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BBC Travel Culture & Experiences.txt
AdvertisementCulture & ExperiencesThe the social poker hackerroad trip that celebrates a musical legendMany towns and cities along the Blues Trail have planned festivals, exhibitions and live music to mark what would have been BB King's 100th birthday.The British isle that outwitted the NazisEighty years after the end of WW2, few people know that a British island's unique language was used as a clandestine code during Nazi occupation.How Europe's oldest language ended up on US treesThe US' Basque immigrants turned to sheepherding in order to survive. Today, their legacy can be found in unique wooden tree carvings they left throughout the American West.Why Singaporeans are living longer than everWhen it comes to longevity, few places in the world have seen such a drastic jump in life expectancy as the island city-state in Southeast Asia.The US island where you can walk to RussiaTwin islands connected by an ice bridge are a reminder that the US and Russia's culture and history are intertwined.Where fans are travelling for their Outlander fixHow Outlander became one of Scotland's biggest tourism drivers, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to castles, moors and battlefields.The US town built by and for Chinese peopleChinese labourers turned central California into an agricultural powerhouse – and built a bustling Chinese-run town once called the "Monte Carlo of California" in the process.AdvertisementWatchThe secret behind Colombia's blender crazeA colourful journey through fruit markets and forests reveals a nation’s most beloved kitchen ritual.25 Jul 2025Culture & ExperiencesThe truth behind 70 years of wild Disneyland mythsWhy are there so many conspiracies around the man and the park? Two of them are actually true.17 Jul 2025Culture & ExperiencesExploring the desert secrets of a lost Nabataean worldAn art critic uncovers mysteries from this ancient culture within Saudi Arabia's sandy landscape.25 Apr 2025Culture & ExperiencesThe little-known truth behind a Christmas taleScience says that Santa must have a crew of female reindeer. So why do we think Rudolph the reindeer is a boy?18 Dec 2024Culture & ExperiencesExploring Japan's ancient tradition of lacquerwareFind out how Japan's renowned Wajima-nuri lacquerware is crafted through more than 100 intricate steps.22 Nov 2024Culture & ExperiencesWhy nudity is a rule in Japan's traditional onsensJapan's popular hot spring baths come with a unique requirement, full nudity for anyone entering the onsen.19 Nov 2024Culture & ExperiencesHolocaust survivor shares story of journey to AuschwitzIn a disarmingly frank interview, Holocaust survivor Freddie Knoller recounts his story of survival.9 Nov 2024Culture & ExperiencesWhy Swedes won't talk about wealthIn Sweden, a deep-rooted cultural code called Jantelagen stops many from talking about their wealth.5 Nov 2024Culture & ExperiencesThe Irish folk history of Jack-O'-LanternsLong before pumpkins became a sign of Halloween, people carved faces into turnips to ward off evil spirits.31 Oct 2024Culture & ExperiencesThis is not black magic: The real voodoo of New OrleansVoodoo, often portrayed as something to be feared, is having a renaissance in New Orleans.29 Oct 2024Culture & ExperiencesPhotos offer rare glimpse into Jewish shtetl lifeA treasure trove of photographs provides a window into early 20th century Jewish shtetl life.26 Oct 2024Culture & ExperiencesFriday the 13th: The psychology behind the superstitionToday is widely considered an unlucky day. But where did the superstition come from, and why do people still believe in it?13 Sep 2024Culture & ExperiencesA surprising Welsh enclave in PatagoniaIn 1865, 150 Welsh immigrants fled to Argentina, discovering a new world far from home.5 Aug 2024Culture & ExperiencesTurkey's answer to 'Burning Man'A music and art extravaganza takes place in an 'otherworldly' landscape amid unique volcanic rock formations.22 Jul 2024Culture & ExperiencesWhy is Finland the happiest country in the world?What makes the Finns such happy people? And what can we learn from it?28 Mar 2024Culture & ExperiencesPust: An ancient festival to chase away winterReady for spring? Here's how locals saved an almost forgotten ritual in Slovenia.28 Mar 2024Culture & ExperiencesFour Japanese principles to lead a good lifeWe are entering cherry blossom season in Japan and in many US cities. What does this tradition teach us today?20 Mar 2024Culture & ExperiencesBaggage fees and the rising costs of airline travelBaggage fees made airlines a record $33 billion in 2023 so we look at how we got here.1 Mar 2024Culture & ExperiencesHow the Amazon became a safe haven for enslaved AfricansThe history of how the Maroons escaped slavery through an unknown route in the Amazon rainforest. 