Author: Lauren Mulvey

If you are looking to spend the holidays in a LGBTQ-friendly destination, Key West, Florida offers a plethora of exciting things to do and experience. Festivities kick off on Wednesday, Nov. 27 with a sunset illumination of the Harbor Walk of Lights at the Key West Historic Seaport. This Christmas display is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and is a great way to spend an evening with family and friends ahead of Thanksgiving.  Events continue throughout the Keys into December. Highlights include the Holiday Party Trolly on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Grab tickets for you and your…

Now more than ever, LGBTQ+ travelers want to feel safe. Whether these travelers are seeking a bit of escapism, a home away from home, or a relaxing place to spend their time with family and friends, feeling secure in these spaces makes a world of difference. LGBTQ+ travelers already have a lot on their mind when choosing a place to visit. Recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, local sentiments toward queer couples, and general physical safety are common themes. So looking over hotlists for safe travel is key in planning. There are many lists from different organizations around the world, boasting the world’s…

Whether you want to surprise your partner with vacation tickets under the Christmas tree, or you’re getting a jump on a Valentine’s getaway, now’s the time to start planning; the winter months are among Palm Springs’ most popular. Book a stay at one of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels: Over 75 boutique properties, each with a focus on guest service in an intimate setting with no more than 50 rooms. From clothing-optional men’s resorts to luxury accommodations stylishly designed to reflect the city’s Mid-Century Modern and Spanish architectural traditions, you’ll find an option that perfectly suits your tastes. Discover…

When I arrive at the airport, I pass a billboard of lifestyle diva Martha Stewart hoisting a half-drunk glass of wine. She is wearing her trademark Mona Lisa smirk and looking slightly flush. I wonder if my own experience at the Bedford (3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Tel: 702-946-4361. Caesars.com/paris-las-vegas), Stewart’s new Paris Las Vegas restaurant, will replicate her performative giddiness. The Bedford is delightfully tucked away in a nondescript corridor where the cacophonic clang of the slot machine is noticeably absent. Here, the endive stalks on the salad I order are splayed in meticulous petal fashion and dusted with little…

Cities around the world, however beautiful and exciting, all contribute their share to the world’s carbon emissions. However, eco-conscious travelers can tailor their itineraries to visit destinations that are taking action to increase sustainability and combat the climate crisis. Eco-conscious travelers are being more discerning when making choices on where to spend their vacations, and these locations are making the list for being some of the top sustainable destinations. The Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index is an organization that encourages destinations around the world to become more eco-friendly. Their mission supports Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) all around the world “whether…

Pack your bags for the Key West Film Festival, Nov. 13-17, 2024! The official 2024 lineup will include films from directors including Pedro Almodovar, Barry Jenkins, Billy Corben, Michael Gracey, Gia Coppola and others. As is tradition for the festival, the Opening and Closing Night films are curated by two of the top film critics in the country. Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter will host a discussion with Stepanie Zacharek of Time accompanying the Opening Night screening of THE FIRE INSIDE, the inspiring story of two time Olympic women’s boxing gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields and her fight for…

As new technologies sweep in and replace old practices, the way we travel is becoming more high-tech and, hopefully, less complicated. However, the European Union’s plans to establish a new digital entry and exit system to replace passport stamps has yet again been delayed. Though this new system was originally slated to take effect next month, according to Travel and Leisure, a delay in implementation was sparked by claims from Germany, France, and the Netherlands that their technology was no yet up to date.  The Entry/Exit System being referred to as EES will use a high-tech scanning process that calls…

You’ll notice a quiet, peaceful calm when you visit New York’s Sullivan Catskills this time of year. Just 90 miles from Manhattan, it’s a wonderful place to restore body and soul, prepare for the busy holiday season, and settle into winter. Come in early November and fuel your body with Catskill-icious goodness. Restaurant Week runs through November 11, so you can still enjoy dining specials. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample the flavors of inventive and James Beard-nominated restaurants. Enjoy farm-fresh 3-course lunches and dinners from $29.95-$44.95 at Blue Fox Motel, Cellaio, Kenoza Hall, Lotus, Roscoe Mountain Club, Seminary Hill…

It’s no surprise that a new study from Australia’s Edith Cowan University found that travel is a solid defense against premature aging. This interdisciplinary study has applied the theory of entropy to tourism, finding that while negative travel experiences may contribute to an increase in entropy and decrease in overall health, positive experiences may ease the progression of entropy, enhancing overall health. According to PhD candidate Ms. Fangli Hu “aging, as a process, is irreversible. While it can’t be stopped, it can be slowed down.” Hu notes that “exposure to novel environments, engagement in physical activities and social interaction, and…

Travel can come in many shapes and sizes, and for some it’s easier to get out into the world by means of a graduate program, volunteer assignment, or job placement. If you’re seeking a job and lifestyle with more excitement, cultural exposure, and travel experiences tied in, teaching English as a foreign language may be a good option to consider.  Everyone has a friend or a friend of a friend who has spent time abroad teaching English, living in a foreign country and living it up. And you can do it too. You don’t need a masters in education, and you…

