Author: Lauren Mulvey

On trips to Italy, you may have spend one euro to enter a bathroom in the train station, a bottle of water is typically more than one euro, a good gelato can be anywhere from two to five, and a classic Aperol Spritz is typically five on a good day. So what’s this we hear about being able to buy a whole house for one euro? It’s true, houses in Italy are being sold and auctioned for incredibly low prices. You may be wondering why one of the most beautiful countries in the world is asking foreigners to come 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…

The primary concerns people have when travel are the cost of flights, hotels, food, and activities that make a trip worthwhile. But the travel industry is always expanding and evolving, becoming more accessible to those looking to have an international or domestic travel experience without the high costs.  Luxury travel is spectacular if you can afford it, but you can have just as much fun exploring on a budget. There are plenty of options that can help lower what you spend for accommodations, flights, and the costs of living abroad. Here are 7 tips that can help you travel more…

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…

Dublin sees millions of travelers touring the city each year, but surely one of the most attractive features in Dublin is its rich pub scene and live music culture. From 5 p.m. on visitors can pop into any bar in the Temple Bar area and experience traditional Irish tunes and covers of pop hits, dine on classic pub grub, and decide if Guinness is your favorite beer or the worst thing you’ve ever tasted.  Though you can have a good night at nearly any bar, here are some favorites that can guarantee you a quintessential night out in Dublin.  The…

These days, pro-travelers, bloggers, and average tourists alike love to rattle off all the countries they’ve visited, flexing their travel muscles racking up 30, 40, maybe even 50 countries on their lists. Many people seem to be focused on visiting the most places possible rather than really experiencing the culture, history, natural beauty and cuisine one place has to offer. But have you ever thought of just taking the pace down a few notches? That’s where slow travel finds its place.  Slow travel isn’t just a relaxing vacation on a beach in Hawaii or the Bahamas, it’s a method used…

If you’re planning to visit D.C. for WorldPride Washington DC 2025 (May 17 – June 8) we have discovered some of the best eateries, clubs, museums and activities for Pride attendees this year. Stay at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, which is housed inside the former General Post Office, a stunning neo-classical building whose grandeur is reflected in the ornate and enormous hotel rooms with high ceilings and hallways as wide as the Palace of Versailles. Or try Hotel Zena, a 119-room boutique hotel that pays tribute to courageous and pioneering women. The LGBTQ-friendly Zena (parent company Viceroy boasts…

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…

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…

Record-breaking heat in major tourist destinations such as Greece, Italy and Spain have made travel to southern Europe almost unbearable during the summer months. However, there are plenty of alternatives in the northern regions of Europe for those wishing to travel more comfortably. These countries offer plenty of culture, history, art, and natural wonders to discover and enjoy. Norway Offering respite from the blazing heat of central and southern Europe are Norway’s cozy cities and gorgeous countryside. A traveler who knows what’s good for them will save their trip to Greece for the cooler months and book a ticket to…

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…

Taiwan has launched a 6-month remote work visa for travelers who want to play as much as they work this year. With Taiwan’s new 6-month visa, digital nomads hoping to explore a new country need only apply by submitting necessary info including a valid passport, travel itinerary, and any supporting documents related to your purpose of visitation.  U.S. travelers could only enter Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor without a visa for up to 90 days prior to the introduction of the new visa. The visa takes effect this month, inviting working travelers to come and set up shop and…

North Korea has announced it plans to reopen to international tourism by the end of 2024 after closing the country’s borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Tourism companies including the Beijing-based Koryo and Shenyang’s KTG Tours have announced tour groups would be allowed to visit Samjiyon and other destinations in the country as of December of this year, according to CNN. Since closing its borders, North Korea was even hesitant to allow its own citizens living abroad to return home, which they only authorized in August of 2023, which even still required those citizens to quarantine for…

As new technologies sweep in and replace old practices, the way we travel is becoming more high-tech and, hopefully, less complicated. However, the European Union’s plans to establish a new digital entry and exit system to replace passport stamps has yet again been delayed. Though this new system was originally slated to take effect next month, according to Travel and Leisure, a delay in implementation was sparked by claims from Germany, France, and the Netherlands that their technology was no yet up to date.  The Entry/Exit System being referred to as EES will use a high-tech scanning process that calls…

If you love seaside destinations, as well as art, culture, and cuisine, Touropia recently released a list of the best city beaches around the world for everyone who loves the beach. If you are looking for the excitement of  an urban location with amazing beaches, here are 5 cities you’ll want to put on your must-visit list. Barceloneta, Barcelona Barcelona’s main beach, Barceloneta, is a beautiful city beach that is easily accessible for people looking to enjoy some sun and sea. During the summer months, beach bars and restaurants along Barceloneta open up drawing in tourists and locals seeking some…

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…

Where will your travels take you in 2025? Will you return to the same destinations you know and love, or perhaps dip your toes into some new cultures and explore unknown cities? The choice is yours, and there’s a perfect destination for every traveler in 2025. So pack your bags and start exploring! WINTER Chiang Mai, Thailand  For travelers from the northern hemisphere who would rather escape the cold than grin and bear it, Chiang Mai, Thailand is guaranteed to be balmy and beautiful. Thailand was in fact just named Travel and Leisure’s destination of the year for 2025. Chiang…

Copenhagen is a wonderful city in which to spend the summer months. In 2019, it was rated the number one best city for swimming by CNN. This is primarily because the water in Copenhagen is very clean. Many locals take pride in the fact that you can drink the water straight from any tap in the city, and it might be some of the freshest water you’ve ever tasted. Over the last 25 years, the city has worked to improve the water quality and their efforts have succeeded, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy the watersports like kayaking, rowing, and swimming. …

The U.S. The State Department has issued a travel warning for China and Hong Kong that urges visitors to reconsider travel due to potential wrongful detention or “arbitrary enforcement of laws,” according to reports from Travel and Leisure.  The warning designates mainland China and Macau as Level 3 destinations meaning U.S. citizens should “reconsider travel” there. It also identified Hong Kong as a Level 2 city which recommends that travelers “exercise increased caution” when visiting.  Travel advisories are ranked on a scale of 1-4 in which level one suggests you “exercise normal precautions,” and level four recommends you do not…

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…