22 Feb 2024Culture & ExperiencesSurprising origins of the Super BowlAmerican Football is a US tradition unlike any other and yet it traces its roots to an ancient Roman game.8 Feb 2024Culture & ExperiencesWell WorldBall of a time: The sporty trend reshaping travelRacket sports are going global – and travellers are following. From padel in Spain to Caribbean pickleball retreats, here's why the court is the new destination.See moreThe rise of ultra-sport holidaysInside Bangkok's life-changing 'death cafe'The unstoppable rise of digital detox retreatsFinding calm in the cosmos: A new wellness trendThe nation that wants you to embrace your sleepy sideRediscovering AmericaA US island with no cars and 600 horsesIn the midst of "the car capital of the world", there's a serene vehicle-free island home to 600 people and a once-upon-a-time way of life.The first king to travel around the worldHe had tea with the Queen, was blessed by the Pope and spread Hawaiian culture across the globe. More than a century later, a festival dubbed the "Olympics of hula" honours his legacy.Thoughtful travelIs this the end of the buffet breakfast?Once a hallmark of hotel luxury, the breakfast buffet is under scrutiny for its waste, overconsumption and environmental impact.Why the travel bucket list is under reviewIn the age of social media, our bucket lists are looking more alike than ever – and destinations from Italy to Japan are fighting back.Should we be visiting places that are vanishing?As more people travel to destinations that may soon vanish due to climate change, experts and guides weigh in on how this practice could help preserve these places – if done right.The end of 'perfect timing' for travellersClimate change is rewriting the rulebook for trip planning – and travellers need to adapt.In Europe, your bad behaviour will cost youFrom no flip-flops behind the wheel to no swimwear beyond the beach, fresh rules and restrictions signal a new era for mass tourism in Europe.The SpeciaList : Global guides from local expertsChef Asma Khan's guide to London's best Indian foodThe chef-owner of Darjeeling Express shares her favourite Indian restaurants in London – from dosa joints to fine dining – and why she wants you to embrace her culture.A local's guide to the best wings in BuffaloNational Buffalo Wing Festival founder Drew Cerza has made it his mission to promote his hometown's iconic dish. Here are what he deems the best wings in town.Where to get the best pizza in ChicagoLocal pizza expert Steve Dolinsky wants you to know that Chicago pizza isn't just deep dish. Just in time for Lollapalooza Chicago 2025, here are his favourite pies in the city.Tracee Ellis Ross' top tips for travelling soloThe black-ish actor is her own favourite travel companion. Here are her top tips for taking on the world one destination at a time, all on your own.More culture and experiences7 Aug 2025The spiritual significance of umbrellas in JapanIn Japan, umbrellas don't just block rain or sun – they're spiritual tools capable of summoning spirits.7 Aug 20251 Aug 2025Canada's remote islands few travellers reachAs Haida Gwaii undergoes a cultural reawakening, travellers are discovering a more respectful way to explore this remote territory off Canada's coast.1 Aug 202523 Jul 2025The secret to life in the world's best citiesAustralia now has three cities in the global top 10 for liveability. Residents reveal what makes daily life here so appealing – and why it's not just about the weather.23 Jul 202518 Jul 2025India's ancient and mysterious 'dwarf' chambersNearly 1,000 Tolkien-esque megalithic chambers dot southern India's "Hill of the Dwarfs", and locals believe they were created by a supernatural race of "small people".18 Jul 202512 Jul 2025Italy's best-kept summer secretsVenture past the bucket-list cities this season and explore Italy's 20 exciting regions.12 Jul 20258 Jul 2025Is this the most Scottish town in Italy?In the Italian town of Barga, haggis and bagpipes meet Tuscan sunshine.8 Jul 202524 Jun 2025How to explore Glastonbury's Pagan sideRollo Maughfling helped pioneer Glastonbury's modern Druidic revival. Here are his top ways to enjoy the spiritual town beyond its famous festival, from sacred sites to Pagan wares.24 Jun 202519 Jun 2025The island city where Juneteenth was bornOne hundred and sixty years after word reached Galveston, Texas, that enslaved African Americans were now free, the city is honouring Juneteenth all year round.19 Jun 202516 Jun 2025The Greek sandal maker who dresses celebritiesWorn by the likes of John Lennon and Sarah Jessica Parker, these handmade sandals are still crafted in Athens today, with travellers flocking here for the experience.16 Jun 202512345...11
