field notes

I first saw the Danube River at night.

Sometimes Instagram can get you down—especially the week of spring break, when your feed is filled with exotic photos from your friends’ vacations. For many college students, extravagant vacations just don’t fit in the budget. But there’s a new trend that may just put your travel envy to rest: alternative spring breaks.

I still remember my first trip to Hawaii—I was so excited to get my feet in the sand. Growing up and listening to Iz sing about the beautiful white sandy beaches of Hawaii, I thought it truly sounded like heaven on earth.

Davey Crocket said it best: “You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.” Not only is Texas one of the biggest states in the United States, but it also has some of the biggest state pride around. Texas is not just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. Texans will brag about their bluebonnets, their Blue Bell, and most especially, their barbecue. People will wait in line for hours if it means they will leave 100% satisfied. Closing times on signs are hardly enforced because these barbecue joints are normally sold out of food before it’s even time to lock up for the night. The barbecue business is booming right before our eyes (and stomachs).Because there are too many barbecue establishments in Texas to count, we rallied up some of the top favorites in one area: Dallas. We highly recommend entering these places with your stretchy pants on, because you won’t want to stop eating until you’ve been induced into a meat coma. But don’t take our word for it—get out there and try them for yourself. If you gain a pound or sixteen, we understand. It’s happened to the best of us. Enjoy, and yeehaw! Cattleack Barbeque Texas Monthly ranks Cattleack Barbeque as the third best joint in Texas. In the renowned magazine’s own words, “Prepare to feel the earth move.” They typically complete an order every fifty-one seconds, so there’s no time to dillydally. They move fast because everyone wants a bite.Hutchins BBQHutchins BBQ is not only one of the best in the state, but it has also been voted one of the best in the world. This father-and-son duo definitely knows how to stand out in the crowd. It’s a must-have if you’re in town. Also, don’t forget to grab a “Texas Twinkie” (a brisket- stuffed jalapeño wrapped in bacon). You’ll thank us later.Pecan LodgePecan Lodge is one of the finest in the state. This barbecue is from passed-down, secret family recipes. Between wood and pas- sion, this place runs 24/7 to give their customers the best meat possible. What started as a little stand at a farmer’s market has turned into a food sensation. If you don’t stop by, you will most definitely regret it.Feedstore This family-owned barbecue joint is exactly what your taste buds have been craving, whether you knew it or not. What was once a feed store has turned into the Feedstore that many know and love today. If there’s one thing you absolutely need to order here, it’s their fried okra. It will be some of the best you’ll ever have. Photo by The Rocketeer

In AD 79, Herculaneum was a small seaside town. Fishermen coming home from their day’s labor on the water landed at the docks beside the beautiful, arched vaults of the city. Looking up, they would have seen their home. Unfortunately, Herculaneum was nestled at the foot of an active volcano.

Abraham Hicks said, “If you’re not excited about it, it’s not the right path.” Well, here’s a path everyone should be excited about: the Ohio Donut Trail. Otherwise known as the Butler County Donut Trail, this eighty-mile tour—complete with a passport and free T-shirt—features tempting donut shops around the Cincinnati, Ohio, area. Even if you’ve made the trip before, you should consider making another pilgrimage: as of 2018, Butler County has added three more bakeries to the existing list of nine.

If you ever find yourself in Merzouga, Morocco, I have one piece of advice for you: spend a night in the Sahara Desert. Last summer, I had the opportunity to do just that while studying abroad in Morocco, and it is an experience I will never forget.

Paris, France, is known throughout the world for its museums and vast collections of art. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to see, so many people choose to see only the most famous works of art in each museum. While it’s great to see the Mona Lisa, it may not be worth spending your entire day at the Louvre, pushing through crowds to see one painting when there is so much beautiful artwork in Paris that often gets overlooked. Here are some of the lesser-known pieces that should be on your list of art to see in Paris. If you like Vincent Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, go see

Imagine walking down the streets of Thailand enjoying the magical beauty of your surroundings. You see the ornate temples and hear the birds chirping overhead while you bask in the warm sunlight. And then, all of a sudden, the peacefulness of your moment is shattered—you are drenched in water, head to toe! This is Songkran, also known as Thailand’s Water Festival, and it is a splash that will stay with you for a lifetime.

North of everywhere in Europe lies a winding, wet road that has been considered the best road trip in the entire world. The road stretches across churning waters, whose waves crash over the asphalt and smash into passing cars. The drive inspires awe in all who face it. This exciting drive is known simply as the Atlantic Ocean Road.

Megan helps conduct fish surveys as part of marine conservation efforts in Madagascar.

Landes Holbrook visits an LDS temple in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.If you’ve ever wondered how safe it might be to travel to another country, Landes Holbrook knows the answer. Holbrook is the international security analyst at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, and also has extensive experience doing security analysis for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stowaway caught up with Holbrook recently and asked him about his analysis process, personal experiences, and helpful tips on how to be prepared for travel abroad.