering sets a new bar for what theme parks can achieve in the 21st century. A New Era for the Park For the theme park behind this project, the world’s tallest roller coaster loop represents more than just a new ride — it symbolizes a bold shift in identity. Midwestern parks have historically been known for affordability, accessibility, and charm rather than international spectacle. But this new attraction elevates the park to blockbuster status. It’s expected to: Boost tourism dramatically Draw coaster fans from around the globe Inspire other parks to invest in groundbreaking new technology Re position the host city as a destination for adventure tourism Local officials have already expressed optimism about the economic benefits. Hotels, restaurants, and small businesses near the park are preparing for a summer surge unlike anything seen before. Why Big Coasters Still Matter In an age of virtual reality, digital entertainment, and online gaming, some people wonder if massive roller coasters still hold cultural value. The answer is clear: absolutely. Roller coasters are one of the few remaining experiences that combine physical thrill, technological innovation, and pure human emotion. They deliver an adrenaline rush that screens simply cannot replicate. Record-breaking coasters especially serve as: Icons of engineering progress Proof of human creativity Landmarks for theme-park identity Shared experiences across generations The world’s tallest loop isn’t just oversized metal — it’s a testament to our desire to dream bigger. Riders Are Already Counting Down Even though the ride won’t open until full testing is complete, anticipation is sky-high. Coaster forums, amusement channels, and thrill-ride communities are buzzing with speculation about layout, height, train style, and theme. Some believe the coaster will be a multi-element experience including twists, airtime hills, and additional inversions. Others expect a minimalistic design that focuses on speed and the record-breaking loop. What everyone agrees on is this: the ride is destined to become a pilgrimage point for adrenaline lovers worldwide. A Sky-High Future for American Thrill Rides When the world’s tallest roller coaster loop opens, it will mark a defining moment for the United States theme-park industry. Not only will it put the Midwest on the global thrill-seekers’ map, but it will also inspire new waves of innovation across the country. And perhaps most importantly, it proves that the frontier of excitement is far from closed. There will always be new ways to challenge gravity, break records, and send riders soaring toward the sky.
By Abid Ali5 days ago in Wander
World’s Tallest Roller Coaster Loop Is Coming to a U.S. Theme Park — and It’s Not in Florida or California. AI-Generated.
When people think of record-breaking roller coasters in the United States, Florida and California usually steal the spotlight. These states are home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world, packed with attractions that push the limits of speed, height, and imagination. But in 2026, that narrative is changing.
By Sajida Sikandar5 days ago in Wander
Better Shopping Outside of Istanbul
My previous article was missing one thing: getting around by bus outside of Istanbul. Well, this article addresses that as well as the central gem of Turkiye (Turkey) for the modern traveller. The following is based on our trip there in September 2024 with the aim to help future travellers...navigate.
By Richard Soulliere5 days ago in Wander
Our Journey to Merzouga’s Golden Dunes by Morocco Family Vacation
Before traveling to Morocco, the Sahara Desert felt like something meant for postcards or adventurous backpackers not families with kids. I worried about long drives, extreme heat, and whether the experience would be overwhelming for my children. But our family trip to Merzouga, deep in the golden dunes of the Sahara, became one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve ever shared together.
By Ariel Cohen10 days ago in Wander
Unseen Japan: A Local Traveler’s Guide to Hidden Spots
Hi, I'm Saiotu. I was born and raised in the countryside of Kyoto—far away from the crowded temples and tourist spots. Japan is famous for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto City. But having traveled all across Japan—from the snowy north to the tropical south—I know that the real magic of this country lies elsewhere.
By Deep Japan by saoitu11 days ago in Wander
Life in China: Living as an Expat
Living in China as a foreigner cannot be summed up in a short article. How could life be summed up in that short of a text? Living in China as an expat comes with its obstacles and exciting adventures. This article is part two of a series on living in China as a foreigner and will discuss some of the pros and cons of living in China. The daily life in China for foreigners can be quite interesting, from the smog to the throngs of people crowding you all the time. There’s always something to learn and adjust to in this unique country.
By Restless Wanderer11 days ago in Wander
Climbing Mount Masada
The sun had barely crested the horizon when my Canadian friend, Freddy, and I tightened the straps on our packs and set off toward the base of Mount Elazar. The air felt still and almost sacred, as if the desert was quietly breathing before the day began. My boots crunched over gravel and loose stone as we found an easy rhythm, our shadows long and lean in the rosy morning light.
By Chad Pillai13 days ago in Wander
What Travelers Can Expect as Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seats. AI-Generated.
A Major Shift for One of America’s Most Distinct Airlines For decades, Southwest Airlines stood apart from other major U.S. carriers with its open-seating policy. Passengers lined up by boarding group, chose any available seat, and avoided the anxiety of seat assignments and extra fees. That tradition is now changing.
By Asad Ali17 days ago in Wander