Trip Trivia

What Countries Are Part of the Middle East?

The “Middle East” is one of the most confusing terms in geography. The definition is constantly changing and might even be used to describe entirely different regions depending on who you ask.Traditionally, the Middle East was used to describe...

Food

How 10 Classic American Foods Were Invented

American food always seems to take abuse from other countries that take pride in their own culinary expertise. Call it unhealthy or uncultured, but you can’t say it isn’t delicious. Here are the origin stories of 10 classic...

History

What Is the Alamo and Why Should We Remember It?

The phrase “Remember the Alamo!” has been a part of American heritage for almost 200 years and conjures up images of Texan resolve and American patriotism. However, some might argue that the phrase has become so well known that it...

Nature

What's the Difference Between a Forest and a Jungle?

Our planet is an amazing place. In addition to being the only planet (so far) to have life within our solar system, our environment is very diverse. Depending on where you’re located on the globe, you might live in...

Geography

What (and Where) Is the Gobi Desert?

The Gobi Desert is the largest desert in Asia and is home for many unique animals. “Gobi” is a Mongolian word that means “waterless place.” Unlike most deserts, the Gobi Desert isn’t just one cohesive region. It contains several...

Nature

Gorgeous Photos of Scandinavia’s Natural Landscapes

Scandinavia is a geographical term for the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Officially, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are the three countries of Scandinavia, but Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands are sometimes also considered Scandinavian countries due to their north...

History

7 Places Where Ancient Hieroglyphics Have Been Found

As an important link to our ancestors and the development of one of humanity’s most important tools, language, hieroglyphics remain a subject of fascination for archeologists. Here are seven places where ancient hieroglyphics have been found.Rosetta, EgyptPerhaps the...

Geography

Why Is Chicago Called “The Windy City”?

As the largest city in the American Midwest and one of the main cultural hubs of North America for over a century, Chicago has earned its fair share of nicknames. Chi-Town, Second City, The 312, and the Heart of America...

History

The Ultimate Guide to Salsa Dancing

Salsa is one of the most fun workouts you can partake in, but if you’re not much of a dancer, it can be intimidating. So where did this rhythmic dance style originate, and are there variations?What Is Salsa?...

Culture

The Most Romantic Customs from Around the World

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love for many cultures. In fact, there are only a few countries that don’t celebrate the holiday. If you need some inspiration on how to impress that special someone in your...

Geography

6 Most Populous Cities in California

With 39.7 million residents, California is the most populous state in the U.S. In fact, it has over 10 million more residents than the runner-up: Texas. With so many people living in the state, it should come as...

Geography

What (and Where)Is the Serengeti?

The Serengeti plain is a massive, sprawling African grassland that’s home to some of the most spectacular and ferocious animals on the planet. About 8,000 square miles of the Serengeti are protected as a national park, with some...

Culture

The Most Insane Amusement Park Rides in the World

For the thrill-seekers among us, the average roller coaster won't do. Some demand to have their wits scared out of them. These insane amusement park rides are designed for those brave few.Tower of Terror — Disney World, FLCredit: Alexf/ CC...

Geography

What (and Where) Are International Waters?

If the idea of "international waters" is a rather murky one to you, fear not. Here we'll explain what they are, where they are, and why they are important. History of International WatersCredit: kavalenkau/ Shutterstock To understand what international...

History

How the Rosetta Stone Changed Our Understanding of History

Upon hearing "Rosetta Stone," many people think now of the software that helps people learn a language. The fact that so many instantly associate “Rosetta Stone” with language says a lot about the real Rosetta Stone and how it helped...

Geography

7 Landmarks That Could Become the Next Wonders of the World

Most of us are familiar with the "New Seven Wonders of the World." These include Christ the Redeemer, the Taj Mahal, Petra, Chichen Itza, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Colosseum. But there are so many jaw-dropping...

Food

The Oldest Known Recipes in the World

What does modern life have in common with the life our early ancestors lived? With technological advances and creature comforts, there’s no way that life can be anywhere near what it was thousands of years ago, right? It turns...

Geography

10 U.S. Cities That Are Booming in Population

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more and more people are choosing to avoid the cold, nasty weather of the north in favor of more tepid southern and western destinations. Of the top 10 cities with the most increased...

History

10 Oldest Universities in the World

People have always sought out higher education. After all, knowledge is power. Thinking of old colleges probably brings American institutions such as Harvard and Yale to mind, which have been around since the 1600s. Surprisingly, they don’t even make...

Culture

Earth’s Rarest Languages and Where to Hear Them

Millions of languages have disappeared throughout the world's history. Many that exist today are threatened as populations move and countries adopt other, more widely spoken languages. Here are the some of the rarest languages left on Earth and where to...