10 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting Japan

Since 2020, Japan has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans who want a dose of culture, inspiration, and that je ne sais quoi factor. (That’s French for I don’t know what, if you’ve been wondering.)

Watching Japan’s quick rise in travel popularity has always tickled me.

As a former student of ethnography, I view Japan as one of the most insular nations in the world—at least, when it comes to culture.

Let me be clear: Japanese people are incredibly kind, devoted to maintaining social harmony, and hardworking. I could keep listing those positive attributes, but I’m guessing you’re already familiar if you’re planning to visit the country.

At the same time, Japan has a pretty strict take on what is and isn’t Japanese.

In other words, there’s a very strong sense of who Japanese people are in terms of culture, language, history, and even—oh, no, here it comes—race.

The Ainu people from Hokkaido, for example, faced social and legal difficulties until the 1980s for diverging from the ‘norm’. Today, only around a dozen Japanese citizens speak the critically endangered Ainu language. In short, there’s a lot going on under the surface of Japan’s kawaii image.

Another great example of Japan’s insular cultural stance is its isolationist history, which was known as sakoku. From 1603 until 1867, Japan’s Tokugawa Shogunate allowed limited interactions with Dutch and Chinese traders. The goal was to preserve culture and prevent religious or colonial influences from taking hold.

Again, I hope I’m not painting a negative picture of life in Japan or Japanese people. Instead, I’m hoping to point out that our impression of life in Japan is one that’s generated by pop culture.

And if you’re visiting the country soon, you might want a crash course in what life in Japan looks like on the ground before boarding your flight.

Here’s what nobody tells you about visiting Japan, in no particular order.

10 things nobody tells you about visiting Japan

People smoke

When I was growing up in Missouri in the 90s, you could still smoke in restaurants. In fact, bars in Saint Louis still have the right to let patrons smoke inside, so long as they don’t sell food. Fast forward thirty years, and smoking sections have become smaller and harder to find across the United States.

That’s not the case in Japan. Not only do people smoke on the streets, but it’s also par for the course in some bars and restaurants.

Chopstick etiquette is a thing

I’m sure we’ve all heard rumors—don’t leave your chopsticks standing up in rice because it means you’re going to a funeral. Something like that.

Here’s the truth: Japanese people will (most likely) know you’re a foreigner and that the standard rules don’t apply. Still, you might want to observe the people around you. How do they use their chopsticks? What don’t they do? Though you don’t need to know the ins and outs, you should know that chopstick etiquette is socially important.

So is saving face

Similar to chopstick etiquette, the concept of saving face is prevalent. At its most basic, saving face is about preserving someone else’s dignity. For example, if someone gets you a gift in Japan, don’t open it in front of them—you’ll be making them lose face.

I highly suggest learning a thing or two about saving face. Even though I studied the concept in Taiwan and Thailand back when I was a student, it’s still pretty hard for me to wrap my head around. Here’s a great rundown from CrossCulture Academy.

Beware of tipping

Tipping isn’t a big thing beyond North America. In fact, you might offend someone in Japan by offering them a gift. Like I mentioned up top, Japanese culture values hard work, meaning a waiter or driver isn’t working for tips. Instead, they’re working for a fair wage and take pride in what they do.

Don’t eat while you walk

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and ‘being present’, meaning you’ll see people eating a meal and drinking without checking their phones or scrolling. In line with this approach, it’s not common to see people eating (or even drinking) while walking. You won’t go to jail for doing it—but the more you know.

Strong smells are considered rude

Even a strong-smelling perfume, as floral and light as it is, might be considered rude. Just like you want to minimize the amount of noise you’re making on a train and the amount of space you’re taking up, consider ‘nose space’. Even a fragrant deodorant might displease the people around you.

English isn’t that prevalent

English isn’t nearly as prevalent as travelers are made to think. Even if you’re in a major hub like Tokyo, you’ll find that many people speak a very basic level of English. Only tourist destinations and restaurants that cater to foreigners are likely to have staff who speak at a proficient level. That means you’ll have a much easier time on vacation if you practice a few basic phrases.

