Author: Lauren Mulvey

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for the Bahamas, following a spike in homicides over the past month. Americans are being advised to “exercise increased caution” if traveling to the Bahamas after 18 homicides were committed over the course of January. Tourists are advised to be on high alert, specifically on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama where two of the most popular cities, Nassau and Freeport are located. In Nassau gang-on-gang violence has seen 18 murders committed in the “Over the Hill” area south of Shirley Street. “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies,…

According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is coming early this year, so it’s time to start making plans for spring travel. One of the best ways to celebrate the reemergence of flowers and greenery across the U.S. is taking a trip to embrace nature. This year marvel at some of the beautiful cherry blossom trees housed in parks, gardens, and public spaces across the country. Here are some the best spots to see cherry blossoms this spring. Washington , D.C. – The National Mall We couldn’t get more obvious with this one. D.C. is home to one of the most famous…

After months of rumors, hit HBO series “The White Lotus”  has confirmed its season 3 filming location: Thailand. Season two of Mike White’s dramedy, which came out in October 2022, drove troves of tourists to the far corners of Sicily, making last season’s destination, Taormina, a hotspot in 2023. So it’s safe to say, the show’s chosen filming locations have some clout with culture seeking travelers.  According to CNN, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and HBO announced the show was scheduled to begin filming this month in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui. The corresponding season of the show is…

When booking accommodations around the world, you’ll likely use star ratings and reviews to make your choice. Though reviews can indicate how past visitors experienced the location, stars indicate what the hotel offers, rather than the quality of an individual stay.  A hotel can be rated between one and five stars, and where a hotel falls in the hierarchy is dependent on a few central factors. The comfortability and luxury of the accommodation, the services offered, and what the property provides to elevate a guest’s stay. You may find that star ratings are not consistent across rental platforms or around…

The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, set sail recently on its maiden commercial voyage from Miami for a seven-day island-hopping trip, but the mere existence of such a vessel is causing waves for the environmentally-conscious.  According to reports from CNBC, the Royal Caribbean ship, Icon of the Seas, cost $2 billion to build, can host 7,600 passengers, weighs 250,800 metric tons, and measures nearly 1,200 feet from bow to stern (four football fields in length). In January, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty called the ship the “biggest, baddest ship on the planet.”  Those who travel on…

Imagine you’re standing at the luggage carousel after a long flight. You’re eager to get to your hotel, take a shower and relax as you prepare to explore a new place. Only your luggage isn’t coming, and you soon realize your bag has been lost. Though this isn’t a frequent occurrence, those who travel often may lose their luggage once or twice. When you’ve lost your things, it makes sense for panic to set in. Here’s how to remain calm and get your stuff back. Find The Lost Luggage Desk Once you’ve waited at least 30 minutes for your bag, and…

Pilgrimages have been customary practices for religious groups around the world throughout history. Today, many people regardless of their religious affiliation decide to follow historical treks for personal achievements, fitness goals, or just for the experience. Here are five of the most famous long-distance walking trails around the world. Camino de Santiago  One of the most well known pilgrimage walks, Camino de Santiago, is also referred to as the Way of St. James. Established in medieval times, it was a trek meant to end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s northwest city of Galicia. In this cathedral…

Public transportation around the world can be a love-hate relationship. In some cities transportation systems are a mess, while in others they are easily navigable. For travelers, being able to smoothly travel throughout a city can improve the quality of their trip tenfold.  Many studies have been conducted to determine which cities have the best systems according to locals and tourists. Recently, Time Out released their list of the top 19 global cities with the best transportation after asking 20,000 people in over 50 cities. Other publications and studies have collected data on the best systems, and a few cities…

One of the most expensive costs when adventuring around the world can often be travel itself. There are many modes of transportation for frequent travelers, including planes, trains, cars, and ships, but you could be missing out on a more affordable option: buses. Buses are often an overlooked mode of transport, but they remain one of the most affordable options for both short and longer term travel.  In New York City, the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) has found that around 3.2 million people take the subway each day while less than half of that number ride the bus. But across…

Each year, in small and big ways we see the effects of climate change on our lives. Whether that be the record breaking heat, wildfires, or glacial melting.  Some countries are taking action to work against the effects of climate change with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions around the world. In over 90 countries, these targets are a commitment to prevent climate change’s most harmful impacts.  “Net-zero” essentially means a country is working to offset its carbon emissions by using alternative energy sources or finding methods to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Reaching net-zero means the greenhouse gases…

