Sharing your life with someone from a different cultural background can be a fantastic way to broaden your world and an amazing learning experience, but can also present some unique challenges. Lorena Mayr shares her story with Worldette. It is funny how things happen in life. You never know...
Restoring dignity to women in Africa: Women in Progress – Global Mamas
Top 10 bridges around the world
Worldette heroine: Hilary Cottam
Best hairstyles when you travel
Odd one out: dealing with race-based attention in Asia
Being a Habitat for Humanity volunteer
Dowries in India: Tamara’s story
River and sea kayaking in Portugal
Many people overlook Portugal when making plans to visit Europe. The best held secret? It is a beautiful country, has some of the best food to offer and the people are incredibly friendly. Some of the most photographed rock formations with a turquoise ocean are in the Algarve area. Are...
How to take tea around the world
After water, tea is the most popular beverage consumed in the world. Many people drink tea for its health benefits, which include stress relieving and antioxidant building properties. But for many people around the world, drinking tea has more to do with relaxing, socializing, and sacred...
Girl About Town (7)
Girl About Town, Worldette’s sassy and no nonsense agony aunt, answers your travel concerns. But watch out! Ask a silly question and our girl, who knows how to travel in style, might bite… Dear Girl About Town, I’ve just got back from an extended trip to Thailand where it...
Fiji food: delicious and natural tra...
Fiji is a land known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture, but what you may not know is that it’s also home to many delicious, natural foods. Read on to learn more about these local delicacies and the why we love Fijian food. Do not think for one second that all you’ll be eating are...
Coalition Against Trafficking in Wom...
“It is a fundamental human right to be free of sexual exploitation in all its forms. Women and girls have the right to sexual integrity and autonomy.” The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is a non-governmental organization that works to combat sexual exploitation in all its...
“We have to be much more careful about what we think”: Joanne Fedler
Joanne Fedler, a well-traveled mother and author with a passionate past on women’s rights and justice, used to be at the frontier advocating for abused women, working hard against those who did not believe her efforts are justified. She worked so diligently that in 2004, Hustler magazine labeled her ‘Asshole of the month’ for her work on violent pornography and its impact on women’s equality, a title she is proud of. Now as a writer, Joanne is portraying women’s issues through her stories. Her book Secret Mother’s Business was a worldwide hit, touching hearts of women from Australia to Europe to South Africa, and many books...
Top 10 bridges around the world
There is something fascinating about bridges. More than simply a means to get from here to there, bridges symbolize the human spirit’s desire to fill the gap between what was and where we want to be. A forward leap toward the creation of new things and new possibilities. Whether this...
Odd one out: dealing with race-based...
I grew up in a multicultural city, largely unaware of people’s skin colour. I never thought about whether my friends were black or white or any color in between. And then I came to Asia. Farang, bule… what were you called? Several hundred years of contact with white foreigners has...
Women in Progress – Global Mamas
In a country where women and their families are often living in poverty, one organization has stepped in to help alleviate this despairing condition, and to restore dignity to women in African nations like Ghana. Women in Progress, a non-profit coalition of volunteers and interns, works at a...
Durian: Strange fruit from South Eas...
The only fruit to be specifically banned on public transport, a heavenly aphrodisiac for some, and the most repulsive smell in the world for others, the durian is certainly one of a kind. Rachel Hand finds out more about this strange fruit. Aphrodisiac or vomit inducing? From the outside,...
Worldette heroine: Hilary Cottam
As part of our Worldette Heroine series we feature another inspirational woman and female leader who has impacted our world. This time we look at Hilary Cottam, a woman using her skills in design and to improve the lives of low income communities. How can one woman use her skills as a...
Girl About Town (6)
Girl About Town, Worldette’s sassy and no nonsense agony aunt, answers your travel concerns. But watch out! Ask a silly question and our girl, who knows how to travel in style, might bite… Dear Girl About Town, my boyfriend wants to spend a weekend in Beirut. Is he mad? Should I be...
Best hairstyles when you travel
Pull it back, straighten it, or throw in an accessory or two? Worldette has you covered to keep you looking stylish while you travel. When we travel, we all want to look good. I mean, who doesn’t want to look as perfect as Michelle Obama getting off of a plane? But oftentimes we don’t have the time and less likely a personal stylist. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a do (almost) as perfect as Michelle’s. Worldette shows you five simple, but elegant ways to do your hair when traveling. Braid Whether a French braid or a normal braid, your hair won’t get in your way, it won’t look messy, and you’ll look fabulous when...
