Swifties, if you’re looking to get outdoors more, this list is for you. We’re breaking down great hikes in places that Blondie references in some of her hit songs. I just have one question for you: Are you ready for it?

United States

Welcome to New York Lyric: “Welcome to New York, It’s Been Waiting For You”

Fall can be a sort of new beginning for many people, especially if you’re heading back to school. We all know Taylor Swift has been in a bit of a love affair with New York City since the original release of 1989 in 2014, and there are plenty of stunning “urban hikes” available to you if you’re looking to really take in the city in a short amount of time. Getting lost on the winding paths of Central Park as the leaves change colors sounds like something Swift would write about . . .  right?

Trail: The High Line 

This park that was once “destined for demolition” is one of the city’s most exquisite public spaces. The High Line is a little less than a mile-and-a-half long but offers stunning views of the city while also being surrounded by wildflowers and art installations. Heading here for a nice walk will have you in your 1989 era. The lights are so bright, but they’ll never blind you.

Invisible String Lyric: “Green was the color of the grass where I used to read at Centennial Park”

Folklore fans, this one is for you. Nashville, Tennessee is another bustling city that is definitely worth the visit. Being bombarded with tourists on every corner and going to country music bars can get a little overwhelming, though (no hate for the country music bars, just to be clear). Taking in the scenery in some of the quieter areas of Nashville can make you appreciate everything the city has to offer, and you’ll find yourself counting down the days until you get to go back.

Trail: Centennial Loop

The main loop of Centennial Park will give you a chance to take in the entirety of the park’s beautiful views and lush grasses and trees. The loop is 1.2 miles long and is relatively flat, which makes it a great low-key walk to add to a day full of adventuring around Nashville without getting overly tired. Be sure to stop in at the Pantheon to see Athena as well. Whether you see the green grass or the golden leaves, you’ll feel the effects of time, wondrous, time. 

Tim McGraw Lyric: “He said the way my blue eyes shined, put those Georgia stars to shame that night”

After two urban trails, you might be ready to head back to some of Taylor’s roots in country music (I personally am ready for her to bring back her fake southern accent). This Pennsylvanian native made her music debut with a song about fellow artist Tim McGraw that took place in beautiful, lush Georgia. Take in the gorgeous color scheme of the debut album by hiking through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Trail: East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest 

Located outside of Atlanta, Georgia in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, this moderate trail will offer you beautiful views of a lake and lead you into a zen, bamboo forest to explore. Giving you opportunities to take in wildlife and beautiful native plants and fungi, this trail is definitely great to check out if you have an upcoming trip to Atlanta and you’re looking to get out of the city for a while. Just make sure your Chevy truck doesn’t have a tendency to get stuck on backroads at night, or it might put a damper on your evening.

The Last Great American Dynasty Lyric: “Rebekah gave up on the Rhode Island set forever” 

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, but it still has so much to offer, especially when it comes to beautiful coastlines. Small but mighty, the state called to Rebekah in The Last Great American Dynasty, and she gets up to a variety of antics, including dyeing her neighbor’s dog key-lime green. I promise you don’t have to cause the same kind of chaos that Rebekah did to enjoy your time in the state.

Trail: Cliff Walk 

Cliff Walk is exactly what it sounds like—a walk on the side of a Rhode Island cliff, allowing you to take in the stunning coastline. This 7-mile trail is an out-and-back hike that is considered to be moderately strenuous and is open year-round, no matter what the weather may be. While you’re on the trail, you might even be able to find your very own “Holiday House.”

‘Tis the Damn Season Lyric: “So I’ll go back to L.A. and all the so-called friends who write books about me . . .”

When you’re in Los Angeles, California, you may not be thinking about hiking right away. You’re probably more apt to think of Hollywood, the Chinese Theatre, or the Walk of Fame. But the L.A. area has some pretty stunning outdoor locations that are definitely worth taking in when you visit. Don’t let the Hollywood glitz and glamor overshadow the beautiful nature that’s just a stone’s throw away.

Trail: Hollywood Sign via Canyon Drive

Taking a photo of the Hollywood sign? Basic. Hiking to the Hollywood sign? Iconic. Though it may seem daunting, this is a moderate trail. At about 6 miles long, this out-and-back trail offers continuous, beautiful views of the greater Los Angeles area. The hike takes a little under three hours and is very popular—plus, it’s dog friendly, so you can bring your favorite furry friend (on a leash). The road not taken may look good now, but as long as you get to your wanted destination, you’re in for a treat.

Carolina Lyric: “Oh Carolina knows, why for years I roam, free as these birds, light as whispers . . .”

This haunting track penned for the film adaptation of Where the Crawdads Sing features a poignant image of the backwoods of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many natives of the region say there is an otherworldly presence that can be felt in the woods, and this song captures those feelings perfectly. 

