Trip Trivia

Why Is New Orleans Called the "Big Easy"?

New Orleans has other names — Crescent City, NOLA, N’awlins. But how did the city earn the unique nickname, the "Big Easy"?...

Why Some States Have "New" in Their Names

Of the 50 states, four share one thing in common: the word “new” in their name — find out how New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and New Mexico were named...

How Did the Cowboy Hat Become So Popular?

The cowboy hat is an iconic fixture of the Wild West, but that wasn’t always the case. Find out how this iconic headpiece come to be associated with the horse-riding, cattle ranchers of American lore...

How the State Shapes Were Formed

The 50 states of the U.S. fit together like a puzzle. Here’s a brief history of how each state in the U.S. earned a distinct, unique shape...

The 5 Newest States (Besides Alaska and Hawaii)

Everyone knows that Alaska and Hawaii are the two most recent state additions to the country. Here are the five newest continental states...

The History of Lederhosen, the Once-Popular Bavarian Garment

Lederhosen aren’t just donned at Oktoberfest. They actually have a long history in Europe. Here’s a shortened guide to these iconic trousers...

A Brief History of the Japanese Kimono

If you've ever wondered how the kimono became so iconic in Japan, here's a brief history of this unique and beautiful article of clothing...

The Strange Story of Franklin, America’s Lost State

Have you ever heard of Franklin? The State of Frankland isn't one of the 50 states. Here's a history of America's long-lost state that didn't make the cut...

How Geneva Became the Watchmaking Capital of the World

When it comes to watches, it’s either Swiss-made or nothing. Here’s a brief history of how Geneva, Switzerland became the watchmaking capital of the world...

Why 32 Miles of I-94 Is Known as the “Enchanted Highway”

It’s one of the most unique spectacles that you’ll ever see. Here’s everything you need to know about the famous "Enchanted Highway."...

Why Is There a Hidden Chamber Inside Mount Rushmore?

We know there are questions around travel amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read our note here Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Although the massive presidential faces are hard to miss, most people don’t know about the secret,...

How Some of the Most Well-Known Cities Got Their Names

We know there are questions around travel amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read our note here What’s in a name? For Romeo and Juliet, it might not mean much, but for many major cities around the world, a name represents local history and...

What Were the Dynasties of Ancient China?

China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and has been around for thousands of years. It has also seen quite a few rulers come and go. The rulers of ancient China formed dynasties. A dynasty is a succession of...

10 Mesmerizing Facts About the Mayan Empire

The Mayan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in North America. They reigned supreme in the jungles of what’s now known as Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala from 1800 B.C. until around A.D. 900. While most native North and...

What Is the Alamo and Why Should We Remember It?

The phrase “Remember the Alamo!” has been a part of American heritage for almost 200 years and conjures up images of Texan resolve and American patriotism. However, some might argue that the phrase has become so well known that it has overshadowed the...

7 Places Where Ancient Hieroglyphics Have Been Found

As an important link to our ancestors and the development of one of humanity’s most important tools, language, hieroglyphics remain a subject of fascination for archeologists. Here are seven places where ancient hieroglyphics have been found. Rosetta, Egypt Perhaps the most famous location where these...

The Ultimate Guide to Salsa Dancing

Salsa is one of the most fun workouts you can partake in, but if you’re not much of a dancer, it can be intimidating. So where did this rhythmic dance style originate, and are there variations? What Is Salsa? Credit: Africa Studio Shutterstock Salsa can...

How the Rosetta Stone Changed Our Understanding of History

Upon hearing "Rosetta Stone," many people think now of the software that helps people learn a language. The fact that so many instantly associate “Rosetta Stone” with language says a lot about the real Rosetta Stone and how it helped us decipher an...

10 Oldest Universities in the World

We know there are questions around travel amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read our note here People have always sought out higher education. After all, knowledge is power. Thinking of old colleges probably brings American institutions such as Harvard and Yale to mind, which...

A Brief History of American Capitals

We know there are questions around travel amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read our note here Most students who learned United States history remember that Washington, D.C. isn’t the only capital that the country has ever known. However, most people would be surprised to...