Author: Lauren Mulvey

The world’s best airports for 2025 have been ranked by air transport rating organization Skytrax, and for the 13th year, Singapore Changi has won the top spot. Experienced travelers have had their share of delightful and horrifying airport encounters, and though rushing through an airport to make it to your gate isn’t usually a pleasant experience, airports like Changi make it worth arriving a few hours early.  Skytrax has ranked the best airports in the world according to a global survey of customers at 565 airports around the world. According to CNN, Changi is a destination in itself. Here, time…

Early this month, MSC Cruises unveiled the new MSC World America, the largest ship in the company’s history.  MSC World America is a 22-deck cruise ship that will dock regularly at a brand new terminal in PortMiami. After a naming ceremony featuring actress Drew Barrymore, the ship set off for a three-night inaugural trip to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s Bahamas-based private island, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The ship will travel along the Eastern or Western Caribbean, taking guests to destinations including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras, and Ocean Cay. Trips will last one…

From the urban market stalls in the capital city, Papeete, to resorts that cater to visitors throughout the country’s 118 islands, it’s virtually impossible to pass an hour’s time in any public space without seeing Tahitians who present as genderfluid, nonchalantly going about their daily business. Same-sex couples, both foreign and local, abound as well. In recent decades, as queer and indigenous identities have become a focus of attention and activism elsewhere, Tahiti’s open-minded pre-colonial attitudes toward non-binary gender expression and sexuality have regained cultural prominence. Drawing on historic precedent, acceptance, and respect for queer people, today Tahiti feels far…

The famous Michelin restaurant guide made its Texas debut last November in a three-year, $900,000 deal, reviewing restaurants in Dallas, Austin, Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio. Staged at Houston’s 713 Music Hall, the inaugural ceremony recognized 117 restaurants representing 26 cuisines.  Texas Monthly once heralded Franklin Barbecue (900 E 11th St. Tel. 512-653- 1187. franklinbbq.com) as “the best barbecue in the known universe.” In 2015, chef/owner Aaron Franklin became the first pitmaster to win a James Beard award, for Best Chef: Southwest. His peppery post oak-smoked Texas brisket and other fare are daily sellouts. Surprisingly, he was not one of…

Japan Airlines’ (JAL) free domestic flights program officially launched last fall in various countries, but what does “free” actually mean for travelers, and is there a catch?  JAL announced the new flight deal in September, offering tourists who arrive in Japan on international flights inter-country flights, free of charge. This initiative includes 64 domestic airports throughout the country.  In recent years, Japan has been bumped up on travel bucket lists, and has been internationally recognized for its cuisine, culture, history, and beautifully preserved natural landscapes. Places like Osaka and Kyoto, though well-known, still receive less tourists annually than popular Tokyo. However,…

Just six months after Asheville was devastated by hurricane Helene, signature attractions are ready to receive visitors, historic sites are on the mend, spring events are lined up, businesses are reopening and elevating customer experiences. You can help fuel the revitalization of this beloved city with a visit this spring or summer. More than 75 percent of hospitality businesses are now open and welcoming visitors. Plus more than 300 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, including 11 miles through Asheville, have reopened. Visit iconic attractions like Biltmore or the North Carolina Arboretum, which are open for the season and offer…

A tour through Southeast Asia will surely take travelers through Thailand and Vietnam, perhaps on to Bali or the Philippines, but many might miss the budget-friendly gem of Laos. Laos, or more accurately, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is tucked between Thailand and Vietnam, and in recent years it’s gained popularity with travelers. Whether you’re a backpacker or an adventure traveler looking for new ground to cover, Laos can offer some of the very best of authentic travel experiences.  Luang Prabang is perhaps the most well-known Laotian city. Temples, restaurants and shops are tucked between and around the Mekong and Nam…

I’ve been traveling in Southeast Asia for two months, and though I’d like to consider myself a well-researched traveler, there are some things you can’t prepare for. On my trips abroad I’ve fallen down a flight of stairs, contracted the flu, and lost my passport, but most importantly, I’ve learned how to navigate my destinations along the way. You can only do so much preparation. Though the economies of many countries in Southeast Asia are structured to accommodate tourism, there are still some things any visitor should know before heading to this part of the world. What To Eat Whatever…

If you are looking for a place to relax on your next vacation, Book Retreats’ Global Relaxation Index might have a destination that works for you. The report finds that although it’s easy to love destinations like France, Turkey, Spain, and Italy for their sunny beaches, mountain villages, epic cuisines, and stunning architecture, these locations are not where you’ll find peace this year. UN Tourism figures indicate that these destinations attract over 55 million visitors each year.  Even though it may be tempting to book your next trip to France or Italy, consider these more tranquil locations vetted by Book…

The new driverless option in Austin, Texas is part of Uber’s partnership with autonomous driving company Waymo. Through their collaboration, Uber riders can get matched up with a driverless vehicle in the city according to reports from Travel and Leisure. Uber said in a statement obtained by T&L “we’re reimagining how the world moves and building a future where autonomous vehicles and drivers work side by side to help make transportation more affordable, sustainable, and accessible for all.” Austin is just the first city to implement the Uber/Waymo collaboration. Soon driverless vehicles will be available in Atlanta via Uber. Currently,…