Trail: Foothills Trail 

Swift never specifies which Carolina state she was referring to in her song. Foothills Trail is located in northern South Carolina and western North Carolina, making it a great trail to visit if you’re inspired by this song. The entire trail is 77 miles long (it could make great practice for the Appalachian Trail), but if you don’t want to tackle the whole thing, there are several entrances to explore bits and pieces of it, including Table Rock State Park. Be respectful to the land, though, because, as you know, if something goes wrong out there, Carolina knows.

Seven Lyric: “But I, I was high in the sky with Pennsylvania under me”

You don’t need to be an original Swiftie to know that Taylor is from Pennsylvania, and this state truly has a lot to offer. From big cities to the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pennsylvania is home to farmers, hikers, and city-goers alike, making it a diverse stop on our hike through Taylor Swift’s career.

Trail: Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail 

This trail offers scenic views of wooded Pennsylvania and is a moderate section of the Appalachian Trail, making it a great final stop for the United States section of this hiking guide. Just under 5 miles long, the trail is just outside of the Delaware Water Gap and offers beautiful, birds-eye views of the Delaware River. You can even picture Taylor in the trees at her peak of seven feet.

International

The Man Lyric: “I’d be just like Leo, in St. Tropez”

As the most expensive part of France, St. Tropez is a well-loved beach-front town that has taken on the status of a celebrity hot spot for its gorgeous beaches and exclusive clubs. If you can afford the luxury location, you’ll get to take in the stunning blue waters, whether you decide to swim or take part in water sports. 

Trail: St. Tropez Coastal Path 

If you want to see all of St. Tropez, this is the trail for you. This 6.5-mile loop will take you around the border of St. Tropez in a little over two hours. This trail is great for taking in the Mediterranean Sea and the bougie aesthetic without opening your wallet too many times. You don’t want to be out flashing your dollars, of course, because that’s a surefire way to get pickpocketed.

Paris Lyric: “‘Cause we were in Paris, yes, we were somewhere else”

Adding yet another stunning city to this list, we have Paris, France. Known for its rich history, art, and food, Paris is a major tourist destination, though usually not for hiking. While there are plenty of cobblestone streets to take in the views of the City of Lights, there are also ways to take in the surrounding foliage. 

Trail: Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems of Paris

This 12.5-mile trail will take you from the Louvre to the Latin Quarter and so many iconic landmarks in between. If you’re planning to stop in at any of these places, you may want to think about extending your trip. Trust us, you’ll be taken by the view.

London Boy Lyric: “You know I love a London Boy, I enjoy walking Camden Market in the afternoon”

She may not still be loving a London boy (#itsjoeversummer), but that hasn’t stopped Taylor from visiting or falling for other famous Brits throughout her life. London is definitely another iconic city to visit as a Swiftie. London has a deep music history and makes for a great international vacation destination for music fans and those who maybe aren’t a huge fan of a tropical climate. 

Trail: The Seven Sisters 

The Seven Sisters cliffs are a stunning sight. This 13-mile trail will take you from London to Eastbourne, but it can be made shorter if you’d prefer something less intense. The entire hike only takes about an hour and a half, but it will offer you stunning views of the cliffs that will make you say, “I fancy you.”
For a full list of locations mentioned in Taylor Swift songs, check out Taylor Swift lyrics by keyword.

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With two rims offering very different views, you’ll be able to head to the Grand Canyon multiple times and experience different views and vivid imagery that cannot be compared to one another. They do call it the Grand Canyon, after all.

Here are five facts you may not have known about this incredible place.

5. The Exact Age of the Grand Canyon Is Unknown

The Grand Canyon exists due to tectonic uplift, and parts of the Grand Canyon are older than others. While scientists have been arguing over the exact age of the rocks for over a century, it is believed that the Grand Canyon is somewhere between 70 million and 5 million years old, which is a big range. Depending on the area of the rock you test, either could be considered right, as the rocks have continued to form and change over time.

4. There Are Fossils in the Park, But None Belong to Dinosaurs

There are a variety of fossils within the Grand Canyon, including ancient marine fossils that date back over a billion years. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to find some dinosaur remains and fossils at the park, there is a very low chance of finding them. Though the rocks in the Grand Canyon are significantly older than the dinosaurs, the formations didn’t come to be until after the dinosaurs went extinct. So if you’re looking for dinosaur fossils, you might want to pick a different national park.

3. It Is Considered to be a Gateway to the Afterlife

The Hopi tribe is one of the oldest tribes in documented history, and they spent much of their time in the Grand Canyon. According to the Hopi, the Grand Canyon is where they emerged, at a place called the Sipapuni, which is the gateway to the afterlife.

