Despite its reputation as the Land of the Free, the United States isn’t at the forefront in the latest rankings for human freedom; 14 countries rank better than the U.S. in terms of personal, civil, and economic freedoms. The human freedom index is a way of quantifying the civil, economic, and personal freedoms within a…
In 1960, just shy of 5 million Americans called Florida home. Fast-forward to 2024 and Florida’s population is projected to reach 22.9 million in April, ranking the Sunshine State as the third-most populous state in the nation. There are many reasons why Florida natives choose to remain in their state and why Florida historically receives…
Despite their best efforts, airlines can’t always reunite travelers with their lost luggage. What often happens next is a process many travelers wouldn’t have foreseen. Spoiler alert: If you’ve lost luggage in the past, you might be able to find it in Scottsboro, Alabama. Mishandled Bags According to a U.S. Department of Transportation report, major…
Nearly half the U.S. population held valid passports in 2023. That’s an over 22-fold jump from 1989, when only 7.3 million valid passports were in circulation, equating to a 0.45 increase per capita after accounting for population changes. That said, according to data, residents in some states appear more interested in or able to travel…
Every country has its quirks, and Canada is no exception. From rules about witchcraft to tree climbing, the Great White North seems to have found all sorts of things it would rather not permit. Of course, Canada isn’t alone in this. Almost every nation has at least a few laws that don’t make sense; most…
Regardless of where you stand on what’s causing global sea levels to rise, it’s undeniable that our coastlines are getting smaller. A study using data from the European Commission suggests that by 2100, we could lose nearly half of the world’s sandy beaches to rising sea levels. That said, not all coastlines are shrinking at…
In 1974, tipping was a feel-good gesture. Fast forward to 2024, and many Americans feel pressured to leave higher tips than ever before for services that have already become pricier due to inflation. Americans know they pay high tips. But how do our tipping practices compare to other countries in the world? Hawaiian Islands crunched…
Few people enjoy extra busy beaches, even if there’s a good reason why tourists flock to them. Researchers with vacation rental company Florida Panhandle discovered the most crowded beaches in the United States. Many of the beaches on this list feature breathtaking coastlines, easy access, and fantastic amenities. It’s no wonder why tourists and locals…
There’s never been a moment in America’s relatively short history when we didn’t have at least one major enemy. Often, we’ve had far more than that. Though we may love our country, the rest of the world doesn’t always love us back. Our policies and ideologies have inspired foes that range from giant world powers,…
Whether you’re gearing up for an international escape or a local road trip, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the thrill of travel. But before you hit “book” on that next well-deserved vacation, be mindful of these red flags to steer clear of online travel scams. Avoid being one of the many Americans who…
