Author: Lauren Mulvey

The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to collect additional information on the sexual and gender identity of Americans by including new questions in future American Community Surveys.  The U.S. Census Bureau is responsible for collecting data about the United States’ population and economy. On an annual basis, the organization conducts the American Community Survey, which collects data on social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics to measure the growth and change year to year.  The bureau plans to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget to move forward with testing new questions on gender identity and sexuality. The new…

Take camping, make it glam, and you’ve got glamping. If you’re used to the luxury of hotels with spas, spacious rooms, and gorgeous views, here’s the outdoorsy alternative.  Glamping sites have cropped up all over the world as a popular escape from the big city or the hassle of daily work life. And there’s no worry involved. Many sites include various amenities like full bathrooms, kitchen and dining areas, queen to king size beds and woodsy furnishings. And those ahead of the game include camping activities, and special offerings on site.  One of the first sites, The Resort at Paws…

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…

With health and wellness becoming an increasingly dominant culture in the U.S. and around the world, you may find that your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and relatives are challenging themselves to run marathons. And maybe you’ve been strapping on your running shoes and clocking in mile after mile as you train. Qualifying for any marathon is a rush, but deciding where you want to complete this feat can make all the difference. Here are some of the most scenic places in the world to run a marathon. Schneider Electric Marathon – Paris, France If you’re feeling inspired after watching all the…

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…

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…

Hostels can be the perfect way to save money on your next trip abroad. These accommodations are in nearly every major city, the countryside, or beach locales. So wherever you want to go on your next adventure, you’re sure to find a hostel to meet your needs. That said, hostels aren’t always the most luxurious or comfortable way of traveling. You can discover if hostels are for you as we break down the pros and cons of staying in these affordable accommodations. Booking a Hostel When looking for hostels for your next trip, you can find a comprehensive database of…

In order to have the most breezy travel experience, you’ll have to pack functionally. Frequent world explorers have all the tips, tricks, and products for efficient packing. Here is our list of 10 convenient, compact ,and affordable travel essentials to bring on your next adventure.  Microfiber Towel Those who stay at luxury accommodations probably won’t need a portable towel, but for those backpacking or frequently moving from place to place, a towel is a necessity that you can’t always rely on hostels or rentals to provide. Microfiber towels are small and absorbent so you can store them easily in your…

St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida is a destination for anyone looking to get away this winter for some fun in the sun. With an array of exciting local culture, art, and cuisine, in St. Pete/Clearwater you’ll never run out of things to do or wonderful places eats. Here’s a list of some of the areas most indulgent and mouth watering spots for foodies.  Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz This spot lives up to its name with deleicious cheesy melts. Here you will find delectable ingredients to create the ultimate grilled sandwich. Located in St. Pete Beach, this is the perfect spot for lunch after…

Global efforts to combat mass tourism spill into Mexico as the country’s government imposes a $42 immigration fee per passenger on cruise ships docking in the country. All cruise ship passengers docking in Mexico will now be subject to paying this fee whether they disembark or stay onboard, according to the Associated Press.  According to the Mexican Association of Naval Agents (AMANAC) this fee and an additional $5 per passenger fee imposed by local states makes Mexican destinations some of the most expensive in the world to visit. The association urged the Mexican government to reconsider this new fee warning…

Did you know that Vrbo, the seemingly new competitor to Airbnb’s efficient and business model, has been around since 1995? Maybe you just started seeing their tempting commercials where the perfect family vacations in the perfect mansion on the perfect beach, and you thought hm? Where did this come from? Or at least that’s what I thought.  Regardless of whether or not you’ve seen the commercial, Vrbo and Airbnb are quite different, so here’s what you might want to consider when you’re booking for your next trip.  Airbnb is the hub for one night stays, week long vacays and staycation…

One of the most attractive aspects of moving abroad is the potential to save money on daily living costs. All around the world, expats are enjoying affordable rent, groceries, goods and services, but there are a few places where you’ll have to pay more if you want to live there. According to Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living data, the most expensive places for expats to live are Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich, with Hong Kong topping the list. To render these results, Mercer evaluated key factors affecting the world’s economy in recent years, including inflation and exchange-rate fluctuations, heightened economic and geopolitical…

Maybe you’re planning a trip for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, hoping to celebrate in a special destination, but have you ever considered booking a vacation for Halloween? This spooky tradition may be one of the most popular events in the U.S.A., but it is also celebrated in other countries in unique ways. Here’s what “halloween” celebrations look like around the globe.  Dia de Los Muertos – Latin America In Latin America, kids do not go trick-or-treating on October 31, but on November 1st, festivities and parties are held to celebrate the “Day of the dead” or “Dia de los…

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,…

From the bustling streets of London to the rhythmic samba of Sao Paulo, Pride showcases the voices, experiences, and continuing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. It is also a chance to explore new destinations, learn about different cultures, and connect with people from all walks of life who share the same vision of a world where love knows no boundaries. As we celebrate together, we will also acknowledge the triumphs that have brought us this far, and the challenges we continue to face.  In a world where love is often met with hate, the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community stands…

With so many ways to travel, it’s hard to figure out how to make your experience as fulfilling as possible. You could hop aboard a luxury cruise and check off incredible destinations from your bucket list, you could backpack through natural wonders on foot, or you could immerse yourself in an entirely new foreign location and help build up the community through volunteer work. Those who decide to volunteer in the Peace Corps get to travel on the organizations dime, but it’s a serious commitment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The organization hosts volunteers in job sites around the world.…

Elevate your travel experience with these six best-kept secret hotels. From unexpected encounters to exceptional accommodations, make memories that last. THE CHATWAL LODGE (Sullivan Catskills, New York) The Chatwal New York City, opened in 1905 in the heart of Manhattan, is iconic, graced by the likes of Cecil B. DeMille and Charlie Chaplin. But the legendary hotel has a secret sister property opened in the Sullivan Catskills in 2023. Just about a two hour drive from Manhattan, the newest Chatwal is situated in the lower Hudson Valley near Bethel Woods (where Woodstock took place) is a 100-acre, self-enclosed sanctuary deep…

Have you ever dreamed of moving to a foreign country? Maybe you’ve dreamt of moving to a quiet town in Greece, Italy, or Switzerland. Lucky for you it’s possible.  Many countries have special programs that invite you to live in their country for a given stipend, which essential means you’ll get paid to live in your dream destination. These programs are often put into place when a particular town or location has a dwindling population. Local governments are desperate to repopulate these locations or attract workers, and they invite foreigners to inhabit them to rebuild the community and economy. Oftentimes,…

Chiang Mai, nestled amidst the jungle-drenched mountains of northern Thailand and shrouded in magic and mysticism, is a true gem. With stunning Buddhist temples on every corner, narrow streets, and lush greenery, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve entered an altogether different time. There is simply nowhere else like it. The city used to be the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and one of the most important trade stops in the region. Today it is regarded as the cultural and spiritual capital of Thailand. While Bangkok will make your head spin with its vibrant nightlife, ultra-modern skyline, and never-ending…

Nature’s very own light show, the Northern Lights, are one of Earth’s most mystical sights. Scientifically known as the Aurora Borealis, this phenomenon is a chemical reaction between electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. The collision makes for a shimmering show of multicolored lights arching through the night’s sky.  If seeing this beautiful event in-person is on your bucket list then there are plenty of places you can see it. Every year, the lights are most visible between September and March in the Northern Hemisphere. The goal is to be close to…