There are women-only subway cars

Thanks to some poorly behaved men, you’ll find subway cars in Japan that are solely for women. The goal is to keep the car safe even during congested rush hour periods. Hopefully, you won’t have any negative experiences—but just in case you want to stay on the cautious side, know that you can go to a ladies-only car.

Don’t photograph people

I think this should go without saying, but it’s easy to get excited while on vacation and start snapping pictures. However, I’ve had a few friends recently mention they got called out by locals for accidentally photographing them. Taking photographs of people who are living in their day-to-day lives makes them feel like exhibits in a museum.

Use cash—cards aren’t always accepted

Paying by card isn’t always possible, so you should have cash as a backup. Also, just a reminder—you can’t spend dollars in Japan. Even if your hotel accepts dollars, they’ll probably give you an unfavorable exchange rate.

If you drop something, go back—it will be there

One of the best things about traveling to Japan is feeling secure in terms of pickpocketing and theft. The country has an extremely low crime rate when it comes to petty theft. If you’re at a café working on your laptop, you can go to the bathroom without fear of robbery.

In fact, even if you drop your wallet in a busy spot, you can and should go back to check on it—if someone did pick it up, it was probably just to put it in a more visible spot.

Enjoy those toilets

My last factoid: Japan has some of the best toilets in the world. The seats warm up, the bidets are just right, and most toilets come with self-cleaning features. While the bathrooms are usually small, those high-functioning, booty-cleaning toilets make up for the lack of space. Enjoy them to the max.

Looking for Day Trips from London? Pick From These 10 Ideas

Picture this: you’ve got your trip to London all planned out, from your hotel to your daily itinerary.

You’ve got all the major boxes ticked… there’s just one catch.

You don’t want your trip to look like every other London adventure your friends and family have gone on. You’re looking for something a little more distinct—and you want to get out of London to experience it.

Lucky for you, the UK has a pretty solid train system. While it’s definitely hiking in prices, you can easily plan a trip to the countryside that won’t cost you more than what you’d spend in a day in London. In other words, England is your oyster from your London hotel.

The big question is—where should you go?

I highly recommend bundling a trip to the English countryside into your London adventure. While the iconic city is hard to beat in terms of sites and atmosphere, the English countryside is also tough to beat in its own right—especially when it comes to charm, history, and intrigue.

Here’s a little inspiration for you to find the best day trips from London that will complement your trip. All you need to do is wake up, head to the train station, then zip out of town for an unexpected, unforgettable side quest.

10 best day trips from London

Beaulieu
Bath
Highclere Castle
Cambridge
White Cliffs
Shell Grotto
Knole in Sevenoaks
Whitstable
Rye
Henley-on-Thames

Day trips from London: 10 Great Ideas

Beaulieu (Hampshire)

The Palace House, seen across the Beaulieu River (Getty)

How to get there: Take the train from Waterloo Station to Beaulieu Road Station, about 1 hour 45 minutes

Head into one of the loveliest stretches of the English countryside at Beaulieu, home to part of the New Forest National Park. Explore rolling hills, a large pond, and small patches of forest as you wander between historic sites, including the famous Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House, and the popular National Motor Museum.

Bath (Somerset)

View of Pulteney Bridge over Avon River in Bath, England, with sightseeing boat and Pulteney Weir (Getty)

How to get there: Take the train from Paddington Station to Bath Spa, about 1 hour 20 minutes

Along with Brighton, Bath is one of the most popular day trips from London. I’m not recommending Brighton here because I assume most tourists have heard of it. The same is true for Bath—but Bath is one of those can’t-miss destinations. (Sorry, Brighton! You’re also great.)

I’m of the opinion that you can’t miss Bath because of its natural beauty and seriously cool history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the elegant Georgian architecture that’s framed around the famous hot springs. But the real attraction is the Roman Baths, which are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. In England.

Highclere Castle (Hampshire)

England, Hampshire. 2 May 2017. Highclere Castle (Getty)

How to get there: Take a guided tour from London or take a train to Newbury Station, about 20 minutes

Maybe wandering around a village like Beaulieu or a town like Bath is a little too open-ended for you. If you prefer to leave London with a specific adventure in mind, don’t miss Highclere Castle.

