Author: Lauren Mulvey

A new law in Amsterdam is banning the establishment of new hotels, following crackdowns on short term rentals in some of the world’s most overcrowded cities for tourism. The new law imposed by the city’s government prevents the construction of any new hotels, unless a currently operating accommodation closes its doors. Any new hotels built in place of a closed one must now also meet certain modern standards of sustainability. And developers have also been encouraged to choose locations outside of the city.  The new law will also restrict the number of tourists who can stay overnight in a year…

Mobile phones have made navigation, transportation, communication with loved ones back home, and sharing your experiences with social circles easier than ever. When traveling, however, you may need a plan to use your device.  Luckily, cellular and e-data companies are keeping up with travelers’ needs, providing travel plans that allow long- and short-term travelers to purchase a plan that works for them. On the newer end of the spectrum are e-sim cards, which can be installed via a downloadable app to your device. Plans are priced depending on period of time, and breadth of data. So if you want unlimited…

You’ve traveled to beaches and mountains, but have you checked deserts off your travel bucket list? These arid landscapes provide some of the most beautiful and strange scenery in the world, and also have a lot to reveal about the history of the world. Some of the world’s most beautiful deserts used to be oceans or seas, or homes to prehistoric cultures, creatures, and peoples. Gobi, Mongolia Mongolia has received more attention in recent years for its beautiful landscapes that look other-worldly. Whether they be vast green fields merging into perfect skies, or the desert lands, Mongolia has much to…

New York City has long been one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and it is often a bucket list city for visitors from around the world. Smart travelers also know there’s plenty to do and see beyond the city, and one of the most up and coming New York State destinations is the Hudson Valley. For years, affluent city weekenders have flocked to the Hamptons along Long Island’s south shore to get some sun and sand, but recently many city dwellers have set their sights on the Hudson Valley. Here you will find quaint towns with unique shops, incredible…

Airbnb has updated its cancellation policy making it easier for guests to cancel bookings due to extenuating circumstances. The new platform-wide policy, entitled the Major Disruptive Events Policy, extends to “foreseeable weather events,” as well as unforeseen circumstances, such as government travel restrictions or public health emergencies (such as an epidemic). The policy overrides the cancellation policies set by individual hosts, and allows travelers to receive a refund on their booking, according to Travel and Leisure. These new rules apply not only to guests who haven’t yet departed on their trip, but guests who have already checked-in to their accommodations.…

Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, the Schengen Area, making journeys across eastern Europe easier for travelers.  The Schengen Area encompasses all the countries in the European Union that travelers can move between without showing their passport. The area was established in 1985 and includes Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, even though they are not EU member states. Currently, the list includes 27 countries and is the world’s largest border-free travel zone.  Many travelers from around the world may need a Schengen Visa before entering the designated zone, but others, like European, American, and Australian passport…

Traveling the world is a learning experience, an adventure, and a way to make memories that will last a lifetime, but it can oftentimes be harmful to the environment. As climate change worsens, it’s important to be conscious of the part we play in carbon emissions as individuals. For those who love to travel, ecotourism is a concept worth exploring and adopting.  As defined by The International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”  Traveling sustainably is not just about conserving the…

Traveling can be pricey when you add up all you spend on accommodations, transportation, meals, and everything in between. That’s why smart travelers are always looking to score some discounts and deals that make their trips more cost-effective. Various aspects of the travel industry have introduced “discount passes” which offer access to goods and services at a bundled price. These passes cover journeys between countries in Europe at a special rate, or offer discounts for certain accommodations and activities. Transportation Passes Transportation passes are one of the most common travel bundle passes. Interrail and Eurail Passes function by partnering with…

Airbnb has moved to ban all indoor security cameras in its rental listings worldwide to take effect on April 30. The ban will include all cameras “inside listings, regardless of their location, purpose or prior disclosure.”  Because security cameras inside rental properties pose such a threat to privacy, it’s hard to believe that Airbnb has waited so long to implement this policy. Now, Airbnb says that rental hosts are “not allowed to have security cameras and recording devices that monitor any part of a listing’s interior, such as the listing’s hallway, bedroom, bathroom, living room, or guest house, even if…

