Travel Culture

The life of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, has, with the passing of time, been magnified to the scale of myth, turning history into the stuff of legend. Known as the First Patriarch, Bodhidharma brought Zen from South India into China in 500 CE, changing the country forever. In Tracking Bodhidharma, Andrew Ferguson recreates the path of Bodhidharma, traveling through China to the places where the First Patriarch lived and taught. This sacred trail takes Ferguson deep into ancient China.

From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to the vibrant culture of Pura Vida, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and adventurers. Whether you’re zip-lining through treetops, exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest, or savoring authentic local cuisine, this debut edition ensures your trip is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. This comprehensive guidebook features interactive maps, 3- and 5-day itineraries tailored for adventurers and families, and insider tips to help you uncover Costa Rica’s hidden treasures.

Dive amongst the coral in the weird and wonderful Great Barrier Reef in sunny Australia, climb to the coldest heights of Mount Everest and strap in for some splashingly good fun down the rapids at The Grand Canyon. There are many more natural wonders to visit and so much more to learn and discover about them all ,so don't miss out on this global adventure!

This guide provides an overview of the the Guatemalan language and culture. The audio course covers key vocabulary for use in Guatemala including commonly used words and phrases such as greetings, questions, numbers, and colors as well as many other topics.

This collection of Culture Smart guidebooks introduces listeners to China, Japan, and India. Each guidebook includes concise chapters on the local customs, traditions, and values of the country's inhabitants and, crucially, the key historical and cultural events that have shaped them. There are sections on social and business etiquette, tips on communication, both verbal and non-verbal, and advice on how to be a good guest.

This collection of Culture Smart guidebooks introduces listeners to Italy, Germany, and Spain. Each guidebook includes concise chapters on the local customs, traditions, and values of the country's inhabitants and, crucially, the key historical and cultural events that have shaped them. There are sections on social and business etiquette, tips on communication, both verbal and non-verbal, and advice on how to be a good guest.

From pristine, colorful beaches and dramatic landscapes to endless outdoor thrills and rich cultural heritage, Hawaii's Big Island offers an unparalleled adventure for every type of traveler.

For more than 200 years, the wreck of the Whydah (and the riches that went down with it) eluded treasure seekers, until the ship was finally found in 1984 by marine archaeologists. The artifacts brought up from the ocean floor are priceless, both in value and in the picture they reveal of life in that much-mythologized era, changing much of what we know about pirates.

Surrender to the undeniable magic of Kauai, where every moment is filled with a promise of unforgettable memories. Picture yourself strolling along pristine beaches, feeling the soft sand between your toes and the gentle breeze against your skin. Snorkel into crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, or bask in the warm tropical sun as you surf the waves along the majestic coastline…

Italy is an amazing country with a rich history. Learn about the prehistory and history of Italy, including the kings, queens, explorers, cuisine, music, demographics, and geography. Look at some of the beautiful sites created centuries ago that still stand to this day. A great for book reports and learning about the rich cultural history of Italy.

Konnichi wa! Have you ever been to Japan? Learn about Japanese animals, foods, culture, and more to see what makes this Asian country unique. Carefully leveled text and critical thinking questions introduce young listeners to nonfiction.

Before Alaska became a mining bonanza, it was a scenic bonanza, a place larger in the American imagination than in its actual borders. Prior to the great Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, thousands of scenic adventurers journeyed along the Inside Passage, the nearly 1,000-mile sea lane that snakes up the Pacific Coast from Puget Sound to Icy Strait. In Darkest Alaska explores the popular images conjured by these travelers' tales, as well as their influence on the broader society.

With The World Up Close, bicyclist Kameel Nasr has created a fascinating and personal introduction to the world's people, sharing diverse episodes from his 40,000-mile bicycle journey through 70 countries. Nasr offers his readers a vicarious view across the handlebars as he tackles the Appalachians, the Anders, the Himalayas...crosses Sinai in the summer...shares the ever-present fears of Central Americans...explores Morocco's Hashish Trail.

Unlock the secret to a balanced life amidst your hectic schedule travel to Oahu! Find thrills, beauty, culture, and yourself. In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies Oahu, a paradise that transcends the ordinary. The beauty of this enchanting island isn't just in its pristine beaches or lush landscapes; it's in the air, in the sway of the palm trees, and in the warmth of the aloha spirit that flows through every corner.

Indonesia, stretching across three time zones and situated on one of the world's great maritime trade routes, has a rich and varied culture. Culture Smart! Indonesia describes the many different cultural backgrounds that make up this rainbow nation, helping you to better understand the values that underpin its diverse society. It reveals how modern Indonesians view themselves and go about their daily lives, and gives advice on how to navigate unfamiliar situations.

Sweden is a strikingly beautiful country with a reverence for the natural environment. Its extremes in geography, climate, and history have given rise to a population that values honesty, self-sufficiency, and harmony. Swedes are a rights-driven, modern, and tech-savvy people who also retain a deep respect for their own cultural legacy. Culture Smart! Sweden offers insights into the lives and personalities of the Swedes today, along with tips on socializing, communication, and how to make the most of your time there.

The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. They are survivors: if you were stranded on a desert island, your ideal companion would be a Finn. Culture Smart! Finland describes the historical, geographical, and cultural influences that have shaped the Finnish psyche, and guides you through the working and social lives of the Finns today, offering you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land.

Often called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan was secluded for much of its history, its towering mountains and lush green valleys virtually unvisited, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. A sovereign country throughout the ages, Bhutan is now establishing its place on the world stage. It is determined to maintain its Buddhist culture and unique way of life as it evolves and adapts to political change and economic challenges. Culture Smart! Bhutan will give you a deeper insight into the country's history, values, customs, and age-old traditions.

Noo Saro-Wiwa goes in search of China's 'Black Ghosts', African economic migrants in the People's Republic, who live in separate communities and are vigorously involved in the trade between the continents. Her fascinating encounters include a Ghanaian cardiac surgeon, a drug dealer, a visa overstayer, a Nigerian popstar who sings in Chinese and men married to Chinese women who speak English with Nigerian accents.

Have you ever wondered if time travel is actually possible? Or where the Australian accent came from? Or what it feels like to have dementia? If you're an inquisitive person who likes to understand how things came to be the way they are, this collection of thought-provoking explainers from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald has got you covered. Explain That answers some of the year's - and life's - most baffling questions.