humanity

If nothing else, travel opens your eyes to the colorful quilt that is humankind.

Flag Jacking
Forgive the poor Latin of my title, but I could not think of a better way to label what I call an unpleasant but also rather interesting trend that has existed for over thirty years.
By Kendall Defoe 4 months ago in Wander
Backcountry Backpacking the Lakeshore Trail in the Smoky Mountains: A True Test of Grit
I just returned from a 3-day backpacking backcountry trip in the Smoky Mountains. For those who love the Smokies, the call of the wilderness is irresistible. Winding footpaths, hidden campsites, and the promise of solitude pull hikers deep into one of the most beloved national parks in the country. Among the network of more than 900 miles of official trails, a handful stand out as true tests of endurance and patience. The Lakeshore Trail is one of them.
By Tim Carmichael4 months ago in Wander
The Spiritual Cost of Always Being Online
We live in a world that never powers down. The glow of screens follows us into every room, every hour, every moment. It promises connection, distraction, and belonging, but somewhere deep inside, you feel what it’s really taking.
By Benevolentia4 months ago in Wander
The Dos and Don'ts of Travelling In A Group
This is not (just) a call-out to deeply inconsiderate people who I am currently on tour with, but a general guide to travelling as part of a group, especially when that group doesn't just consist of family who are obligated to not attempt to murder you until you get home and can be sent to opposite sides of the house.
By Natasja Rose4 months ago in Wander
When “Self-Improvement” Becomes Just Another Distraction
We live in a world that never stops telling us we aren’t enough. There’s always another book, another podcast, another morning routine promising to finally transform us into the “best version” of ourselves. It feels like progress — like we’re moving forward — but too often it’s just movement without direction.
By Benevolentia4 months ago in Wander
How to Find Meaning in Small Moments (Without Needing Something Bigger)
Life has a way of convincing us that meaning only comes in grand, sweeping moments. The big promotion. The dream trip. The milestone everyone else seems to be reaching before you. We’re told, in a thousand subtle ways, that life doesn’t count until it looks like that.
By Benevolentia5 months ago in Wander
Beyond the Sunlit Horizon
Fahad had always been drawn to the small coastal town on the edge of the map, a place that promised escape from the relentless pace of the city. From a distance, it looked like perfection: soft white sands stretching into turquoise waters, waves lapping lazily at the shore, and the horizon painted with the gentle hues of a setting sun. Colorful flags fluttered from fishing boats, and laughter seemed to ride on the sea breeze. To an outsider, the town seemed almost untouched by worry or time.
By Shehzad Anjum5 months ago in Wander
Why Rego Park is Becoming a Martial Arts Hotspot in Queens
Rego Park, a diverse neighborhood in Queens, New York, has been steadily gaining recognition as one of the borough’s top martial arts hubs. Known for its mix of cultural influences and community spirit, the area now boasts a variety of dojos and training centers that cater to everyone—from young children just beginning their martial arts journey to adults seeking fitness, self-defense, or traditional practice. With a growing number of affordable programs and highly rated schools, Rego Park is turning into a martial arts hotspot that rivals other NYC neighborhoods.
By Genyukan Dojo5 months ago in Wander
The Psychology of Overstimulation: Why Your Brain Craves What Hurts It
We live in a time where silence feels almost unnatural. The moment things get quiet, we reach for a phone, a tab, a screen, or a stream of something — anything — to fill the space. Deep down, most of us know it’s draining, leaving us restless and unfocused. And yet, we keep doing it.
By Benevolentia5 months ago in Wander
Top 10 Travel Destinations in the USA:
The United States is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. Every year, millions of people come to see its big cities, beautiful nature, and many fun things to do. From the busy streets of New York to the quiet beauty of the Grand Canyon, there is something for everyone.
By Zeenat Chauhan5 months ago in Wander
Why We Fear Silence (And What It Can Teach Us About Ourselves)
Silence is not something most of us are comfortable with. The moment the world grows quiet, we reach for our phones, turn on music, or fill the air with anything we can. The stillness unsettles us. It feels strange, heavy, sometimes even threatening.
By Benevolentia5 months ago in Wander
The Illusion of “Having It All” — And What to Aim For Instead
We grow up surrounded by the same quiet promise: that if we work hard enough, plan carefully enough, and keep moving forward, one day we’ll “have it all.”
By Benevolentia5 months ago in Wander