Las Vegas is famous for giving visitors a good time, whether that’s with food and drink, enticing entertainment, amazing hotels, or thrilling attractions. When it comes to unique cocktails, there are many hands that keep the drinks flowing behind the bars and restaurants in town. Experience the real Las Vegas through the eyes of veteran bartenders and get a glimpse into the city’s past, its famous personalities, and some of the best cocktails in town. Mariena Mercer Boarini – Master Mixologist Wynn Resorts, North America (wynnresorts.com) During her time as Chef Mixologist at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Mercer Boarini…

Chiang Mai, nestled amidst the jungle-drenched mountains of northern Thailand and shrouded in magic and mysticism, is a true gem. With stunning Buddhist temples on every corner, narrow streets, and lush greenery, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve entered an altogether different time. There is simply nowhere else like it. The city used to be the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and one of the most important trade stops in the region. Today it is regarded as the cultural and spiritual capital of Thailand. While Bangkok will make your head spin with its vibrant nightlife, ultra-modern skyline, and never-ending…

With so many ways to travel, it’s hard to figure out how to make your experience as fulfilling as possible. You could hop aboard a luxury cruise and check off incredible destinations from your bucket list, you could backpack through natural wonders on foot, or you could immerse yourself in an entirely new foreign location and help build up the community through volunteer work. Those who decide to volunteer in the Peace Corps get to travel on the organizations dime, but it’s a serious commitment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The organization hosts volunteers in job sites around the world.…

Maybe you’re planning a trip for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, hoping to celebrate in a special destination, but have you ever considered booking a vacation for Halloween? This spooky tradition may be one of the most popular events in the U.S.A., but it is also celebrated in other countries in unique ways. Here’s what “halloween” celebrations look like around the globe.  Dia de Los Muertos – Latin America In Latin America, kids do not go trick-or-treating on October 31, but on November 1st, festivities and parties are held to celebrate the “Day of the dead” or “Dia de los…

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first time voyager, there’s a cruise that will suit your fancy in nearly every corner of the world. Passport’s writers and editors have cruised the far reaches of the world in recent years and experienced some of the best ships for a perfect voyage at sea or river cruise. Ecoventura Luxury Cruise – Galápagos One of the top purveyors of luxury small-ship cruises around the Galápagos, Ecoventura offers a range of trips including a full week with their expert team of naturalists and top-notch service staff aboard the newly-christened Evolve. If you’re looking…

Have you been holding off your next long-term travel adventure because of the crazy costs of accommodations around the world? Maybe you just can’t score that affordable yet comfortable Airbnb, or all the reasonably priced hotels are booked. You may want to consider another option: Trusted Housesitters.  We know what you’re thinking. Why would I want to house sit while I’m on vacation or the trip of a lifetime? Well, because it will save you money, connects you with locals, and give you the chance to see how life is authentically lived in your destination.   Trusted Housesitters is an online…

On a recent trip to this wondrous city of canals, writer Arthur Wooten was delighted to discover that several wonderful new restaurants had opened to tease and tantalize our tastebuds. He rented an apartment in the San Marco neighborhood in Venice and as soon as his bags were unpacked, he grabbed the proverbial fork and headed out to explore the new culinary offerings that awaited. TAVERNETTA SAN MAURIZIO I must have walked by Tavernetta San Maurizio a dozen times, and yet it didn’t register for some reason. It was a bit late in the evening and upon entering I discovered…

The Northern Lights viewing season has arrived and this year might be one of the best times to marvel at the splendor of the aurora borealis. According to Travel and Leisure, the northern lights have seen “more buzz” this year, as they’ve been more active than usual. Earlier this year, a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun made this sensational display viewable as far south as Alabama and Northern California in the U.S., according to CNN. Here are five destinations that are perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. Tromsø, Norway  If you must choose just…

If you live in the Northeast, the arrival of cooler weather is either great news or a reason to pack your bags and head to warmer places. If you’re already missing the summer sun of July and August, check out these LGBTQ+ friendly destinations around the country where you can enjoy the warmth into the fall season.  Key West One of our go-to sunny destinations for a fall or winter visit is Key West, Florida. Year-round, Key West hosts LGBTQ+ events and festivals including drag brunches, bar hopping and more. Here you can truly chase the heat as temperatures stay…

When it comes to accommodations, travelers today are looking to get the biggest bang for their buck. They want more space—a lot more space. They crave “authentic” experiences over cookie-cutter chain hotels, and they’re booking longer stays in places where they can cook, work with fast WiFi, enjoy privacy, and avoid high hotel rates.  Independent accommodations are not only more affordable and spacious than traditional large-chain hotels, but in recent years private stays are in demand like never before. According to Expedia’s recent Travelers Insights report, year over year demand for “unique and differentiated” vacation rentals, such as cabins, chalets, farm-…