Author: Lauren Mulvey

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…

Portugal has been voted Europe’s best destination in Europe by the World Travel Awards, making this the country’s sixth win since 2017. Porto and Lisbon were also recognized as premiere city destinations.  Portugal Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services said the win “reflects the work, dedication and quality of all the professionals who, on a daily basis, make tourism one of the main pillars of our economy.”  Portugal continues to win hearts and spots on hot lists due to its balanced blend of culinary offerings, beach and city life, impressive accommodations, and historical allure. Whether you’re trying a surf…

Another day has passed and you haven’t bought an old villa in Tuscany yet? Well, you still can. And in fact, small towns in Italy are indeed still paying people to move there. Radicondoli, a village close to the famous small city of Siena was once home to 3,000 residents, but now under 1,000. people live there. According to CNN, around 100 of the village’s 450 houses are vacant. Like many small Italian villages with the same ailment, Radicondoli is hoping to bring more life back into its narrow streets and sloping countryside hills by offering money to those who will…

Doctors in Sweden are now advocating travel as a wellness treatment in a new plan called “The Swedish Prescription.” The initiative partners with Swedish senior professor Yvonne Forsell to identify activities scientifically-proven to help you feel better. It invites people to reap the benefits of Sweden’s unique lifestyle “rooted in balance and with easy access to both nature and culture” making it an ideal location for a mind and body reset. Sweden is consistently ranked as a global leader for quality of life and often named one of the happiest countries in the world. According to Visit Sweden’s official report, “Sweden…

Clear introduced the new eGates system in August, at which time CEO Caryn Seidman Becker said in a statement: “The U.S. should be leading on security, hospitality, and the travel experience.” She went on to say: “This partnership with TSA is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance security and improve the aviation ecosystem.” The new eGates system conducts real-time biometric verification controlled by the TSA. It triggers gate access, conducts security vetting, and enforces government security requirements. Clear’s August statement noted that the system uses limited data and has no access to…

The U.S. Travel Association reports the federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has cost the country’s tourism sector upwards of $2.6 billion so far. The travel industry was already struggling this year with many travelers opting to avoid travel to the USA for fear of immigration and civil rights crackdowns. Plus, Donald Trump imposed a $250 visa integrity fee earlier this year for all non-immigrant visa holders visiting the country. President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, Julia Simpson said in a statement: “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government…

Travelers to Taiwan will now have to complete a digital arrival identification card prior to departure. The new mandate went into effect on Oct. 1 and requires all travelers to Taiwan to complete their digital arrival cards within three days of their departure date if they are arriving in Taiwan by air or sea. One traveler can submit for their party, ensuring each traveler’s information is provided. Those who do not fill out the arrival card will not be able to proceed with immigration.  According to Travel Pulse, the requirement allows for the elimination of the paper version of the…

Europe’s new Entry and Exit System (EES), which begins this month, will require travelers to provide a fingerprint or face scan for entry to countries in the European Union. Though full implementation of the EES will not take effect until April 2026, border crossings and airports are testing out the new technology this fall. If the system operates successfully, eventually all 29 EU member states will utilize fingerprints and face scans to document traveler movements. According to Travel and Leisure, the new program is intended to “modernize borders, combat identity fraud, and easily identify travelers who overstay their visas.” Data on…

The political group Amsterdam Has a Choice (Amsterdam Heeft een Keuze) filed a suit against the city urging officials to do more to combat mass tourism. According to Travel Pulse, a 2021 bill attempted to curb an influx of stays at 18 million, but reports indicate that in 2024 the city saw 23 million overnight stays, and projections for 2026 are as high as 25 million. A statement from Amsterdam Has a Choice reads: “Amsterdammers are fed up. Local shops are giving way to souvenir shops and Nutella stores. Houses and public buildings are being converted into hotels, and you…

For those of you who appreciate spooky attractions, there are plenty of haunted destinations around the world to enjoy during the Halloween season. Here are six international destinations that are sure to have your heart skip a beat, and make you scream with delight. Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland Scotland is already a perfect fall destination, so it won’t take much convincing for you to book a spooky season trip to Scotland’s old cities that are full of mystery and history. In Glasgow, a swirling cemetery, the “City of the Dead,” or the Southern Necropolis on the south side of the…

Everyone loves to travel, but not all cities are equipped to accommodate travelers with accessibility needs. Here are some of the best ranked accessible-friendly places around the world according to Valuable 500 and more. Denver, Colorado Denver is revered as one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in the U.S., but the city also hosts many other accessible attractions such as the National Sports Center for the Disabled. This non-profit provides outdoor activities for anyone of any ability. Plus, at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, many options have been made for people living with disabilities. These include benches and chairs…

How a community embraces sexuality and self-expression is constantly in flux around the world. In some cities, LGBTQ+ people might feel free to express themselves, and in others, it may threaten their lives. A new report has revealed the most “sexually liberated” cities around the world, and you can visit them to put each to the test. These are the most self-expressive cities in the world where you can embrace your identity according to global research from Erobella. The report incorporates data from multiple categories to render the final ranking. This includes the number of gay bars, presence of anti-discrimination laws,…

A neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona is daring to try something many towns and cities would be too scared to attempt: banning cars. Tempe, a city outside of Phoenix with a population over 190,000 people, isn’t exactly a one-horse town. In a small neighborhood of the city called Culdesac, the country’s first modern car-free neighborhood thrives with bicycles and walkers.  In place of roadways, streets, traffic circles, and stoplights, Culdesac’s car-free 17-acre area is a mixed-use neighborhood with shops, eateries, a doctor’s office, dog park, pool, gym, and co-working space. Here, residents can simply walk to grab a morning coffee, attend an…

Founded on the principles of freedom and acceptance, Providence, Rhode Island, continues to support a diverse creative community. Along with its blend of big city sophistication and small-town charm, Providence is known for its walkability, award-winning restaurants, and dynamic arts scene. Perfectly positioned between Boston and New York City, and easily accessible by car, train, or plane, Providence offers something for everyone, all year long. One of Providence’s most popular cultural events is WaterFire, a multisensory art installation, highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence. Illuminating nearly two-thirds of a mile of public…

Mark your calendar for Come Out With Pride Orlando 2025 on Saturday, October 18th in Lake Eola Park from Noon – 10 P.M. This Pride celebration is not to be missed and is one of the largest single-day LGBTQIA+ events in Central Florida, drawing in a crowd of over a quarter of a million people from near and far. This year’s theme is “We The People,” which is especially meaningful in times like these when the LGBTQIA+ community is facing many challenges. “We The People” reestablishes that LGBTQIA+ people are and always have been a crucial part of the foundation…