2. It’s Home to a Tiny Town

At the bottom of the Grand Canyon is the city of Supai, and is not actually a part of the national park. The town consists of about 200 people and is usually not a traveler’s final destination. To visit, you’ll have to apply for—and receive—a permit. To get to Supai, you’ll need to hike the eight miles, travel via horse or mule, or fly in via helicopter. When you arrive in Supai, you must stay at least one night. The citizens of Suapi are not tour guides, so please be respectful.

1. The Pink Rattlesnake Can Only Be Found in the Grand Canyon

There have been at least 11 documented rattlesnakes in the national park, and the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake has never been found anywhere else in the world. This specific species of rattlesnake is often described by the pink color of its scales. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake has been seen in areas such as Lees Ferry all the way to National Canyon.

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park

The post 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Grand Canyon National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

It was my second time participating. I first experienced the party-like atmosphere of the annual Yosemite Facelift® in 2019 when apparel brand Parks Project invited me to tag along on their company volunteer trip and I leapt at the chance, thrilled to cycle, hike, and wander around the park with hundreds, even thousands of other outdoor lovers, many of whom were there for the same reason I was: to pick up trash and party in the outdoors over five epic days.

I camped in the valley among dozens of other tents, woke with the sun, donned my orange vest, and collected gum wrappers and cigarette butts all afternoon. In the evening, I gathered with the excitable crowd and cheered as climbing gear and park paraphernalia was raffled away, beer flowing like water and laughter resonating within the high walls of Yosemite Valley. The camaraderie was palpable, the warmth of the experience outshining the chill fall evening air.

It felt meaningful and fulfilling, being in such a magnificent park surrounded by so many others who were passionate about protecting natural places and willing to give their time to help protect it—collecting 16,429 pounds of trash in the process. That is, after all, why Yosemite Climbing Association (YCA), the organization all about the preservation of the history of climbing in Yosemite, started the event in 2003. Founder Ken Yager was appalled by the amount of trash in the park and decided to do something about it by enlisting fellow climbers to help him clean it up.

It’s not just climbers who participate these days, it’s anyone and everyone with a passion for conservation, and I was stoked to take part again last fall, especially since this time I would be joining a smaller cadre of volunteers on the park’s doorstep in Groveland, California at the community’s very first in-person Facelift®: Act Local event.

The Rise of Act Local Facelift Events

When I arrived at Around the Horn Brewing Company in town, only 25 of us gathered around the table with the YCA banner. Smiles were shared, gloved hands shaken, beer menus perused, and maps studied as we each decided where around town we would sign up to clean.

My husband and I selected a stretch of road just a mile or so away and, upon our arrival, saw immediately why the location was selected as a cleanup location. For over an hour we used grabbers to collect glass, plastic bottles, paper, and more, filling both of our trash bags to the brim. Even then we didn’t stop. When we spotted a TV on the side of the road, which we stuffed into the trunk of our rental car. There was, after all, a competition to see who could collect the most trash by weight, and we were dead set on claiming the title.

2022 was the first year in-person Facelift®: Act Local events took place outside the park, so I was eager to help set the benchmark for years to come.

Satellite Act Local events actually kicked off in 2020 when Covid prevented the large, in-person event in Yosemite Valley from taking place, but it was mostly individuals who took part, not organized groups. Passionate citizen conservationists from around the world were encouraged to sign up, schedule their own cleanups in a park or neighborhood near them, and record the total weight of the trash they collected on an app. And in true Facelift® style, daily drawings still occurred and YCA still sent out prizes.

This was a Covid-era solution, but it was so well received that even when the headlining Facelift® event returned to Yosemite in 2021—albeit in a diminished capacity due to continuing Covid restrictions—online Act Local events continued. In 2022, in-person events were added to the roster, including in Groveland where volunteers like me worked for 156 hours to remove 1,854 pounds of trash from around the community, including that cracked TV that did indeed secure my spot as champion for most garbage collected by weight.

Afterward, I rested up at the Rush Creek Lodge and Spa and indulged in the complimentary foot soak offered to Groveland Facelift® participants, then got up the next morning, grabbed more cleaning supplies from the YCA station at Evergreen Lodge, and did it all again, this time at the underrated Hetch Hetchy entrance of Yosemite for another cleanup along the trails around the stunning reservoir.

Join a Facelift Experience Near You

Local cleanups with friends and family and neighbors are just as meaningful as the one in Yosemite National Park, especially when the land you’re caring for is the land you regularly recreate on. After all, according to Mecia Serafino, operations director at YCA, these Act Local events were created “to bring awareness that stewardship of the land can take place anywhere and everywhere.”

