Author: Lauren Mulvey

Few things scream summer more than a perfectly crafted cocktail enjoyed in its place of origin. From sun-soaked piazzas in Italy to seaside bars in Greece, every destination has a signature drink that blends culture, history, and lifestyle. This season, consider ordering these drinks on your travels, or book a trip to find where your cocktail of choice originated. Aperol Spritz – Venice, Italy Created in northern Italy in the early 20th century, the Aperol Spritz originally evolved from an Austrian tradition that diluted Italian wines with sparkling water. This was before Aperol was added to the mix in 1919…

Whether it’s for revitalizing nourishment after a late night out, a quick no-frills stop for a group, or a casual sit down meal that is as filling as it frugal, San Francisco is replete with mom-and-pop businesses that are locally loved for their high quality service and generous portions at budget-friendly prices. Having a proper meal in a big city doesn’t mean having to break the bank. Here’s a culturally diverse and authentic list of reliable eateries in SF that are fast, friendly, and filling, and all for under $20! Beep’s Burgers Beep’s Burgers is a true local hidden gem…

Some of the most beautiful cities in Europe offer clean waterways and outdoor recreation where urban swimming is the latest urban trend. From alpine lakes to revitalized rivers and scenic harbors, these destinations prove you don’t have to leave the city behind to enjoy a refreshing dip. Here are five European cities where swimming is part of the local lifestyle. Paris, France Making waves this summer is news that Paris is officially welcoming swimmers back to the Seine River after more than a century. This is due to a multibillion-euro cleanup effort initiated by the 2024 Olympic Games. This summer…

Thinking about traveling to the totality belt for this year’s August solar eclipse? If you were lucky enough to witness the 2024 solar eclipse that reached totality across various locations in the Northeastern U.S., you’ll find an even more magical experience awaiting at the beautiful and striking destinations within this year’s viewing belt. Here are some of the most interesting destinations for viewing the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Altafulla, Catalonia, Spain This year’s solar eclipse sees its widest path of totality across mainland Spain. And the conditions are nearly perfect for those looking to merge this cosmic event…

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you get to enjoy or experience less, it just means you have to get more creative along the way. No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, the right travel apps can help you save money, get more bang for your buck, and get access to more connected and authentic travel experiences. Budget travelers who have been doing it for years know how to make connections traveling for less while also managing to have some of the best experiences the world has to offer. Many use these apps to do it. Hostelworld  Experienced penny…

A new report from WalletHub has ranked the most eco-friendly states in the U.S. for green-minded travelers. The outlet reports that last year, the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate disasters that inflicted $1 billion or more in damage to the communities they occurred in. The total damages from all events amounted to $182.7 billion. “While some disasters are unavoidable, others are exacerbated by humans,” they write.  WalletHub compared all 50 states based on 28 key metrics including air, water and soil quality, energy efficiency, gasoline consumption, green transportation, organic farms per capita and more.  Ranking number one as the…

Travel agencies have helped travelers around the world plan and book their dream trips and vacations for decades. But with the popularity of artificial intelligence in public life over the last year, travel agencies are now figuring out how to incorporate AI into their business models. According to a recent report from Phocuswright, over half of the U.S.’s active travelers are now using AI in their travel planning. The report found that 56% of travelers used AI over the past 12 months to plan, book, or assist with travel plans in real-time.  Just last year Google launched an AI tool…

In beautiful places near and far, awe-inspiring road trip routes are waiting for you to explore while you discover the amazing history and culture of fascinating destinations. Here are six of the greatest road trip routes around the world that you may want to put on your “must do” list this year. The French and Italian Riviera A picture perfect summer vacation can be had city hopping along the Mediterranean Coast from France to Italy. Visit cities like Nice, Cannes and Marseille in France to Genoa, Camogli and Portofino in Italy. Feel the sea breeze on your face, stop for…

Canada is offering free admission to the country’s national parks this summer between June 19 and September 7.  In this time frame, all admission fees will be waived for all travelers. This includes national parks and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada, as per their official webpage.  The program also includes 25% discounts on fees for camping and overnight stays during this period. This means those who are hoping to camp, RV, or stay at local cabins and tipis can save money by booking their reservation through Parks Canada.  So if you’re hoping to dodge the dense fees…

With travel prices soaring this summer due to increases in airfare and general inflation, it may not be the best time to travel to some of your favorite European destinations, but an affordable vacation can still be had in some European countries that have retained their affordability and offer less crowded cities, more authentic cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery. So ditch your itinerary for Greece or Italy and book a stay in one or multiple of these budget-friendly countries in the Balkans. Bosnia & Herzegovina This year Conde Nast Traveler ranked Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina, the top…

