Author: Lauren Mulvey

Members of Unite Here, a hospitality workers union, have released a report detailing the ways in which the Trump Administration’s immigration policies have inflicted economic damage on industry workers. In the report entitled “Inhospitable,” workers claim Trump’s policies have incited fear regardless of their immigration status. Unite Here represents 300,000 hospitality workers in U.S. and Canada hotels, casinos, airports, and restaurants. Union president Gwen Mills brought attention to the report’s findings during a roundtable in D.C. this month. Mills claimed “scenes of violence on the streets in our major cities and anti-immigrant rhetoric” are discouraging domestic and foreign travel, putting financial…

A new survey from the U.S. Travel Association indicates that Americans are dissatisfied with the country’s slow moving progression on offering efficient travel experiences in airports. The association proposes Congress make “immediate progress” on this issue by returning billions of dollars from the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee. This fee, which was implemented after 9/11, adds a charge to all passenger airfares to be allocated for security in airports.  “Americans want the United States to lead the world in travel efficiency, not lag behind it, and they’re telling Congress exactly how to get there: put the 9/11 Security Fee back where it…

A new bill from the GOP proposes to eliminate dual citizenship amongst American passport holders, forcing U.S. citizens to renounce their citizenship statuses in other countries. The legislation entitled Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 was introduced by Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno in December. If passed, the bill would demand that citizens of the U.S. claim “sole and exclusive allegiance to the United States.” Making those will dual citizenship choose between the U.S. and their other country of residency. The bill would also require that dual citizens who choose to maintain their U.S. citizenship submit a written renunciation of their other nationality.…

The U.S. plans to implement invasive social media and personal account vetting for foreign travelers entering the country in 2026. Visitors from 42 countries may soon be required to provide their social media history from up to five years prior upon entry to the country via a Trump Administration proposal that Trump claims is meant to keep the U.S. “safe.” The proposal was posted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection the Federal Register,  Once implemented, these changes would require additional information to be provided on ESTA applications. This will entail mandatory inclusion of social media history, phone numbers, and email…

Floating in a crystal-blue swimming pool under the palm trees, ensconced in all things Trixie. This was the start of my Palm Springs getaway. The city that’s famous for mid-century modern style, martinis, and celebrity hobnobbing is also home to the Trixie Motel, the first real drag-built lodging. It’s a testament to the all-around rosy-pink vibes of California’s ultimate desert destination. Though Palm Springs grew roots as an early-1900s tourist oasis, by the 1920s and 30s, Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ luminaries found a sanctuary here. It has attracted the likes of queer icons Greta Garbo, Rock Hudson, George Cukor, and Liberace. A…

Norway is an idyllic destination for Northern Lights viewing, and now travelers can hop aboard the world’s first panoramic night train, designed to give travelers unforgettable views of the Aurora Borealis. The new train, the Midnight Aurora Route, will combine luxury sustainability, and breathtaking scenery to create a seamless viewing experience for passengers. Onboard features include heated cabins and reclining seats facing the night sky. The route operates during peak aurora season between late-August and mid-April.  According to NDTV, travelers can also enjoy English-speaking guides, photography tips, and a short documentary on the wild wonder of nature. Plus, get real-time…

This year, Amsterdam celebrates 25 years of marriage equality for citizens of the Netherlands in a “unique atmosphere of freedom, creativity and tolerance,” by hosting WorldPride between July 25th and August 8th. For WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, the festivities will focus on unity, tolerance, connectedness and love. To symbolize this year’s festival, the city has chosen a kaleidoscope, meant to pay homage to the Netherlands’ rich tapestry of diverse identities and cultures. In 2026, Amsterdam celebrates not just WorldPride, but 15 years of the Declaration of Amsterdam (WorkPlace Pride), 30 years of Pride celebrations in the city, 55 years of abolition…

Hawaii’s proposed “Green Tax,” which imposes a 11% tax on all tourist accommodations, including cruise passengers, was been halted by a federal appeals court just a day before it was set to go into effect on Jan. 1. The Hawaii Legislature passed the bill SB1396 in January of 2025, a measure hoping to curb the effects of climate change in the state.  The legislation expanded upon an established law, Hawaii’s Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT,) which was established in 1986. The tax sat at around 10.25% before the bill including the fee increase was signed by Hawaii’s governor Josh Green in…

Around the world, new taxes and fees have been imposed by popular cities, historical landmarks, and museums in attempts to curb the negative effects of tourism.  Now, travelers must prepare to face additional fees to visit the Louvre in Paris in 2026. According to Travel + Leisure, the Louvre in Paris is the most visited museum in the world, receiving up to nine million visitors per year, and around 30,000 visitors per day. It’s home to many famous historical artworks, most notably, the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and more. As of Jan. 14, visitors from the U.S., U.K. and…

Spain has fined Airbnb 64 million euros ($75 million) for promoting unlicensed rental properties across its platform. The consumer rights ministry claimed rentals on the platform didn’t list required license numbers or included incorrect host information. According to Reuters, the number of short-term rentals across Spain has jumped by 25% over the last two years, suggesting more and more money-hungry residents are renting out vacation properties. In turn, they’re hurting their fellow Spaniards. “Your AirBnB used to be my home,” said the sign of one protester named Marina at summer protest in Barcelona, Spain. “We cannot live in this city.…