Now with one major gathering and 19 additional Facelift® experiences that will take place across the U.S. and Mexico by the end of this year, that’s what seems to be happening. After all, when picking up trash is this much fun, it’s hard not to want to get in on the action.

Which is why even after two days of cleanups and plenty of play and relaxation, it was with reluctance that I handed my orange vest back to volunteer coordinators with my bag of collected trash. But there’s always next time. In the meantime, I can always participate in an event closer to home with passionate people in my own community who care about environmental stewardship and enjoy nothing more than to show a little love to the places that mean the most to us.

If you want to participate in a Facelift® event near you, head to yosemiteclimbing.org and check out the “Facelift® Events” tab to see what’s happening and how to get involved from Groveland, CA to Red River Gorge, KY.  You can also register for the newsletters to stay up-to-date on upcoming events that happen year-round.

Facelift® Events happening in September and October include: 

• Groveland, CA 
• Yosemite National Park 
• Salt Lake City 
• Rocky Mountain National Park 
• Mammoth Lakes 
• South Lake Tahoe
• Red River Gorge, KY 
• Oakland, CA.

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Mount Fuji, 1 hour and 11 minutes from Tokyo

Mount Fuji isn’t the closest hiking trail to Tokyo, but it’s definitely worth the Shinkansen ride out of the city to see the stunningly gorgeous national park and volcano in person. Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain, and though it is a volcano, it hasn’t erupted since 1707. If you aren’t interested in hiking Mount Fuji but still want to see it, simply wave to it from the windows of the bullet train as you travel from Tokyo to Osaka. 

Mount Takao, 52 minutes from Tokyo

Mount Takao is located outside of the city center but still within the city limits of Tokyo, making it a great place to hike if you don’t want to get too far from the major metropolitan area. The majority of hikers take Trail 1, which is a wide trail that is primarily paved. Trail 1 takes hikers to the top of the mountain and requires about 90 minutes to complete. There are other trails too that tend to have less traffic, but they aren’t paved.

Mount Kobo, 1 hour and 4 minutes from Tokyo

Mount Kobo offers easy hikes for those interested in seeing the natural beauty in the area surrounding the bustling city of Tokyo. The gentle slope is perfect for hikers who want to climb to the top of a mountain without risking having super sore legs for the rest of their trip. Mount Kobo also boasts a panoramic view of the Sagami Bay and Izu Peninsula, plus it has natural hot springs.

Mount Mitake, 1 hour and 17 minutes from Tokyo

Located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mount Mitake is considered a hiking highlight in Japan. The hiking opportunities are vast and the views of nature are “unspoiled.” Mount Mitake has a popular shrine and also offers a cable car ride to the summit, which is where you can view the shrine. 

Mount Kawanori, 1 hour and 51 minutes from Tokyo

Though it takes about six hours to complete, the hike to the top of Mount Kawanori offers waterfall views and beautiful forests on your way to the top. You may want to practice your climbing skills before you go because you’ll need to climb roughly 100 meters at the end of the hike to reach the summit. 

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Not surprisingly, there is plenty of room to explore—as well as ample solitude, if that’s what you’re looking to find. The 2020 Census reports more than 733,000 people live in the state, which has a population density of 1.3 people per square mile. However, more than half of the state’s residents live in three main areas: Anchorage (which has a population of 287,000), the Fairbanks North Star Borough (with a population of 95,000), and the state’s capital, Juneau, with more than 31,000 residents. The state is home to more than 220 federally recognized tribes, with more than 180,000 tribal members.

People have lived in Alaska for more than 14,000 years, and it was a Russian possession for a time, before it was sold to the U.S. in 1867. The 1890s brought a gold rush, and Alaska became a U.S. territory in 1912, before becoming a state in 1959.

In addition to its vast areas of largely untouched land, Alaska is also home to abundant wildlife, including massive herds of caribou, bears (including grizzlies, coastal brown bears, black bears, and even polar bears), packs of wolves, wolverines, Dall sheep, moose, eagles, and countless other wildlife species. 

The seasons are a sharp contrast, with summer’s midnight sun—which is especially pronounced in the northern reaches of the state—to the frigid cold of winter, which brings darkness and sometimes the dancing lights of the aurora. Since the state is so vast, the weather can vary considerably, with far milder conditions in areas like Juneau when compared with Arctic areas like Utqiagvik (formerly called Barrow).

Endless Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor lovers can find endless ways to go on adventures and explore in the 49^th state, from kayaking in Glacier Bay to day trekking on the Matanuska Glacier to seeing enormous brown bears in Lake Clark and Katmai National Parks to exploring the more than 6 million acres of Denali National Park and Preserve. 

The two largest U.S. National Forests are also located in the state, including Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska and the Chugach National Forest in south-central Alaska. The state’s National Park Service (NPS) units provide a wide variety of choices. For instance, you can take a guided bus tour, fly in a tiny plane to a remote gravel strip, or float on a wilderness river for a week or more.

