Culture & Special Interest
Discover the world beyond the West with Trails West Magazine’s International Travel section. From Europe’s historic cities and Asia’s vibrant cultures to the breathtaking landscapes of Africa and South America, we bring you travel guides, photography, and stories that inspire adventure. Whether you’re planning your next overseas trip or dreaming of global exploration, our international travel articles provide tips, insights, and destinations to spark your wanderlust.
Cultural Interest & Adventures
Piercing the Veil: The Evolution of Body Modification
Discover the rich history and cultural significance of body modification and piercing — from ancient rituals in Egypt, India, and Africa to the punk rebellion of the 1980s and today’s mainstream acceptance. Explore how piercings have symbolized identity, spirituality, and rites of passage across civilizations, and see how modern piercing culture has evolved into a celebrated form of personal expression and art.
Jeep Therapy: The Open Road Stress Reset
On any given summer evening, when the sun drops low and the heat finally starts to fade, you’ll spot them: Jeeps with the doors off, the roof stashed in a garage somewhere, and a couple of friends rolling slowly down backcountry roads. The music drifts, the air rushes, and the world feels lighter for a while.
Dancing with Light: The Art of Intentional Camera Movement
In the world of photography—where sharpness and precision are often prized above all else—there exists a rebellious technique that throws convention to the wind. Intentional Camera Movement, or ICM, is an approach that embraces blur, motion, and abstraction, transforming everyday scenes into painterly works of art. Instead of freezing a moment in time, ICM captures the feeling of a moment—fluid, unpredictable, and alive.