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How the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad

Editor's Note

Though careful planning and common sense are two of the best ways to stay safe when traveling, security situations can rapidly change in foreign countries.

That's why the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to help keep you up-to-date on relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. consulate, wherever in the world you happen to be.

Here's how to sign up for STEP.

Who should register for STEP?

The primary purpose of STEP is to keep American citizens safe. Here are a few reasons to consider signing up:

You're traveling to an area that's politically unstable or prone to violence.
You're taking an extended trip (several weeks or months) where you have limited Wi-Fi access.
You're traveling for a major event, summit or conference (like the World Cup) that might become the target of protests or attacks.
You're a minority traveling to an area where you might be targeted as an outsider.
You'd like an additional safety resource during your trip, no matter the destination.

Some group trips or programs may require participants to enroll. For instance, I had to enroll when I studied abroad in college.

In the event of a rapidly deteriorating situation, such as a coup or natural disaster, STEP can connect you with evacuation efforts or provide important safety information and help you take care of yourself.

How to register

To register, create an account and fill in your personal information and emergency contact details.

Once your account is set up, log in and register each specific trip or residence abroad. You'll repeat this process for each new trip to receive STEP alerts.

You'll then be prompted to enroll any upcoming trips to receive STEP notifications. Select the nearest U.S. consulate to where you'll be staying. Note that "destination" refers to the country (not a specific city, state or territory), and the available options will auto-fill as you type.

Next, fill in the dates of your trip, the reason you're traveling and how you can be reached while abroad. If there are any timely alerts specific to your destination, you'll also be alerted of that information at this point.

Bottom line

It may be helpful to think of STEP like travel insurance: If all goes well, you won't need to use it, and you might even forget you have it.

However, if things go wrong while you're traveling abroad, your local U.S. embassy is the quickest way to get help; the embassy's goal is to ensure all Americans in its jurisdiction are safe and accounted for. This is when STEP notifications can become incredibly important.

The entire sign-up process takes less than five minutes, and the trip registration process takes about 60 seconds.

For additional resources, be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter and bookmark its international travel page for the latest country alerts.

STEP: What It Is and How to Enroll

By Amanda Wowk

November 01, 2023

Travel Tips

In a recent TripIt survey , more than half of Americans ranked personal safety and well-being as their top priority when booking a trip. And during times of heightened tensions around the world, being informed about your destinations—including their levels of safety—can help you enjoy your trip as planned.

Americans have myriad resources available to help them to stay safe when traveling abroad; registering for the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program is one of them. If you’re unfamiliar with the program and its benefits, I’ve outlined both below—as well as shared my own experience with STEP on a recent international trip.

What is STEP?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a free service for Americans (U.S. citizens and nationals) to register a trip or move abroad with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Americans can enroll in the program by creating an account on the U.S. Department of State’s dedicated website and completing a profile. During enrollment, you’ll provide the details of your trip(s), including the address(es) of where you’ll be staying while abroad.

Once you’ve registered, you can log in to add upcoming travel plans and keep your profile (e.g., contact information) up to date.

Why should American travelers enroll in STEP?

Enrolling in STEP offers travelers two primary benefits: (1) local U.S. Embassy and Consular personnel know where to find you if an emergency situation arises, and (2) you receive pertinent alerts, such as demonstration and security alerts, updates to travel advisory levels, and flight departure/evacuation information.

On my recent trip to Türkiye, I experienced receiving some of these alerts for the first time. Since I had added the details of my trip to my STEP account, I received notifications (both ahead of and during my trip) about demonstrations that would be taking place throughout the country, when they’d be taking place, as well as guidance for how to stay safe in light of these events. If I needed assistance, I knew where to find the nearest U.S. Embassy and Consulate locations as they were listed in the body of the emails.

Tip: TripIt Pro’s International Travel Tools feature displays embassy information, as well as other country-specific information for travelers headed abroad.

During my trip, I also received the Department of State’s Worldwide Caution alert advising U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution—regardless of their current location. ( More on what this means for travelers here. )

Receiving these alerts heightened my vigilance—especially as a solo traveler —and helped me make informed decisions during my trip.

What else can travelers do to stay safe while traveling?

Registering for STEP is just one tool in your safety toolkit. Below are some additional tips and resources you can use to stay safe while traveling.

1. Consult TripIt’s Neighborhood Safety Scores

TripIt’s Neighborhood Safety Scores , powered by GeoSure , will show you the level of safety for the neighborhoods  you’re visiting. You can access  hyperlocal safety ratings  for myriad categories along any point within your TripIt itinerary for more than 65,000 cities and neighborhoods, including scores for overall safety, health and medical, physical harm, women’s safety, political freedoms, theft, and LGBTQ safety.

You can also set a personal risk level within the Neighborhood Safety Scores feature. When you set your personal risk level, TripIt will flag any plan with a safety score that’s above your threshold. For instance, if you’ve booked a dinner reservation in an unknown neighborhood, you can check the TripIt app to see if that area is above your risk level at night. Armed with this information, you might opt to take a cab there instead of walking.

"Do your homework,” said Michael Becker, CEO of GeoSure. “Know the safety of where your hotel is located and its immediate vicinity; know where—and how safe—the meeting locations in your TripIt itinerary are. Whether it’s work meetings, dinners, concerts or events, or something else—know the area and what safety looks like at those locations.”

2. Share your travel plans with someone back home

“I always give someone back home like my mom or a good friend our itinerary in case of an emergency so they know where to reach us, where we should be, and when we are expected to be home,” said Kamree Price , family travel expert and founder of Our Family Passport.

Kendyl Grender , budget-travel hacking coach, also makes sure to share her travel plans with her parents—just in case.

And one time, that capability was particularly useful: “I was in Germany in March 2020—the early days of COVID—and my mom couldn’t get ahold of me. But thanks to TripIt, she could see on my itinerary where I was staying, and was able to call the inn directly to get in touch with me.”

3. Trust your instincts

"Listen to your gut,” said Peter Shankman , founder, author, and serial entrepreneur. “More than anything else—more than personal protection devices, more than security cameras—the simple act of listening to your gut will save you time and time again. Always trust your instincts."

Check out more traveler safety resources, including safety tips from travel experts , the safest cities for women travelers and LGBTQ+ travelers , as well as tips for traveling solo .

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About the Author

Amanda Wowk

Amanda Wowk is a freelance writer, founder of Amanda Wowk Creative — a content writing services company — and avid traveler. Her experience spans the travel industry, supporting clients in travel tech, luxury travel, and consumer brands. When she's not helping clients tell their stories, Amanda writes about her own experiences to inspire others to travel as far, wide, and frequently as possible.

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What Is The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program And Why Do You Need It?

News and Tips
Travel News

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and many countries post record-breaking daily or weekly case counts, the U.S. State Department now cautions that U.S. citizens who travel internationally may face unexpected challenges related to the coronavirus as they attempt to return to the U.S. or travel from one foreign country to another.

One of those challenges is to simply stay up-to-date on various countries’ travel restrictions.

That’s because governments around the world continue to implement new requirements and even impose new travel restrictions as they strive to keep COVID-19 case counts down in their own countries. The problem, however, is that changes are often implemented quickly with little advance notice, which may take those traveling by surprise.

The good news is that the State Department offers a service that helps U.S. citizens and nationals stay informed about changing conditions in countries they are visiting or plan to visit.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. That way, they are able to quickly receive important information from the U.S. embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, which helps them make informed decisions about travel plans. Another benefit is that enrolling a trip in STEP makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers with important information about natural disasters or civil unrest in their destination country, or to contact the traveler in the event of a family emergency.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about STEP before your next international trip.

Created To Assist U.S. Citizens

Consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates can help U.S. citizens who run into legal, medical, or financial difficulties while visiting other countries. For example, if a U.S. citizen’s passport is stolen while traveling, staff at an embassy or consulate can help that traveler get a replacement passport. They can also provide the names of English-speaking doctors or local attorneys, as well as provide information about dangerous conditions.

“In a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or severe political instability, the Department of State often takes an active role in providing information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area,” the State Department explains . “We encourage all U.S. citizens travelling or residing overseas to notify the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of their contact information so that, in an emergency, we can contact them to provide important safety and security information, or support during a crisis. Enrolling in STEP is an easy way to send your contact information to us online.”

In addition to Travel Advisories, U.S. embassies and consulates often send alerts about emerging situations in a country. It’s important to enroll your international trip in STEP because these alerts are written specifically for a traveler’s dates of travel and destination.

You can learn more about the STEP service here and create an account to enroll a trip here .

Know Before You Go

If you are planning an international trip, the State Department has two more suggestions for you. The first is to visit its Country Information webpage so you can learn about your destination.

“We provide safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each Country Information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you,” the State Department explains. “Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to decide whether traveling to that country is right for you.”

The State Department’s Country Information web page may be found here .

The State Department’s second suggestion is to visit its Traveler’s Checklist webpage, which is found here .

That page includes information explaining how to get informed about conditions in a country you plan to visit and ensure you have all necessary documents. It also provides information about three types of insurance: health insurance, evacuation insurance, and additional insurance for unexpected expenses such as those from interrupted or delayed travel and lost luggage.

While you’re thinking about international travel, be sure to read all of our travel news coverage as well as our COVID-19 coverage, including 6 Things The State Department Says You Should Do If You’re Traveling Internationally and 21 Expert Tips For Traveling Internationally Right Now .

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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Nov 7, 2023

Consider Enrolling In the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Before your Next Overseas Trip

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP, gives you essential safety information and conditions directly from the Embassy. The Embassy can contact you in any natural disaster or family emergency. And lastly, STEP can help your family get in touch with you in case of an emergency at home.