Traveling with furry friends is becoming more popular these days, and frequent fliers want to know that when they bring their best friend on a trip they’ll both be comfortable. Though not all airlines allow pets in plane cabins, those who do generally only allow certain types of animals. They are typically required to be under 20 pounds, including the weight of their carrier, and are required to remain under the seat for the duration of the flight.  Travel + Leisure indicates that fliers who are bringing pets must book their pets in advance as space is limited. European airlines that allow…

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced its plans to launch a new air traffic control workforce plan meant to ease pressure on the industry caused by a long-standing staffing shortage. The new plan focuses on three central goals: modernizing the National Airspace System, expanding the agency’s aggressive hiring, and optimizing controller efficiency.  According to the FAA’s official site, the agency hopes to have fully implemented a new air traffic control system by the end of 2028. In collaboration with the Department of Transportation and technology and security company Peraton, the FAA hopes to oversee a total overhaul of the current…

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) presents “Flower Power,” a multidisciplinary exhibition celebrating florals and their symbolism in culture as they tie us to the natural world. The exhibition opened on May 23 and continues through October 18 in the Bronx, and it’s a perfect way to fill an afternoon, evening, or even weekend as the summer heat hits the streets of New York. According to NYBG’s site, the exhibition includes a gallery show and garden displays merging vibrant flower shows and monumental installations including paintings, photography and posters from the 1960s and ‘70s. The exhibition even features works from the…

More than 100 organizations have signed a travel advisory ahead of the FIFA World Cup which is to be hosted across 11 U.S. cities this summer. The World Cup is slated to take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.  “In light of the deteriorating human rights situation in the United States and in the absence of meaningful action and concrete guarantees from FIFA, host cities, or the U.S. government, the undersigned organizations are issuing this travel advisory for fans, players, journalists, and other visitors traveling to and within the United States for the June…

British Airways has decided to allow passengers to make in-flight phone calls following the recent implementation of Starlink aboard its planes. After ditching this plan initially, British Airways doubled down on allowing calls. Now, the carrier allows passengers to make calls on all flights with WiFi. According to The Independent, the new technology onboard British Airways allows for various forms of voice communication including FaceTime and WhatsApp to Zoom and Teams. Though this will give passengers more freedom to work, stay in touch with loved ones, check emails and use social media, the idea of allowing calls may make some frequent…

The U.S. Embassy in London has issued an alert warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” during visits to Jewish and American sites in the U.K. and across Europe noting “recent attacks and threats targeting Jewish and American institutions in the United Kingdom and Europe.” According to TravelPulse, the alert follows several antisemitic attacks in London and Amsterdam. One such incident was an arson strike targeting ambulances tied to a Jewish charity in London on March 23. In Amsterdam, an explosion at a Jewish school damaged the structure, but fortunately did not affect any people. The embassy is also advising that U.S.…

Those who have been perusing flight search engines to book their upcoming trips have surely noticed airline fares slowly increasing in recent months. And things aren’t necessarily looking up for travelers hoping to hit Europe for the summer months.  Projections indicate jet fuel supplies could start running short as early as mid-May for airlines offering frequent flights to Europe. TravelPulse reports airlines are struggling against “skyrocketing fuel costs tied to the war in Iran,” an issue that has affected airlines globally.  In recent months, airlines have hiked up fares via fuel surcharges and extra checked bag fees, and some airlines are…

New reports from Trip.com find that women are leading the next wave of global travel. In recent years, solo traveling and group trips among women have become increasingly popular as global destinations have mobilized to offer more friendly accommodations and protections for women traveling solo or in groups.  Trip.com released new findings on women’s movements in the travel industry in celebration of International Women’s Day in 2026. The report indicated that flight bookings for women are growing by 13% year-on-year, based on Trip.com Group’s data. The trend has seen particular growth in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, where bookings made by women…

A new mode of transport is sweeping cities across the world, making tourism greener with a futuristic look. Electric ferries have been gaining traction as a common method of transport over the last decade and they may solve more than one problem plaguing global destinations. These battery-powered boats are just one way cities around the world are working toward cleaner energy via electric transit. According to Conde Nast Traveler (CN Traveler) electric passenger ferries offer a host of benefits for local communities, including easing road congestion and making transit faster and more effective.  “An electric battery ferry is a zero-emission…

Each year, Expedia Group forecasts travel trends and observes those from the previous year with an annual report. In 2026, all trends indicate travelers are looking to have an “experience” rather than just a trip or vacation. A more distinct framing of types of travelers continues to deepen its hold on young travelers, who are often motivated by social media to communicate what kind of person they are via their travel choices.  Destinations trending right now according to the Expedia app and website’s real-time search data show that travelers are taking the roads less traveled by opting for cities and…