Globe Aware volunteers in a rush to get a passport will soon have more options. The U.S. State Department will open six new passport agencies to assist those with “urgent travel needs. Find out in which following cities the facilities will be located in. 

Need a passport in a hurry? It’ll soon be easier if you live in one of these US cities.

Nathan Diller
USA TODAY
June 21, 2024

Story Summary

• The State Department will open six new passport agencies to assist those with “urgent travel needs.”
• The new agencies will bring the total number to 35.
• The State Department did not share addresses or opening dates for the new facilities.
• Travelers in a rush to get a passport will soon have more options.

If our Globe Aware volunteers are part of the projected record-breaking 70.9 million travelers going on a Fourth of July trip, get ready to pack some patience. Here’s how to avoid traffic this summer holiday season.

Expect a record-breaking number of travelers on Fourth of July week: How to avoid traffic

Kathleen Wong
USA TODAY
June 20, 2024

An estimated 70.9 million people will travel for the Fourth of July holiday, a record-breaking number.
The most popular domestic destinations are Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu and Miami.
The worst times to drive for 4th of July week are July 3 and 4 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
If you’re one of the projected record-breaking 70.9 million travelers going on a Fourth of July trip, get ready to pack some patience.

Exploring Asia, embarking on an African safari, or traveling to the tropics often requires vaccinations, especially for children. Ensure you know how to prepare your kids for your next Globe Aware volunteer vacation abroad.

International Travel: Don’t Forget Your Child’s Vaccinations

By Ernie Mundell
U.S. News & World Report
June 16, 2024

Exploring Europe, taking an African safari, going on a trip to the tropics: In many cases, vaccines are needed for travel, and that’s doubly true for children.

According to pediatrician Dr. Lauren Nguyen, researching what vaccines are needed and preparing well before your family’s departure is crucial.

If you’re a Globe Aware volunteer, that means you love to travel, so there’s perhaps no sweeter phrase than “free flights.” And that’s exactly what Frontier Airlines is offering up in its Family Summer Getaway Sweepstakes.

Frontier Airlines Is Giving Away Free Flights for a Year — How to Win

Plus, 100 winners will receive a $1,000 flight voucher.

By Stefanie Waldek
June 15, 2024
Travel + Leisure

If you love to travel, there’s perhaps no sweeter phrase than “free flights.” And that’s exactly what Frontier Airlines is offering up in its Family Summer Getaway Sweepstakes.

One lucky grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 flight voucher each month for a year — all in, that’s enough for an estimated 12 round-trip flights for a family of four. Plus, 100 additional winners will receive a one-time $1,000 voucher.

Globe Aware destinations, like the Galápagos Islands, are raising their visitor fees, similar to other popular locations. Discover the reasons behind these fee increases and learn how to prepare!

Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?

Tourist hot spots are implementing measures against overtourism. Will this impact your next trip

June 5, 2024
Deseret News
By Caroline McDonald

With the summer travel season approaching, popular tourist spots are planning ahead with new rules and fees to control crowds. This is according to The New York Times, which outlined recent measures taken by Bali, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan — all popular destinations for tourists.

Here’s a reminder for Globe Aware volunteers to remain vigilant when traveling, especially to new destinations. Check out this list of common scams and learn how to avoid them this summer!

The 12 Biggest Scams That Tourists Fall For. (And How to Beat Them)

James Wong
Fodor’s Travel
June 10, 2024

Surprise taxi detours, helpful strangers with ulterior motives, and pricey encounters with baby alpacas. Here’s how travelers are being ripped off abroad and what you can do to be vigilant.

Where there’s a tourist, there’s a scam. As newcomers to a destination, we’re obvious targets for criminals, ready to take advantage of our dizzying lack of local intel and jubilant holiday spirit. Back home, everyone feels pretty street-smart, right? When you’re well-versed in a destination and its customs and know exactly what to do in an emergency, few will attempt to mess with your fine ‘n fierce self.

Whether our Globe Aware volunteers are planning a trip to the mountains, lake, beach, or city, staying healthy is a key element to enjoying your summer travels. Here are tips to help you thrive this summer.

5 Tips to Stay Healthy During Summer Travel

Stay healthy while you’re on the go this summer with tips from Atrium Health physician assistant Savannah Taylor.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the mountains, lake, beach or city, staying healthy is a key element to enjoying your summer travels. Savannah Taylor, a physician assistant at Atrium Health Primary Care One Health Family Medicine and Urgent Care, shares tips to help you thrive this summer.

Globe Aware volunteers can consult airline policies and stock up on safe snacks before they hit the friendly skies. Get even more great tips to help enjoy international cuisine safely.

A Mom’s Best Advice for Traveling With a Food-Allergic Kid

Consult airline policies and stock up on safe snacks before you hit the road or the friendly skies.

By Hallie Levine
Jun 3, 2024
Health Central

Last December, my two teenage sons, Teddy and Geoffrey, were scheduled to visit Israel with their dad and grandmother. When their trip was cancelled due to the conflict in Gaza, it meant I wouldn’t have to worry about my boys traveling into a war zone. It also meant I wouldn’t need to worry about Teddy traveling abroad without me, given all his food allergies.

Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder is now officially Ghanaian! Globe Aware volunteers, why not visit Ghana, “the Gateway to West Africa,” and discover why Stevie Wonder considers it his new home?

Stevie on the Wonder of becoming a Ghanaian citizen

By Thomas Naadi
BBC News, Accra
14 May 2024

Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder is officially Ghanaian.

On Monday – the US musical icon’s 74th birthday – he was granted citizenship of Ghana by the nation’s president.