The Manual ~ Traveling should be an adventure — and if your safety is in question when traveling abroad, those adventures might have to come to an abrupt halt. While most international travelers are familiar with programs like TSA Precheck and TSA Global Entry, there’s a third United States government program that helps Americans traveling out of the country called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you’re abroad and the unthinkable happens — injury, illness, a lost passport, or even a global emergency — it’s one step you’ll be glad you took.

How to register for STEP

Getting started with STEP is easy. Setting up an account takes about five minutes, and registering a trip takes about one minute.

Here’s how it works:

Create your account: On the STEP website, create an account and input your personal details along with emergency contacts.

That’s it. This minimal investment of time will pay off when you find yourself in need of urgent assistance while traveling abroad". ~ The Manual .

Source: www.themanual.com/travel/tsa step program travel abroad

This article is shared with you by Militaryliving.com , your premier source for temporary Military Lodging , Military Space-A Air Travel, and Military RV Camping information.

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Travel tips and ideas, navigating safe travels: the smart traveler enrollment program (step).

Learn how STEP can enhance your travel experiences by providing timely updates and assistance in emergencies. Explore the benefits, easy enrollment process, and helpful tips for your next journey abroad.

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, whether you're exploring new cultures, traveling for business, or visiting loved ones abroad. Yet, amidst the worldwide caution and recent tensions in various locations around the world, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. One way to enhance your travel experience and ensure your security is by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. In this blog post, we'll delve into what STEP is, how to enroll, and the myriad benefits it offers to travelers as well as how travel protection can help you.

Understanding the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State to help U.S. citizens and nationals stay informed, safe, and connected while traveling internationally. STEP is an essential tool designed to assist you in various ways throughout your journey.

How to Enroll in STEP

Enrolling in STEP is a straightforward process, and it can be completed in a few simple steps:

1. Visit the STEP Website: Go to the STEP website, which is easily accessible through the U.S. Department of State's official website.

2. Create an Account: Click on the "Create Account" button if you're a first-time user. You'll need to provide your personal information, including your name, contact details, and passport information.

3. Trip Registration: After creating your account, you can add trips by entering the details of your upcoming travel plans, including your destination, travel dates, and any other relevant information.

4. Emergency Contact Information: It's essential to provide emergency contact information, such as a family member or friend who can be reached in case of an emergency.

5. Confirmation: Once you've completed the enrollment process, you'll receive a confirmation email with the details of your trip registration.

Benefits of Enrolling in STEP

Now that you understand how to enroll in STEP let's explore the numerous benefits it offers:

1. Safety and Security Updates: One of the primary advantages of enrolling in STEP is that it keeps you informed about the safety and security conditions in your travel destination. You'll receive timely alerts and notifications about any potential risks or emergencies, allowing you to make informed decisions while abroad.

2. Assistance in Emergencies: In case of a natural disaster, civil unrest, or other emergencies in your destination, STEP enables the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you and provide assistance. Whether you need evacuation assistance or simply guidance on local conditions, STEP helps ensure you stay connected with the appropriate authorities.

3. Locate Loved Ones: If there's a family emergency back home while you're traveling, STEP can assist in reaching you and connecting you with your loved ones. This ensures you're always in the loop, even when you're far from home.

4. Facilitates Passport Replacement: In the unfortunate event that your passport is lost or stolen during your travels, STEP can help you navigate the process of obtaining a replacement passport and getting back on your journey.

5. Consular Services: When you enroll in STEP, you gain access to a range of consular services, including assistance with legal issues, medical emergencies, and information about local resources.

6. Peace of Mind: Perhaps the most significant benefit of enrolling in STEP is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that you're connected to your government and have access to essential information and support can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Additional Tips for Safe Travel

While enrolling in STEP is a valuable step towards safe and informed travel, here are some additional tips to enhance your security and well-being while abroad:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check for travel advisories and updates from the U.S. Department of State and the local authorities of your destination.

2. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Having the right travel insurance can be your safety net- visit our website to learn more about how travel protection can help you.

3. Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of your destination to avoid any legal issues.

4. Stay Connected: Keep your mobile phone and important documents secure, and have backup copies in case of theft or loss.

5. Emergency Contacts: Always carry a list of emergency contacts, including the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, local authorities, and your emergency contact at home.

Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a proactive step you can take to ensure your safety and well-being while traveling internationally. It provides you with valuable information, assistance in emergencies, and peace of mind, to help make your journey more enjoyable. So, the next time you plan an international trip, take a few minutes to enroll in STEP, and embark on your adventure with confidence.

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How to Enroll in STEP (and Why You Should) | Meagan Sanders

As the world grapples with political tensions, terrorist attacks, civil unrest, and natural disasters, frequent travelers know that staying safe while abroad is a serious concern.

Luckily for U.S. citizens, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State to ensure that all Americans traveling or living abroad stay safe, secure and informed.

Here’s how to enroll yourself or your executives in this program, as well as the many benefits you’ll receive for doing so.

Why Should You Enroll in STEP?

Being a smart traveler is about knowing where potential dangers lurk. When you participate in STEP (whether on your own or on behalf of your executive), you’ll receive up-to-date news, information, warnings, advisories and travel alerts about your travel location, straight from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at your destination.

Depending on the specific STEP features you take advantage of, the program can:

Automatically notify you of any new Travel Advisories issued for countries where you or your executives regularly travel.
Deliver time-sensitive Travel Alerts regarding “specific safety and security concerns in a country, such as demonstrations, crime trends, and weather events.” These Alerts are more specific than the broader Travel Advisories, and are only issued to those who register their trips with STEP, as they are tailored specifically to destinations and dates of travel.
Proactively reach out to citizens traveling or residing overseas via the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to provide assistance in the event of a local emergency.

While U.S. Embassies and Consulates can assist if you encounter issues while traveling, their primary goal is facilitating positive relationships between countries — not getting travelers out of bad situations. The key defining feature of STEP is its proactive nature. If you haven’t registered your trip with STEP, the State Department won’t know you or your executive is in the country in order to reach out and offer assistance.

How to Enroll in STEP

STEP offers travelers three primary means of communication, depending on how frequently they travel:

The ability to register a one-time trip
An account creation feature intended to streamline the process for regular travelers
A country-specific alert service, independent of any travel plans

Register a One-Time Trip

To register a single trip for your executive (either to test the service or if they travel internationally infrequently), click the image that reads “Traveling? Enroll a trip and get Alerts.”

You will first be prompted to confirm your executive’s citizenship status and travel plans:

Answering “No” to either question will redirect you to the country-specific alerts registration service, as STEP is intended for use by U.S. citizens only. Next, you’ll be asked to agree with the program’s Privacy Act Information:

Checking the box will make the next section (“Traveler Information”) accessible. Here, you will be prompted to complete your executive’s basic profile information. Use the “Comments” section to include information that may be useful in helping local embassies determine when you or your executive should be contacted or what type of assistance they may require while traveling.

The “Traveler Information” screen will also prompt you to confirm your executive’s contact information. If they commonly use multiple forms of contact, use the “Add Additional Email” or “Add Additional Phone” for their information.

Clicking “Next” after completing this section will take you to the “Emergency Contact Information” section. Though this section is optional, it’s a good idea to include a dedicated emergency contact, such as yourself, a spouse or other appropriate person. Just be sure the person you include here is not someone who normally travels with your executive.

You will be asked to provide contact information for this person as well, before clicking “Next” to move on to the “Itinerary Info” section. If you have multiple stakeholders you’d like to associate with your executive’s trip, use the “Add Additional Email” and “Add Additional Phone” links to register their contact information.

Next, you’ll be asked to provide information about your executive’s destination, as well as contact information that will be active while your executive is traveling.

Note the “Add Additional Destination” link at the bottom of the section. If your executive will be visiting multiple countries on their next trip, use this feature to make sure they receive alerts and travel assistance for each destination.

Clicking “Next” takes you to a screen where you will be prompted to add details for any additional passengers traveling with your executive. If your executive will be traveling alone, skip this section and click “Next” again.

Once the details of your trip have been entered correctly, the STEP enrollment tool will display any pertinent details regarding travel to your executive’s destination. You may see specific alerts or general guidance (as below), depending on the advisories that have been issued for your executive’s destination.

Clicking “Next” after reviewing this information will take you to a final confirmation screen, which will confirm the details you’ve entered regarding your executive’s trip. Enrollment in STEP is not complete until you’ve clicked the “Finish” button.

Register for an Account

If your executive travels frequently to international destinations, consider registering for an account in order to minimize the data entry required to receive STEP enrollment for each trip.

Begin by clicking the green-highlighted image that reads “Frequent Traveler? Create an account” on the home screen. Many of the screens in this process will look similar to those associated with registering a single trip, beginning with the need to agree to the STEP Privacy Act.

One new addition, however, is the inclusion of an account registry screen, where you’ll select the username, password and security question to be associated with the new account. If you’re creating an account for your executive, add these answers to their travel brief , should they need to access the account on their own while traveling.

Add your executive’s information to the “Traveler Information” screen that appears next. If you elect to leave notes in the “Comments” box, however, keep the information generic. You’ll be able to provide details on needs relating to specific trips or destinations later on; this enrollment process applies to your entire account.

Enter your executive’s information in the contact fields that follow. As in the trip-specific registration process above, use the “Add Additional Email” and “Add Additional Phone” links to include contact information for key stakeholders surrounding your executive.

As before, you will have the option to add details to the “Emergency Contact Information” section. Use the fields provided to enter your contact information, as well as the email addresses and phone numbers of other necessary stakeholders.

Clicking “Next” here will cause your account to be created. A confirmation screen will display, which will review the information entered.

Clicking “Finish” allows you to view the newly-created account and/or add a trip:

Clicking on the “Add a Trip/Residence Abroad” button leads you to a more simplified version of the single trip reservation process described earlier. You can also use the links on this screen to change your executive’s account password or to edit profile information—which can be especially useful if you need to add a new emergency contact or update the info associated with existing contacts.