It’s a grand Victorian home (the size of a palace, mind you) that you might recognize from a famous television show, Downton Abbey. Even if you haven’t watched the show, you’ll find yourself staring around in wonder, possibly drooling, at the interior and exterior.

Oxford (Oxfordshire)

View of the historic Hertford Bridge in Oxford, UK (Getty)

How to get there: Take the Oxford Tube or another rail line, around 50 minutes

If you enjoy history and architecture, skip Cambridge for Oxford. It’s a bit easier to get to, especially if you take the Oxford Tube. (Other train lines offer service from London to Oxford, but the Tube is the simplest.) Soak up the literary and academic history by taking a tour, then enjoy the architecture—there’s a reason Oxford is known as the City of Dreaming Spires.

White Cliffs (Dover)

How to get there: Take the train from Kings Cross/St. Pancras to Dover Priory, around 1-2 hours depending on the train

Stroll a stunning coastal path along England’s grandest cliffs, the White Cliffs of Dover, on the southernmost tip of the island. There’s a new trail for you to explore, along with plenty of cafes and shops to stop and enjoy the views. If it’s a particularly clear day, you can even squint your eyes and look for France on the horizon.

Shell Grotto (Kent)

How to get there: Take the train to Margate from St. Pancras, about 2 hours

Want to leave England with one of the weirdest, most unforgettable experiences in your back pocket? Head to Margate in Kent. There, you can enter the mysterious Shell Grotto. It’s a 2,000 square foot cave system that’s made up of an ornate, endless shell mosaic that has upwards of 4.5 million shells. Who made it? Nobody knows. Why? That’s an even bigger question.

Bonus: Shell Grotto is located in Margate, which is one of the best day trips from London you can take. It’s an artistic community located on the sea, offering plenty of charm and sandy beaches.

Knole in Sevenoaks (Kent)

Sevenoaks, UK – April 11, 2015: Sevenoaks Old english mansion 15th century (Getty)

How to get there: Take the train from St. Pancras to Sevenoaks, around 1 hour 20 minutes

Want to take a look at a massive, historical estate that you probably haven’t heard of before? Head to Knole. The estate is around 600 years old and has been hosting tours for visitors for around 400 years, meaning there’s plenty to see and experience. From its fine arts collection to its host of wild deer, it’s an unexpected little gem—one that you might want to visit twice, if you’re a history nerd.

Whitstable (Kent)

How to get there: Take the train from St. Pancras to Whitstable, around 1 hour 40 minutes

This little seaside town is one of the best day trips from London if you want to see how locals unwind. Whistable is a popular town thanks to its calming seaside atmosphere, great seafood, and its maritime history. Fans of fish and chips, or foodies in general—don’t skip out.

Rye (East Sussex)

How to get there: Take a train from London Bridge Station to Rye (Sussex), around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

This lovely seaside town is home to soft sand dunes and a well-known nature reserve, making it a perfect spot to soak up the English coast. (It’s exactly the type of place I’d imagine sailors returned home with stories of mermaids in the days of yore.) Expect plenty of charming taverns, pubs, and restaurants where you can sample traditional British fare.

Henley-on-Thames (Oxfordshire)

Aerial view of town centre Henley-On-Thames on Thames, Oxfordshire, UK (Getty)

How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria, around 1 hour 40 minutes

If you want to feel like you’re walking through a Hollywood period drama, head to Henley-on-Thames. From Grey’s Court to Nuffield Place to Stonor Park & Gardens, the town has many estates worth exploring. Plus, there are dozens of historic shops, pubs, and restaurants, letting you follow your intrigue across town, then back again. Bonus tip: don’t miss out on the local breweries.

Why Did the DoS List ‘Increased Caution’ Warnings for Thailand & Cambodia?

If you’re starting to get whiplash from following the latest travel bans, travel advisories, and TSA updates, you aren’t alone.