The Help by Kathryn Stockett: book r...
There’s been a lot of hype about this book, and with good reason. The Help was published in 2009 by Kathryn Stocket, and the film version was released in 2011. Kate Caroline reviews. The Help topped the New York Time Bestseller list for over 100 weeks and has won various awards, including...
Las Vegas Hotel: Palazzo Hotel Las V...
Oozing with grandeur and glitz The Palazzo Hotel Las Vegas is a haven of luxury on the famous Las Vegas Strip. What’s more surprising is how eco-conscious the hotel is. Guilt free glamor perhaps? Why we love it: Not only is The Palazzo Hotel Las Vegas the epitome of luxury it manages...
Girl About Town (5)
Girl About Town, Worldette’s sassy and no nonsense agony aunt, answers your travel concerns. But watch out! Ask a silly question and our girl, who knows how to travel in style, might bite… Dear Girl About Town, I travel often and my jealous friends demand a keepsake from every...
Worldette heroine: Alice Zachmann
As part of our Worldette Heroine series we feature another inspirational woman and female leader who has impacted our world. This time we look at Alice Zachmann, a woman who has worked tirelessly since the 1970s to help women and communities caught up in the violence and destruction brought by...
Travel transformed my health and car...
Jennifer Thompson was on a three-year trip cycling around Asia and Australia when she was diagnosed with a health condition that forced her to get in touch with her health. In this Worldette interview Jennifer explains how travel changed her life and how she is helping women all over the world...
Midnight in Paris: Movie review
Woody Allen once again whisks us away to a beautiful, magical city, this time to Paris. Kate Caroline gives us her movie review of Midnight in Paris. The movie opens with shots of some of the most famous spots in Paris, the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg Gardens, the love, and the...
Being a Habitat for Humanity volunteer
Samba to the worksite! My Habitat for Humanity volunteer build in Limoerio, Brazil combined sweat, laughter, muscle ache, heart ache, rice, beans, sunshine, international volunteers, Portuguese and yes, samba music. Over the summer, I participated in a volunteer tourism trip organized through Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village Program. As a team of 15, we worked for two weeks to help build homes for families in need. Our hosts were generous, quick to laugh and hard-working. Many of the homeowners would finish their 12-16 hour shift at the factory to come and join us to work on the homes. Our jobs included: sifting and shoveling...
Goa Retreat: Ashiyana Yoga Retreat C...
Why we love it: Incorporating wellbeing and healthy lifestyle might not be possible for those who lead a busy city life, but what if a holiday destination can take you through a journey of holistic mind, body and soul rejuvenation? Goa is known to be the fun capital of India, and offers all...
Worldette heroine: Johanna Siguroard...
As part of our Worldette Heroine series we feature another inspirational woman and female leader who has impacted our world. This time we look at the world’s first openly gay head of government and a woman who uses her influence to fight for women’s equality, Johanna...
How I found spiritual healing in Bal...
Travel can be both a spiritual and healing experience – even if that’s not what you set out in search of. Guest writer Jen Blackstock, tells her story of spiritual healing in Bali and how a six week trip changed to a six month trip that changed her career and her life. It wasn’t...
Shopping around the world: the ̵...
Shopping around the world can be a lot of fun, until you are faced with unfamiliar dress sizing that can make you delighted or horrified. Amy Huang shares her travel and shopping anxieties and explain why sometimes it might be wise to leave your self-esteem at home and just enjoy the...
Girl About Town (4)
Girl About Town, Worldette’s sassy and no nonsense agony aunt, answers your travel concerns. But watch out! Ask a silly question and our girl, who knows how to travel in style, might bite… Dear Girl About Town, Michelin Stars bore me and large restaurants remind me of cafeterias...
What’s it like to live in Maur...
Living in paradise. Someone’s got to do it. Yet beyond the beaches and luxury resorts Priscille d’Arifat Koenig explains why she loves to live in Mauritius. When I’m overseas and I tell people I am from Mauritius, they often look at me with these big round eyes and say “Really! Oh...