As a note, if you manage the travel of multiple executives or family members, STEP offers an “Organization/Group Account” option that can be managed online.

Register for Country-Specific Alerts

Finally, if you don’t need to register a trip or traveler, but would like to access U.S. Department of State travel advisories, click the red-highlighted image that reads “Staying at Home? Get Travel Advisories.”

On the simplified screen that appears, all you need to do to enroll is to enter your name, email address and the countries for which you’d like advisories (or your executive’s information, if you’re subscribing them to relevant alerts). You can also use this screen to unsubscribe from alerts for which you’ve enrolled yourself or your executives in the past.

Though enrolling for these alerts won’t grant you access to all of the notification features associated with registering a trip through STEP, they’re a great way to stay on top of local conditions in specific areas. If, for example, your country has branches in multiple countries, the State Department’s alerts can notify you of issues in the area, whether or not you plan to travel there.

Registering for STEP

Enrolling in STEP is easy—and, even better, it’s free. Make registering upcoming trips a part of your regular pre-trip planning process. At best, your executive will never need to take advantage of the full breadth of services provided by the program. But should an emergency occur while they’re traveling abroad, they’ll be in good hands with the full support of the U.S. Department of State.

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Why U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before international travel

U.S. citizens are facing many challenges when attempting to travel internationally in the age of COVID. Achieving a successful mission requires using every tool in the arsenal, maximizing resources to reduce risk and increase operational flexibility.

Enrolling in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) when traveling abroad is an excellent tool and should be considered a best practice in helping minimize risk by registering American travelers directly with consulate resources along their itinerary.

STEP provides access to U.S. resources overseas

STEP improves American travelers access to more than 300 U.S. Embassy and Consulate locations and more than 50,000 foreign U.S. Services personnel stationed worldwide.

How STEP can help you when traveling abroad

Travelers enrolled in STEP are able to make easier connections to emergency services during natural disasters, civil unrest or even during a family crisis. In addition, participants receive timely, accurate and relevant Travel Advisories from local sources.

STEP connects American travelers to embassy services and resources during emergency and non-emergency such as:

State Dept. – Travel Advisories
Natural disasters
Safety conditions of your destination
Legal advice like finding local attorneys
Issuing new passports
Evacuation in emergency situations
Registering a birth or death, notarization of important documents when abroad
Providing support and shelter during civil unrest
Helping family and friends get in touch with you

Without STEP Enrollment, you could see significant delays in obtaining consular support in an emergency situation, and some services may be unavailable.

Who is eligible to enroll in STEP?

All U.S. citizens traveling abroad are eligible for STEP registration.

Do I have to register with STEP for each trip?

Yes, each registration is active for one trip itinerary only, per traveler.

Enrolling in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a best practice for all U.S. citizens traveling abroad. STEP connects American travelers to embassy services and resources during emergency and non-emergency situations overseas. Enrolling in STEP is free but must be done on a per trip basis.

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Adam Hartley, Manager, Global Regulatory Services / Global Emissions Programs, has established himself by helping operators understand and comply with complex regulations worldwide. Adam’s expertise includes: emissions reporting and sustainability, international ops to/from the U.S., international mission feasibility, worldwide charter requirements and operational best practices. He is a FAA licensed dispatcher, currently Chair-Education / NBAA S+D Committee, member of NATA Air Charter Committee and was recognized as Top 40 under 40 in Business Aviation 2018 by NBAA.

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Let's find what you're looking for, step alert update.

A new version of the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) is now available for U.S. citizens and nationals traveling internationally. As before, signing up for STEP allows travelers to subscribe to email alerts and updates from the nearest U.S. embassy and it makes it easier for the State Department to contact travelers in the case of a large-scale emergency.

All students currently enrolled in STEP have gotten or will shortly get an email through their STEP registration sharing this update and prompting them to sign in with the new portal. Embassies are instructing enrollees to "visit step .state.gov to enroll in the updated STEP to set your preferences and continue receiving alerts and messages from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."

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Florida company’s space balloon takes big step toward first human flight

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The weekend trip was a success for Space Perspective, the company that has more than 1,800 people waiting for their chance to take balloon rides in a posh capsule up to the edge of space.

The Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior performed its first uncrewed test flight soaring to an altitude of 100,000 feet, marking a big step toward the Brevard County space tourism company’s march toward its first trip with humans on board next year.

“I could have been in it,” Space Perspective cofounder Jane Poynter said Thursday while climbing aboard the company vessel MS Voyager that hauled the capsule back into port. “It worked that well. Everything went so well.”

The MS in the ship name stands for “marine spaceport.” It set out last week from Port Canaveral traveling down the coast and into the Gulf of Mexico for the eventual test flight off the coast of St. Petersburg on Sunday.

Many of the company’s 130 employees and their families were on hand to welcome the ship back at port as it docked alongside the likes of SpaceX’s recovery vessels at North Cargo Berth 8 while a lone Carnival cruise ship was docked across the turning basin at the port.

Poynter approached the ship with arms spread wide in a welcoming gesture, a grin ear-to-ear before shouting out welcome-home greetings to many of the 38 crew on board.

The sun gleamed off the 16-foot-diameter, silver metal globe with a teardrop-shaped stem nestled in a cradle aboard the ship like a massive golf ball upon a tee, except also held in place with cables attached to steel trusses anchored to the ship deck.

Reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, though, were the prime feature of the capsule – what the company says are the largest windows made for something flying to such heights, designed to offer 360-degree views during flight.

“One of the challenges with spaceflight is, when you’re at altitude and there’s no atmosphere outside, you actually end up having to get rid of heat,” Poynter said. “So the larger the windows, the more heat you have to get rid of because the heat is pouring in during the day, which is when we fly.”

She said the team did a lot of work on different kinds of film for the windows that could keep out the heat, but not change the view.

The altitude achieved on flight is not deemed space, but nearly 19 miles high, which is the company’s goal so customers see the curvature of the Earth and the black of space.

The much-pricier Virgin Galactic suborbital rocket launches venture above 50 miles altitude, what the Federal Aviation Administration deems as having gone to space. Blue Origin’s suborbital New Shepard rockets travel past the Karman line at more than 62 miles altitude – the internationally recognized altitude for having flown to space.

Space Perspective, though, taps into a market that doesn’t require training and can fly much more frequently. Plus the company touts the carbon-neutral aspect of the trips that only need hydrogen gas for the balloon to take flight.

The venture that began in 2019 has picked up pace since 2023 with Poynter saying she expects to be among the first people to fly its first human spaceflight in 2025 with customer flights possible by either the end of next year or in early 2026.

“So 18 months ago, we had barely a part made,” she said. “So it took roughly 18 months to build it, test it, and fly it, which is why I think that’s incredibly fast. I mean, just to say that again, normally it’s years and years and years to develop.”

The company had performed one other uncrewed flight with a stripped-down test capsule back in 2021, but this one was designed to approximate what humans would experience on a trip.

“We had all the pressure-control systems, the thermal-control systems, atmospheric-control systems, the humidity-control systems,” Poynter said. “I mean, basically everything that you would need to have people on board.”

She said the splashdown was about 11 mph.

“It was very gentle all the way through the flight, and it’s going to be very accessible,” she said noting the company’s potential customer base won’t be limited by age or mobility, for the most part.

MS Voyager actually home ports down in Fort Pierce, but for now uses Port Canaveral to pick up and drop off the capsule.

The ship is equipped with what looks like the world’s largest taffy-making machine, a mechanism with a series of four massive rollers that are used to deploy the balloon on liftoff.

The capsule is constructed at the company’s facilities in Brevard County along with the 550-foot-long space balloons needed to bring it to such heights. The capsule hangs another 100 feet below the balloon so it’s 650 feet from top to bottom during flight. It has considerable width as well.

“When all stretched out, the balloon is over 300 feet across,” said Taber MacCallum, the other cofounder of the company. “So you could take a football field, just spin it inside the balloon.”

He said that even though the balloon ascends to an area that is higher than 99% of Earth’s atmosphere, the interior will be similar to a plane ride. The capsules will be laid out like a comfortable lounge with passengers provided meal and cocktail service while having access to Wi-Fi and even a restroom.

“Inside the cabin feels just like you’re in a business jet, except it’s much bigger and a better view,” he said.

The test flight wasn’t without issues, though.

“There’s always things,” he said. “We had some communication anomalies, and we had some control anomalies on some parts of the release systems, and so there was stuff, as any first time out there.”

That said, the endeavor was considered a success, with the capsule decked out with cameras and sensors galore to prove it could maintain cabin pressure and stability while keeping a comfortable temperature within, while also testing out recovery operations after splashdown.

“The main thing that we accomplished was we demonstrated we have a capsule that works,” he said. “It’s thermally controlled, it’s pressure controlled. We have a balloon that will take us to the edge of space that we built ourselves.”

The next step is to pore through terabytes of data collected, view the video footage and compare it to what MacCallum called a digital twin, a computer model that plotted out what the company expected to see in terms of “every aspect of life support, thermal control, structure, pressure, ascent, rate, splash, all these things,” he said.

Changes will then be built into the next capsule.

Once complete, the flights, which run $125,000 per person, look to take up crews of eight plus a captain on roughly six-hour flights, which take two hours to get up to altitude, spend two hours hovering above Earth and then two hours down with a splashdown in the ocean.

“I will say that we have got such demand, honestly, the price is probably going to go up before it goes down,” Poynter said. “But obviously, our long-term vision is to really bring this down dramatically.

“Maybe we’ll have another product that we bring online in the future that allows us to really bring the price down dramatically, so that more and more people are able to go and have this incredible experience.”

