Off the coast of Ecuador, scattered along the Equator, lie one of the most famous islands in natural history. The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands 906 kilometers west of Ecuador, was made famous by Charles Darwin, who spent years recording the animals living on the islands. These days, the Galapagos Islands have become…
Category: Culture

Old Meets New in Tokyo
In a city consistently ranked as the cleanest and most friendly in the world, spending time in Tokyo isn’t difficult or unappealing. Ease of traveling, helpfulness of locals, and plenty of historical sights in addition to modern amenities puts Tokyo at the top of many travel guides’ lists of must-see places. It is the capital…

Zion National Park Highlights
Nothing says summer like spending time in the great outdoors. With the temperatures getting warmer, and the official start of summer just weeks away, now is the right time to start thinking of where to go for that perfect outdoor getaway. Leafcanoer, Daijie, has plenty of suggestions for places to experience the outdoors. One such…

Time Traveling At Historical Sites In Turkey
Not many countries have as lengthy or prominent a history as Turkey. Since the Paleolithic era, the area now known as Turkey has been inhabited by people in some way or another. In ancient times, the famous city of Troy occupied the northwestern part of Turkey. Later, the area became a part of the Greek Empire, then…

Family Friendly Italy: 15 Activities For Any Age
No matter what age you are, Italy is a great country to visit. With its wonderful Mediterranean climate and rich history, the country draws millions of tourists to its shores each year. Leafcanoer, Helen, recently visited Italy with her family, and shared her experiences in her leaf titled, “7 days in Italy.” As many travelers…

A Step Back in Time: Exploring Hoi An Hotspots
Located along the central coast of Vietnam is the ancient town of Hoi An. This town dates back centuries, and is rich with history and natural beauty. For travelers to Vietnam, Hoi An is a must-see for providing a glimpse into the country’s heritage. LeafCanoer, DeclanBradley, recently shared some of his favorite places to visit in his leaf,…

Temples of Java: A Journey into the Sacred
Java is an island of rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. Though technically Muslim, the island’s religious beliefs are influenced greatly by a mix of Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous animism. This spiritual melting pot is evidenced by the temples and holy sites that dot the landscape of the island. From the famed Borobudur temple to…

Exploring Boston’s North End Neighborhood
Although most people wander into this neighborhood for some Italian cuisine, there’s so much else to enjoy outside of a spaghetti dinner. Explore a little further to discover even more great things about this European spirited corner of Boston. Step Back in Time Start at the Old North Church when checking out the North End…

Things to See and Do in Athens Greece
The city of Athens is a European spot full to the brim with things to do. The city is especially popular amongst history buffs as there is a lot of archaeology sites and ancient ruins around every corner. However, don’t let that put you off if history isn’t your thing, there is still plenty to…

Exploring the Many Hutongs of Beijing
Amongst the giant tourist attractions—Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square—and sprawling freeways travelers to Beijing often find themselves wishing for an escape from the bustle of the city. However, in central Beijing—the most unlikely of places—visitors can find a tranquil peace of the city’s historic past. Hutongs are the name given to a type of traditional small…