Nepal is set to raise permit fees for climbing Mount Everest by over 35%, making the world’s tallest peak pricier for mountaineers, including Globe Aware volunteers, for the first time in nearly a decade. If you’re an adventurer planning the ascent, here’s what you should know.

Nepal increases Mount Everest climbing fee to $15,000

January 22, 2025
By Reuters

Nepal will increase the permit fees for climbing Mount Everest by more than 35%, making the world’s tallest peak more expensive for mountaineers for the first time in nearly a decade, officials said on Wednesday.

Globe Aware volunteers, don’t wait until the last minute. REAL IDs, marked with a star at the top, are required unless you have a passport or an enhanced driver’s license from certain states. Learn how to get yours and when it’s required!

2025 brings deadline for travelers to get a REAL ID to fly in the U.S.

Dec. 30, 2024
CNN

You’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically in May 2025.

That’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

Globe Aware volunteers, if your Los Angeles trip plans are disrupted by fires, here’s what to do, plus how you can help and where to donate resources.

The Latest on the LA Fires: Flight Delays, Hotels With Discounted Stays, and More Travel Updates

The fires have led to widespread evacuations and damage. Here’s what to know.

By Hannah Towey and Megan Spurrell
January 10, 2025
Condé Nast Traveler 

A total of six wildfires in Los Angeles County continued to burn on Friday, January 10, 2025. The fires have prompted evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents, with 153,000 people currently under mandatory evacuation orders, and over 160,000 warned they should be prepared to evacuate, Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday. At least 10,000 structures have been destroyed city-wide. So far, ten people have been reported dead, and there are “a number of significant injuries,” LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a Wednesday press conference. As of Friday, curfews are in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in several areas, in an effort to prevent looting.

Stay safe Globe Aware volunteers! As winter storms increase the risk of house fires, it’s crucial to follow safety measures to protect your home. This is what experts recommend!

Five steps to prevent fires and stay safe in winter storms

By Dinah Voyles
January 7, 2025
USA TODAY

Improperly using space heaters and generators or ignoring road warnings and driving too fast are some of the deadliest mistakes people make during winter storms.

Most of us don’t deal with snow very often, if at all, and many depend on those people who absolutely must get to work come snow, sleet or below zero wind chill values. But accidents and mishaps are common, and lead to constant urgent reminders from public safety officials to follow some basic safety rules to keep you and your family safe.

As we age, it’s natural to become more cautious and risk-averse. However, that doesn’t mean you must abandon exciting travel adventures. For Globe Aware volunteers, here are some tips to help manage the fear and anxiety that may arise when traveling in later years.

If You Have Any Travel-Related Fears, This Is How You Can Get Over Them

By Stacey Lastoe
January 2, 2025
FODORS

It’s natural to become more risk-averse as we get older, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of exciting travel adventures.

“How many helicopter rides?” my husband Steve asked me after I shared a rough draft of our African safari itinerary a few weeks ago.

Whether your New Year resolution is to finally book a Globe Aware volunteer vacation or use some points to fly to a new destination, there are some travel requirements taking effect in 2025 that everyone should keep in mind.

New travel requirements taking effect in 2025 for domestic and international destinations

Real ID for boarding domestic flights and other must-know travel requirements.

ByKelly McCarthy
December 31, 2024
ABC News

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to finally book a dream vacation or put some points to good use and fly to a new destination, there are some travel requirements taking effect in 2025 that everyone should keep in mind.

The National Park Service will offer six fee-free days in 2025, making it easier to visit some of the country’s most popular national parks from coast to coast and beyond. Globe Aware volunteers interested in visiting, here are the dates to watch out for!

Visit Every U.S. National Park for Free on These 6 Days in 2025

Entrance fees are waived on these days.

By Alison Fox
December 26, 2024
Travel + Leisure

The National Park Service will offer six fee-free days in 2025, making it easier to visit some of the country’s most popular national parks from coast to coast and beyond.

While many parks are free to visit every day of the year, some of the more popular — and crowded — destinations require travelers to pay. However, each year the National Park Service hosts several fee-free days with each aligning with a national holiday or milestone.