Its launch plans have shifted since the venture was started. Initially launches were going to be from the former space shuttle landing facility at Kennedy Space Center with landings in the Gulf of Mexico, but now the company is sticking with maritime launch vessels.

“We’re going to be able to fly off of Miami. We’ll do some flights maybe even off of Puerto Rico. We’ll do some flights off of the Gulf side down by the Keys,” Poynter said of the company’s initial plans. “We’ll be able to move around, and it’s going to depend on the time of year as well, because we’ve got to make sure where there’s really good weather.”

Long-term plans plan for a much-grander scale.

“We’ll take it slow at first, but we are planning to get to about 140 flights per location per year, and then have multiple locations around the world,” Poynter said.

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Bright Ideas in Travel 2023

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What constitutes a Bright Idea? Since launching this franchise last September, the Traveler team has continued to revisit and refine the concept to get at just what makes an idea worth celebrating. Is it, for instance, building something that’s never been done before, or finding a way to grow something that, at scale, can create outsized impact? Is it something that pushes an existing concept in a totally unexpected direction, or that fundamentally re-frames the ways in which we think about the world of travel? As it turns out, it’s all of the above.

This list honors the ideas that are approaching travel’s most pressing issues with thoughtfulness and zeal—ideas that straddle the realms of tech, design, sustainability, community, inclusion, accessibility, and conservation. From airports making strides towards universal design and destinations sharing stewardship of lands with their Indigenous peoples to hotel programs that keep local craft tradition alive and next-gen booking platforms that are marrying efficiency with personalization, these 53 innovators are changing the way we travel, one bright idea at a time.

Read more about the Future of Travel here .

Air Travel | Cruise | Destinations | Hotels | Organizations | Planning Tools | Rail Travel | Space Travel

Portland International Airport’s new terminal will have a lattice wooden roof.

Portland International Airport | 📐 🌱

The idea: When it opens in 2025, Portland International Airport’s (PDX) new main terminal will be the largest locally sourced timber project of its kind, with much of the wood coming from close partnerships with regional Indigenous communities. Why it matters: Timber has the lowest embodied carbon impact of any mainstream construction material, and this project demonstrates how the travel sector can lead in developing equitable sourcing methods to make it more sustainable. How it works: Imagine applying the farm-to-table ethos to sourcing materials for a historic airport renovation and you get a sense of how Portlanders approach construction (“forest to frame”). When PDX kicked off its $2 billion renovation, it wanted to pioneer a locavore model for sourcing timber. For the new terminal’s lattice wooden roof, the project team led by ZGF Architects and Sustainable Northwest spent two years developing partnerships with small, sustainably managed forests. In all, they’ve sourced 2.6 million board feet of timber from within a 300-mile radius of the new terminal, with much of the wood provided by Yakama Nation, Skokomish Indian Tribe, and Coquille Indian Tribe. In doing so, they’ve gone a long way to bolster the project’s sustainability credentials and avoid extractive clear-cutting practices.

Alaska Airlines | 🌱 🚀

The idea: The airline is working on a hydrogen-electric propulsion system that will achieve zero carbon emissions in flight technology. Why it matters: Zero-emission flights reduce the negative impacts of the aviation industry on air quality. How it works: In late 2021, Alaska Airlines and zero-emissions engine developer ZeroAvia announced plans to create a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying a 76-seat regional aircraft. The engine, called ZA2000, will produce between 2,000 and 5,000 kilowatts of power with a 500-mile range and keep flights free of CO 2 emissions by using hydrogen fuel cells to power the electric motors that spin the plane’s propellers. ZeroAvia engineers are currently evaluating aircrafts to determine the best location and configuration of the onboard systems—including the hydrogen tanks—with a plan to roll out flight testing in the coming years. This effort to create a more environmentally friendly aircraft is part of the “Novel Propulsion” pathway, Alaska’s five-part goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, was presented to ZeroAvia in May; it’ll be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to expand the reach of zero-emissions flight technology.

Hawaiian Airlines | 🌱 🤝

The idea: Hawaiian Airlines is ushering in the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians by focusing on innovative collaborations. One of the most impactful partnerships was announced in August 2022 and features an ongoing relationship with Honolulu Community College (HonCC) to help more local students graduate into flourishing careers. Why it matters: The Hawaiian mindset of mālama—to care for people, places, and communities—is at the core of Hawaiian Airlines’ Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), which since launching in 2016 has hired 55 apprentices—10 of whom are current apprentices, and 35 of whom have already transitioned to full-time aircraft mechanics. The airline is creating pathways to economic opportunity for its local communities. How it works: AMAP students not only receive training at HonCC but are also given the opportunity to work part-time shifts at Hawaiian Airlines’ aircraft-maintenance hangar. In addition to their studies, they’re able to receive on-the-job experience with training instructors to repair and maintain airplanes and parts while earning an income.

Kansas City International Airport’s gleaming new terminal

Kansas City International Airport | 🚀 📐🤝

The idea: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) unveiled a shiny new $1.5 billion terminal in 2023 , providing a blueprint for what a truly inclusive airport should be. Why it matters: The upgraded MCI does a lot more than upgrade basic amenities: It shows what an airport should look like in 2023 and beyond. Throughout the entire design process, the Kansas City Aviation Department worked closely with local organizations, including like The Whole Person, Variety KC, and Dementia Friendly KC, to ensure the terminal was as inclusive as possible. How it works: The terminal—complete with new-to-MCI features like Clear kiosks, TSA PreCheck lines, and an impressive array of restaurants and bars—feels like a much-anticipated gift to locals. Inclusive details can be seen throughout the airport, from gender-neutral bathrooms to visual paging boards that alert deaf passengers to any flight changes. Perhaps the coolest new feature of the terminal is the Kansas City Air Travel Experience Simulation, a room that lets travelers walk through every part of the flying experience before actually heading to their gate. Whether it’s a family traveling with neurodivergent children or a solo traveler with aerophobia, anyone is welcome to book the experience online before their travel day.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport | 🚀 ♿ 🤝

The idea: The airport is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to translate gate announcements and display them on nearby screens in real time, so travelers who are deaf or with reduced hearing don’t miss a crucial word. Why it matters: Most timely flight updates are currently only announced over loudspeakers at departure gates in airports around the world, excluding travelers who can’t hear them from receiving essential information. How it works: In December 2022, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) became the first U.S. airport to pilot talk-to-text technology for live announcements at airline gates, which MSP developed by leveraging Deepgram’s speech-to-text AI. The initial pilot—which includes five departure gates—captures every update made at the gate and displays it on screens as the announcers speak each word. The accessibility breakthrough began with input from MSP’s Travelers with Disabilities Committee. So far, the airport confirms user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it intends to evaluate a larger rollout across MSP’s two terminals. It’s the latest development in the airport’s inclusivity initiatives; these also include an ongoing expansion of hearing loops, which deliver all announcements directly to travelers’ hearing aids.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) | 🌱 🚀

The idea: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has officially welcomed bookings for the first commercial flights on electric planes, scheduled to take off in 2028. Why it matters: With air travel contributing to about 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions, the Stockholm-based carrier brings fuel-free service within reach for the general public—the most tangible step in the airline industry’s goal to operate with net-zero emissions by 2050. How it works: In June 2023, SAS released reservations on all 30 seats for three inaugural flights on yet-to-be-announced routes in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. This is just one part of the carrier’s stepping-stone goals, including 25 percent lower emissions overall by 2025 (compared to 2005) and fossil-free domestic flights by 2030. The company also plans to cut noise pollution in half (compared to 2010) and operate solely with sustainable materials. By the end of next year, biofuel contributions will be built into the price of airfare to offset travel footprints.

LATAM Airlines | 🦏

The idea: The LATAM Airlines Group set its sights on a radical new sustainability strategy , achievable through meaningful partnerships with regional organizations dedicated to conservation and reforestation. Why it matters: Strategic partnerships protect natural heritage, combat climate change through greater CO 2 capture, and help improve the quality of life for local communities. In this particular strategy, LATAM targets to offset 50 percent of domestic emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. How it works: In October 2021, the Latin American airline announced its alliance with CO2BIO —a project dedicated to the conservation of the Colombian Orinoquía, an area that covers more than 1,400,00 acres of flooded savanna and is home to more than 2,000 species of wildlife and 700 families. The initiative has the potential to capture 11.3 million tons of CO 2 by 2030. To expand its efforts, LATAM is planning to extend reach across the region with projects focused on the conservation of crucial ecosystems in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru in the near future.

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The idea: Following the automobile industry’s mass migration from fossil fuels, a new era of electrified ferries is being pioneered by players like Norwegian firm Hyke. Why it matters: With the international maritime sector responsible for roughly 3 percent of global emissions and with air pollution contributing to over 4 million deaths annually, the electrification of ships scores big points for improved planetary and human health. How it works: Powered by a mix of solar panels and batteries, Hyke’s 50-passenger smart city ferries tout wide picture windows, open-air decks, and autonomous-ready technology. Launching the electric ferries in Norway—in Fredrikstad in August and expanding to Haugesund later in 2023—Hyke has ambitions to bring its emissions- and noise-free vessels to worldwide waterways as some cities revive urban waterborne transport as a sustainable solution. Apart from the eco-slant, more electric ferries can help ease inner-city congestion and increase connectivity to less-serviced urban locales—not to mention, they’re just plain fun. Next up: Hyke will operate four e-ferries along the Seine during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Hurtigruten Norway | 📐🌱

The idea: Hurtigruten Norway commits to building its first zero-emission cruise ship by 2030 under the project name Sea Zero . Why it matters: Post-pandemic, cruising has come back stronger than ever, and with it, emissions equaling up to 12,000 cars per ship. On average, passengers on a seven-day cruise through Antarctica produce more CO 2 emissions than the average European in an entire year. How it works: Norway’s Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and Hurtigruten Norway have joined efforts, alongside a consortium of 12 maritime partners, in the pursuit of emission-free marine travel. Currently in a two-year research and development phase, with construction planned to begin in 2027, the vessel’s goal will be achieved by using electric engines equipped with batteries that charge in port and will feature retractable sails with solar panels, AI maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, and multiple retractable thrusters. With plans to eventually transform its entire fleet to zero-emission vessels, the company is aiming to improve the greater cruise industry’s sustainability record and future of travel.

