Author: Lauren Mulvey

There are many people who would rather chase the sun than endure the cold of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, December through March is summer, and there are some wonderful places for travelers to visit and enjoy time outdoors. Here are six great destinations for anyone who wants to enjoy nature, art, culture,  and the sun this winter. Brazil  Sure, you could travel to Costa Rica or Mexico or the Caribbean Islands during the winter months, all of which will be warm due to their proximity to the Equator, but why not venture a bit further and explore one of…

Following months of civil unrest in Iran, it is reported that Iran plans to execute 15,000 protesters, many of them children, teens, and young adults. Various media sources have reported the mass death sentencing, claiming that a death sentence has been set for 15,000 protestors currently being held in prison as a harsh warning to the rest of the state. Protests across the country began after the detainment and death of Mahsa Amini for allegedly disobeying the Islamic Republic’s dress code for women. Many Iranian women have cut their hair or burned their hijabs in solidarity. Hundreds of civilians, including…

Travelers from the United States looking to continue their worldly adventures can now renew their passports online. Last week the State Department announced they would begin testing an online passport renewal program. However, there is a catch, according to Travel and Leisure, only travelers who live in the United States at present and have passports that were issued between 2009 and 2015 will be able to renew online. Those who hope to change identification details such as name or date of birth will also not be able to use the online renewal system.  So what do you need to do…

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…

After a month of traveling in northern Europe, I decided to spend some time in the sunny Andalusia region of Spain. I had heard bits and pieces from other travelers that Granada was everyone’s favorite city in Spain for one reason or another. They all told me “you’re going to love it,” and I was curious to see if it was worth all the hype. When I arrived in Granada by bus it was late afternoon, the sun was beating down on the city center. Off the bus, I lugged my increasingly heavy carry-on suitcase (bursting with souvenirs and bottles…

Work from homers and digital nomads can take to the sea and “work from helm” all while traveling to nine different destinations across the Mediterranean with Virgin Voyages latest offering: the Summer Season Pass. With this pass, Virgin Voyages is putting into motion Richard Branson’s belief that brilliant work is best paired with a hearty dose of fun. So bring your latest assignment, project, or hop on a meeting from your private balcony overlooking clear blue waters. This one month cruise through the Mediterranean will take place on a Virgin Voyages ship, and for those planning on working while onboard…

The world’s largest wildlife crossing is being built in Los Angeles, a city infamous for roads that encroach on natural surroundings.  A wildlife crossing is a bridge that seeks to help wildlife move between divided sects of land. This land is often divided by manmade features such as roads, but can also be intersected by rivers. In Los Angeles County, the new Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will provide safe passage for wildlife across the 101 Freeway, which spans 10 highway lanes In this area the most common wildlife in need of crossing access are mountain lions, cougars, coyotes, bobcats, deer,…

The changing of seasons is not to be missed in the Northeast where you can watch the leaves on the trees transform from their luscious green to brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds as the weather chills. Just an hour or two drive from NYC are troves of farms, wineries, and orchards that are just waiting for your arrival. Here’s a list of some of the Hudson Valley’s most scenic and cozy autumnal destinations.  TWIN STAR ORCHARDS, New Paltz, New York Take the thruway north and find yourself in the quaint yet gorgeous village of New Paltz in Ulster County, where college…

Hostels have long acquired a reputation for catering to day trippers, backpackers, penny pinchers, and above all, young people. However, hostels are not exclusively for traveling youth. In fact, they can often be a safe, affordable, accommodating and fun place to stay for travelers of all ages. So you don’t have to be a twenty-something on a six month stint abroad to book a bed. You can also be a tourist staying for a week, a few days, or passing through and still enjoy your stay. On the whole, hostels get a bad rap, so we’re debunking some myths about these…

Travel trends come and go, but the whirling wormhole of social media is stirring with content on an increasingly popular trend: wellness tourism. Users on apps like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube have grown increasingly obsessed with “self-care.” And nowadays you can find thousands of videos across the web telling you exactly what supplements to take, how to workout, what to eat, what skincare to use, and how to live your most “healthy” life. Realistically it can be overwhelming to try and balance all the unsolicited influencer advice and noise with what your body and mind really need. Some wellness trends…

From Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia to LGBTQ nightlife and nude beaches, Barcelona has it all. Known for its unique architecture made famous by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona is a city of intricate and colorfully crafted buildings and landmarks. Discover the city’s distinctive look while visiting one of its beautiful neighborhoods, traipse through the Gothic Quarter, or head for Parc Guell, one of the city’s largest green spaces with views that are not to be missed.  When it comes time to eat, indulge in the city’s culinary offerings with a great selection of tapas from family-owned spots like La Pepita,…

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…

Though national parks are an easy destination to visit during warm weather months, as summer turns to fall, changing colors and landscapes are a sight to be seen in many of the most beautiful national parks on Earth. And a special experience can be found in many parks during the winter months, when pure white snow lays a coating on the textured terrain of mountains, valleys, canyons, rivers, and meadows. At this time of year, activities in parks may be limited, but the scenery is unique enough to make the trip unforgettable. Here are some of the best national parks…

Join the celebration at Queer Wine Fest featuring 20 LGBTQ+ winemakers and a diverse selection of wines with a devoted community on June 29th in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Remy Wines will be showcasing its largest array of LGBTQ+ American wineries on June 29th at their fourth annual Queer Wine Fest. The event will bring together 20 LGBTQ+ winemakers, vineyard managers, and owners from Oregon, California, and Washington with a diverse selection of wines to sample and taste. Joining this year’s lineup will be wineries Capo Creek and Torix Noix from California, and Washington’s SuLei Cellars. There will also be…

With overtourism affecting nearly every major destination, tourist hotspots around the world have begun introducing entrance fees and price hikes. Prices for entry to popular historical sites have increased, according to CNN. In Europe, admission to The Louvre, one of the world’s most famous art museums was increased by almost a third earlier this year. A ticket which once cost €17 will now go for €22. Increased ticket prices come just ahead of the Paris Olympics taking place this summer.  In Spain, Seville’s famous Plaza de España square may soon include an entrance fee to a once free-roaming square. This…

The primary concerns people have when travel are the cost of flights, hotels, food, and activities that make a trip worthwhile. But the travel industry is always expanding and evolving, becoming more accessible to those looking to have an international or domestic travel experience without the high costs.  Luxury travel is spectacular if you can afford it, but you can have just as much fun exploring on a budget. There are plenty of options that can help lower what you spend for accommodations, flights, and the costs of living abroad. Here are 7 tips that can help you travel more…

This year, the State Department has been inundated with up to 500,000 applications per week for passports so they are now offering a new way to process your application with Special Passport Acceptance Fairs. The State Department will venture around the country to host these events in public libraries, city admin offices and recreational centers in New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas, and more throughout July and August, with new events added to the calendar weekly. However, these events are only accessible for new passport applications, so if you need to renew your passport you should follow standard procedure, or use…

With such close proximity to NYC, the Sullivan Catskills have been upping their game for years in tourism and hospitality. Today, there are many offerings across the region for those hoping to enjoy a weekend away, or a change of pace. Here are some of the best towns to visit for a weekend in the Sullivan Catskills. Narrowsburg Along the Delaware River on the New York-Pennsylvania border, Narrowsburg has morphed into a swanky yet bucolic getaway just a two hour drive from New York City. Here, a beautiful yet compact main street sits overlooking the river and surrounding lush forests.…

People of all ages love to ice skate, and when traveling it’s a perfect way to get moving while you explore a new location. In fact, some ice rinks are located in major international cities as well as on the world’s most beautiful lakes and bodies of water. Here are some of the best place to ice skate in the world. Central Park and Rockefeller Center – New York, New York , USA Starting off with a classic, New York is undoubtedly magical during the winter season. In Manhattan the most famous and picturesque places to ice skate are at…

Hostels can be the perfect way to save money on your next trip abroad. These accommodations are in nearly every major city, the countryside, or beach locales. So wherever you want to go on your next adventure, you’re sure to find a hostel to meet your needs. That said, hostels aren’t always the most luxurious or comfortable way of traveling. You can discover if hostels are for you as we break down the pros and cons of staying in these affordable accommodations. Booking a Hostel When looking for hostels for your next trip, you can find a comprehensive database of…