The uniqueness and remoteness of Alaska is part of the appeal for visitors. Only a handful of the state’s NPS units are reachable by road. A boat or plane is required to visit the others. Wilderness lovers enjoy the vastness of the state and its national parks, which comprise around 60% of the acreage in the entire NPS system. 

Protecting the Last Unspoiled Places in North America

Peter Christian has spent more than 30 years working in Alaska’s national parks, working at nine different NPS units. He started off as a seasonal ranger in Denali National Park and has held a multitude of positions since then, including flying airplanes, patrolling the backcountry, and serving as chief ranger at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Today, he is chief of public and legislative affairs for the NPS’s Alaska Region.

“When they were planning these parks, the park planners really wanted to get things right the first time, so they went big and they thought big,” Christian says. “They wanted to capture ecosystem-size scale parks, not just little scraps of land or things that were left over. They captured entire watersheds, rivers, mountain ranges. The idea was if we can preserve these big chunks of land in these last unspoiled places in North America, that’s quite amazing.”

He also points out the important role the parks have as the homeland of Alaska’s Native and Indigenous people. “They really wanted these national parks to continue to be the homelands of Alaska’s Native and Indigenous people,” he says, noting that these groups are able to continue their way of life, including hunting, fishing, gathering, berry picking, and more on the land that is rightfully theirs.

Some parks are challenging to reach, such as Kobuk Valley National Park, which is only reachable by air and saw just under 17,000 visitors in 2022. However, other parks—especially those located on cruise ship routes—see far more visitors each year, including Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which is full of rich history, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, where people admire the multitude of tidewater glaciers. Denali National Park, which is located on both the road and rail systems, is also a popular cruise extension and sees many visitors each year.

Skilled and experienced outdoor recreationists looking for the adventure of a lifetime can find plenty of remote locations with few visitors in Alaska. Bush pilots can be hired to bring people to remote gravel bars where they can explore wilderness areas by boat or foot. However, Christian cautions people to be well-prepared and know what they’re embarking on when planning a trip, especially to the more remote areas of this state. Visitors must be prepared to be fully self-sufficient in Alaska’s vast wilderness.

“We call those, particularly Gates of the Arctic, we call that the ‘black-belt park,’” he says. “You get to go there after you’ve paid your dues in other places and you have the experience to go out there. Because you’re out there on your own, and once you’re out there chances are you’re not going to see a park ranger . . . You want to come there and be self-sufficient, skillful, and have the ability to get yourself out of difficult situations.”

While being self-reliant in the backcountry appeals to some visitors, others are seeking a more curated experience, which is the magic of Alaska’s parks. There is something for everyone. 

“We have everything from the cruise ship passengers all the way up to expedition-type visitors who really want to get out there and be as far away in the most wild parts of North America,” Christian says.

Regardless of where they choose to explore, Christian urges people to appreciate and protect these incredible places. 

“These are really the crown jewels of North America,” Christian says. “They’re unique and beautiful and they deserve our protection, and everybody can play a part in preserving these places whether you ever come to them or not. The park service protects them on behalf of all the American people. We love the job we do, we’re very passionate about it, and hopefully, if we do our job right, these parks will be here 100 or 1,000 years from now.”

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There are strange place names all around the world. Just for fun—and for educational research, of course—we’ve compiled this delightfully distasteful list. Geographers and hobbyist map lovers, get ready to enjoy the 25 oddest named places in the world. These unusual city and town names just go to show, you can’t judge a town by its name alone.  

1. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales

This village in Wales has one of the longest place names in the world. It’s often shortened to Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or Llanfair PG for simplicity. It translates to St. Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel Near to the Rapid Whirlpool of Llantysilio of the Red Cave, which does seem to be a bit specific.

2. Dull, Scotland

This village in Scotland’s name is thought to have come from the Gaelic word for meadow, but it could also be connected to the Gaelic word ‘dul’ meaning snare. They’ve even formed a “Sister Cities” partnership, calling themselves the Dull and Boring pair with Boring, Oregon. This historic town actually enjoys the irony of its name and travelers from all around pose in front of its dull sign. 

3. Batman, Turkey

Batman, Turkey was named after the nearby Batman River, a name believed to be derived from the ancient Assyrian name “Bāt-mānu” for the region. It gets attention because of its shared name with a fictional superhero—not sure which one, though.

4. Intercourse, Pennsylvania, USA

This small town in Pennsylvania has a rather suggestive name, which has led to its popularity among tourists.

5. Accident, Maryland, USA

Accident is a small town in Maryland. As to whether or not the town is, in fact, an accident, that’s hard to say. The name is said to originate from a surveyor’s error, and it certainly lends a ho-hum vibe to the place.

