Bringing you the bigger picture. A magazine for the socially conscious traveler. Curiosity is a magazine for the conscious traveler. They love stories.
It’s for those who care about more than what to see and do and eat, and want to learn about the politics and issues affecting a place. Our readers are curious about backgrounds, politics, ingredients, and people. They ask questions and look for local insight. They try to gain perspective. They don’t have to be well traveled, but they aim to travel well.
Letter From the EditorSee You SoonPosted on December 4, 2019December 5, 2019byRebecca Holland Dear Readers, As 2019 comes to an end, so will our publishing. At least temporarily. Over the last few months we’ve thought a lot about the types of stories we want to deliver to readers, and they simply ...
TravelThe Sustainable Tourism Strategy Preserving a 300-Year-Old Culture In BrazilPosted on November 24, 2019byBeatriz Miranda The Santa Bárbara Waterfall When a community’s home turns into a travel destination, the influx of tourism can cause controversy. Tourism crosses boundaries even when con...
Essays TravelHow I Overcame Traveling With Mental Illness to Lead a Life of AdventurePosted on August 8, 2018May 12, 2019byRachel England Death Valley National Park We’re in the desert and there’s not a single soul in sight, save for a bird or two soaring overhead. The horizon stretches out for ...
06/10/2019
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is stunning! And a great place to hike and kayak. Hope your weekend was filled with adventure! @ Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Happy October! It's officially apple cider and pumpkin bar season here in the Midwest. The big news in the travel community this week was that Saudi Arabia started issuing tourist visas for the first time ever. Here's why we're hesitant about visiting. Elsewhere on the site we rounded up the most ...
Be a Better TravelerShould You Go There? A Guide to Visiting Controversial CountriesPosted on October 3, 2019October 3, 2019byCuriosity Magazine Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Kemo Sahab. Travel is easier than ever before, and it seems there’s almost nowhere that hasn’t been written about or I...
25/09/2019
Our founder Rebecca Holland spoke with the hosts of Travel Tomorrow about the differences and increasing similarities between travel writers/travel bloggers/travel influencers, why we hate Top 10 lists, the importance of diversity in travel writing, how we pay our writers and how much, and why we think everyone can by simply staying curious. Take a listen! https://www.traveltomorrowpod.com/post/travel-influencers/
Curiosity Magazine founder Rebecca Holland breaks down the difference from a travel influencer and blogger to a journalist and what that means for objectivity i
24/09/2019
You've read them. You've probably written them. At least some of them make you cringe.
On WritingCharming, Exotic, Hidden gem: The Most Overused, Problematic Words In Travel WritingPosted on September 23, 2019September 23, 2019byCuriosity Magazine The statues are iconic. The sunset was stunning. Discover the real, authentic Rome like a local. The castle is nestled on a lush hillside i...
21/09/2019
Weekends are for exploring. And online shopping. And supporting your favorite travel magazine!
Stay curious and comfortable with this long-sleeved t-shirt made of ultra-smooth cotton. • Long sleeves • Cuffed hands • Durable ribbed neckband • Double stitched • Made in the USA, sweatshop-free Size guide S M L XL 2XL Chest (inches) 34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 48-50 Waist (inches) 30-32 32-...
17/09/2019
Summer vacation is over, but it's never too early to start planning your next trip.
Guides for Curious Travelers Our collection of guides gives you context before you travel. Read a brief history, learn about the current political and social climate, and take in our destination-specific cultural tips on how to travel with respect. Each guide also includes advice from our local writ...
14/09/2019
Over on Twitter we share our favorite travel and food stories from across the web. Come follow along. https://buff.ly/2XR8nUF
13/09/2019
It's been awhile, but we're back! And we have a new free Be a Better Traveler guide for newsletter subscribers. If you're already subscribed it should be in your inbox any minute. If not, what are you waiting for? Subscribe here - https://buff.ly/34CTdml
24/07/2019
There have been many versions of Chinatown in Los Angeles. New Chinatown, the one many know best, is changing yet again thanks to development and an influx of money from outside of the community. What does that mean for current residents, and is it reason for despair or a sign of progress? https://www.curiositymag.com/2019/07/24/los-angeles-chinatown-history-future/
LA's Chinatown has gone through multiple iterations, and it's changing once again. We spoke with residents about the past, present, and future.
