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…

There are many people who would rather chase the sun than endure the cold of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, December through March is summer, and there are some wonderful places for travelers to visit and enjoy time outdoors. Here are six great destinations for anyone who wants to enjoy nature, art, culture,  and the sun this winter. Brazil  Sure, you could travel to Costa Rica or Mexico or the Caribbean Islands during the winter months, all of which will be warm due to their proximity to the Equator, but why not venture a bit further and explore one of…

Starting on May 7, 2025 all U.S. citizens wishing to fly domestically and access certain federal facilities must have a driver’s license or identification card designated as a Real ID. The federal Real ID Act requires that you provide proof of identity in the form of a Social Security card, a W2, a 1099, 1098 or pay stub showing a social security number when applying. You must also show your U.S. birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. To apply you are required to visit your local DMV. You may already have an enhanced license or identification card which does allow you…

Though national parks are an easy destination to visit during warm weather months, as summer turns to fall, changing colors and landscapes are a sight to be seen in many of the most beautiful national parks on Earth. And a special experience can be found in many parks during the winter months, when pure white snow lays a coating on the textured terrain of mountains, valleys, canyons, rivers, and meadows. At this time of year, activities in parks may be limited, but the scenery is unique enough to make the trip unforgettable. Here are some of the best national parks…

As drag takes one hit after another on the national stage, a collective in San Francisco seeks to preserve and expand the art form with an official drag school. The Stud Collective is one of the United States’ oldest LGBTQ+ clubs and drag performance spaces. With almost 60 years of history behind it, the collective has decided to start a school to teach the history and legacy of drag while encouraging new artists to find their personal style. Those who enroll must be 21 years or older, and drag queens, kings and nonbinary performers are all welcome. The school, which…

The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning to American travelers around the world, as the crisis between Israel and Palestine ensues in the Middle East. The Department of State’s travel advisory states: “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”   The advisory follows additional warnings over the past week that advise U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Israel and not to travel to the Gaza Strip or Lebanon.  Travelers abroad…

Last week, the European Council signed off on a new timeline for the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, which is now scheduled to launch mid-2025. The new travel registration system, ETIAS, would require U.S. travelers hoping to enter the European Union in 2025 to complete an online form registering for their trip and pay a seven euro fee. In recent years, the registration system has announced two official launches of this program. Initially intended to launch in 2020, ETIAS was delayed until 2023, then pushed to 2024, and further delayed to the projected launch…

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…

To celebrate National Vegan Day on November 1st, we’re sharing new data from Wallethub on the best American cities for plant-based cuisine. As of 2022, around 9.7 million Americans or 5% of the adult population considers themselves vegetarian, and about 3% consider themselves to be vegan.  Many studies have shown that a vegetarian or vegan diet is beneficial to your health. Many of the  healthiest populations in the world consume a diet of mostly fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains and nuts. Entirely new brands selling vegan and vegetarian products have popped up in recent years, selling plant-based options for nearly every…

New information has come out on when the best time to book holiday travel is, and it might be closer than you think.  CBS reports that the sweet spot for buying plane tickets for the winter holidays is around October 14, about two months out from the bustling Christmas season. Booking for Thanksgiving hits the sweet spot at around the same time. Following a busy summer of extremely expensive travel, flight prices are finally falling as fall approaches. Even experts like Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel booking platform, Hopper, have suggested travelers consider booking their flights between mid-September up…

Travel can provide memories that will last a lifetime, but it can be difficult to navigate for those with disabilities. According to EuroNews.Travel, an estimated 1 billion people worldwide are living with a disability. So for the travel industry, it’s important to ensure that travelers with disabilities can move throughout foreign cities, airports, train stations and public transport with ease.  A September 2022 survey from business collective seeking to end disability exclusion, Valuable 500, has revealed a list of most accessible cities according to responses from participants from the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, China and Australia.  Reports from EuroNews…

