• Travel Features
  • Global Action
  • Take A Trip
  • Travel Guides
    • Podcast
    • Courses
    • Bookshop
  • About
  • Sign Up
Menu

CATALYST PLANET

  • Travel Features
  • Global Action
  • Take A Trip
  • Travel Guides
  • Discover
    • Podcast
    • Courses
    • Bookshop
  • About
  • Sign Up

Potential Signs of Life at Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell"'

January 21, 2026

After 54 years alight, the Darvasa gas crater in Turkmenistan finally shows signs of slowing, and visitors report signs of arachnid life at the crater's edge.

Read More
In Asia, Environment and Sustainability, Turkmenistan, World and Travel Tags Asia, Turkmenistan, Environment

7 Must-Try Foods in Vietnam

January 20, 2026

With 3 major regional cuisines, Vietnamese food is characterized by its fresh and fragrant flavors and ingredients. 

Read More
In Asia, Art Food & Culture, Vietnam, World and Travel Tags Asia, Arts and Culture, Vietnam

Soviet Legacies in the World’s (Second) Coldest Capital

January 19, 2026

Once a Soviet hub for grain, the Kazakh capital Astana has reshaped itself into a modern, future-esque city.

Read More
In Asia, Art Food & Culture, Kazakhstan, World and Travel Tags Asia, Kazakhstan, Arts and Culture

Digital Illiteracy in the Philippines

January 13, 2026

Digital illiteracy and misinformation remain a serious barrier to democracy and freedom in the Philippines. 

Read More
In Asia, Education and Empowerment, News and Social Action, Philippines Tags philippines, Asia, Human Rights

East Asia’s Favorite Dessert: 3 Kinds of Shaved Ice

December 22, 2025

Korean bingsu, Japanese kakigori and Taiwanese baobing have become East Asia’s new favorite sweet treats. 

Read More
In Asia, Art Food & Culture, World and Travel Tags Asia, Arts and Culture

Taiwan’s Old Bomb Shelters Then and Now

December 15, 2025

Taiwan’s old bunkers were built out of fear of invasion, but today they carry different meanings for Taiwanese people.  

Read More
In Asia, Art Food & Culture, Taiwan, World and Travel Tags Asia, Arts and Culture, Taiwan

Hokkaido: Japan’s Natural Treasure Trove

November 24, 2025

Hokkaido boasts some of Japan’s most stunning natural beauty, with its national parks, fresh seafood and powder snow. 

Read More
In Asia, Japan, Travel Inspiration, World and Travel Tags Japan, Travel, Asia

A Weekend in Almaty, Kazakhstan

November 24, 2025

Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty offers opportunities to engage with history and culture while exploring its eclectic urban environment and surrounding wilderness. 

Read More
In Asia, Kazakhstan, Travel Inspiration, World and Travel Tags Asia, Kazakhstan, Travel

Truth in Fiction: Understanding India’s Class Struggle Through “The White Tiger”

November 21, 2025

The 2008 Booker Prize recipient, Aravind Adiga, and his book “The White Tiger” highlight and critique the reality of social disparity in India. 

Read More
In Asia, Human Rights, India, News and Social Action, Booklist Tags Asia, Human Rights, india, Booklist

Finding Community in China’s Underground Churches

November 17, 2025

Despite the threat imposed by the Chinese government, underground Chinese Christian communities continue to find hope. 

Read More
In Asia, Art Food & Culture, China, News and Social Action Tags Asia, China, Arts and Culture

Ethics of Whale Shark Watching in the Philippines

November 10, 2025

Travelers must be aware and mindful of animal welfare when participating in whale-watching experiences in the Philippines. 

Read More
In Asia, Philippines, Outdoor Adventure and Wildlife, World and Travel Tags Asia, philippines, Wildlife

Architecture That Targets the Unhoused in Japan

November 3, 2025

Japan’s unhoused crisis is masked by urban design called hostile architecture, a tool used to alienate those experiencing homelessness, affecting the public in the process.

Read More
In Asia, Human Rights, News and Social Action, Japan Tags Asia, Japan, Human Rights

Beyond The Disappearing Aral Sea

November 3, 2025

The Aral Sea has all but disappeared, spawning a new desert full of toxic sand; however, locals hope to emphasize the history, art and culture of the region as they work to redefine their future. 

Read More
In Asia, Kazakhstan, Environment and Sustainability, News and Social Action Tags Asia, Kazakhstan, Environment

7 Must-See Sites in India's Golden Triangle

October 27, 2025

Experience historical sites, architectural wonders, natural landscapes, lively markets and unique cuisine in Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.

Read More
In Asia, India, Travel Inspiration, World and Travel Tags Asia, India, Travel

5 Remote Filipino Regions Not Named Boracay

October 27, 2025

Siquijor, Batanes, Camiguin, Tawi-Tawi and Calaguas are stunning destinations in the Philippines, boasting a variety of attractions in lesser-traveled areas. 

Read More
In Asia, Philippines, Travel Inspiration, World and Travel Tags Travel, Asia, philippines

Protecting Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage in Bamiyan Valley

October 21, 2025

Experts seek to protect the colossal Bamiyan Buddha statues, after Afghanistan’s Taliban coordinated their destruction.

Read More
In Asia, Afghanistan, Art Food & Culture, World and Travel Tags Asia, Afghanistan, Arts and Culture

The Fight to Preserve Cantonese Language and Culture

October 7, 2025

Despite pressure from the Chinese government, the will to preserve the Cantonese language remains strong in China and around the world. 

Read More
In Asia, China, Human Rights, News and Social Action Tags Asia, China, Human Rights

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Islamabad, Pakistan

October 7, 2025

Explore this guide to an amazing day in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, a serene but simple city often overlooked by locals and tourists alike.

Read More
In Asia, Pakistan, World and Travel, Travel Inspiration Tags Asia, pakistan, Travel

A Daring Path to Pakistan’s Hidden Alpine Meadow

October 7, 2025

Fairy Meadows, nestled at the foot of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, attracts travelers each year who navigate a perilous mountain road and steep trek to reach its alpine meadows.

Read More
In Asia, Pakistan, World and Travel, Travel Inspiration Tags Asia, pakistan, Travel

Don’t Eat and Walk: Japan’s Rule That Leaves Travelers Confused

September 30, 2025

The Japanese value of staying in the moment and being mindful grounds the custom of not eating and walking simultaneously. 

Read More
In Asia, Japan, Tips and Tools, World and Travel Tags Asia, Japan, Advice and Cheat Sheets
Older Posts →

Also check out...

Featured
Vietnam’s Floating Markets Are Disappearing
Vietnam’s Floating Markets Are Disappearing
The Supernatural Role of Masks in Nigeria’s Yoruba Tribal Culture
The Supernatural Role of Masks in Nigeria’s Yoruba Tribal Culture
Opening the World to Deaf Travelers with Lily Yu
Opening the World to Deaf Travelers with Lily Yu

Featured trips

Featured
Offer NGO Support While Visiting Quito
Offer NGO Support While Visiting Quito
Experience Life as a Mongolian Nomad
Experience Life as a Mongolian Nomad
Help Grow Organic Costa Rican Coffee
Help Grow Organic Costa Rican Coffee

Sign up for the CATALYST newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to get the scoop on international travel, global social impact insights, our latest podcast releases, and more from around the world, all delivered right to your inbox!

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!
Newsletter Sign Up | Advertise | Careers + Internships | Privacy Policy | Submissions | Contact Us

Copyright © 2025, MISSION MEDIA LLC. All rights reserved.