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant | 📐🌱

The idea: The French cruise line Ponant has created new technologies that will pave the way for zero-carbon cruising. Why it matters: This year, Ponant announced a massive initiative to create a newbuild ship (the aptly named Swap2Zero) that will have zero greenhouse gas emissions and a carbon footprint that diminishes throughout its life cycle. Set to unveil in 2030, the project falls in line with many countries’ emerging regulations on emissions and will (hopefully) set a new precedent for the shipbuilding industry as a whole—namely choosing materials and equipment that put decarbonization at the forefront. How it works: With the help of hand-selected specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy, Ponant has designed six technologies that will make Swap2Zero a carbon-neutral ship. Stand-out designs include sails that will provide 50 percent of the propulsion energy using wind power, solar panels integrated into the ship and sails, and fuel cells operating on liquid hydrogen while actively recycling any water produced in the process. The ship will also host scientists and researchers involved in decarbonization technologies to ensure it keeps up with the ever-growing threat of global warming.

DESTINATIONS

Hong kong | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 📐.

The idea: Alongside the Hong Kong government, local architect Marisa Yiu and her team at the Design Trust Futures Studio worked to transform four pocket parks into joyful creative spaces that better reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and local demographics. Why it matters: The UN projects that two-thirds of the world's population, close to 7 billion people, will live in urban areas by 2050. As cities become more densely populated—and the impact of climate change increases—maximizing the physical, emotional, and social benefits of public spaces is becoming more crucial. In Hong Kong, more than 2,000 parks and gardens—many smaller than a pickleball court—are squeezed into awkward-shaped plots of land. How it works: Targeting some of the most neglected parks across the city, the design transformation manifested as spaces with their own vibrant personalities: a brightly colored children’s playground; a Barbie-pink garden with scented grasses and movable chairs and chess tables; a bronze-and-wooded rest area with a gigantic communal table; and much more. As a mark of the Design Trust’s success, the government has now implemented ambitious plans to further develop more than 170 parks across the city.

Muscogee Nation and Macon, Georgia | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🤝 🦏

The idea : A partnership between Macon and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to create Georgia's first national park may lead to their ancestral home, a prehistoric American Indian site reflecting more than 17,000 years of human habitation. Why it matters: As the Muscogee (Creek) Nation ancestral homeland, the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding corridor are home to significant ancestral sites, many of which are still threatened. If legislation passes, it will redesignate not only the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park but the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and other lands in the Ocmulgee Corridor, as the United States’s next National Park and Preserve—the first to be co-managed with a removed tribe. How it works : The Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative is expected to be legislated and sent to the president’s desk for approval. The 3,000-acre park is where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation once lived and built seven sacred mounds, including the Great Temple Mound—a 55-foot-tall ceremonial mound that took an estimated 10 million baskets of hand-hauled dirt to create. If the legislation is passed, the Ocmulgee Mounds will become the country’s 64th national park, with boundaries expanded an additional 50,000 acres.

Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah development is built in the traditional vernacular of the Najd region.

Saudi Arabia | 📐🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Diriyah looks to the country’s past and its local vernacular architecture with the goal of creating a sustainable, human-centric destination rooted in history. Why it matters: Incorporating the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, considered the birthplace of the modern Saudi nation, the $62.3 billion Diriyah development forms a sharp contrast to the neighboring urban sprawl of Riyadh . The initial phase of the project has received Platinum-level LEED for Cities Certification from the US Green Building Council (it’s the first project in the Middle East to receive the recognition). How it works: It’s largely built in the traditional vernacular architecture of the Najd region, which evolved in response to the harsh climate; key features will include passive ventilation systems and thick walls for thermal insulation. Narrow streets and internal courtyards providing shading and natural cooling also make it a walkable, pedestrian-friendly city year-round, with large-scale infrastructure kept underground. The heart of the project, Bujairi Terrace, will eventually be home to 38 hotels (including properties from Capella, Rosewood, and Six Senses) and over 150 fine dining venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants. Plans also include six museums covering Saudi heritage and “Journey of 100 Stories,” a sensory-boosted exhibit highlighting Diriyah’s history.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 🤝

The idea: One of Florida’s top destinations puts inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront of its marketing campaign. Why it matters: Florida and inclusive rarely appear in the same headline these days. So when Fort Lauderdale launched its “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign in October 2022—an initiative hinged on the very concept of inclusivity—it felt as much an act of bravery as a clever marketing initiative. The idea took around three years to bring to fruition (the pandemic certainly didn’t speed things up), but the campaign feels more vital now than ever—especially if other destinations start following suit. How it works: As its name suggests, the “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign is about making travelers (yes, all travelers) feel welcome. Alongside typical draws like shopping and sunny weather, the tourism board is now showcasing accessible beaches, LGBTQ+ neighborhoods and museums, drag shows, and Black-owned restaurants. (Just check out the “Inclusion & Accessibility” tab featured prominently on Visit Lauderdale ’s home page.) The rebranding also included filming new ads and press photos focused on actually including a diverse group of models. The rest of Florida, please take note.

Zanzibar’s marine ecosystem—including its beautiful beaches and sapphire waters—undergirds the country’s Blue Economy project.

Zanzibar | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🌱

The idea: Zanzibar is spending $54 million to create jobs for young citizens, specifically in the fields of ocean-based activities and tourism. Why it matters: Zanzibar is beloved for its white sand beaches and brilliant blue waters, but climate change and overfishing are posing an enormous threat to the island’s marine ecosystem. How it works: The Republic of Tanzania responded to these global perils in the summer of 2023 by launching the Skills Development for Youth Employability in Blue Economy project—a program that helps Zanzibari youth find jobs focused on oceans and coasts. The project will help prepare around 43,000 youth (40 percent of them female) to start their own ocean-based enterprises. Tanzania is following guidelines laid out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has a strategic plan to reach blue-economy parity, with efforts including coral reef restoration, establishing protected marine areas, and promoting safe tourism practices. The initiative is two-fold: preserve the health of Zanzibar's marine ecosystem and provide opportunities for locals—namely women and marginalized communities—to get jobs and generate income via tourism.

Greece’s Ellinikon development is a stark contrast to the country’s ancient sites—but it’s a landmark in urban regeneration projects.

The Ellinikon | 📐🌱

The idea: Athens’s new coastal development is on track to revitalize its defunct airport as Europe’s largest coastal park. The Ellinikon will be an urban center built with sustainability and accessibility from the outset. Why it matters: Ellinikon represents a landmark in smart urban regeneration and will model mixed-use, accessible, and sustainably built communities. How it works: What to do with an abandoned airport? In Athens, the answer was to start from scratch, reimagining the deserted space as a tech-forward, eco-friendly community. The Ellinikon Experience Park will ultimately become a part of The Ellinikon Park. It spans 75 acres and includes more than 900 trees and 80,000 Mediterranean plants. The Ellinikon Experience Centre will introduce visitors to the smart city of the future via digital and VR displays. Still under development are 30 miles of pedestrian walkways and 18 miles of bike lanes, a marina, Vouliagmenis Mall (Europe’s largest at 45 acres), villas, and residences, as well as another 494 acres of parkland, the largest part of which will be delivered in 2026.

Málaga | 📐🌱

The idea: In its efforts to become a true SmartCity, Málaga strives to improve its energy efficiency by promoting startup accelerators focused on city and tourism management improvements, as well as sustainability. Why it matters: Málaga has become a model for other cities in how it approaches technology, modernization, and innovation to support sustainability. This smart city uplifts research and knowledge, as well as the use of new technologies. How it works: Among local government’s energy and sustainability projects over the past decade are the installation of LED technology in more than half of the city’s street lamps and the expansion of the solar-panel network, which has increased energy production and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, other initiatives are focused on digital transformation—specifically Project Centesimal, which aims to create a telecommunications network that measures environmental statistics. In one instance, the new program will use AI to gain insight into the interests, attitudes, and motivations of both locals and travelers during the city's Feria de Málaga festivities. This essential information will aid in decision-making when these events are organized in the future.

Wildlife Conservation Society Belize

The idea: In an effort to combat degradation of future coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) has launched a streamlined program to help reef systems around the world survive. Why it matters: Coral reefs are at risk of extinction in our lifetime if radical change doesn’t take place. How it works: The GBRF, UNESCO, and the Belize government launched a landmark alliance dedicated to protecting the Earth’s endangered reefs. In May 2023, they released a strategy to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from the impacts of climate change—the first big outcome of the partnership. With research in hand from the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program , the GBRF is passing this on through knowledge sharing and effective management systems. The pilot project focuses on four threatened reefs, collaborating with Indigenous communities in Belize to promote reef conservation and sustainable fishing and tourism. Beyond the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the pilot program will work with the Lagoons of New Caledonia, Rock Islands of Palau, and the Ningaloo Coast. The next phase is focused on threatened Pacific reefs.

