Texas residents might not notice it, but their homes give tourists from abroad an unspoken tour of American culture. Every appliance, closet, and couch tells a story. Foreign guests are quick to spot what feels unusual. The pantry looks like a mini grocery store. The living room? More pillows than people. To Americans, it’s all…
First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to learning about new cities. From the bustling streets of New York City to the hipster culture of Portland, overarching ideas about these metropolises are helpful, but they can also overshadow their more nuanced realities. Many cities—including those in Indiana—are made up of bustling neighborhoods, local businesses,…
Tornadoes can occur just about anywhere, but the United States—and especially Texas—is particularly prone to them. Scientists categorize the deadly and catastrophic storms by the Enhanced Fujita or EF scale which uses damage indicators to estimate wind speeds. The scale runs from EF-O (no damage) to EF-5 (severe destruction). The tornadoes on this list are…
Many Floridians take it for granted that they’ll receive a U.S. passport after applying for one. However, the government sometimes denies passports for reasons that take Americans by surprise. These are some of the most common reasons the U.S. government won’t issue you a passport. Outstanding Child Support One reason for a passport denial is…
Some people plan their vacations around warm weather, cultural experiences, and enjoyable outings. There’s a growing trend, however, of Americans traveling to destinations that allow them to explore the darker parts of the country’s history. Dark tourism involves traveling to sites associated with death, tragedy, or unnatural events. In the United States, there are many…
Business class is the holy grail of flying out of Pennsylvania. Stretching your legs, sipping something fancy, and not getting elbowed every five seconds? Absolute dream. But those price tags? Yikes. Luckily, there are a bunch of sneaky-smart ways to fly like a VIP without dropping thousands of bucks. If you’re craving the good life…
Traveling changes how you see the world, which is why New Yorkers who’ve never been abroad are easier to spot than they think. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s noticeable. The clues show up when they talk about foreign food, foreign money, or just about anything that doesn’t come with a side of ranch…
Not every romantic getaway needs rose petals and champagne. Sometimes, all you need is a small-town café, a long walk without a schedule, and someone to share the quiet with. These American towns feel like real-life movie sets… only the kind where no one yells “cut!” Woodstock, Vermont Woodstock doesn’t try to impress you. It…
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a vacation. New sights. New food. New “must-do” activities around every corner. But some destination getaways are designed to cash in on your curiosity. Before Californians know it, they’ve spent more than they planned on things they didn’t really need. Here are some of America’s…
Thinking about moving to Virginia? You’re likely in for a treat. The Old Dominion offers a mix of history, nature, and country or city living, depending on your preference. But you pack your bags, here are some key things to know about life in Virginia. Many are positive; others not so much. Cost of Living…
