Author: Lauren Mulvey

Record-breaking temperatures in top summer travel destinations, including Italy, Spain and Greece, have raised concerns for the vast numbers of travelers in the region this year. The New York Times reports that in some parts of Italy including Sardinia and Sicily, temperatures are close to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, but forecasts predict that the heat wave will pass by the end of July.  Though the heat wave is temporary, sources across the web report that this may be the coolest summer for the rest of your life.  The fourth of July became the hottest day on Earth in recorded history with…

London is one of the best cities in the world to find global cuisines of all types. With a vast bar and restaurant scene, it could take you a lifetime to try all the recommended eateries in this city. But on a day out in London, you may by chance stumble upon one the city’s food halls or markets where cultures from all over the world present their finest street food and signature dishes for you to choose from.  Located throughout the city, these food halls and markets are the perfect spots to grab a bite to eat while seeing…

This year, the State Department has been inundated with up to 500,000 applications per week for passports so they are now offering a new way to process your application with Special Passport Acceptance Fairs. The State Department will venture around the country to host these events in public libraries, city admin offices and recreational centers in New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas, and more throughout July and August, with new events added to the calendar weekly. However, these events are only accessible for new passport applications, so if you need to renew your passport you should follow standard procedure, or use…

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…

Learning languages is paramount for travelers looking to have an authentic experience when visiting foreign countries. Learning the language of the country you are visiting signals respect and appreciation of the location and its culture, and it’s also an important tool when navigating cities, visiting restaurants, shopping and interacting with locals. Many bilingual people believe the best way to learn a language is to be immersed in it, but hanks to evolving technology there are new ways to practice different languages that are accessible through your mobile phone or computer. Apps make it easy to use your free time to…

Airline flights are one of the biggest expenses when planning a trip, and if you don’t know where to look you could end up paying hundreds of dollars more than necessary. If you’re looking for a last minute deal on your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of sites where you can find the best prices for your flights.  All platforms included are user friendly and make it easy to find flights by in putting your destination and current location along with desired travel dates to find the best flights. From there you can filter your findings based on airline,…

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…

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. …

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…

Upstate New York is the perfect destination for people who love to hike. With its quaint towns, bucolic charm, and beautiful vistas, those looking for a day trip or weekend stay can find a natural oasis to enjoy in one of New York’s mountain regions, forest preserves, or state parks. To help you choose your new favorite place to hike, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best locations in upstate New York, from the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes. Hudson Valley  Just a 1-2 hour drive from NYC, the Hudson Valley is a treasure trove when…

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…

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…

When it comes to luggage there are endless options for every type of traveler, whether you’re a nomad, a luxury traveler, or a weekend tripper, picking the right luggage will take some of the stress off your trip. We did a search to discover what luggage is getting the best reviews on social media. Here are some of the best rated luggage for different types of travelers. BACKPACKING & HIKING If you’re backpacking around various countries for a month or longer, your pack has got to be foolproof. It’s probably the most important essential when it comes to planning your…

From Airbnb and Vrbo stays to study abroad programs and group travel companies, new ways to travel are often emerging to provide those with wanderlust ample opportunities to explore new places.  One of the newer arrivals on the affordable travel front are work exchange programs through platforms like Workaway or Wwoof. These applications allow you to find work in foreign countries in exchange for free accommodation. With these programs you can work on a farm in Italy, nanny in France, work at a hostel in Costa Rica, and essentially find work anywhere in the world.  Users can sign up as…

When booking flights in recent years travelers may have noticed a new add-on fee to their purchase: a carbon offset fee which claims to lessen the environmental impact of flying. Airplanes remains one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions that damage the environment. USA Today Reported, “Commercial airplanes and large business jets make up about 10% of US transportation emissions, accounting for 3% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas production, according to the latest numbers from the Environmental Protection Agency.”  In recent years, celebrities who use private jets have been called out for their incredible contributions to carbon emissions.…

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…

Will new technology allowing for quicker identification at airport security make getting through the airport and onto your flight a smoother experience? According to Travel + Leisure, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been testing new Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) which would potentially allow travelers to move through security without flashing a boarding pass or passport. This new technology uses facial recognition to identify travelers, and according to the TSA’s official description it “improves the travel document checker’s ability to accurately authenticate passenger identification and pre-screening status, addressing the vulnerabilities associated with ID and boarding pass fraud.”  CAT-1 machines…

Travelers who like to vacation with their four-legged friends will find plenty of great accommodation in Massachusetts, which is home to many pet-friendly hotels and inns from the Berkshires to Boston and beautiful Cape Cod. Briarcliff Motel – Great Barrington This retro-modern motel is located just an hour from the New York border in the lovely town of Great Barrington in the Berkshire Mountains. This region has a wealth of outdoor activities perfect for exploring with your dog. Briarcliff also offers a list of doggy daycares, groomers and spa services, along with guides to hikes and outdoor fun.  Red Lion…

Many people who love to travel dream of spending their summers in Europe, but what’s not so dreamy are the summer crowds, intense heat, and sky high prices that plague even the most experienced travelers. Many would rather travel off-season to popular destinations like Italy, France, or Portugal, but there are a few places in Europe that haven’t yet gone viral. In these places, sure you’ll see other tourists, but not like the troves you’d find in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, or other major European cities this summer. Come with us as we explore some under the radar destinations in Europe. …

The U.S.A. is home to some of the world’s most famous culture and music festivals, which offer star-studded lineups and unique experiences. When planning you summer and fall travels, you may want to add one of these unique festivals to your must-see list for 2023. 1. Downtown Aspen Arts Festival (Aspen, CO. July 15-16) The Downtown Aspen Arts Festival is celebrating its 20th year this July, displaying a small number of works from national and local artists including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics and more.Throughout the year, Aspen hosts many cultural festivals in their downtown area, which is surrounded by gorgeous…