The National Park Service has announced it will begin charging international visitors $100 per person to enter 11 of its most visited national parks. The new fee was announced recently by the Department of the Interior, framing it as “America-first pricing.” The surcharge will be in addition to standard entrance fees in 2026. The new policy will also exclude international tourists from participating in fee-free days at national parks. The parks that will enforce the additional fee are: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. The upcharge follows an executive…

Berkshire Hathaway has named the Netherlands the world’s safest country to travel to in 2026. T&L reports the company renders its findings by surveying over 1,800 American travelers on their experiences traveling in the last five years. Respondents are asked to rank the countries they’ve visited based on safety, terrorism, weather emergencies, health concerns, and the safety of underrepresented groups. A spokesperson for Berkshire and Hathaway told Travel + Leisure “We’re seeing a shift in how travelers define ‘safe.’ It’s not just about crime rates anymore, people are also considering healthcare access, climate stability and inclusivity. Survey respondents felt the…

The United States Embassy in Costa Rica has issued a country-wide alert to make travelers aware of recent increases in criminal activity. The alert, issued on Nov. 25 advises American travelers to beware of “recent property crimes, financial crimes and robberies that impacted foreigners in Costa Rica, including U.S. citizens,” according to Travel + Leisure.  Currently the State Department’s travel advisory for Costa Rica sits at a Level 2: Exercise increased caution. This is reportedly due to consistent levels of crime throughout the country which could pose a threat to visiting tourists. “Tourists have reported break-ins and armed robberies at Airbnbs…

As airports continue to digitize the travel process, the latest development in modern airport technology, digital passports, could replace a century-old tradition. The New York Times (NYT) reports that on Nov. 12 Apple announced iOS users could now add passports to the Wallet app in their phones. What’s more, the new digital passport IDs are now considered an acceptable form of identification for domestic travel at 250 airports across the country. For international travel, however, physical passports are still required to be carried by all passengers. As old travel conventions like passport stamping and manual immigration check-ins fade into the…

The state of Oregon has become the first in the U.S. to earn statewide accessibility verification. Wheel the World, a travel platform serving people with disabilities, awarded Oregon the honor after conducting a comprehensive review of the state’s accessibility offerings. According to Travel and Leisure, the verification process included the assessment of over 750 hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses in 43 different communities across the state. “Earning the distinction of being the first Accessibility Verified state reflects Oregon’s deep and ongoing commitment to welcoming all travelers,” said Kevin Wright, VP of brand stewardship at Travel Oregon in a statement to Travel and…

The U.S. Department of State has issued a level three travel advisory for those traveling to the East African nation of Tanzania.A level three travel advisory advises that travelers “reconsider” trips to certain destinations, usually following reports of crime, terrorism or the like. These advisories can only go up to Level 4.  Tanzania is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences. Safaris are popular here, and the island archipelago of Zanzibar off the eastern coast of the country offers gorgeous coastal vibes. Plus, the country is home to Mount Kilimanjaro where hikers from around the world…

In every issue of Passport magazine we highlight unique hotels and resorts for readers to book and enjoy. Featured accommodations are in every corner of the world, from urban gems to tropical getaways. Here’s a list of some of our recommendations for the best places to stay around the world. FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI – KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII Embraced by the blue waters of the Pacific, white-sand beaches, and black-lava landscapes, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai epitomizes the allure of a premier Big Island resort. For a true Hawaiian experience, book one of the island-inspired specialty suites and villas, each boasting two…

As Mexico’s second largest city, the beautiful metropolis of Guadalajara is a rewarding place to visit and live. With its rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, creative vibe, and queer welcoming ambiance, Guadalajara is well-equipped for a variety of travelers. As the capital of the state of Jalisco, it’s a hub for many things that people love about Mexican culture. The city hosts a sizable annual pride celebration every June, extensive queer nightlife, and a year-round warm climate.   Passport asked Oscar Morales, deputy director of public relations and promotions at the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Bureau, about the city’s growth as an…

For people who love to travel, budgeting is a constant necessity. Making sure you can fit in all the adventure and excitement that you’re seeking is worth taking the time to figure out what the best techniques are to travel in a cost effective way. Here is some advice on how to get the most for your money when traveling. Flights The New York Times’ expert budget travel writer, Elaine Glusac gave some of her top tips as the resident “Frugal Traveler” in a recent podcast. Let’s break it down. For those looking for a pre-end-of-year vacation, Gluscac advises traveling…

Though you might think that there couldn’t possibly be any more ancient ruins to explore in Rome, a 2,000 year old tunnel that functioned as a passageway for Roman emperors to enter and exit the Colosseum is now open to the public. The tunnel, known historically as the Passage of Commodus, is a 180-foot corridor that courses beneath the amphitheater. It was utilized by emperors and high profile guests to access their seats in the imperial box without navigating crowds. The tunnel is named after Emperor Commodus, a merciless emperor made famous today by the 2000 film Gladiator. Commodus served…