Dowries in India: Tamara’s story
While illegal, the practice of dowries in India is a serious problem that still affects women from all levels of society. Worldette writer, Smitha Devadas, tells the story of her close friend Tamara Nair, an educated and affluent woman who thought dowry was an issue that would never be a part of her life. Sadly, this turned out not to be the case. “Rising number of dowry deaths in India”, “Bride burning”, “Girl commits suicide due to dowry,” are just three of the gut wrenching headlines reported in India today. Behind these captions are the stories of real women who have undergone immense pain and brutality. Dowry is the...
Why I became a Peace Corps volunteer
The Peace Corps has long held the reputation of being one of the best volunteer programes for those wanting to see the world and make a difference. Emily Schauer, is currently based in Senegal where she shares her experience with Worldette on what it’s like to be a Peace Corps...
Sydney retreat: Ghost Hill Road Retr...
On the outskirts of Sydney there is a retreat where you can participate in detox programs and yoga practice, or to relax and unwind in the beautiful natural surroundings. Welcome to Ghost Hill Road. Why we love it: The tranquil surroundings of countryside Sydney is the perfect backdrop...
Overcoming the isolation of working ...
As more of us set up online businesses we’re learning how to live live location free lifestyles and enjoy the freedom that doesn’t come with working in a regular 9 to 5 job. Still, overcoming the isolation from social interaction with people can be tough. Rachel Hand shares five...
Indonesia meditation retreat: Amanji...
Amanjiwo’s annual four-night retreat is a comprehensive programme including guided meditation classes, private yoga instruction and tours of the ninth-century Buddhist monument in the town of Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia. Why we love it: The combination of female-taught daily...
Worldette heroine: Frida Leonor Delg...
As part of our Worldette Heroine series we feature another inspirational woman who has impacted our world. Amy Huang writes a tribute to Frida Leonor Delgado Chirinos who devoted her life to helping women and communities in Peru. It was five days until Christmas in 2010 and I had just...
Hot springs in Taiwan
Natural mineral spring waters are said to cure diseases and enrich our complexion. Amy Huang takes us on a tour of the hot springs in Taiwan. The Japanese first explored the potential of Taiwan’s old volcanic underground for its mineral resources, and they were delighted to find an...
My trilingual household
Rachel Hand speaks three languages in her house, subconsciously mixing them to suit the situation or topic being discussed. This is how her trilingual household developed. When I met my husband Jarwo, I had been living in Indonesia for six months, having visited this amazing South East...
Location independent lifestyle: Sherry Ott
Ever wondered what it’s like to live a location independent lifestyle? Sherry Ott has been traveling for six years combining a freelance career with traveling the world. Worldette’s Laura Coulter catches up her to find out more. Sherry Ott is a refugee from the corporate world who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She has been traveling non-stop for the past six years and is a co-founder of Meet, Plan, Go! a website and national event offering career break or sabbatical travel inspiration and advice. She also runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and life experiences at...
Girl About Town (3)
Girl About Town, Worldette’s sassy and no nonsense agony aunt, answers your travel concerns. But watch out! Ask a silly question and our girl, who knows how to travel in style, might bite… Dear Girl About Town, Last night, I mistook a Shiraz for a Zinfandel and thought Chardonnay was...
How was your holiday romance?
We travel to see the sights, try the food and learn the culture. Occasionally, a bit of chemistry, spark and love blossoms in foreign lands. Amy Huang has a look at how a holiday romance will change your travel memories. Is it wrong to judge my enjoyment of my travels based on how good in bed the local boy I met at the time is? Travel writer Pico Iyer wrote: “we travel, in essence, to become young fools again — to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more”. He compares traveling to falling in love but I don’t see why you can’t do both at the same time, and sometimes I can’t help but wonder whether our...
Worldette heroine: Isabel Martinez d...
It has been almost 40 years since the world welcomed its first female president. Can you name her? As part of our Worldette Heroine series we feature another inspirational woman and female leader who has impacted our world. Can you name the first woman ever to be elected president of a...
Two beautiful boutique hotels in LA
Boutique and luxury go hand-in-hand with Los Angeles’ never ending need to provide the best in luxury experiences. On your next vacation to Los Angeles, California why not feel as pampered as a movie star and stay in one of these beautiful boutique hotels in LA right off the world famous...