In 2025, the US issued new warnings, expanded its travel ban list, boosted its visa fees, decided to leave UNESCO (again), and announced major changes to the TSA’s operations, from no more double screenings to a new shoes-on policy.

And that’s just a general overview.

I was a little surprised to see yet another travel advisory from the Department of State, this time recommending that Americans exercise ‘increased caution’ in Thailand and Cambodia. That raises the threat to a Level 2 status.

But why? And what do Americans heading to Thailand need to know?

Level 2 (& 4) warnings for Thailand and Cambodia

People who fled their homes near the border between Cambodia and Thailand gather at a food distribution site on the grounds of a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 28, 2025 (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Civil unrest and skirmishes along the Thai-Cambodian border have raised the potential for expanded military conflict across the region. The Department of State warns Americans to avoid areas like Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat areas of Thailand, where insurgent groups are active.

Additionally, the Department of State warns Americans to avoid any location that’s within 50km to the border between the nations. Areas within 50km of the border are elevated to a Level 4 risk category because armed conflicts are still ongoing.

This might not come as a surprise if you’ve been watching headlines. As recently as July 28, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced a ceasefire between the nations, which has partly been brokered thanks to US and Malaysian intervention.

However, the boosted Level 2 Increased Caution warnings remain in place. Tensions along the border have been steadily rising since a deadly incident in May, and have displaced upwards of 300,000 people from both nations.

Hunting for Druid Sites in Ireland & the UK? Start Here

Get your hat, your satchel, and your bullwhip out—it’s time to head out on an Indiana Jones-style adventure.

No, we’re not going to the famous Ciudad Perdida in South America. No, we’re not heading to a stone-hewn temple in India. No, we aren’t delving into Europe’s oldest archaeological sites.

We’re heading across the Atlantic to the British Isles.

And we’re on the hunt for druid ruins.

While the British Isles are a hotspot for history buffs, the most famous sites in Ireland and Great Britain date to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 20^th century, during World Wars I and II. In reality, some sites in the British Isles date back to the Mesolithic era around 8,000 years ago.

That’s about the time when ancient Celtic peoples would have been crisscrossing the islands—and they would have been relying on priestly druids for things like political advice, spiritual guidance, medical aid, and the fine art of storytelling.

And while we know little about the druid class thanks to the fact that they left no written word behind, we do have proof of their existence.

First, we have the oldest-known description of druids, which came from Julius Caesar himself. The descriptions were part of the Gallic Wars, a written record of his nine-year campaign against the Celts and Germanic tribes around Europe. (You can read a translation from the University of Chicago, if you want.)

Second, we have the druid sites in Ireland and the UK that can be analyzed, dated, and otherwise studied. They offer a narrow glimpse into the past. And while you’ve likely already heard of (and maybe visited) popular sites like Stonehenge, Newgrange, and the Hill of Tara, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

While we can’t be sure the precise purpose of the archaeological sites listed below, it’s likely that they were built with the purview and guidance of the powerful druid class.

Just a note: Druids aren’t a thing of the past; some modern pagans have taken up the role, and some modern practitioners still visit the druid ruins mentioned here. If you visit one of these sites, you might notice that they aren’t solely the domain of history buffs and archaeologists. As you would with any religious site, be respectful and mindful of believers.

Druid ruins in the UK

Avebury (England)

Avebury Henge, Wiltshire, UK. October 12 2021. A dramatic misty sunrise behind the Standing Stones at Avebury in Wiltshire (Getty)

The largest megalithic stone circle in the world is in Avebury, which dates back to the third millennium BCE. In reality, there are three stone circles for you to explore around Avebury. The first is a large henge, meaning it has a bank around it, then two smaller circles located inside the largest. What rituals and ceremonies were they used for? And why was it abandoned before the Roman Period?

Pro tip: If you enjoy your time in Avebury, head south to visit the West Kennet Long Barrow, an underground chamber. It’s one of around thirty barrows that dot the Wiltshire landscape. Some estimates date them all the way back to 3,700 BCE.