Gen Z travelers are using their tech savvy to plan trips based on content from apps like Instagram and TikTok. There is a whole community of users and experts on social media who are showing people how to make the most of traveling the world. Instagram plays host to a many travel influencers, troves of photographers, remote workers, travel agents, jet setters, and budget backpackers who can tell you the best spot for a sunrise hike in Thailand, the best cafes in Paris, and all the secret speakeasies, rooftop bars, and hidden gems and in any given city. Access to a more…

It’s time to start thinking about your plans for Valentine’s Day, and maybe trade in the chocolate and flowers this year for a romantic getaway with your partner. Whether you’re into beautiful architecture, culinary delights, beachside views, or mountain landscapes, there’s something for you and your partner to enjoy on this list. Prague, Czech Republic  You may be surprised to discover how romantic the city of Prague can be. You’ll find a bit of romance in the mosh-posh of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture along the Vltava River and from overlooks on the city’s outskirts. Even though it…

Though it’s easy to assume you won’t get sick on your big trip abroad, it can certainly happen. And with healthcare being a complex system worldwide, it can be daunting to seek medical care in a foreign country.  In cities with major tourism, there are often doctors who specialize in providing care for expats, international students and tourists alike. However, finding these doctors can be tricky. Each country has different policies for what times of day medical services are provided and varying practices that may differ from the medical system you’ve come to know at home. So what are your…

Revenge travel swept the globe following the pandemic, but now travelers are seeking new more intentional travel experiences. Professional travel advisor, Nadia Henry, told USA Today that people are becoming more intentional about seeing the world and that domestic travel in the U.S. is being traded for big overseas adventures. Henry theorizes that being stripped of the opportunity to have big inspiring experiences during the pandemic caused a shift in priorities. Now that everyone is able to go out in the world again, it’s less all-inclusive resorts and spending a whole week at the beach, and more private tours, museum…

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…

Traveling by plane can be an anxiety inducing activity. And with around 100,000 flights taking off from airports all around the world every day, there are many people flying at every hour. Though it can be a long and difficult process, you can make your experience at any airport easier for yourself and your travel partners or family by following these simple dos and don’ts. Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight. Most airlines and airports advise you to arrive at the airport approximately two hours before your flight. This is not a rule to take lightly, the two hours are…

An iceberg three times the size of New York City is moving for the first time in nearly 40 years after being stuck to the ocean floor.  The iceberg, named A23a, was historically connected to the Antarctic coastline before it broke off in 1986 and planted itself in the Weddell Sea, according to BBC. The enormous glacial mass spans 1,500 square miles or 4,000 square kilometers, and before it broke apart from Antarctica it housed a Soviet research station. Dr. Andrew Fleming, a remoting sensing expert from the British Antarctic Survey told the BBC “the time had just come” for…

As inflation and greedflation drives prices up around the globe, the Worldwide Cost of Living Index has released its 2023 list of the most expensive places to live in the world. Can you guess the top spots? Every year the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) releases the cost of living index, and this year found that the average cost of living rose by 7.4% this year. Groceries increased in price faster than any other daily living cost. According to CNN, a steady increase in prices can be traced back to supply chain issues that began during the pandemic.   The cost of…

Many wonderful ski experiences can be found in beautiful spots throughout the USA that have great terrain for both pros and beginners. If you’re in the mood to get our and enjoy the winter season, here are our recommendations for some of the most exciting ski resorts and destinations. Snowbasin Resort – Utah According to top winter sports publication, SKI, Snowbasin is typically an “under-the-radar” gold mine for skiers and snowboarders. This resort is unique because it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere. Located northeast of Salt Lake City on Mount Ogden, there is no immediate surrounding town for…

At PASSPORT Magazine, we curate a new list of special gifts and products with every issue published. And as the ultimate gift giving season is upon us, we’ve compiled some of our favorite products to give you some fresh gift-giving inspiration for the savvy travelers in your life. For the aspiring travel photographer. Elevate your travel photography beyond your smartphone with the Panasonic Lumix LX10. The standout features on this digital point-and-shoot camera include its Leica 24-72mm equivalent zoom lens, and its stabilized autofocus system to ensure tack-sharp pictures. The LX10’s huge sensor makes it fantastic in low light, and…