Costa Rica women’s yoga retrea...
Join the next YogaDharma Retreat to connect, inspire, mediate and do yoga with a group of inspirational women from all over the world. All this in the stunning backdrop of Nosara, Costa Rica. “What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver Truth is I...
A romantic drive through the Black F...
Besides having a cake named after it, Germany’s Black Forest is the setting for many of Grimm Brothers’ stories as well as being famous for its cuckoo clocks. Lorena Mayr takes us on a romantic drive through this enchanting region. This is really the place where the Grimm Brothers were...
A weekend in New York for women
Only have the weekend to spend in New York? Take a look at our weekend guide to New York for women. Women are busy. We know we need a respite from our daily routine, yet finding the time to squeeze in a quality vacation can be a challenge. When you’ve only got a few days away from the...
Is your local Thai or Indian really ...
Globalization has brought foods from many parts of the world to our own countries, however Nicky Stokes finds that sometimes they can be disappointingly unauthentic. One of the many exciting aspects of traveling is discovering and indulging your taste buds in the vast array of tasty treats...
The Minangkabau: a matriarchal society
The Minangkabau, a matriarchal society in Indonesia, makes us think differently about traditional gender family roles. Rachel Hand explains how the culture works and gives insight into a world when women run the household. Traveling through West Sumatra, the striking rooftops of traditional Minangkabau houses with gables that point upwards to the sky represent a strong tradition amidst the constant development of modern Indonesia. This region is home to the world’s largest matrilineal people, the Minangkabau or Minang. A women-centered society Although some anthropologists regard this society as matrilineal, where assets such as land...
“Women travel better without thier partners”
In this Worldette interview, Marika Martinez, founder of Women’s Own Adventures, tells us all about why women are traveling more often and why women travel better without their partners. Marika Martinez, 54, has two grown children and believes that women travel better without our spouses. She doesn’t enjoy having a meal by herself when traveling alone and simply cannot make up her mind about her favorite place in the world. Traveling is a big part of Marika’s life, being the director of a women’s-only tour company, Women’s Own Adventure, she feels that women today are able to travel a lot more and deserve to be among...
Rafting for the lighthearted in Nepa...
Funny how most of the adventure sports have a tag line that states “not for the light hearted”. Can’t the light hearted have an adventurous spirit? Of course they can and the Trishuli River Rafting in Nepal is the perfect place to challenge the light heart and its quirky demands. ...
Volunteer travel: Lions in South Afr...
Nicky Stokes paid a visit to Kingdom of the White Lion (KOWL) in South Africa and had the honor of interviewing Kevin Richardson, better known around the world from his television show The Lion Whisperer, which is aired on National Geographic Wild, about the volunteer program they offer at...
Understanding culture shock
If you’ve ever moved between countries and continents, or you’re considering an international move, culture shock is something you need to be aware of. Before it strikes when you’re unprepared learn how to embrace it and be ready for the ups and downs it brings. Here...
Kiva and micro-lending
As Kiva continues to grow in influence and the number of donations it generates (a quick look at the site suggests a new loan is being made very seven seconds) we take a look at the world’s first online lending platform connecting online lenders to entrepreneurs. How many times have you...
Sleeping my way around in Rome
Amy Huang ditches the fancy hotels and spends the night with some local Italians. Let the fun begin. Many times, I have woken up to foreign pillows and duvets, neck slightly cramped by an unfamiliar couch, still wearing the same outfit to last night’s dinner and among people whom I met earlier in the week. With memories of laughter and fun we had from the previous day and night vividly in my mind, I would then lie there giggling until my new companions wake up so we can start all over again. I am talking about a girl’s night in of course. What were you thinking? It wasn’t a regular sleep over. I was about 10,000 miles from home and...
Dare you take the path to discovery?...
In her previous post Anna Sierny was deliberating whether to leave behind her successful career and family for a trip of solo adventure. Here we catch up with her again to see what path she chose. READ MORE: Read her first post here. Should I stay or should I go? (Anna’s story part...
Belgium Spa: Chateau de Limelette
Go ahead, do something for yourself next time you’re in Belguim: head to Chateau de Limelettea – a therapeutic balneotherapy spa. Spa name: Chateau de Limelette – Resort and Spa Why we love it: This is a great place to come and re-energize, with their beautiful gardens...
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