The European Union is delaying the implementation of the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) until late 2026. The new system was meant to be introduced in May 2025 and would be applicable to countries in the Schengen Area. Travelers from around the world hoping to enter the EU would be required to complete an online form registering for their trip and pay a fee of just under eight euros.  The new registration has often been referred to as a “visa” though it offers a simplified process and more affordable fees compared to traditional tourist visas.  The EU…

Why in the world would the Trump administration want to cut the budget, and the number of park rangers, in our national parks? In 2024, the US National Park Service (NPS) received a discretionary budget request of $3.8 billion, with an additional $1.2 billion from recreation fees, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and other mandatory funding sources, for a total of $5.0 billion. The parks generated an estimated $55.6 billion in economic activity. Last year broke records for people visiting our beautiful national parks and monuments with the National Park Service recording nearly 350 million visits at one of the…

Thailand has been rated a top destination this year, particularly for LGBTQ+ travelers, and for those keeping up with HBO hit series “The White Lotus,” the Southeast Asian country’s siren call may seem even louder as the show airs. “The White Lotus” season three was filmed in Thailand, namely on the island of Koh Samui.  Koh Samui’s population is around 100,000 with an additional 10,000 expats living on the 88.3 square mile island. Here’s what to do on Koh Samui and if it’s worth it to book your next vacation there. Samui’s main neighborhoods where accommodations are more plentiful are…

Stories of U.S. residents hoping to flee the country are on the rise since Trump’s inauguration. According to NBC News, the day after Trump won the election last fall, Google Trends reflected a spike in searches for digital nomad visas and the best countries to move to. The outlet says that many reported the election win being a breaking point, the last push to finally start a life elsewhere.  How-to videos detailing how to move abroad have gone viral across social media platforms, pushing those who may have already been considering expat life to finally take the leap. Jen Barnett,…

With each passing year, as climate change adversely affects global communities, travelers who appreciate the world in all its wonder are becoming more eco-conscious. There are many ways that frequent travelers can adopt more green practices. Avoiding short-haul plane travel, purchasing carbon offsets, being respectful of over-visited destinations, and practicing eco-friendly tasks are good for you and good for the Earth. Here are six popular destinations around the world that are committed to sustainability. Germany According to Forbes, Germany has long been committed to sustainability, adopting a plan to develop diverse attractions to promote sustainable tourism back in 2017. In…

We have often suggested that travel is very good for people, and that couples who enjoy traveling together have a better chance of staying together. Experts have been studying the effects of travel on couples for years, and the news is good. Research highlights four main points about the impact of travel on long-term relationships.  Number one: one to two extended leisure vacations a year help maintain romantic relationships.  Duh! When you and your partner are keeping your noses to the grindstone all year long, the stressors of daily life can push unwanted wear and tear on your relationship. Vacations…

While the hamburger may seemingly need little introduction, this American culinary icon has complex global ancestry. In his encyclopedic 2017 book The World Is Your Burger: A Cultural History, British entrepreneur and burger obsessive David Michaels identifies ‘Isicia Omentata,’ an ancient Roman patty of minced meat, pepper, wine, pine nuts, and fish-based garum sauce as the genesis burger. With other burgers vying for the original burger title, including the celebrated Middle Eastern kibbeh ball of bulgur, ground meat, and spices, and Mongolian horse meat and mutton tartare in the 13th century, Germany emerged as the cradle of the modern hamburger.…

With 120 islands, 177 canals, and 391 bridges, Venice is a truly entrancing and must-see global destination. However, last year the floating city introduced a tourist entry fee to combat the negative effects of mass tourism. Now Venice is doubling entry fees for 2025, just one of the latest self preservationist acts by a city heavily affected by tourism year-round. Last April, Venice began charging day-trippers an entry fee of just over €5 to enter Venice from Italy’s mainland. Now, day visitors to Venice on certain specified dates must pay €10 for entry. For the 2025 tourist high season around…

For digital nomads and remote workers, it’s great news that more and more countries offer digital nomad visas these days. According to Conde Nast Traveler, there are around 66 countries which offer digital nomad visas. Digital nomad visas are temporary permits that allow visitors to stay in countries around the world while they work remotely. These are mutually beneficial for nomads and the countries hosting them, as the digital nomad population boosts local economies. It’s great for digital nomads too, who have the opportunity to settle in at different destinations, get to know a place, and not feel like they…

Travel expenses can quickly become a burden if you don’t know where to look for deals. For foodies who like to travel, much of their daily spending goes toward dining out. Whether you’re into Michelin star restaurants or intimate bistros, you’ll likely spend a pretty penny while traveling, but you don’t need to drain your wallet at every meal. Here are five destinations where you will discover street food and affordable restaurants where your money goes a bit further.  Marrakech, Morocco  Marrakech is not only famous for its vibrant colorful buildings and ornate palaces, but also for its culinary scene.…