6. The Shire of Bland, Australia

Bland, Australia was named after William Bland, a prominent colonial surgeon and politician in New South Wales during the 19th century. If only the history of Bland wasn’t so . . . bland. 

7. Fucking, Austria

Fucking, Austria is named after a nearby river called “Fucking,” which is derived from the Bavarian word “Fuking,” meaning “place of Focko’s people,” with “Focko” being a personal name. This small village in Austria has gained international attention due to its unfortunate name. Signs are frequently stolen by visitors as souvenirs, and they actually officially changed the name to Fugging, Austria in 2020. What a shame.

8. Hell, Norway

Adapted from the Old Norse word hellir, which means “overhang” or “cliff cave,” tourists often visit just to get a picture with the “Welcome to Hell” sign. A common homonym in modern Norwegian for hell means “luck.” Turns out hell isn’t so bad.

9. Zzyzx, California, USA

Zzyzx, California got its unusual name from con-artist Curtis Howe Springer, a self-proclaimed medical doctor and radio evangelist who established a spa in the area in the 1940s. He coined the name Zzyzx as a marketing gimmick to make sure it appeared as the last name in health resort listings and would be alphabetically the last place in the United States.

10. Dildo, Canada

Dildo is a small town in Canada known for its unusual name, which has led to its fair share of jokes and media attention. It’s uncertain the origin of the town’s name, but many say that it was named after the wooden oar pegs of boats, which were called dildos.

11. Useless Loop, Australia 

Useless Loop, Australia was named because it was originally believed to be a “useless loop” of land when it was first surveyed. Later, it became home to a solar salt production facility, making it, ironically, quite useful.

12. Middelfart, Denmark

Middelfart, Denmark is named after its geographical location between two fjords: the Little Belt to the east and the Snævringen Strait to the west. “Fart” refers to a narrow waterway or passage in Danish. Though the name might evoke some unintended humor in English, it is an entirely serious word to the Danes.

13. Satan’s Kingdom, Massachusetts, USA

The origin of Satan’s Kingdom’s name is unclear, but it certainly sounds ominous. Local rumors suggest it could have come from a forest fire in the days of fire-and-brimstone sermons.

14. Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!, Quebec, Canada

Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! is a village in Quebec that’s known for its hard to pronounce yet charming name. It’s believed to be derived from an old French word used to describe an unexpected dead-end or obstacle.

15. Loser, Austria

Loser is a mountain in the Styria region of Austria. The name in English might not inspire much confidence, but it’s a popular and winning ski destination.

16. Chicken, Alaska, USA

Legend has it that the town of Chicken in Alaska was named after ptarmigan, a type of bird, but early settlers couldn’t agree on the spelling, so “Chicken” was chosen as a compromise.

17. Shitterton, England

Dating back centuries, “shitter” is derived from the Old English word “scitte,” which means a stream or watercourse. Essentially, it means a settlement near a stream or watercourse, and its resemblance to the word “shitter” is completely unplanned. The name has faced numerous thefts of its road signs due to its humorous connotation.

18. Why, Arizona

Disappointingly logical in its name-origin story, Why, Arizona got its moniker from the Y-shaped intersection of two highways in the area, which prompted travelers to question why the roads converged at that point. But why didn’t they try harder to come up with a better name?

19. Purgatory, Colorado, USA

Purgatory is a ski resort and village in Colorado. The name raises eyebrows, particularly among the religious set, due to the word’s association with a place where souls get stuck after death while they undergo purification to atone for their sins on Earth.

20. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, USA 

This city in New Mexico was originally named Hot Springs, but it changed its name to Truth or Consequences in 1950 to get radio show host Ralph Edwards to broadcast from their town.

21. Disappointment Islands, French Polynesia

Known for their stunning coral reefs and traditional Polynesian culture, the Disappointment Islands got their name from British explorer John Byron, who mistakenly believed they were part of the nearby island of Tahiti, and he was supremely disappointed to discover his error. It’s also a disappointment that he didn’t come up with a better name.

22. Hell for Certain, Kentucky, USA

In case you were confused, this is Hell for Certain. This remote area in Kentucky likely got its name from its rugged and challenging terrain.

23. Booger Hole, West Virginia, USA

The name may sound like a deep dive into a nasal cavity, but it’s actually a reference to the Appalachian folklore about “boogers” or mythical creatures.

24. Wank, Germany

Wank is a mountain in the Bavarian Alps in Germany’s Loisach Valley. Climbing the Wank Mountain can be quite an experience, both because of the view and because of the name.

25. Condom, France

Condom comes from the Celtic word “condatomagos,” which means market or field for gathering or meeting. Strangely, there is no connection to the modern English word for contraceptives, except in your mind.