Navigating airports can be an intimidating feat, but once you know the drill for getting from the entrance to your gate, it should be smooth sailing (with the exception of potential delays). If you’re worried about getting to your flight on time, here’s a breakdown of the basics of navigating any airport with ease. Pre-Airport Prep Before you travel to the airport to catch your flight, you’ll want to check your flight information. Typically, the airline you fly with will allow you to check-in to your flight starting 24 hours before departure. We recommend you check-in before you go to…

The Mediterranean diet is practically a buzzword in the food industry, and for years health experts, chefs, and foodies have praised the long-term health benefits of this lifestyle. And the Mediterranean diet is just that, a lifestyle. It’s not just eating lots of fruits and vegetables, it’s about daily habits that make your life more active and healthy. The recent documentary series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones with Dan Buettner discovers the world’s oldest populations, some of which are located in the Mediterranean. What makes members of these populations live so long is the Mediterranean diet along…

Halloween is celebrated in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and other places. However, many countries around the world have their own ways of celebrating, and not just on October 31. Here’s what “halloween” celebrations look like around the globe. The version of Halloween we celebrate today in the U.S. is largely derived from an amalgamation of various cultural traditions.  Dia de Los Muertos – Latin America In Latin America, kids do not go trick-or-treating on October 31. There, on November 1st, festivities and parties are held to celebrate the “Day of the dead” or “Dia de los muertos.”…

It’s almost time for the leaves to start changing color in the Northern Hemisphere, and while not every location north of the equator sees a vast change in season, there are some places in the world who have a particularly magical turn of tide between September and November. Here are some of the most beautiful places for leaf peepers to visit in the fall.  Featured Image: Toji Pagoda in Kyoto Japan (Photo by Sean Pavone) Kyoto, Japan  Because of Japan’s incredible architecture, bright blue lakes, and vast forests, autumn just outside of cities like Kyoto and Tokyo is visually striking.…

From big cities to small towns, finding the perfect restaurant that will satiate your appetite and provide a great dining experience is no easy task. With so many options, it’s difficult to know what is worth your time and money and what you should avoid. Fortunately, apps and websites are here to help you find the right restaurant for you and your family and friends. Unlike generations past, we have access to all the best cafes, restaurants, and eateries at our fingertips. Modern day apps allow you to view photos of restaurants, read reviews from previous customers, and search for…

Google Flights unveiled a new feature on Monday that allows users to compare flights and airline schedules to find the cheapest time to book a flight. Google guidance on the cheapest time to book a flight, which works in tandem with price tracking alerts and price guarantee features that already exist on the application creates a suite of features to help users find the best deals. Google Flights is used by travelers around the world and already offers plenty of features that allow users to see if prices are low or high for the time and place they are booking.…

The most frustrating part of booking flights is undoubtedly the inconsistency of flight pricing. Prices can increase from one minute to the next, so it’s always tempting to just enter your card details and get it booked. But there are a few tricks of the trade that can help you find cheaper flights. Booking on Tuesdays? You’ve probably heard the rumor that booking flights on Tuesdays at 3 P.M. will get you the cheapest flights. Though there are occasionally sales and flight deals on Tuesdays, this rule does not apply to every flight. So don’t be surprised if you check…

Coming off an expensive summer travel season, airlines are rapidly dropping their prices and are now offering some of the most affordable flights of 2023.  According to experts, prices are down 29% from the summer months, down 10% from pre-pandemic 2019 statistics, and have dropped 18.9% between January and June of 2023. These percentages translate to an $87 average decrease in airfares. Though it’s typical to see flight prices drop at the end of summer, according to ABC, September’s amazing deals are also the result of an international travel boom. As prices drop, experts are urging travelers to start looking…

These new regulations follow a long-standing feud between home-sharing companies whose rental properties the city claims are taking away housing from New York City residents.  A previously implemented law that prevents properties from being rented out for less than 30 days without the host present has actually been in place for years. According to the New York Times, more than half of Airbnb’s 2022 city revenue, which amounted to $85 million, came from short-term rentals being used illegally.  For this reason, the new regulations will now require Airbnb hosts to register with the city of New York before renting out…