Hello and welcome to the Informed Traveler Podcast Newsletter, our monthly newsletter designed to compliment our weekly travel podcast, offer additional travel tidbits and tips. As always, your feedback is welcome.

Quotes from last month's podcast:

If you haven’t heard this month’s podcast episodes yet you can find the full interviews HERE. Some notable quotes include:

“We put everything together. We took the best of the hotel side, the best of the real estate business, the best of Airbnb, VRBO, the best of whatever it was”

"We went down to Old Montreal, which is a part of the city that gives you European vibes. It dates back to the 17th century, has cobblestone streets, and it's just fun to wander.”

“The International African American Museum is a place on the historic site of Gadsden's Wharf. Gadsden's Wharf is essentially one of the biggest slave trade ports from Charleston where at least 40% of African Americans can trace their lineage coming from the transatlantic slave trade. So where we're at literally is sacred ground.”

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^{3 Things I Learnt this Month}

What’s the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery? Traditionally, a graveyard is a burial ground that’s attached to a church. They’re usually older, smaller, and found right beside the church building. The term comes from medieval times in Europe. A cemetery is a standalone burial ground, not connected to a church. As cities grew and church graveyards filled up, larger cemeteries were created outside towns in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Many might think that cotton was the main crop grown in Charleston, SC in the 16th and 17th Century. However rice emerged as the dominant cash crop. The swampy lowcountry around Charleston was ideal for rice cultivation, and enslaved Africans brought the knowledge and expertise of wetland rice farming that made it successful. Rice became so profitable it was nicknamed “Carolina Gold.”

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Victoria, British Columbia, is often regarded as the most haunted city in Canada, known for its rich history and numerous ghost stories it is home to many historic sites, including old buildings, cemeteries, and landmarks that have been the backdrop for ghostly tales and paranormal activity. Some of the notable haunted locations in Victoria include The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle and The Old Burying Ground.

Looking at the Month Ahead 

Here some of the events happening around the world in the month of August.

Lewes Bonfire Night: November 5, 2025 Lewes, UK: The Lewes Bonfire Night is renowned as the most spectacular Guy Fawkes Night celebration in the UK. This unique event is based on the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the burning of Protestant martyrs. Six bonfire societies parade through the town, each with its own costumes, effigies, and fireworks displays. The night culminates in massive bonfires and an amazing fireworks show.

Yi Peng Lantern Festival: November 5 - 6, 2025 Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is one of the most mesmerizing sights you’ll see. Thousands of illuminated lanterns float into the night sky of Chiang Mia. This ancient Lanna tradition symbolizes letting go of misfortunes and making wishes for the future. You can participate in lantern releases, enjoy traditional performances, and savor local delicacies.

Strawberry Fields: Tocumwal, New South Wales, Australia, Nov 21-23: The Strawberry Fields Festival was launched in 2009. It was founded by a trio of young visionaries as a celebration of electronic music and the arts, all within a natural, outdoor setting. Their goal was to create an immersive experience blending music, art, nature, camping, and community. The festival now unfolds each summer at its permanent home, “The Wildlands”. A 300-hectare private property just 15 minutes from Tocumwal. The site features over 0.6 miles of Murray River frontage. It offers sustainable infrastructure, making it ideal for several days of live music (primarily house, techno, disco, and funk), large-scale art, workshops, and food.

November 11: Remembrance Day

November 27: American Thanksgiving

Travel Tip of the Month

Remember that even with the best laid plans things can still go wrong or get messy. There are no guarantees in anything in life. So, make the best of any situation, learn to go with the flow, and embrace whatever your travels throw at you. Turn it into an adventure that will be part of the fantastic story you will tell.