The Malta Biennale, presented by the MUŻA National Museum of Art in collaboration with Heritage Malta and Arts Council Malta, is an unforgettable celebration of art, heritage, and creativity running now through May 31, 2024. Over 100 acclaimed international and local artists are displaying works at 20 esteemed heritage sites across Malta and Gozo. Mediums exhibited include painting, sculpture, video installation, and more.  The first event of its kind in Malta, it was curated by artistic director Sofia Baldi Pighi and curators Elisa Carollo and Emma Mattei with setup design by Nigel Baldacchino. A central theme of “white sea olive…

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…

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…

Short-term rentals have ruled the world of travel for nearly two decades, but after a long love affair with easy-to-use rental platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo and more, cities around the world are fed up with vacation rental culture.  Some of the most saturated cities for tourism around the world have put their foot down on the ever-growing expansion of short term rental properties, which they claim make their cities unsafe, less equitable for housing, and overcrowded.  New York City – where tens of millions of visitors seek temporary vacation housing each year –  has been subject to rises in average…

These days, many people who work remotely can allow themselves a dream lifestyle: mobilizing their lives as digital nomads. Work from your laptop and travel anywhere in the world. Spend 2 months in Europe, hop over to Asia, or enjoy winter in South America. The world is truly your oyster. American expats have long been figuring out the best places in the world to live, whether for just a few months, or for a permanent overhaul and lifestyle change. Here are some of the most popular places for expats and digital nomads to live. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon has been a…

Visiting New York City can be one of the best experiences in someone’s life, but there are also some great places to visit close to NYC. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, you might want to consider these small towns, all under a three hour drive from NYC. Stroudsburg, Poconos, Pennsylvania Just around two hours from NYC are the beautiful Poconos. For those seeking a mountainous outdoor escape, the Poconos boast some wonderful wildlife, nature preserves, and plenty of trails, including an arm of the Appalachian trail. Here, towns like Stroudsburg are home to decades old small businesses, great…

JetBlue and Spirit Airlines announced the termination of their $3.8 billion merger agreement after losing a federal antitrust lawsuit challenging the deal. According to the New York Times, the decision to terminate the agreement is a “big win” for the Biden administration which has sought to limit corporate consolidation.  The merger was blocked by a federal judge in January for fear it would reduce competition in the airline industry and raise ticket prices for travelers who are in need of more affordable flight pricing. The proposal for JetBlue to acquire the low-cost airline came in October of 2022 at which…

Miami Beach is officially asking spring breakers to back off their sand with a new advertisement claiming the vacation hotspot is breaking up with its college cronies by imposing new strict rules throughout the city.  For years, spring breakers from around the country have made a culture out of spending a week off from school on the sunny beaches of Florida. And for years, spots like Miami Beach have become inundated with intoxicated 20-somethings, partying, being loud, and overall, being irresponsible in public. Those who attend are infamous for making a sport out of who can be the most reckless…

Airports are not all created equal. Some are easy to navigate, comfortable to spend long layovers, and are well-equipped with all your pre- and post-flight needs. The Skytrax World Airport Awards has ranked the top airports internationally for you to fly into or out of on your next big trip. Winning the top spot for 2023 is Changi Airport in Singapore. This is one of the busiest airports in the world, accommodating around 85 million passengers a year, according to a 2019 report from Business Traveller. Changi has always been among the world’s top airports, first winning the honor of world’s…

New facial recognition technology is being tested at airports and airline headquarters around the world, and could be used when you board your next flight.  The New York Times reports facial recognition technology is being used in busy terminals at popular airports like New York City’s La Guardia. Kiosks fitted with iPads are taking photos of travelers’ faces and matching them to a photo from a government database.  Travelers who undergo this security check are not required to show a physical ID or a boarding pass to move through the airport, just their face.  Frequent travelers know that navigating an…

The wonders of Svalbard, Norway range from enchanting views of the northern lights, colorful houses amidst pure white snow, and icy adventures among amazing wildlife and frozen terrain. But here in this frigid paradise, climate change is rearing its ugly head. As the northernmost settlement in the world, Svalbard is a bucket list destination for travelers venturing to the world’s far reaches and once in a lifetime locations. In recent years, however, Svalbard has seen the effects of climate change. In fact, Svalbard’s glaciers have been melting two times faster than other areas of the Arctic, and around 5-7 times…