08/07/2019
Sure, blue crab is great, but have you ever had a chicken box?
"Baltimore is one of the most segregated cities in the United States, and the longer I remain here and interact with residents from different racial and economic backgrounds, the more obvious and upsetting the contrasts between the two Baltimores become. Nevertheless, chicken boxes will always be one of the sacred joys of living on my side of the tracks," writes Kyndall Cunningham in today's story.
Learn about the history of this Baltimore staple plus where to try it for yourself. (It's a lot easier to eat than crab, too).
Sure, blue crab is great. But have you ever tried a chicken box? This is the iconic Maryland food that doesn't get as much attention, but should.
04/07/2019
Happy Independence Day!
The United States is a massive country. You could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see it all. Forests, mountains, beaches, cities, farms...we have everything. There's no set "American" culture, because America is vast, ever changing, and diverse. While we love foreign travel, we also encourage you to travel in your own country as much as you can. Some places–and people–might surprise you!
Here are some of our USA stories for inspiration.
Be a Better Traveler Travel How to Be a Better, More Sustainable, Traveler This Earth Day Posted on April 21, 2019June 17, 2019byRebecca Holland and Rob Holland Share
02/07/2019
If New York is the city that never sleeps, California is the state that relishes a good nap. It’s best enjoyed with a Cab or Corona in hand. Known for sunshine, celebrities, and a laid-back culture, is one of the most diverse and populated regions in the US. From beach towns to cities, coastal drives to desert camping–and don't forget tacos, seafood, & wine–learn how to best experience Southern like a local with our new guide. As with the rest of our guide collection, this one not only gives you insider knowledge on what to do, see, and eat, but it also gives background on the history, politics, and current issues in Southern California.
The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Southern CaliforniaPosted on June 30, 2019June 30, 2019byCuriosity Magazine If New York is the city that never sleeps, California is the state that relishes a good nap. It’s best enjoyed with a Cab or Corona in hand. Known for sunshine, celebrities, and a laid-bac...
01/07/2019
It's our birthday!! A year ago today we clicked publish on our first story. Some highlights from year one here, plus how you can help us be even better going forward. Most importantly, THANK YOU for reading and following!
TravelYear One of Curiosity MagazinePosted on July 1, 2019byRebecca Holland It’s our birthday! A year ago today, we clicked publish on our very first story, about cocoa and politics in Chocó, Colombia. We weren’t sure anyone would visit the site, but we had a feeling people were getting tired o...
24/06/2019
"Home is part of the journey of finding yourself, yet it is the most overlooked aspect of travelling," writes Marie Helene Ngom in today's travel essay.
Essays TravelMy Senegalese Passport Is the Most Valuable Item I ownPosted on June 23, 2019June 24, 2019byMarie Helene Ngom In 24 years, my identity has been molded by three continents, seven countries, eight cities, and two villages. As the daughter of a diplomat, I’ve always seen my peripatetic l...
21/06/2019
Happy Solstice! This fantastic piece from Vox goes beyond the basics and is quite fun, too.
Why do we have a summer solstice, anyway?
20/06/2019
There are currently about 25.9 million refugees in the world. That's the highest ever seen. Today is World Refugee Day. You can learn more here - https://buff.ly/2RpGxJs
Then read this story from travel writer and humanitarian worker Victoria Borisch on why taking photos in refugee camps, whether you're working or visiting, is a bad idea.
Be a Better TravelerWhy You Won’t See Photos From My Work With RefugeesPosted on June 20, 2019byVictoria Borisch As someone who lives abroad, my life is told through a series of social media posts for friends and family back home. There are only so many hours in the day, so I’m not able to catch...
18/06/2019
June is the start of peak travel season. Take a look through our Be a Better Traveler section to make sure you're making the most of your next trip and not doing anything accidentally offensive, plus find out how to take the best travel photos.
Be a Better Traveler Travel How to Be a Better, More Sustainable, Traveler This Earth Day Posted on April 21, 2019June 17, 2019byRebecca Holland and Rob Holland Share
17/06/2019
June is National Camping Month, and with tens of thousands of campgrounds in the United States, it's hard to find a reason not to spend a night under the stars. Are you heading on any camping trips this summer? Share your camping photos on Instagram and Twitter using , and in case you missed it back in April, click the link below to learn how camping makes you a more sustainable traveler.
