Does Travel Really Slow Time? Science Says Yes! ✈️🕰️

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Hey there, curious travelers! 🌍

I always say, “time costs the same everywhere, but the Return on Investment varies.”

This week’s newsletter is all about the transformative power of travel and the science behind why those cherished moments abroad can make time feel as though it’s stretching.

Ever felt like a weekend getaway lasted a week? There’s real science behind it, and we’re breaking it down for you. Plus, get ready to be surprised by National Geographic’s picks for must-visit U.S. destinations in 2025—they’re not what you might expect!

So, buckle up as we take you on an exploration of time, memory, and unexpected travel gems.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Can Travel Make Time Slow Down? The Science is Surprising 🌍

• The World’s Greatest Overland Journeys You Need to Try 🚐

• Automatic Refunds for Canceled Flights? It’s Now a Reality 🤑

• A Chef’s Secrets to Oaxaca City’s Best Street Food 🍴

• National Geographic Names 2 U.S. Gems Among 2025’s Must-Visit Destinations 🏔️

📈 Trending news

• Copenhagen Uncovered: When to Visit for Peak ‘Hygge,’ Festivals, and Vibrant City Strolls

• Queenstown, New Zealand's Bold Shift: From Adventure Capital to Carbon-Zero Tourism by 2030

• 6 Unique Airbnbs in Glasgow: The Ultimate Stay for Your Scottish City Break

• Top Things to Experience in Lisbon: From Fado Nights to Scenic Tram Rides

• Mongolia’s Urban Shift: Balancing Modern Growth and Ancient Traditions

Can Travel Make Time Slow Down? The Science is Surprising 🌍 read the full 1,258-word article here

Article published: October 31, 2024

A groundbreaking study from George Mason University reveals that memorable scenes and experiences trick our brains, stretching time itself. Travelers swap predictability for novelty—new sights, flavors, and languages ignite the mind and dilate our sense of time.

Dr. Elena Touroni explains it’s evolutionary; heightened awareness when facing the unfamiliar ensures survival. And those sun-drenched afternoons in Tuscany or bustling Moroccan markets? They become deep-seated memories, easy to recall, making travel a mental treasure trove.

Turns out, travel isn’t just a getaway—it’s a masterclass in bending time and boosting mental well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• 🧳 Memory-rich moments: Vivid travel experiences are stored differently in the brain, making them more detailed and easier to remember than daily life.

• 🌄 Time dilation explained: New research shows our perception of time stretches during unique experiences, making vacations feel longer than home routines.

• 🌱 Mental health benefits: Immersing in different cultures and nature combats stress, promotes mindfulness, and can stave off burnout.

• 🔄 A break from routine: Travel breaks the loop of predictability, refreshing the mind and resetting how we perceive the passage of time.

The World’s Greatest Overland Journeys You Need to Try 🚐 read the full 1,305-word article here

Article published: October 30, 2024

In Nomad Mania's "Ultimate Guide to Great Overland Travel Routes," overlanding becomes more than a mode of travel—it’s a legend in motion. From retracing the famed 1960s Hippie Trail to braving Africa’s treacherous route from Dakar to Benin, these journeys are a call to those who yearn for stories, not souvenirs.

You’ll find surprising takes: China’s near-impossible self-drive adventures contrasted with Central Asia’s surprisingly welcoming, open roads. And for the relentless, there’s Australia’s Canning Stock Route, a 1,850-kilometer endurance test through blazing isolation.

Each journey promises not just a path, but a profound shift in how travelers see the world—and themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• 🛤️ Hippie Trail reborn: Rediscover the path that once fueled 1960s wanderlust, with modern twists through Turkey and the ‘Stans.

• 🌍 Dakar to Benin: A road where 4x4s meet roadless wilds; bureaucratic tangles are rivaled only by the rich cultures passed en route.

• 🏔️ Pamir Highway's secrets: Tajikistan’s highway lures explorers with epic mountain passes and untouched scenic beauty.

• 🚙 Australia’s Canning Stock Route: The ultimate overland test, where days blur in a 1,850-km journey across Western Australia’s unforgiving expanse.

