Author: Lauren Mulvey

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…

It’s another sunny day on your budget trip through France. You want to travel from Paris to Nice, but the train tickets are way too expensive. Instead you book a BlaBlaCar and soon you hop into a car or bus and set off on the road.  BlaBlaCar offers a solution to a very real problem. Trains can be expensive, make a lot of stops, and are often crowded. Airports can be a hassle and cost a pretty penny, while rental cars can also eat up your travel budget. Established in 2006 and gaining traction in recent years, BlaBlaCar gives you…

All over the world, the holiday season is celebrated in many different ways and an overarching feeling of warmth and joy permeates this time of year. If you’re looking for an exciting place to ring in the New Year or experience the Christmas/holiday season, you might want to check out these iconic holiday destinations in Europe, each with its own unique architecture, cozy charm, and wonderful winter activities. Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a beautiful city to visit any time of year, but during the holiday season the stunning Medieval buildings seem to have a special warm glow. It’s…

Meeting new people is one of the best parts of traveling the world, but for those solo-traveling making friends is not always easy. Luckily, there are plenty of options that can help travelers meet new people and make amazing memories. Of course, you could meet people the old-fashioned way by going out to a bar or coffeehouse and striking up a conversation with someone, but many people prefer to download an app that connects you with other travelers looking for friends in the same city. There are plenty of apps that offer these services, and some you may already have…

The Key West Film Festival will take place this year from Nov. 15 – 19. The lineup for 2023 includes a diverse, entertaining, and artistic selection of films in a broad array of categories that offer opportunities for filmmakers, both aspiring and established, to exchange ideas while showing their work to audiences in an historical and vibrant destination Year round, Key West plays host to many cultural festivals, celebrations, and events for locals and tourists to enjoy, and is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture.  Films screened at the festival have often gone on to receive great praise. In…

Switzerland is one of our favorite places and it is also one of the most beautiful winter destinations in the world. With its Swiss Alps, bucolic towns, charming, culture-filled cities, and delectable culinary offerings, Switzerland has something for everyone. Winter Sports In the winter season, this welcoming country invites sports entusiasts to ski the slopes of the Swiss Alps and take in some once in a lifetime views from one of the most famous mountain regions in Europe. Ski fanatics cannot miss the slopes, but sledding, snow tubing, and ice skating are also very popular. And for those who are looking…

Planning a long trip or big vacation can be pretty overwhelming, not only do you have to figure out transport, accommodation, and activities, but all the little details in between as well. Here are seven important details you’ll want to research before embarking on your next journey. How To Get To And From The Airport Once you’ve got your flight it may be easy to think the hard part is over, but the next step is figuring out how to get to and from the airport. When traveling to a new city, you’ll want to look up the best ways…

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…