Anglesey (Wales)

Bryn Celli Ddu, Neolithic Burial Chamber on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, UK (Getty)

Anglesey is known for its ancient sites and stones. If you’re dedicated enough to head to Anglesey, you should have it in you to visit the nearby Holy Isle, aka Ynys Gybi in Welsh. There, you can explore standing stones, ancient burial chambers, and replicas of wooden long houses.

There’s also Bryn Celli Ddu (also in Welsh), which is located just off the mainland. It’s the most famous burial chamber on the island, which includes plenty of standing megaliths and an inner chamber where the sun’s light narrowly enters during the summer solstice.

Wistman’s Woods (England)

Trees in upland oakwood moss covered granite boulders, Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor, south Devon, England, UK. (Photo by: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A rainforest… in England? Welcome to Wistman’s Woods—a place where oaks grow tall and wide and are layered with bright green horsehair lichen. That alone should get your attention—but I’d like to point out that archaeologists and anthropologists think this could have been a hub for druids because of its oak trees. Druids have long been associated with oak groves, which would have made Wistman’s Woods a poular hangout.

Kilmartin Glen (Scotland)

Two of the large standing stones in Kilmartin Glen after a rainfall and under a double rainbow (Getty)

This grand monument includes a henge monument with standing stones, along with underground ‘cists’ or chambers. There are also five large ‘cairns’, which are pillars of carefully stacked rocks. Many are lined with circular ring marks that look like ‘whirls’, which are a popular ancient motif that druids might have carved onto the stones themselves. As an added bonus, there’s a great museum on the premises, which let you dive deep into the history.

Calanais Standing Stones (Scotland)

The ancient standing stones of Callanish (or Calanais) on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland (Getty)

If Kilmartin Glen captures your attention, head further into the Scottish countryside to the Isle of Lewis. There, you’ll find a standing stone structure that’s arranged in a cross shape with one central stone. According to archaeological and anthropological studies, it’s believed that this area was of important religious significance for almost 1,500 years.

Druid sites in Ireland

Dromberg (Ireland)

This small stone circle was recently excavated in the mid-1900s and has since become one of the most accessible druid ruins in Ireland. Like Kilmartin Glen, the stones were decorated with ring marks. Unlike many other druid sites around the British Isles, this henge was constructed to align with the setting sun during the winter solstice—not the summer solstice.

Knowth & Dowth (Ireland)

Knowth, Ireland – May 23, 2015: Visitors leave the Knowth megalithic burial site, constructed between 5,000 B.C. and 3,000 B.C. (Getty)

I’m clumping these two passage tombs together because they’re located near Newgrange in the overall Brú na Bóinne complex. While most tours clump these three burial chambers together, I’m pointing out Knowth and Dowth just in case they flew under the radar for you.

Knowth is a large passage tomb, aka a covered hill, with a whopping 17 smaller tombs around it. There’s plenty of megalithic art to enjoy inside—which might have been left by druids. Dowth, by contrast, hasn’t been excavated extensively; instead, it looks like a grassy hill, hiding ancient druid ruins within.

Loughcrew (Ireland)

The Loughcrew Passage Tombs near Oldcastle in County Meath, Ireland. (Getty)

Explore ancient tombs at Loughcrew—usually without hordes of tourists around you. Along with Brú na Bóinne (mentioned above), Loughcrew is one of four megalithic, druid sites in Ireland. (If you want to check out the other two, they’re called Carrowmore and Carrowkeel.)

Loughcrew stands out for its megalithic art, along with its hills and tombs. Those tomb-riddled hills are known as the ‘mountain of Cailleach’, which refers to a divine hag character from Irish Mythology.

Grianan Ailigh (Ireland)

The Grianan of Aileach is a historical site located in County Donegal, Ireland. (Getty)

Also called An Grianán Fort, this ancient fort sits atop a hill, dating back to the 6^th or 7^th century BCE. That puts Grianan Ailigh’s construction directly in line with the final years that the Celtic druids would have had power and influence in the region.

In fact, this fort is believed to have served as an important meeting place for Celtic royalty. Shortly after it was built, the island was Christianized, meaning this might be one of the last druid sites in Ireland to be constructed.

