The secret to better mental health might be just one flight away, according to a new poll. Globe Aware volunteers, see what findings were unveiled about how and why Americans are traveling.
By Talker Research
Jul 29, 2025
The secret to better mental health might be just one flight away, according to a new poll.
A survey of 2,000 Americans found that the average American feels 67% better mentally after going on a trip.
Calling all Globe Aware trendsetters, what’s your travel style when you head abroad? With social media trends like cottagecore and Barbiecore on the rise, here are some fun style ideas inspired by these. Do you dress the part?
From bustling cities to scenic national parks, there’s a backdrop fit for any trending style
By Logan Holland
July 22, 2025
PEOPLE
Calling all trendsetters! It’s time to make sure your carefully curated wardrobe meets its full potential on your next getaway.
Thanks the rapid pace of social media trends and booming influencer culture, it seems like a new “core” — that’s a hyper-specific style, for the uninitiated — appears to emerge from every pop culture moment. Whether it’s mixing checkered prints and lace accents for a cottagecore look, or maybe rocking some vibrant pink hues for a Barbiecore moment — there’s an aesthetic for any occasion these days.
July 28, 2025
BBC
By Jonathan Head
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” after five days of fighting at their border killed at least 33 people and displaced tens of thousands.
“This is a vital first step to a de-escalation and a restoration of peace and security,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, flanked by his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, as he announced that hostilities would end at midnight.
Jaipur, India’s vibrant Pink City, has clinched the 5th spot in a Best Cities 2025 list, surpassing Florence! Globe Aware volunteers can visit to experience its celebrated immersive cultural tourism and warm hospitality firsthand, and see why it earned the honor!
July 22, 2025
Times of India
Jaipur, the Pink City of India, has proudly secured the 5th spot in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious World’s Best Cities 2025 list, ranking above iconic global destinations like Florence. Known for its royal palaces, heritage hotels, colourful markets, and vibrant Rajasthani culture, Jaipur has emerged as one of the top travel destinations in the world.
Globe Aware volunteers traveling by air may soon see changes to the liquid size restriction for carry-on bags. Current liquid size restrictions are being questioned. Find out more on today’s travel blog.
By Marnie Hunter
CNN
July 17, 2025
The liquid rule for carry-on bags could be the next airport security measure to be overhauled.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, hinted at a possible policy change on Wednesday at the Hill Nation Summit hosted by The Hill and NewsNation in Washington.
“But I will tell you — I mean the liquids — I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem told NewsNation’s host Blake Burman.
Noem’s comments came shortly after DHS rolled back a rule in place for nearly two decades requiring travelers to remove their shoes at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. The DHS oversees the TSA, which was established after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule — which requires that liquids in carry-on luggage be limited to 3.4 ounces or less and stored in a single, one-quart, resealable plastic bag — was introduced in September 2006. The rule was established shortly after a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights was foiled by British police, according to an official TSA timeline.
Larger quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted in checked luggage.
The U.S. Travel Association, a national non-profit organization aimed at increasing travel to and within the United States, praised the recent rule change on shoes and possible modifications to the liquids rule.
“These are exactly the kinds of changes that signal real progress toward a smarter, more traveler-friendly screening experience that doesn’t compromise security,” the association said in a statement.
Noem spoke more broadly about streamlining the airport screening experience for US travelers.
“Hopefully the future of an airport, where I’m looking to go, is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your flight,” Noem said. “It takes you one minute.”
Noem said DHS is talking with various companies about technology that could help achieve that goal, adding that travelers will see pilot programs at a few airports before such measures would be implemented widely.
The secretary added that the multi-layered security screening system allows for changes. “It is still a process that is protecting people who are traveling on our airlines, but it has to make sense,” she said. “It has to actually do something to make you safer,” Noem said, followed by a dig at the Biden administration.
Policy change announcements “will be made through official channels,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Secretary Noem and TSA are constantly looking for ways to enhance security, and improve the travel experience for the public,” the statement said.
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about President Trump’s position on any potential changes to the liquids rule.
Leavitt deferred to DHS, adding, “I did see Secretary Noem’s comments, and I think it’s great that on day one, she asked TSA, ‘What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? How can we make air travel more efficient while maintaining utmost security for American passengers and travelers?’”
Leavitt said “further guidance or decisions” would be up to the Homeland Security Secretary.
Globe Aware volunteers know that while planning a trip can be exciting, it’s easy to overlook the financial side of pre-travel prep. Before you jet off, take a moment to learn how to protect your money and avoid scams, theft, or costly mishaps abroad.
