Chantae Reden

Our love of thrills and entertainment is seen in the success of businesses that range from small fairs to ginormous amusement parks. The combination of sugary treats, lively performances and rides that loop and turn results in memories that last a lifetime. But where did our affinity for these attractions come from? Buckle up and keep your arms inside as we dive into the fascinating history of theme parks and how they've changed over the decades.

The ancestors of theme parks popped up in Euro...

Indonesia Blends Its Culture and History Into Its Food
I follow the savory smell of peanut sauce and tiptoe into the kitchen of a tiny warung on the island of Lombok to peek at how the chef made my plate of simple vegetables taste so delicious. Piles of chopped ginger, chiles, garlic, and a dish of palm sugar wait to be tossed into a pan of oil. I'm on assignment to write a travel guidebook about a handful of islands in Indonesia, and with a notebook in hand, I'm ready to find out the secrets...

With white sand beaches, turquoise waters, tropical flowers, lively towns, intriguing architecture and lush jungles, the islands of the Caribbean set the stage for dreamy destination weddings. No matter if you want an intimate elopement or an elaborate celebration with all your loved ones, these are the best places to say "I do!" in the Caribbean.
There are few places more vibrant than Jamaica, and Montego Bay encapsulates some of the best features of Jamaican culture and scenery. Before exch...

I gazed down at my feet which were planted firmly on the edge of a cliff on Ka Lae, the southernmost point of Hawaii. My eyes drifted ahead to the dark teal waters of the Pacific Ocean where a dark shape of schooling fish morphed into a sphere in the distance. A line of bathing-suit-clad thrill-seekers eager to go cliff jumping snaked behind me, waiting to hurl themselves off the safety of terra firma and into the depths below.

"On the count of three, just send it." My friend commanded.

I nod...

Calling our planet "Earth" is a little misleading when you consider that most of its surface is covered by the ocean. Despite the vastness of the sea, we know so little about it that sea exploration is sometimes compared to space exploration. Exploring it at night is an even more mysterious endeavor. If you venture out into the water on a night scuba dive, you'll discover a world that's unlike anything you've ever known.
The ocean looked like an infinity pool made of tar, while in the distanc...

Hawaii is a land of contrasts. Fiery volcanoes cede to tranquil beaches, and modern resorts share skylines with ancient craters. With diverse food to tempt the taste buds, cultural performances to delight, national parks to explore and beaches to unwind on, your experience is bound to be life-changing while exploring for unique things to do in Hawaii. Whether you're traveling with friends, family or going solo, this is everything you need on your ultimate Hawaii vacation bucket list.
As soon ...

Venture to the tropics, find a private island to call your own, never return. There’s no denying that coconut-laden islands and escapism seem to go hand in hand. After all, there’s an entire ocean that seems like it will separate you from your worries.

Heading on a New Zealand ski trip? Or planning to stay and ski in Australia? Even with cheap flights and hotels, skiing in New Zealand and Australia can be an expensive adventure. Read on to discover how to ski on a budget at winter wonderlands like Thredbo, Perisher, Coronet Peak, and more.

I peer into the water below and brace for impact as the white belly of a humpback whale heads my way. Suddenly, she veers the opposite direction, sparing me from a blubber-bellied body slam. The humpback whale calf is getting more and more confident by the minute, it seems. The calf’s mother supervises the action from below, watching closely as her calf attempts—and fails—to slap the surface of the water with her tail. Humpback whales are shockingly good at special awareness despite their siz...

A travel writer living in Fiji who has been dreaming of an enchanted island chain that's like an archipelago of legends gets invited to go check them out—if she'll just agree to do it on a cruise ship.
For years, I listened as friends told stories about how incredible the Fijian archipelago of Lau was. According to everyone who ventured there, Lau is where the water is clearer, the sky is starrier, and the sea turtles are bigger than anywhere else in the world. Lau took on a mystical reputati...