Peninsula City, Sierra Leone | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: A smart city-development project breaking ground in 2024 is set to revolutionize Sierra Leone’s burgeoning tourism industry by harnessing the country’s natural resources for sustainable growth. Why it matters: In a country still reeling from a decades-long onslaught of punches (civil war, Ebola, and COVID-19, to name a few), Sierra Leone’s rebirth into a burgeoning African tourist destination for urban activities, eco-tourism, and wildlife viewing can serve as a beacon of hope for surrounding nations. The details: One of the most significant tourism projects on the books in West Africa, Peninsula City plays into Sierra Leone’s Transform Freetown strategy , which aims to improve livability and sustainability in the capital. At its core, the project will have a luxury hotel, a tourist resort, a marina, a performing arts center, a medical center, and sustainable housing—all within 35 miles of Freetown. The project will roll out in phases over several years, with significant milestones expected in 2024.

Greece | ♿ 🤝

The idea: Greece is making more than 223 beaches fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. Why it matters: The Greek islands are among Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, welcoming some 33 million tourists each year. But the islands’ famous beaches are not exactly welcoming for disabled travelers—until now. All travelers should be able to enjoy the ocean safely and easily, and Greece is setting a standard for all beaches around the world. How it works: Greece’s former tourism minister Vassilis Kikilias recently announced a new initiative to make a total of 223 beaches across the islands fully accessible to people with mobility issues—220 of which would be ready for summer 2023. The project (rumored to have cost over $15 million) involves installing the Seatrac system, a fixed track mechanism involving a remote control–operated chair that can be moved in and out of the water. The prototype for the system was created in 2009 and commercialized in 2012, and it’s currently installed on shores across Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Latvia, with plans to launch in new markets across Croatia , Spain, the UK, UAE, US, and Turkey this year.

Visit California | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea : Visit California partnered with Kind Traveler to make traveling with an impact straightforward: A simple booking platform enables visitors to channel their tourism dollars to community and environmental organizations. Why it matters: The Travel California–Kind Traveler Partnership speaks to the generation of travelers who seek to leave the destination in better condition than when they arrived. How it works: In April 2023, Visit California and Kind Traveler launched the first state regenerative-travel program. Visitors heading to the Golden State can unlock exclusive rates and perks through Kind Traveler’s Get + Give hotel booking and education platform upon donating $10 (or more) to a local vetted charity. So far, you can choose from 64 participating hotels in California that direct tourism dollars to programs like the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Rancho Cielo Youth Campus . In September 2023, Kind Traveler will roll out their pilot Every Stay Gives Back program, which fundraises for local charities through hotel bookings, regardless of the booking platform.

Marveling at Wintjiri Wiru

Wintjiri Wiru | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: A breathtaking light show in the skies of Uluru brings the ancient Mala story of the Indigenous Aṉangu people to life—in their own voice. Why it matters: Though Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has been bringing authentic Indigenous Australian cultural experiences to travelers for years, this is the first time that the tourism operator has told an Indigenous story in this way, on this scale, and in partnership with Uluru’s traditional landowners, the Aṉangu. How it works: Picture 1,200 luminous drones dancing across the desert sky—it’s the world’s largest permanent drone show—depicting parts of the Aṉangu’s Mala story. Narrated by the Aṉangu themselves in their local Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages, the score features traditional inma, or ceremonial music. Wintjiru Wiru launched in May 2023, with two nightly performances from May through to December: a three-hour Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner experience and a one-and-a-half-hour After Dark show.

Origin Park | 📐🌱

The idea: The River Heritage Conservancy is creating the Midwest’s first climate-adaptive park, which will span 430 acres in Clarksville, Indiana, and provide green space for more than 1 million residents when completed. Why it matters: Urban parks create equitable outdoor activities for city residents and stimulate local economies with new job opportunities. How it works: First created in 2016 by nonprofit River Heritage Conservancy, Origin Park is a 430-acre urban recreation ground in southern Indiana, within a 10-minute drive from Louisville. The park, envisioned by leading landscape architecture firm OLIN , is designed to be compatible with seasonal floods and usable for more than 90 percent of the year via pathways elevated 30–40 feet. Twenty-two miles of walking and biking trails will include a 3.2-mile multi-use path that links Origin Park to the Ohio River Greenway. The project is currently in phase one—which is expected to be completed by 2026—and includes a 140-acre park with canoeing and kayaking and the 100-acre Buttonbush Woods, both currently open to the public.

Grootbos | 🦏

The idea: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape has enlisted safari guides to help guests learn and study why insects are key to biodiversity—one of the biggest considerations in climate-friendlier travel experiences. Why it matters: Think safari, and you’re likely imagining the Big Five. Minibeast safaris encourage travelers to look harder—and shift their attention to a whole other world. How it works: Grootbos not only carries out vital scientific research into the importance of insects, but they celebrate the ecosystem through art exhibitions and entomologist-led field trips. Grootbos Florilegium is their impressive botanical art project, which illustrates the critical role insects play in pollination. The Explorer program is also coming in 2024, which will encourage visitors to head out on safari with a big white net to catch insects to study. Since this is a new field of research for this part of the world, should you find an insect smaller than 0.11 inches, you’ll likely be credited with discovering a new endemic species.

Phāea Resorts | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Loss of connection to heritage food systems spurred this luxury resort group to create a sanctuary for regenerative travel emphasizing food provenance and responsible consumption. Why it matters: Phāea’s innovative programming shows hotels can foster connection between locals, the land, and traditional agricultural methods. How it works: In 2021, the Crete-raised Sbokou sisters—Agapi and Costantza— introduced Phāea Farmers Program to invest in employees’ agricultural efforts. An agronomist trains staff (and families) in organic farming and sustainable land use. The resort buys the bounty at fair market value, providing an additional revenue stream for employees. To expand the program, the Phāea Farmers Feast launched in June 2023, allowing guests to harvest from on-site organic gardens guided by a Phāea farmer. Executive chef Yiannis Kalliveratakis teaches the ancient Minoan art of slow cooking, further linking guests, farmers, and native culture. Beyond aiming to source 100% of their honey and olive oil from Phāea farmers by 2024, the next phase opens the initiative to farmers outside the resort, seeding a reciprocal relationship between tourism and local communities.

Dinner on the beach at Tanzania’s Manta Resort

One of the diving boat captains at Manta Resort

Manta Resort | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: Off the coast of Tanzania, Manta Pemba Island is taking Africa’s famous terrestrial safari concept underwater for scuba divers with the Pemba Island Coral Safari . Why it matters: In support of conservation and community through Manta’s Kwanini Foundation , the new underwater safari experience gives a guided interpretation of the Kwanini Marine Reserve. The safari helps divers understand the interconnectedness and value of the marine environment in its protected state, with a portion of safari proceeds going to the foundation. How it works: The groundbreaking underwater safari experience uses state-of-the-art full-face masks with built-in microphones to allow two-way communication between the guide and up to two divers. In collaboration with BlueWild EcoVentures and Africa’s leading safari-training experts at EcoTraining , Manta Resort guides have been trained through a pioneering specialty course aimed at interpreting marine wildlife behavior and guiding underwater. Newly launched in July 2023, the safari deepens divers’ understanding of North Pemba Island’s thriving underwater world.

Green Safaris | 🌱 🚀

The idea: Already known for its eco-friendly safari vehicles, Green Safaris recently added an electric dhow (reportedly the first in the world) to its fleet. Why it matters: As the company name suggests, Green Safaris’ collection of lodges and camps (scattered throughout Zambia and Malawi) is all about sustainability and conservation. The outfitter pioneered the “silent safari” concept with its solar-powered accommodations and vehicles, including electric Land Rovers and e-bikes. The latest addition to this eco-friendly fleet is the eDhow, an electric-powered dhow (inspired by traditional wooden boats in Malawi) that started carrying travelers down the Zambezi River in August 2023. “The eDhow is not just a novel addition to our safari experiences but also a testament to the potential of sustainable travel and green technology in the African tourism industry,” said Vincent Kouwenhouven, Green Safaris’ founder, in a press release. How it works: The eDhow runs on a 10kw electric motor that is recharged through an electric power station adjacent to Victoria Falls. Green Safaris plans on using solar power to fuel the boats in the future.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve is launching an initiative in September 2023 to empower and uplift local girls through an ambitious training program. Why it matters: Gender equality remains a struggle in many parts of the world, including East Africa, and the lodge’s targeted engagement with women will help empower them to become leaders in their local communities while expanding their opportunities far beyond. How it works: After opening in April 2023, the lodge is investing in local communities to build a talent network. The initial participants in the immersive six-month apprenticeship curriculum will be trained to build a versatile skill set through mentorship opportunities across the 20-tent, all-inclusive resort, from the front desk and housekeeping to kitchen, food and beverage, and guest services. Communication is emphasized throughout the entire process through feedback sessions, performance assessments, and the pairing of each apprentice with a seasoned professional from the lodge to provide guidance at every step. Apprentices will receive a certificate at the end of the program and the lodge will help them seek employment, either on-site or within Marriott’s greater hospitality network.

Populus | 📐🌱

The idea: When it opens, Populus will be the first carbon-positive hotel in the US. Why it matters: Named for Colorado’s native aspen tree, this 265-room, 13-story hotel is poised to be a benchmark for the future of responsible hospitality development. How it works: Acknowledging that buildings are responsible for 45 percent of greenhouse emissions in the US, Urban Villages—the team behind this landmark downtown hotel—wasn’t content solely achieving the already rigorous LEED Gold status. Decisions like deliberately excluding a parking garage (steel and reinforced concrete are large contributors to a building’s carbon footprint) and offsetting construction emissions by planting over 70,000 Engelmann spruce trees complement its rigorous 100 percent recyclable and compostable waste-management strategy and its plan to run on 100 percent renewable energy. When it opens in spring 2024, the hotel will feature an impressive two-story entrance with 30-foot-tall windows—and a rooftop restaurant offering 360-degree views of Denver and its surrounding mountains.