The post The 25 Oddest-Named Places in the World appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The satellites were most recently seen over Houston, Texas, and there’s a likely chance that people in the area will be able to see them again tonight. If you’re in the area, watch for them tonight around 8:40 PM, local time. 

The string of satellites is often called a “train” because of how they move through the sky. The satellites are helping provide internet to remote locations on the planet, making them not only a stunning sight but also incredibly useful. In fact, according to the Starlink website, these satellites have helped keep Ukranians connected to the internet as their country is in the grip of war. 

For more information on when you’ll be able to see the Starlink Satellites in your area, head to the Starlink Space Tracker.

The post It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Satellite Train? appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

I’ve got you covered with these nine packing tips so you too can pack like a pro.

1. Roll, Don’t Fold

I swear by the rolling method when it comes to packing clothes. Rolling garments not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles in your clothes. This is especially important if you’ll be packing any formal outfits or clothes that tend to crease easily, but even for everyday items like T-shirts, it’s a game changer. Whether you’re attending a wedding or just exploring the great outdoors, who really wants to spend a holiday wearing wrinkly outfits? 

2. Pack Essentials in Your Carry On

Always, always pack essential items such as medications, a change of clothes, any must-have toiletries (small toothpaste, small moisturizer, contact lens solution, etc.), important documents, and a phone charger in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage gets lost all the time, so always be prepared. 

I pack my carry-on bag imagining my checked bag will get lost, so I’ll be able to survive the trip just with my carry-on bag, if necessary. Don’t assume that if your checked bag gets lost that you’ll easily be able to buy replacement items in your destination—especially if you’re staying somewhere with limited resources, like a tropical island. Save yourself the hassle and pack your essentials in your cabin bag so you’re good to go, just in case.


3. Use Compression Packing Cubes

I love packing cubes. They’re a double win—not only do they keep you organized, as they allow you to separate your clothes and items so you can find them easily in your suitcase, but they also enable you to compress your clothes even more, giving you more space in your suitcase.

4. Your Handbag Is Your Secret Weapon

My personal favorite tip is to make the most of my personal item allowance (aka, my handbag). You’re allowed your handbag, plus your carry-on suitcase in the cabin. Therefore, I bring a big handbag on flights and pack it with items I may need during the flight, such as my laptop, eye mask, headphones, phone charger, and snacks. 

Any space left over I use to pack other heavy carry-on items, which frees up space in my cabin suitcase for other things. This then makes my carry-on suitcase lighter, which is helpful if the airport staff ask to weigh it (we all know those pesky low-cost airlines that won’t let you be a single gram over the allowance). 

By putting everything I need for the flight into my handbag, it also means I won’t need to get anything out of my cabin suitcase for the flight. Instead of opening the overhead stowage cabinet mid-flight, I simply reach for my handbag.

5. Choose Versatile Clothing Items That Can Be Mixed And Matched

If you’re backpacking or want to pack light for outdoor adventures abroad, choose your clothes wisely. Opt for versatile pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched easily with other wardrobe staples. Plain colored clothes and classic styles are a great way to go so that you can wear a variety of outfits in different ways. Creating multiple outfits with fewer items is a really smart way to save space and weight in your luggage.

6. Layering Is Key


Leading on from the last point, packing lightweight layers instead of bulky sweaters gives you more outfit choices without overloading your luggage. If you’ll be visiting somewhere cold, wear your coat and heavier clothes on the plane. Airplanes always get very cold, anyway. You’ll also appreciate having light layers when you’re out on the trails carrying your change of clothes on your back.

7. Remember the Clear Bag For Your Liquids

To make sure you pass through security quickly and easily, pack the toiletries you’re bringing in your carry-on luggage in a clear, quart-sized bag when you’re at home. Don’t wait until you get to the airport to do this. Containers must be a size of 100 milliliters or less if traveling in the USA or internationally—don’t forget, otherwise you risk having your toiletry item confiscated. 

If you need to bring bigger toiletries, just place them in your checked luggage, preferably in a toiletries bag so they don’t run the risk of exploding over your clothes due to the pressure in the airplane. When you’re packing your carry-on luggage, always place your clear toiletries bag in an easily accessible place in your bag so it’s easy to get out when you reach security.


8. How to Handle Heavy Shoes

Planning on bringing hiking boots? Always wear your heaviest and bulkiest shoes on the flight so they don’t take up valuable space in your luggage. Fill the rest of your shoes with socks or underwear to make use of empty space. Another great tip when packing shoes is to place them in a shoe bag so they don’t stain your clothes. This is especially helpful if you plan to get muddy while you’re on vacation.