Beaghmore Stones (Ireland)

The Beaghmore Stones mark what could have been a Bronze Age community. The Beaghmore Stones consist of more than 1,200 stones arranged in concentric circles, rows, and stacked into cairns. Since then, archaeologists have discovered flint tools and other clues that the druids once ruled over the area.

It’s believed that Celtic peoples were tearing down the local forest to create farmland at the time of its construction. That’s about all we know, or suspect, about its origins.

Take On Salt Lake City’s Outdoor Attractions With These Nature Tours

With the gorgeous, towering Wasatch Range in view, Salt Lake City’s outdoor attractions are never far from mind.

That being said, Utah’s wilderness isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s one of the most rugged and least developed states in the US, home to cloud-scraping mountains, dramatic canyons, and hordes of wildlife.

And, uniquely, there’s something to do any time of year—from skiing the powdery slopes in winter to hiking through those slot canyons in summer.

Those non-stop adventures make Salt Lake City great for any nature-lovers. That being said, you don’t need to rent a car and drive hours into the mountains. In fact, even if you’re just stopping over for a casual visit, you can book nature tours that showcase Salt Lake City’s coolest outdoor attractions.

From the salt flats to parks where the bison roam, these are the best experiences you can enjoy from Salt Lake City on a fully guided tour.

11 nature tours that showcase Salt Lake City’s outdoor attractions

Wildlife Sunset Experience

There’s a sunset tour available in just about every city on the globe. In Salt Lake City, that golden hour adventure will take you in proximity to bison, porcupine, antelope, and other little beasts as you watch from a safe distance. Aside from spotting wildlife, you can also soak up the lovely views of Antelope Island as the sun sets in a colorful show of lights.

Explore Antelope Island

If you’d rather explore Antelope Island during the day, head out on this Get Your Guide adventure. The tour includes a stop at the Great Salt Lake before heading on to Antelope Island. At both locations, you’ll learn from a qualified guide about nature, wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts in the area.

Dark Sky Tour of Antelope Island

Antelope Island is also an International Dark Sky Park, despite its proximity to the city. That means you can stargaze like a pro as you leave the city lights behind. This nighttime tour lets you experience the full force of the night sky, letting you learn a thing or two about the cosmos as you stare up in wonder.

Half-day Antelope Island Tour

I promise—I’m going to shut up about Antelope Island after this. But just in case the three tours above (sunset wildlife tour, day tour, and dark sky night tour) are a little too involved, you can also explore Antelope Island via a half-day tour. That way, you haven’t spent the whole day out in nature sweating like a little javelina.

4-Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Tour

Visiting Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton from Salt Lake City is a long shot. I mean that literally—it takes around 6.5 hours to drive the almost 360-mile distance between SLC and Yellowstone.

But if you’re someone who rarely, if ever, makes it to the other side of the Rockies, then you might consider booking this four-day tour. It’s one of the breeziest ways that you’ll ever visit Yellowstone or Grand Teton, since you’ll have a qualified guide.

Plus, even if you don’t have the necessary supplies, they shouldn’t be hard to find in an outdoorsy town like Salt Lake City.

Wildlife Experience

If the sunset wildlife experience (the first tour listed here) is a little too hands-off, take this wildlife-focused tour. You can spot the same bison, porcupines, and antelope, along with other animals like the bobcat, coyote, big-horn sheep, and plenty of migratory birds. (If you’re into birding, just wait—I have two towards that are great for you!)

Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure

As someone who has listened to too many podcasts and read too many pieces on the doomed Donner Party, I have a fascination with the Bonneville Salt Flats. (It’s where things went from bad to doomed for the Donner party.) This tour takes you onto the expansive flats with an expert guide. After learning about the flats and posing for photos, you also get to stop at the Tree of Life.

Half-day Private Tour through Canyons

Forget the bison and the salt flats. Salt Lake City puts you in proximity to some gorgeous canyons, hidden in the Wasatch Range. This tour drives you to sites like American Fork Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. At the end, you’ll have the option to do a hike if you’re feeling up for it.

