Author: Travis Schlepp

The U.S. State Department announced this week that a new, limited edition passport will be released in honor of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The passport, officials said, will feature President Trump’s face.

Expedia says this year’s top travel trend is “destination dupes,” aka, booking a trip to one destination that has the look and feel of a more expensive one.

Mallorca, Spain, has been identified as the premier destination for travelers seeking a high-end resort experience, according to a March report by Maui Elite Property. The study analyzed global luxury hubs based on safety, scenic views, pricing and wellness amenities to determine which locations best replicate the elite lifestyle often depicted in popular culture. The luxury travel sector is currently expanding at a rate faster than the broader industry, with more than 70% of tourists indicating a preference for resort-based vacations. Researchers evaluated destinations against the aesthetic and service standards of wellness retreats like those featured in the television series…

The U.S. Federal Government is seeking proposals to improve safety at railroad crossings across the country, which are responsible for hundreds of deaths every year. Last week, the Department of Transportation announced it was soliciting proposals for a current $1.1 billion in available funding earmarked for safety infrastructure at railroad crossings. Unprotected railroad crossings are among the highest contributing factors to deadly interactions betweens trains and pedestrians or vehicles. According to the DOT, there are more than 2,000 incidents at railroad crossing each year, and as many as 300 lives are lost during these unwanted occurrences. Read More: LA Metro…

The Outrigger hotel on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu will be undergoing a $100 million restoration and renovation to bring the historic property up to 2026 luxury standards, the hotel’s parent company announced this week. Outrigger Hospitality Group said the iconic Oahu hotel will be reimagined as a “design-led, barefoot luxury destination more deeply connected to the ocean, surf culture and sense of place” that is unique to the Waikiki neighborhood. “This stretch of Waikīkī is both culturally significant and foundational to Outrigger’s identity,” CEO Jeff Wagoner said in a news release. “Our role is to steward this iconic resort with…

Avianca Airlines is making major moves this summer with its updated U.S. routes.

The Trump Administration is nearing a deal to provide taxpayer money to Spirit Airlines in exchange for equity in the company in an unconventional act of government intervention. According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Federal Government plans to provide Spirit Airlines with rescue funds in order to stave off a potential collapse and liquidation. Last week, as first reported by Jon Ostrower, editor-in-chief of the online airline publication the Air Current, Spirit began courting federal funds and had offered equity in the company in order to keep the low-cost carrier afloat. On Wednesday, citing people familiar with the discussions,…

With gas prices climbing to near historic levels across the United States, public transportation agencies have been on an all-out media blitz to convince drivers to park their cars and take local buses and trains. In Los Angeles, LA Metro has been heavily pushing the cost-benefit of taking public transit over driving, boasting the cost of a single ride versus the high price of filling up at the gas station. “Stop spending $100 to fill up when you can ride Metro for $1.75,” one social media caption reads alongside a highlight reel of LA Metro buses and trains in action.…

Icelandair’s viral social media that advertises a job search for a poorly skilled photographer is, in fact, real, the company said a new social media post. The Nordic airline made international headlines last week after it posted an image of a newspaper clipping promoting a 10-day temporary gig for a “really bad photographer” who has no understanding of basic photography framing or other artistic elements. The job listing boasts an all-expenses paid trip with travel and accommodations included with the only caveat being that the candidate must not have photography skills. “Preferably bad at framing, not familiar with composition, white…

LA Metro is taking the next big step toward a potential water taxi service that would connect San Pedro and Long Beach during the 2028 Olympic games.