Author: Sophia Rodriguez

Travel consumes precious natural resources, pollutes the environment, and punctures the ozone layer. You probably already know that most vacations aren't green. But does the travel industry know?A 2023 survey by Booking.com found that 74% of travelers believe they need to “act now” to make more sustainable choices to protect the planet for future generations. I found out that there is. This was an increase from 66% the previous year. Still, hotels continue to act as if discarding single-use soaps and sourcing restaurant ingredients locally could reverse climate change. And even as travelers feel the effects of climate change, airlines…

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March 15, 2024 Jessica Matthews / news@whmi.com The Oakland County Health Department recommends that residents get a measles vaccination before traveling in the spring. In late February, Oakland County confirmed its first measles case since 2019. This case was travel-related. As of March 7, there were a total of 45 confirmed measles cases in 16 states, including cases in Washtenaw and Wayne counties.Dr. Russell Faust, medical director of the Oakland County Health Department, said, “If you haven't been vaccinated against measles, please get vaccinated.'' Due to the current outbreaks of infectious diseases occurring overseas and within the United States, Vaccination…

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Travel benefits are the most common benefit included in loyalty programs offered by membership organizations such as social clubs, trade associations, and subscription programs, but in reality, booking travel is not a priority for members.That's one of the findings in a new report from travel loyalty technology provider iSeatz. According to the report, nearly three-quarters of member organizations offer or plan to offer travel benefits, with the most common benefit types being hotels (56%), flights (49%), and car rentals. (48%).But only 23% of members say they would book a trip through their organization if they were sure they would get…

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Richard Burton in Arab garb, from the frontispiece of his Travels to Arabia. One of my friends often teases me about my love for travel by saying that most likely, as a child, my mom stuck a plane ticket instead of a pacifier in my mouth! This largely is true. Some of my fondest and most transformative memories from childhood happened when my mom took me with her to different cities, towns, and remote villages in Iraq. I learned so much from the way she interacted with people in different languages, as well as the way people shared their thoughts…

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This has to be the best mission statement ever. Not only is it still around 25 years later, but Google has built a $2 trillion company by sticking to its plan.When ChatGPT launched on November 30, 2022, discussions immediately began about the threat to Google's dominance in search. What really threatens this near-monopoly search is the rise of social networks. But this is a bigger problem. Could generative artificial intelligence disrupt the very core of Google's business?Google ShoppingIt's a simple concept. The specific search keyword has a clear intent and the user is searching for her product, not her website.…

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that adding a fourth stoplight to traffic lights reduces travel times for both drivers and pedestrians. As we move closer to a future where self-driving technology becomes more pervasive, a new signal called the “white phase” will allow self-driving cars to communicate with each other and influence traffic patterns in the safest and most efficient way possible. Researchers say it will be possible to do so. . “When that phase is activated, it will take control of the self-driving car. As a result, it will be able to…

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The biggest luxury on a plane isn't first-class meals, warm hand towels, or fancy amenity kits. It's not anti-social, but it's about not having other people in your personal space.Some travelers may be able to secure that space by booking a lie-flat seat or private pod at the front of the plane. What about the rest of us? You'll have to get a little creative, but you might just get lucky.”I'd rather have an empty seat next to me than a big seat in first class,” said Scott Leazenby, 49, of San Diego. “I don't like rubbing elbows with complete…

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downward angle icon An icon in the shape of a downward facing corner. Angela at the Colosseum in Italy. Courtesy of Angela/@realphdfoodie Angela, an American academic, started traveling alone in November.Angela said she felt burnt out after years of not taking time off.She felt constrained by the expectations of marriage, but found traveling alone liberating. This told essay is based on conversations with Angela, an academic and content creator in her early 40s who is traveling alone in Europe. To protect her privacy, Angela requested that her last name not be published. This essay has been edited for length and…

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Who: No. 36 Iowa State (7-10, 2-2 Big 12) vs. No. 4 Florida State (14-1, 6-1 SEC), No. 18 North Carolina State (14-5, 6-0 ACC), LIU (11 -11, 0-0 EAGL) where: Exactech Arena (10,151) – Gainesville, Florida when: Friday, March 15, 2024 – 5:45 p.m. head: No. 36 Iowa State will travel to compete with No. 4 Florida State, No. 18 North Carolina State and LIU. They are on the cut line for regionals, at a crucial time, and need to build on the momentum from the last two games. The Cyclones posted their second consecutive team score of 196…

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Virginia – It’s that time of year again, as the weather gets warmer and makes us think about spring and spring break. If you're lucky, you might even be planning a vacation.From Disney World to the beaches of Florida, spring break has arrived on the roads, skies, and oceans.Become an Insider for exclusive content, access to contests, and behind-the-scenes access to the WSLS Newsroom!”This year has been mostly cruises,” said travel agent Laura Tiley of Travel Lovers. “There are a lot of flights and stay packages to the Caribbean this year. Some Disney, you know, Disney is pretty much back…

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