Automatic Refunds for Canceled Flights? It’s Now a Reality 🤑 read the full 1,431-word article here

Article published: October 30, 2024

Effective October 28, 2024, these rules promise cash refunds without the maze of phone calls or forms if your flight is canceled or delayed significantly. Refunds now apply not only to major delays and cancellations but also to baggage snafus and undelivered in-flight services.

For travelers, this is a game-changer. Imagine: no more hours on hold or haggling over disrupted plans. Secretary Pete Buttigieg hailed it as overdue justice for fliers, finally empowering passengers against the unpredictable skies.

Key Takeaways:

• 💸 Cash refunds, no questions asked: Refunds must be automatic if flights are canceled, delayed over 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international).

• 🧳 Baggage guarantees: Get your checked baggage fee back if it’s delayed beyond 12 hours (domestic) or up to 30 hours (international).

• 🎟️ In-flight service failures: Didn’t get that Wi-Fi or premium seat you paid for? You’re entitled to an automatic refund.

• 🤒 Sick-day safety net: Refunds via travel credits are available for those grounded due to communicable diseases, with a valid doctor’s note.

A Chef’s Secrets to Oaxaca City’s Best Street Food 🍴 read the full 1,366-word article here

Article published: November 2, 2024

In BBC’s “A Oaxacan chef's guide to the best of Oaxaca City's street food,” Chef Alejandro Ruiz shares an enticing tour of his hometown's food scene. From childhood memories of smoky comals to running Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante, Ruiz has an unmatched grasp of Oaxacan flavors.

He highlights street food as the essence of the region's multicultural cuisine, influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. His favorites include the charcoal-kissed tlayudas of Tlayudas Doña Tere and the iconic memelas of Memelas Doña Vale, each dish telling a unique story.

Ruiz’s advice is simple yet profound: “Eat on the street, in the market, and at a fine restaurant to taste the full spectrum of Oaxacan life.”

Key Takeaways:

• 🥙 Tlayudas Doña Tere: Charcoal-grilled for a perfect crunch and topped with local cheese—Ruiz’s personal favorite for this Oaxacan staple.

• 🌮 Tacos del Carmen: Beloved for its chile relleno tacos with quesillo; a must-try spot right by Oaxaca's botanical garden.

• 🍳 Memelas Doña Vale: A 40-year tradition at Central de Abasto; thick corn cakes with simple yet divine toppings like tasajo and fresh salsa.

• 🥟 Empanadas del Carmen: Filled with chicken and amarillo mole, these street snacks are a burst of Oaxaca’s bold, complex flavors.

National Geographic Names 2 U.S. Gems Among 2025’s Must-Visit Destinations 🏔️ read the full 673-word article here

Article published: November 4, 2024

Traveling Lifestyle’s “National Geographic Picks 2 U.S. Destinations Among 2025’s Must-See Places in the World” highlights two surprising U.S. travel spots. Boise, Idaho, and Los Angeles, California, were selected for their unique culture and creativity.

Boise’s art scene and riverside charm come alive with the renowned Jaialdi festival, celebrating Basque heritage. Los Angeles showcases its cultural depth with Destination Crenshaw, a project honoring Black art and history.

For a taste of the extraordinary in 2025, Boise and L.A. promise experiences as diverse and dynamic as America itself.

Key Takeaways:

• 🇺🇸 Boise’s Jaialdi Festival: A rare celebration of Basque heritage with wood-chopping contests and street parties that bring history to life.

• 🎨 Destination Crenshaw in L.A.: The largest public art project dedicated to Black culture in the U.S., stretching 1.3 miles down Crenshaw Boulevard.

• 🎺 Guadalajara’s Fiesta: The International Mariachi Festival boasts over 500 mariachi bands and electrifies the city with music in August and September.

• 🌋 Antigua’s Volcano Adventure: Climb Acatenango for an unforgettable view of the active Fire Volcano and lush coffee plantations.

One last thing 🌍

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With Nomad Cloud Jobs, we do the searching so you can focus on what matters: exploring, earning, and living the true digital nomad lifestyle. 🌅✨

Until next week,

Pranam Lipinski
Editor-in-Chief
Nomad Cloud

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