How can you reconcile your love of the Earth with your love of exploring it? Follow these sustainable travel tips when planning your next trip.
14/06/2019
"I felt lost in a place where I had come to find my people," writes Marina Walinski about attending a Pride parade packed with corporate sponsors. Others she spoke with weren't as bothered.
Dismayed at the influence of corporations on Pride festivals, one writer sets out to find if they serve a purpose, and realizes how to make Pride her own.
07/06/2019
Come follow us on Instagram for conscious travel tips and inspiration.
7,154 Followers, 1,220 Following, 178 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Curiosity Magazine ()
04/06/2019
Eid Mubarak to all of our readers celebrating! We hope you have a happy and peaceful holiday with friends and family.
03/06/2019
The perfect summer tote, whether your travels take you to the market or the beach.
This cotton canvas tote bag is both stylish and practical. • 6 oz, 100% cotton canvas • 22” dual handles • Dimensions: 14 ½” x 15 ½”
02/06/2019
Girl in Florence pretty much sums it up.
Travel influencers have a responsibility to their followers and the people and places they visit. Here's how some are failing, and some are doing it right.
01/06/2019
Summer, with its long days and more temperate weather, is the perfect time to visit Iceland. Here's what you need to know before you go.
It may seem like everyone you know is going to Iceland. Our local tips expand your horizons, give tips on how to best explore famous spots, and take you away from tourist attractions altogether. Plus, you’ll learn about the history, social issues, and other factors to enhance your trip.
31/05/2019
"The weather and political climate were harsh in Xinjiang. The only thing that brought comfort and color was the warmth of sharing a bowl of noodles or breaking bread with our Uyghur friends, who welcomed us and filled us up." https://buff.ly/2YZEOgE
30/05/2019
I am a Sinhalese Buddhist. I grew up in a Muslim neighborhood. As a child I made sand castles with my younger neighbor Ruzmi in the evenings. On some days of Ramadan, During Iftar, Ruzmi’s mother would share a plate of biryani with my mother. I would count my fingers until Eid to eat Watalappan. The creamy, custard-like dessert made with coconut milk, eggs, and jaggery kept us all connected. Prepared by the Sri Lankan Muslim community with a portion of love, watalappan was our heartbeat. In schools, offices, and homes – despite our race, ethnicity, and religion – watalappan kept us all united.
Travel Instagrammers have a lot of influence. Here's how they can use it responsibly. Part of our series to help you .
28/05/2019
Posts related to tourism are a significant category on Instagram — has almost 400 million posts, and 48% of Instagram’s 1 billion users rely on the platform to find new destinations.
Travel influencers have a responsibility to their followers and the people and places they visit. Here's how some are failing, and some are doing it right.
Instead of avoiding particularly daunting items on the menu that are a real struggle to say, do your best to learn how to pronounce them correctly. Ask locals to say the name of a dish that’s hard to pronounce then take a voice recording of the way they say it or write down how it sounds phonetica...
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Curiosity Magazine
Bringing you the bigger picture
Curiosity is a magazine for the conscious traveler. It’s for those who want to know–really know–about the world around them. It’s possible–easy, even–to visit a place, see its sights, eat its food, have a great trip, and miss out entirely on the bigger picture. Here, we focus on that bigger picture; on history, politics, and context.
A new side of Italy is revealed when you learn to travel better in the country. Raksi is better when you earn it. Appreciation for things like local theater and nights spent watching soccer changes when you learn about what it’s like to do those things in Kirkuk–one of the most disputed cities in the world. And sometimes, you’ll learn the most idyllic things about a place aren’t even half of what makes it so great. Even experienced travel writers can learn something here.
Curiosity Magazine’s readers are, well, curious. They’re curious about backgrounds, politics, ingredients, and people. They love stories. They ask questions. They look for local insight. They try to gain perspective. They want to be immersed in a place. They don’t have to be well traveled, but they aim to travel well. At Curiosity Magazine, we want to fill the world with better travelers. Join us.