On the grounds of Southall Farm & Inn

Lunch at Southall’s Sojourner

Southall Farm & Inn | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: This working farm resort introduced agricultural experiences that bring guests closer to the land, including a hydrology plan modeling what sustainable water usage means for healthy ecosystems. Why it matters: With its emphasis on regional food production and local ecosystems, Southall’s mission inherently educates visitors—sometimes through hands-on learning—on the environmental impacts of travel. The hydrology plan—including wetland water recirculation, rainwater collection, and land terracing—reverses damage from poor farming practices and extreme weather, leading to less municipal water usage, more wildlife, and a cooler environment. How it works: The owners’ passion for water conservation and addressing food scarcity manifested as the 325 acres at Southall, which opened in December 2022 in Franklin, Tennessee, after 5-plus years of planning. Through the property’s blend of timeless agricultural methods with innovative technology (hello, property-wide pollinator tracker system), guests learn about food provenance by participating in seed-saving, beekeeping, grafting workshops, and more. Future plans include irrigating more gardens with on-site water and expanding the existing 30 acres of native grasses to reduce watering while maintaining wildlife habitats.

The Idea: Rather than building hotels with great gyms, Siro develops properties that put functional fitness first through partnerships with world-class athletes combined with integrated digital technology. Why it matters: Siro’s programming—developed in conjunction with top sporting figures like British Somali boxer Ramla Ali and medics, trainers, and players from Italy’s AC Milan soccer team—goes far beyond the usual hotel offerings, targeting both serious athletes and those who just want to stay healthy on the road. How it works: Providing more than just celebrity endorsements, the professionals worked closely with Siro’s team of experts to develop programming and testing protocols based around five “biohacking” pillars: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mindfulness. Stays kick off with personalized pre-assessments and 3D body scans, with individual data loaded onto an app for use during and after each visit to help guests reach and maintain peak performance. Recovery is prioritized as much as training with programs based on elevating visitors' physical and mental endurance. That philosophy continues into the rooms, designed as “recovery cocoons” with soundproof walls, thermogenesis mattresses, and stretching spaces. The first Siro opens in Dubai’s new One Za’abeel development in early 2024, followed by Boka Place in Montenegro later next year.

Ocean Builders’ SeaPod

Ocean Builders | 📐🌱

The idea: Ocean Builders’ SeaPod is an eco-restorative, floating take on the overwater bungalow with a minimal (and moveable) footprint on the seabed and the power to regenerate coral growth on its very structure. Why it matters: With ocean levels rising and more than 1 billion people expected to be living in low-lying coastal areas by 2050, exploring new ways to live along the coast is essential. How it works: The SeaPod uses solar power not only for electricity but also to send electrical currents through the floating steel tubes that support the pod’s living structure, attracting calcium carbonate to the metal—the foundation of coral growth. Ocean Builders is working with reef restoration organizations to pursue 3D-coral printing capabilities to further stimulate coral regeneration on artificial reefs on and around the SeaPod. The company plans to transport its original SeaPod—which welcomed its first guests in June 2023—farther offshore for a true off-the-grid seasteading experience where it will operate entirely on solar energy, wastewater recycling, and rainwater collection. The company is currently in talks to potentially build out fully floating resorts in Dubai and other locales across the Middle East and Europe.

The Place Firenze | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: Hospitality Experience (an Italian-owned collection of hotels and resorts) founded The Place of Wonders, which provides resources for Italian students to continue their education fueled by fees from exclusive guest experiences offered at The Place Firenze . Why it matters: Launched in 2023, the project funds scholarships and training opportunities for aspiring craftspeople in Italy—and lets hotel guests learn more about the cultural traditions of the city they’re visiting. How it works: The Place of Wonders chose LAO (a.k.a. Le Arti Orafe, one of Florence’s best craft schools) as its inaugural partnership, subsidizing a series of three-year scholarships for aspiring Italian students. To finance the scholarship fund, The Place Firenze offers guests exclusive visits to local workshops and ateliers—and 100 percent of the tour prices go directly to the foundation. It’s a symbiotic system in which tourists get to learn about Italy’s craft traditions, and those exact traditions get new life through exposure and an influx of new artists. The foundation is already active in Florence, at the Place Firenze, and plans are already in place to extend the program to Londra Palace Venezia (another Hotel Experience property).

The Original Southern Ocean Lodge

One of the Southern Ocean Lodge’s main draws: its wildlife

Southern Ocean Lodge | 🌱 🦏

The idea: After being destroyed during Australia’s Black Summer bushfires in 2020, the iconic Southern Ocean Lodge was rebuilt and will reopen in December 2023 with a focus on sustainability and fire resilience. Why it matters: In 2020, bushfires burned more than 72,000 square miles across Australia, including almost half of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Three years later, the island’s tourism industry is still recovering, in large part due to the destruction of its world-renowned Southern Ocean Lodge. The reopening is a boon for local producers of every kind and will help support Kangaroo Island’s economic recovery. How it works: Southern Ocean Lodge will officially reopen on December 6, 2023, and will largely maintain the original lodge’s footprint—though each of the 25 suites has been reoriented ever so slightly to offer even better views of the ocean and coastal wilderness. Upon reopening, the lodge will highlight exclusively local and seasonal food and beverages, from fresh-caught seafood to South Australian wine and beer. To protect against future fires, a 65-foot wilderness buffer—consisting of fire-retardant native succulents and the area's own endemic juniper—has been planted around the lodge.

The idea: IHCL, India’s largest hospitality group, is converting historic and incredibly luxurious Grand Palaces into energy-efficient, future-thinking properties by implementing renewable energy initiatives to reduce their overall environmental impact. Why it matters: These combined efforts have conserved an impressive 1,550 megawatts of energy and 146 KL of high-speed diesel in the last fiscal year, which translates to estimated savings of about $350,000 for the palace hotels and a substantial reduction of 1,536 metric tons of CO 2 emissions. The initiatives light a way forward for heritage properties across the globe, demonstrating how hospitality chains can bring the future to the past with bright ideas and creative solutions. How it works: IHCL is retrofitting its heritage hotels—including Hyderabad’s Taj Falaknuma Palace and Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace —with integral sustainable energy solutions for the future. New integrations include low-flow aerators for taps and showers, solar-power plants, phasing out single-use plastic, building EV charging stations and in-house bottling plants, and more. In May 2023, the group’s landmark hotel— The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai—announced its switch to 100 percent renewable energy, an endeavor that is particularly commendable for a building that opened in 1903.

ORGANIZATIONS

Reshark | 🦏.

The idea: In a global first, ReShark is working to reinforce juvenile leopard shark populations, which have drastically shrunken. Why it matters: Sharks are the second-fastest-declining vertebrae group in the world due to the legal and illegal fishing trade. As apex predators, they are vital to healthy marine ecosystems—but leopard sharks in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, are endangered. ReShark aims to reverse the extinction trend with plans to release 500 of them over the next 10 years to restore the population. How it works: The first three juveniles—whose eggs came from Sea Life Sydney Aquarium—were successfully released in January by Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC) and in July 2023 by Misool Foundation. This rewilding project involves the collaboration of 76 working partners from 15 countries and is the first time a captive shark species has been successfully bred with the goal of reintroduction to the wild. The eggs and juveniles are cared for at two purpose-built nurseries, at Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC) , and barefoot luxury conservation-focused Misool Resort .

Biogents | 🦏

The idea: German company Biogents has created an eco-positive system of mosquito traps as a highly effective—and cheaper—alternative to toxic-chemical fogging. Why it matters: More than an annoyance for hotel guests, mosquitoes are responsible for one of the deadliest diseases in human history: malaria. Eradication is the only long-term solution, and Biogents’s traps offer a sustainable path to a mosquito-free world. How it works: Chemical pesticides eliminate mosquitoes but also take out beneficial insects, as well as potentially cross-contaminating the ocean. So when Eva Malmström, a cofounder of eco-excellent Soneva resorts, caught a TED talk on mosquito control—which she, along with her husband and cofounder Sonu, had been working on—she made it her mission to bring the system to Soneva Fushi . Soon the Dutch entomologist Bart Knols, PhD was in the Maldives, setting up a system of traps that use a combination of visual cues and human-odor bait to lure mosquitoes into a bag. Capturing about 99 percent of the biting bugs, there was an immediate drop in the numbers—and a steady return of bees, butterflies, and birds. The traps have now been rolled out at 10 more resorts in the Maldives, as well as at a handful of hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Healthy Hospo | 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Healthy Hospo is a nonprofit aimed at improving the physical and mental health, happiness, and sustainability of workers within the hospitality and restaurant industry. Why it matters: The hospitality sector is the behind-the-scenes workhorse of the travel and leisure industry, yet it suffers from toxicity in the workplace and ranks second in terms of suicidal ideation among employees. How it works: Former global brand ambassador for a large drinks corporation, Tim Etherington-Judge realized the need for a solution and founded Healthy Hospo in 2017 after attempting to end his life in 2016. Healthy Hospo offers a variety of resources and courses that cover the five major pillars of workers’ well-being: sleep, nutrition, mental health, connecting socially and with nature, and exercise. Healthy Hospo takes a preventative approach to health with the belief that it’s better to build healthy workplaces rather than wait for problems to arise and then deal with them. In 2022, Healthy Hospo started working with Business for Health (B4H), a UK-wide initiative to make all workplaces healthier.