9. Always Pack a Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential during a flight—it dehydrates you more than you think—and it’s also key for enjoying the outdoors, no matter where in the world you’re doing it. Drinking water is the best thing you can do for your body when you’re traveling, so bring a water bottle onboard so you don’t have to keep asking the flight attendants for water in the plastic cups. 

The water bottle will need to be empty for you to pass security, and once you’ve passed it, you should be able to find a water fountain or refill station in the airport. Not only does this allow you to save money at the airport, but it also reduces plastic waste. You’ll need that bottle as you explore your destination and then again on the return flight.

The post From an Ex-Flight Attendant: Here’s How to Pack Like a Pro appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Mid-Autumn Festival, Vietnam

The Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival is celebrated throughout many Asian countries, but the Vietnamese festival has a variety of traditions unique to Vietnamese culture. The Moon Festival celebrates the end of the farming season and allows farmers in rural areas to celebrate the hard work that they have done. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Tet Trung Thu, is one of the country’s biggest holidays. Children parade through the streets with lanterns in a variety of shapes and colors and families enjoy moon cakes while celebrating the Earth God.

Mabon, United Kingdom

Mabon is an ancient tradition that gained popularity again amongst pagans during the 1970s. Often considered to be the Pagan Thanksgiving, Mabon celebrates the second harvest of foods like pumpkins, gourds, and apples. The holiday also celebrates equilibrium, as day and nighttime are relatively equal.

Though many of the true details of Mabon are a bit fuzzy—Pagans did not write their traditions down—it shares similarities with other ancient harvest festivals. Though Mabon is traditionally celebrated on September 22, the exact date depends on the rotation of the Earth, making it a little different every year.

Snake of Sunlight, Mexico

The Chichen Itza Pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and is one of the wonders of the world. Each year, during the fall and spring Equinox, Chichen Itza offers the great experience of viewing the snake of light. The light of the sun reflects against the pyramid and looks like a snake slithering around on the walls.

In Mayan culture, the feathered serpent connects the heavens, Earth, underworld, day, and night. Thousands of people will travel to Chichen Itza to see this magnificent sight, so book your plane tickets and hotel reservations ASAP. 

Sharada Navaratri, India

The celebration of Sharada Navaratri is a nine-day festival that takes place in September and/or October (depending on where it lands on the calendar) and is celebrated in the fall and the spring. Sharada Navaratri is celebrated through prayer, and individuals take part in Dandiya Raas and Garba, as well as worshiping the Goddess Durga.

Hindus celebrate Navaratri all across the world, and it is a popular holiday in both small villages and large cities. Those celebrating Navaratri fast, perform puja, and seek blessings from Maa Durga.

Higan, Japan

Higan encompasses the lead-up, days of, and days following the spring and fall equinoxes, taking place over seven days in both September and March. The celebration is deeply connected to Buddhism. For practicing Buddhists, these times of the year, when days and nights are equal, are a time for reflection. It’s thought that the days of the equinox bring the living and the dead closer together. 
During Higan, families in Japan visit the graves of their ancestors. In the Buddhist tradition, you live your life trying to reach Nirvana (enlightenment). Higan is a time to visit lost family members and for the living to reflect on their life.

The post Last-Minute Travel Ideas for the Autumn Equinox appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Here are some of the places Disney’s film crew and actors traveled to film The Little Mermaid.

Sardinia, Italy

The stunning backdrop for Ariel and Eric’s love story is none other than Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. Though not the obvious choice, since the plot is based in the Caribbean, Sardinia was the perfect choice, thanks to sheer and dramatic cliffs, rugged coast, idyllic white-sand beaches, and all-around romantic vibes. 

Spiaggia di Rena Majore

Located in Aglientu in Sardinia, Rena Majore is the real-life beach where Ariel saves Prince Eric from the sea after his shipwreck at the beginning of the film. The part of the scene where Ariel belts the reprise for “Part of Your World” was filmed on a rock constructed for just this purpose. 

Castelsardo

Prince Eric’s castle is a CGI creation perched atop a cliff in the real-life Castelsardo, a small town in Sardinia that lent the film a “colonial” feel. Several scenes surrounding Prince Eric’s castle were filmed within the grounds of the centuries-old Castelsardo fortress, but scenes shot in the interior of Eric’s castle were shot in a studio. 

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca 

Scenes depicting a fishing village were reportedly shot at Cala Moresca beach in Golfo Aranci, a quaint area and real-life fishing village known for its seafood.

Pinewood Studios, U.K.

Many scenes in The Little Mermaid were shot in the U.K. at Pinewood Studios, which offers both indoor and outdoor stages. The studio says this film shot across eight stages, including the Paddock Lot and the Underwater Stage.

The post Ariel’s Italian Dream: Outdoor Filming Locations for ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Action  appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.