Author: Lauren Mulvey

If you’re an experienced European traveler, you may have heard of a Schengen Visa, which allows visitors from outside the EU to remain in the Schengen Area for three months. But this doesn’t apply to everyone, so we’re breaking down what this visa means, and how to know if you need one.  What is a Schengen Visa? The word Schengen refers to all the countries in the EU that make up a free travel zone, meaning you can travel between these countries without a passport. This region got its name in 1985 when the Schengen Agreement was signed, eliminating border…

During the spring of this year, I spent some time in the enchanting city of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily, which you may have spotted in the new hit HBO series The White Lotus, where drama unfolds between families and friends staying at a luxurious resort. Tucked away just beneath an active volcano, Taormina gave me one of the best days of my three month long stint traveling around Italy. On a sunny Sunday, we hopped on a bus and traveled through Sicily’s rolling, green hills green up and up into Taormina. When we arrived, we parked our bus…

If you’re an avid traveler who is planning a European adventure, hoping to visit many cities during your trip, you may have heard of the Eurail Pass, which offers access to a majority of trains in Europe with just one ticket. So is this travel hack really all it’s cracked up to be?  The appeal of this pass is that you can go wherever you want whenever you want. Paris to Rome, Amsterdam to Prague, etc. You can board any train in the Eurail system, flash your pass and you’re good to go. The system connects over 40,000 destinations, but…

One of the most wonderful ways to ring in the holiday season is at a Christmas market, where you can find unique gifts, holiday treats, and dive into a winter wonderland. Around the world Christmas is celebrated with unique traditions and events, and some of the most enchanting holiday markets might be in your own neighborhood. These are 7 markets that are sure to put you in a holiday mood according to research from StressFreeCarRental.com. 1. Union Square – New York, New York  New York is home to some of the most beautiful holiday displays, and many people come from…

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…

Following months of civil unrest in Iran, it is reported that Iran plans to execute 15,000 protesters, many of them children, teens, and young adults. Various media sources have reported the mass death sentencing, claiming that a death sentence has been set for 15,000 protestors currently being held in prison as a harsh warning to the rest of the state. Protests across the country began after the detainment and death of Mahsa Amini for allegedly disobeying the Islamic Republic’s dress code for women. Many Iranian women have cut their hair or burned their hijabs in solidarity. Hundreds of civilians, including…

At the tail end of Costa Rica’s rainy season, myself and a few friends booked a last minute trip to the beachy west coast town of Tamarindo. We spent a week learning to surf, exploring the town, and falling asleep to the sounds of howling monkeys, but our best day involved a torrential rainstorm and a bumpy car ride. We booked a trip inland with a company called Native’s Way, and the next day we were up bright and early at 6:30 a.m. to be picked up by a small tour van with an enthusiastic tour guide named Jorge. Native’s Way…

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…

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…

The changing of seasons is not to be missed in the Northeast where you can watch the leaves on the trees transform from their luscious green to brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds as the weather chills. Just an hour or two drive from NYC are troves of farms, wineries, and orchards that are just waiting for your arrival. Here’s a list of some of the Hudson Valley’s most scenic and cozy autumnal destinations.  TWIN STAR ORCHARDS, New Paltz, New York Take the thruway north and find yourself in the quaint yet gorgeous village of New Paltz in Ulster County, where college…

From Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia to LGBTQ nightlife and nude beaches, Barcelona has it all. Known for its unique architecture made famous by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona is a city of intricate and colorfully crafted buildings and landmarks. Discover the city’s distinctive look while visiting one of its beautiful neighborhoods, traipse through the Gothic Quarter, or head for Parc Guell, one of the city’s largest green spaces with views that are not to be missed.  When it comes time to eat, indulge in the city’s culinary offerings with a great selection of tapas from family-owned spots like La Pepita,…

Airports can be a headache, and in 2022 the situation got worse for many travelers. Actually, it’s gotten much worse, with airport lines stretching outside, passengers missing flights, and airlines losing patience. What’s all the hubbub? For most European airports, labor shortages are to blame for a hefty increase in delay and cancellation rates. Here are five airports you might not want to fly in and out of on your next European trip according to the most recent report from online travel agency, Hopper Inc.  Amsterdam, Netherlands – Schiphol Airport (AMS). Schiphol airport is big and shiny and…kind of chaotic.…

We’ve all seen cafeterias and food courts alike, but now cuisines of all sorts can be found in one trendy and aesthetically pleasing place in New York City’s food halls. These glorified food halls have been cropping up in urban areas around the country. And in New York they’re all the buzz – where architecture and design meet all the flavors your heart desires. Read on for the city’s best.    MANHATTAN Chelsea Market Occupying the former site of a 19th Century Nabisco factory, where, reportedly, the Oreo cookie was born, Chelsea Market helped transform the once seedy Meatpacking District…