Make sure you have the proper safeguards in place before you go OOO.
By Ivana Pino
Yahoo! Finance
July 16, 2025
When planning a trip, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of booking flights, accommodations, and excursions. But some travelers may overlook the financial side of pre-trip preparations.
Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or relaxing at a beach resort, the last thing you want on vacation is to lose your money. Traveling can make you an easy target for scams, theft, or financial mishaps, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the local customs, currency, and language. But a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping your money safe.
So before you jet off, learn how to protect yourself and your finances while traveling.
How to keep your money safe when traveling
According to a report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, the travel industry is one of the sectors most susceptible to fraud. The study found that fraud in popular tourist destinations spikes up to 28% during peak seasons.
When you’ve put time and money into planning a trip, the last thing you want is for a financial mishap to spoil your vacation. If you want to keep your money safe, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.
1. Keep your financial institution in the loop
Before you leave, take the time to inform your bank, credit union, and/or credit card companies that you’ll be traveling. For one, this will ensure legitimate transactions aren’t flagged for fraud, which can be a major hassle to clear up while traveling.
Additionally, notifying your financial institutions of your travel details (including where you’re going and the dates of your trip) can also help detect fraudulent activity that may occur once you’re back home. For instance, if your debit or credit card information is stolen while you’re traveling, the scammer may not try to use it until weeks later. However, your bank will know that you’re back in the U.S. and can stop suspicious transactions from going through.
2. Set up account alerts for suspicious activity
Though many banks have fraud detection services in place, they’re not foolproof. You can add another layer of security by setting up bank alerts that help you spot suspicious activity right away.
For example, you can enable text or email alerts for transactions over a certain dollar amount or when your account balance falls below a certain threshold.
3. Avoid non-bank ATMs
When you need cash in a pinch, you may be tempted to use the first ATM you can find. However, pulling money out of a privately owned ATM, especially a standalone machine in a dark or low-traffic area, puts you at higher risk of ATM skimming.
Instead, plan ahead and withdraw cash from ATMs located inside reputable banks, airports, and other well-lit, high-traffic areas. You can also consider purchasing foreign currency before you set off for your trip (but don’t carry the full amount on you once you reach your destination).
4. Keep your wallet close
If you’re out and about, keep your wallet close to you and secured at all times. Don’t walk around with your wallet in your back pocket or in an unzipped purse, especially if you’ll be walking through crowded areas or tourist attractions.
You should also avoid carrying around large amounts of cash. Consider keeping enough cash in your wallet to cover your expenses for that day and storing the rest in your hotel safe.
5. Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing online banking
Public Wi-Fi networks may be unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept unencrypted data between your device and the Wi-Fi router. Plus, scammers can set up a rogue Wi-Fi network with a name similar to a legitimate one (like “Hotel_WiFi_Free” vs. “Hotel_WiFi”) so that when you connect, they can monitor everything you do.
So, when you use a public network to log into online banking platforms, you’re putting your sensitive information at risk of falling into the wrong hands. If you absolutely need to log on to your account while abroad, it’s best to rely on your mobile data or a VPN to keep your information secure.
6. Have a backup payment method
If your primary payment method is compromised while traveling, carrying a second credit card or extra cash can ensure you always have access to your money. If possible, carry your backup card or cash in a separate, hidden area from your primary payment method.
In this episode of the Globe Aware podcast, summer intern Santiago López sits down with former volunteer Nancy to learn about the many adventures she’s experienced while participating in nearly every program Globe Aware offers! From unforgettable moments abroad to valuable travel tips, Nancy shares her stories, insights, and advice for future volunteers. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and what keeps her coming back for more.
Globe Aware volunteers and all other travelers will no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. This confirmed change began July 8th, officially ending the long-standing TSA policy.
Zach Wichter
USA TODAY
July 14, 2025
Passengers are no longer required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints.
Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, announced in a news conference July 8 that the long-standing policy requiring most passengers to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints is no longer in effect.
Summer travel can present added challenges for parents of children with autism, from disrupted routines to sensory sensitivities and unfamiliar settings. Globe Aware volunteers and families can benefit from these tips to help make travel more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Journal Record
July 8, 2025
Summer has arrived, and families are taking to the roads and the air for vacations. Most parents know well the typical trials of family travel — children seem to become needier and more easily bored when they are removed from their natural habitats.
For many retirees, leaving the workforce can lead to unexpected questions about purpose and connection. Globe Aware volunteers discover how volunteering can bring fulfillment, community, and renewed meaning.
By Beverly Bird
June 30, 2025
Investopedia
Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area.