Tiny Owl Experience (Flammulated Owling)

A flammulated owl is a tiny, tiny owl (around the size of a fist) that migrates through Salt Lake City a few times a year—and these tour guides have been obsessed with them for decades. If you want to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous little predator, the experts at Pitta Tours can almost guarantee a sighting.

Great Salt Lake Birding Tour

The same company that offers the flammulated owling experience (above), Pitta Tours, also offers extended birding tours around the Salt Lake City area. I personally love birding wherever I am, but Salt Lake City is renowned amongst birders because it’s an important stopover for many migratory species. Who knows what you might see when you’re in town?

Private Wild Horse Safari

Head into the Tooele wilderness to spot a famous band of wild horses, the Onaquil Wild Horse Herd. You can learn about the land, the horses, and the fight to keep them roaming free. You even get to ride out to the Pony Express National Historic Trail. After, photographers will have the chance to capture the unforgettable experience.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 9—The Secret of the Universe

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / college

When I turned eighteen, I had two international trips under my belt: my adventures in Cambodia (see: Chapters 1 & 2) and India (see: Chapters 3–8). Those experiences helped earn me a scholarship to a tiny college called (drum roll, please) Global College.

Originally, the college was known as Friends’ World when it was launched in 1965. It was a hippie-esque Quaker school that sprang up in Washington, DC.

The goal was to educate young Americans in the realms of anthropology and ethnography without visiting Europe. The idea was for us to learn about culture beyond the scope of traditional Western academia.

During my four-year degree coursework, I studied in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, India, and the United States. My graduating class consisted of around thirty students.

Rather than file into university classrooms, we took lectures and courses from local professors. Instead of midterms, we designed our own independent studies, then went out in the field to complete them. We had professors, local contacts, and the friends we made along the way to help us out.

The school’s slogan was ‘the world is our classroom’. We usually recited the line when things went wrong. And they did—often.

Welcome to my freshman year of college, which took place in Costa Rica and included field trips to Panama and Nicaragua. Welcome to the hard start of my miseducation.

During my first semester at Global College, I’d learn the secret of the universe from a really bad person.

Part II / Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro has become one of Panama’s most popular little beach towns over the last decade, but back when I visited, it was still sleepy and off the map.

It’s a small chain of islands that is reachable only by boat. I vividly remember one of our college guides (a Tica, or Costa Rican) reminding us not to knock into the coral when we swam because, “It takes hundreds of years to grow back.”

Our class was staying at a tiny hotel overlooking the water. We were learning about international development and other topics from the local Ngäbe tribe.

At night, we had free rein to wander around, make friends, and otherwise get to know Bocas del Toro. Me and a few classmates made friends with a Cuban driftwood sculptor. He liked life on the islands because, as he said, “You never hear the sounds of sirens.”

We hung out with him because he had party favors.

Part III / The secret of the universe

The driftwood sculptor wasn’t a good person. I was young, and I didn’t know how to recognize that yet. And it got me into trouble.

That isn’t necessarily confusing or surprising; young adults learn worldly lessons the hard way.

The real shock was when the driftwood sculptor took me and one of my classmates to a local bar during the trip. We were watching a football game on a small TV with a grainy pixelation. At some point, we started trading ideas about the nature of life and existence.

That’s when the sculptor shared the secret of the universe with us; I’m now imparting it to you.

I know—sounds a little casual, right? Shouldn’t I have prepped you to learn this knowledge? Shouldn’t you have grand plans about what to do with it?

After all, you would think learning such a devastatingly profound truth from such a shitty person would be the finale of my World Tour of Oopsies.

You would think the secret of the universe should be my grand thesis—the linchpin on which all previous entries in the World Tour of Oopsies hinge.

But life isn’t a narrative, travel isn’t a pony show, and knowing the secret of the universe won’t necessarily help you survive, thrive, or come out unscathed. (Or maybe it will—who am I to judge?)

Without further ado—

The secret of the universe is that life is a series of macrocosms and microcosms, woven together into infinity. Notice the patterns, and you will wield more power over your fate.