Turkey will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops

New rules in Turkey allow fines for passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts, enter aisles, or open overhead bins before the plane has finished taxiing. Do Globe Aware volunteers agree with this? What are your thoughts as travelers?


Turkey will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops

May 28, 2025
AP News

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Passengers on flights to Turkey who unbuckle their seat belts, enter an aisle or open overhead compartments before their plane has stopped taxiing upon arrival are eligible for fines under new regulations issued by the country’s civil aviation authority.

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How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights

Southwest Airlines now charges bag fees for all flights booked from May 28. This change affects Globe Aware volunteers who once enjoyed two free checked bags. But here’s how to get one free checked bag.


How to still get a free checked bag on Southwest flights

By Danyal Ahmed
May 28, 2025
The Points Guy

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

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Cuba with its New Visa System will Change the Travel Landscape

Important news for Globe Aware volunteers: Starting July 1, 2025, Cuba will require all travelers to use a new mandatory electronic visa (e-visa), replacing the traditional paper tourist card. Read on to learn more!


Cuba with its New Visa System will Change the Travel Landscape

May 22, 2025
Travel And Tour World

Starting from July 1, 2025, it was announced that Cuba would introduce a new electronic visa (e-visa) system as a mandatory entry requirement for all travelers entering the country. This policy change would replace the previously used paper tourist card, which had long been a staple of Cuban travel regulations. The Cuban Ministry of Tourism had made this announcement in April of the preceding year, and the Government of Canada had subsequently updated its travel advisories to inform prospective travelers of this significant change.

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Is It Safe to Travel to India Right Now?

After an escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, this is the situation on the ground and what travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers, should know.


Is It Safe to Travel to India Right Now?

After an escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, this is the situation on the ground and what travelers should know.

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of military strikes against what India’s military referred to as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated, and there was intense and escalating artillery fighting between the two countries at the border and at naval bases in the Indian Ocean. On May 10, a cease-fire between the nations was announced. Unfortunately, the cease-fire was violated shortly thereafter, with artillery attacks continuing for a few more days. However, as of May 12, firing has stopped at both the international border and the LOC (Line of Control), which is in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Memorial Day weekend travel forecast: What you need to know

A record number of Americans, including Globe Aware volunteers, are gearing up to head to the airport or hit the highway for the first long weekend of the summer. Here’s what you need to know about this record-breaking travel weekend.


Memorial Day weekend travel forecast: What you need to know

AAA predicts this year will set a record for Memorial Day weekend travel.

By Ayesha Ali and Emily Shapiro
May 16, 2025
ABC News

A record number of Americans are gearing up to head to the airport or hit the highway for the first long weekend of the summer.

AAA forecasts more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26, which would break the Memorial Day weekend travel record set in 2005.

Here’s what you need to know:

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Yes, You Can Opt Out of TSA Facial Recognition—Here’s Why Experts Say You Should

TSA is expanding facial recognition technology at airports across the country. If a Globe Aware volunteer does not want their face scanned, here’s how they can opt out of the process without delaying their travel.


Yes, You Can Opt Out of TSA Facial Recognition—Here’s Why Experts Say You Should

And no, opting out won’t delay your travel.

By Stacey Leasca
May 5, 2025
Travel + Leisure

It seems like a near-daily occurrence to hear unsettling stories about international travelers facing denial of entry at U.S. airports. In April, a few German tourists were turned away at Honolulu’s airport and sent back to Europe after U.S. immigration officials said they couldn’t confirm hotel arrangements. New Zealand’s government has revised its U.S. travel advisory after at least eight of its citizens were detained or denied entry over visa-related issues over the last several months. And in March, a French scientist who was traveling to Houston for a research conference was denied entry after border agents reportedly found text messages on his phone that criticized President Donald Trump. (U.S. officials later claimed the denial was tied to unauthorized scientific data.)

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How to Avoid Poisoning Yourself in the Outdoors

Regardless of whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, climate change is likely to impact us all, so it’s wise to be prepared, whether you’re in a national park close to home or a forest abroad.


How to Avoid Poisoning Yourself in the Outdoors (And Other Tips for Being in Nature)

By Sydney Baker
May 6, 2025
FODORS

Whether or not you’re a fan of the outdoors or not, climate change will likely force many of us to face a lot of these issues, so it’s best to be prepared.

This year has provided endless reasons to replace screens with time spent in nature.

As a stereotypical outdoorsy girl from the Pacific Northwest, the mountains, forest, and water have always been my happy place away from work, obligations, and existential despair.

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Ecuador will require yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers from neighboring countries

Globe Aware volunteers flying into Ecuador for a volunteer vacation week should be aware of a new travel measure. It applies to passengers of any nationality who have spent time either in transit or during a visit, in certain South American countries, before entering Ecuador. Find out which countries, and what you should do to prepare.


Ecuador will require yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers from neighboring countries

May 5 2025
Aviacionline

Ecuador will require yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers from neighboring countries

Several airlines operating in Ecuador, including LATAM and Avianca, are notifying passengers of a new health regulation issued by Ecuador’s Ministry of Health. Starting Monday, May 12, 2025, Ecuadorian authorities will require the International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever from travelers arriving from Brazil, Peru, Colombia, or Bolivia.

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Thailand Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival Card For Tourists From May 2025

Attention Globe Aware volunteers headed to Thailand! The Thailand Digital Arrival Card aims to streamline immigration. Here is who needs it and how to apply.


Thailand Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival Card For Tourists From May 2025

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card aims to streamline immigration by ensuring faster processing, less paperwork and enhanced border security. Here is who needs it and how to apply.

By Jigyasa Kakwani
Apr 03, 2025
NDTV

Thailand is the perfect destination for travellers with its pristine beaches, beautiful temples, delicious food and pleasant weather. With more and more tourists visiting Thailand, the tropical country has now introduced a Digital Arrival Card to create a more seamless and efficient experience for visitors. Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.

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Big travel updates: REAL ID and ETIAS Rules explained for US and Europe travel

Here’s a reminder for our Globe Aware volunteers! Starting May 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Additionally, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to arrival in Schengen Zone countries. Find out more in today’s blog!


Big travel updates: REAL ID and ETIAS Rules explained for US and Europe travel

Apr 7, 2025
TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Starting May 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Additionally, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to arrival in Schengen Zone countries. Both changes aim to enhance security and streamline travel processes.

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