Duckwyn's Travel Blog

Photo by Henning Klokkeråsen We just added one of Rome's most fascinating landmarks to the app: Castel Sant'Angelo . This place has lived many lives. It started as Emperor Hadrian's tomb in 139 AD. Then it became a fortress where soldiers literally threw marble statues at attacking armies when they ran out of ammunition. Then a papal bunker with a secret escape tunnel to the Vatican. Then a prison that held philosophers and sculptors. Now it's a museum with one of the best ro

Photo by Jorge Franganillo on Flickr Have you ever wondered what happens when travel doesn’t stop at vacation? Lately, more families are choosing a lifestyle called worldschooling — living and learning on the road as they explore the world together. It sounds dreamy: new cities, new cultures, fresh mornings in different time zones. But sometimes it’s messy, hard, and deeply honest too. A thoughtful report published just yesterday dives into this movement with real family sto

This weekend I took a departure from the work I typically do for DuckAbroad to see for myself the progress that is being made in the "Vibe Coding" space. Here's what I found. AI is supposed to handle the boring stuff so humans can do the creative work. This weekend, I experienced the opposite. Claude 4.5 did the parts I enjoy, writing code, designing features, solving architecture problems, and left me with a tedious cycle of test, copy, wait, repeat. And yet? I have a workin

Edinburgh's skyline has one unmistakable silhouette—a crown-shaped spire rising above the Royal Mile. That crown belongs to St Giles' Cathedral, a building that has witnessed 900 years of Scottish history unfold at its doorstep. We've just added St Giles' Cathedral to DuckAbroad, and if you're heading to Edinburgh, this is one stop you won't want to miss. A building older than the city around it King David I founded St Giles' in 1124, before most of Edinburgh's Old Town even

The Nostalgia of Travel I found an old boarding pass from 25 years ago: United Airlines, Boston to San Francisco, seat 17C. It’s torn, smudged, and faded—but it’s full of memories. We used to tuck tickets into journals, slide them into books, or forget them in desk drawers. Travel left physical traces that we could hold onto. But today, it doesn’t quite feel that way. The Shift to Digital Boarding passes are now QR codes on our phones. Passport stamps are being replaced by fa

Argentina protects 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered from subtropical forests to Patagonian ice fields. DuckAbroad Travel Passport is starting with two of the country's most spectacular parks: Iguazú and Los Glaciares. Collect virtual stickers when you visit these natural wonders, with more UNESCO sites coming soon. Here's what makes each site worth visiting and collecting. Iguazú National Park: Waterfalls at the Brazil border Location: Misiones Province, northeastern

Spain isn’t just about beaches and big cities. Hidden across its hills and valleys are towns so rich in history and architecture that UNESCO placed them among the world’s treasures. These towns tell Spain’s story. From ancient Roman engineering to Moorish palaces and medieval plazas that still feel alive with local life. For families who love exploring culture and history, visiting Spain’s UNESCO towns is like walking through an open-air museum. Each one offers something uniq

Some of the best parts of a family trip aren’t on the itinerary. They’re the small, unexpected moments. The ones that happen between destinations, when you take a wrong turn or stop for ice cream just because it feels right. That’s the idea behind our newest Substack post: 👉 Why Your Family’s Best Travel Moments Are the Ones You Don’t Plan In it, we explore why spontaneity matters when you’re exploring the world together. Family travel isn’t just about checking off sights. I

When you think about incredible travel destinations that spark curiosity and wonder, ancient Roman architecture often tops the list. Imagine walking through grand arches, standing inside massive amphitheaters, or marveling at aqueducts that once carried water across vast distances. These structures are not just old stones - they tell stories of innovation, culture, and human creativity that still inspire today. Let’s take a journey together to explore some of the most fascina

We’re thrilled to share some big news: DuckAbroad is now available on Android ! Families everywhere can finally join DuckAbroad right from their phones — discovering new places, collecting stamps, and creating travel memories that last a lifetime. For years, DuckAbroad has helped families turn everyday trips into stories worth remembering. Whether you’re exploring a new city, hiking through a national park, or just visiting a local museum, the app helps you keep track of wher