Ngamo Primary School kids—and Cobras, the community protection units—watch the rhinos

Community Rhino Conservation Initiative | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: Community Rhino Conservation Initiative ’s (CRCI) white rhino-conservation project—the first of its kind in Zimbabwe to be located entirely on community land—is working with Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary to return rhinos to the region bordering Hwange National Park and Imvelo Safari Lodges to educate guests on preservation. Why it matters: In addition to protecting Zimbabwe’s near-threatened white rhino population and providing employment for locals, all gate fees from the CRCI directly benefit the surrounding communities. To date, proceeds from the project have expanded the local village’s medical clinic, bringing free health care to five villages in the immediate vicinity. How it works: Launched in May 2022, the initiative successfully reintroduced two white rhinos onto community lands, where they are cared for by a community protection unit (the Cobras ). While the hope is ultimately to reintroduce the animals into the 5,657-square-mile national park itself, CRCI first plans to line the park’s borders with a string of sanctuaries that serve as a buffer zone. After the first sanctuary’s successful launch, the second preserve on community land is currently under construction with plans to house more white rhinos as early as September 2023.

The idea: The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) has developed a new hotel-accreditation system to ensure that people from the LGBTQ+ community are welcomed into safe and thoughtful environments. Why it matters: Many hospitality businesses like to wave their rainbow flags throughout the month of June, but LGBTQ+ accreditation demands a comprehensive dig past the performative. How it works: Founded in 1983, the IGLTA has built a global network of free travel resources for the LGBTQ+ community, from tour operators to destination guides. Now they’ve introduced a hospitality-accreditation program that takes a more comprehensive approach to inclusivity. In June 2023, the W Costa Navarino in Greece became the first property to tick all eight criteria—diversity, equity, inclusivity, policy, community, advocacy, transparency, sensitivity—and earn certification. As a result, the hotel now has an LGBTQ+ liaison, gender-neutral bathrooms, unisex amenities, and public displays of nondiscrimination policies. Twenty-eight more hotels are in the IGLTA’s pipeline; properties in Amsterdam, Osaka, and NYC have already received accreditation.

Coral Gardeners could scale to places like Saudi Arabia, home to some of the world’s most delicate coral reefs.

Coral Gardeners | 🌱 🦏

The idea: Coral gardening is fast becoming a widely adopted strategy for restoring our planet’s dying coral reefs, and while highly effective, it’s often criticized for not being scalable. Coral Gardeners is using AI to help change that. Why it matters: Scientists forecast that the world’s coral reefs, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, could disappear by 2050. Some 500 million people around the world directly rely on reefs for food, coastal protection, income, and more. How it works: Titouan Bernicot founded the organization in 2017 after witnessing the degradation of reefs around his home in Moorea, French Polynesia. He launched CG Labs in 2021, an in-house R&D team to develop AI-assisted technology to scale efforts. Devices like smart buoys relay real-time data to help gardeners optimize planting, while an underwater robot generates 3D imagery of the reef to track the growth of outplant sites. In 2022, the program planted 15,225 corals—double the amount it planted in the previous five years. Coral Gardeners added restoration sites and nurseries on three more French Polynesian islands and has a plan to launch in Fiji by late 2023, all with the goal of replanting 1 million corals by 2025.

Rainbow Registered | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🤝

The idea: In an effort to provide a more inclusive and safe environment for the 2SLGBTQI+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex+) community, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce launched the Rainbow Registered accreditation program. Why it matters: In alignment with the Government of Canada’s diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates, Rainbow Registered answers the need for a Canadian program that accredits and promotes businesses demonstrating a commitment to welcoming and accepting the 2SLGBTQI+ community. How it works: Developed by the CGLCC and Tourism HR Canada, with initial funding and support provided largely by the Government of Canada, the program is an internal and external review with a personal assessor to ensure that both employees and customers are being welcomed and celebrated. Areas of consideration include the use of appropriate gender-neutral language and internal evaluations on paid leave for a person transitioning. If needed, they get feedback and recommendations from their assessor and additional support to help improve and tackle some of their blind spots. Rainbow Registered businesses are visible in the community through decals on shop windows and a public listing on the Rainbow Registered website .

Following the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop

PLANNING TOOLS

Whakarewarewa forest loop app | 🚀 👨‍👨‍👧‍.

The idea: Rotorua, New Zealand’s interactive Whakarewarewa Forest Loop app , mixes augmented reality with video, audio, still art, and animation to share Māori stories with mountain bikers setting off on the 20.5-mile trail. Why it matters: Conceived and developed as a cultural collaboration, the app weaves iwi artwork and storytelling throughout the bike journey to enrich riders’ understanding and enjoyment of the place and its people. How it works: As one of New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop meanders among native trees, ferns, and towering redwoods, with views of volcanic Lake Rotorua. Representatives from local iwi partnered with the Rotorua Lakes Council and New Zealand software developers to create a companion app, available in both Te Reo Māori and English, highlighting the land’s significance to the Ngāti Whakaue and Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people. Launched on June 10, 2023, the app has geolocation tools that allow cyclists to pinpoint trail information while sparking tales of the forest into life along the way.

SOSTUR | 🚀 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Panama’s updated tourism model focuses almost entirely on cultural heritage and conservation, including a new digital platform ( SOSTUR ) that makes it easy for travelers to book tours in rural communities. Why it matters: While many tourism models focus on hotels and beaches, Panama offers a compelling alternative: inspiring travelers to visit a country purely for its biodiversity and local communities. The target audience—discerning travelers who seek transformative experiences over five-star amenities—is one of the fastest-growing markets in the travel industry. In fact, Ivan Eskildsen, the erstwhile minister of tourism for Panama, predicts the country’s visitor numbers will exceed 500 million over the course of five years. How it works: In 2022, the Panamanian Alliance for Community Tourism and APTSO expanded SOSTUR, a website where travelers can browse and book tours across several pilot communities. Experiences range from hiking through national parks to turtle conservation, and the digital platform includes suggestions for accommodations and restaurants in each location. The result is an easy-access gateway for travelers to not only improve themselves but also to boost the local communities with tourism dollars and awareness.

Ostuni, Italy

Working area in Ostuni

KINO Italy | 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: KINO Italy creates coworking experiences that lure remote workers from crowded digital nomad hot spots and welcome them into fading towns in Italy, where they can positively impact local communities. Why it matters: For small towns and villages with declining populations, taking advantage of the work-from-anywhere revolution presents opportunities to revitalize their ailing economies. How it works: As the pandemic thrust remote work into the mainstream, Serena Chironna and Andrea Mammoliti saw an opportunity to shift the narrative in their home country by partnering with local communities to create monthlong coworking retreats in lesser-known locales. The pair, who themselves had spent time in popular remote work destinations like Portugal, could see firsthand that any such arrangement needed to take a more participatory approach—one that included, and could benefit, locals. The walled Tuscan village of Pitigliano is one participating destination, where KINO works directly with the local municipality to arrange short-term accommodation for workers, who get access to a coworking space and social events with locals. The company, which hosted several pilot retreats in 2022, followed by its first retreats in 2023, has cumulatively welcomed nomads from more than 18 different countries on six different retreats, and they have plans to expand in 2024.

Expedia Group | 🚀

The idea: Expedia Group’s Open World Accelerator is designed to help start-ups in the tech industry fast-track their growth and make travel more accessible. Why it matters: At the beginning of 2023, Expedia Group announced the first cohort of its Open World Accelerator program—an initiative designed to boost start-ups in the travel tech industry, in the hope that these companies would grow and serve as a model for other small businesses. The theme of the inaugural program was “accessibility and inclusion,” with selected start-ups, including Green Book Global, a review website for Black travelers, and Becoming RentABLE, a short-term rental platform that features 36 filters for different disabilities. How it works: For roughly six months, the cohort received technology and business mentorship from industry experts, a nonequity grant, and access to Expedia Group’s online platform. The program ended in June with a “Demo Day” at Expedia Group’s HQ in Seattle, where start-up investors and Expedia Group personnel gathered to discuss partnerships with the first group of start-ups—and some pilot programs are already being tested to improve Expedia Group’s accessibility features. The company will unveil the theme for its subsequent programs in the near future.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Through its national guidelines and brand, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) helps Canadian-wide businesses affirm their quality and authenticity . Details: Around the world, national associations such as NZ Māori Tourism support and promote Indigenous tourism. There are also quality assurance marks, such as New Zealand Tourism’s Qualmark , that identify high-quality travel experiences, including those run by Indigenous people. In 2021, ITAC combined both concepts by launching The Original Original label to highlight the quality and authenticity of Indigenous-run companies in Canada; it’s awarded only to companies at least 51 percent Indigenous owned. Since then, the initiative has resonated worldwide. In Finland, researchers have invited ITAC to present to help inform their own criteria for a Sámi tourism label. Why it matters: Appropriation of Indigenous culture by non-Indigenous tourism operators has long been a problem. Certification labels allow travelers to better identify Indigenous-owned tourism businesses.

Google’s new sustainability features within their hotel search tool

Google | 🚀 🌱

The idea: Google has invested in search tools that make it easier to find sustainable travel options. Why it matters: Google is used by billions of people around the world, so any eco-friendly steps taken by the company are guaranteed to make an impact. Over the past couple of years, the search engine rolled out tools that help travelers keep sustainability in mind when booking trips, like putting an eco-label on certain hotels. How it works: Google’s latest set of eco-conscious tools has three stand-out features. First is a “Low Emissions” filter on Google Flights, allowing users to see carbon emissions data front and center. Similarly, there is now an “Eco-certified” filter on hotel search results; Google is working directly with the US Green Building Council and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to ensure accuracy. Finally, folks wanting to travel by train can now shop for rail tickets directly on Google Search—the feature exists only in a few countries now, but the company hopes to expand to more locations (and launch a similar widget for bus tickets) in “the near future.”

The idea: This digital trip planner combines the functionality of an online booking platform with the support of a traditional travel agent—and appeals to modern travelers. Why it matters: There is no denying the perks of working with a travel specialist to plan a complicated vacation—but younger generations are famously hesitant to pick up the phone and chat with strangers. That is what makes Nemo, a digital trip planner that launched in 2019, so compelling. The company’s core values of sustainable practices, authentic experiences, and local empowerment are just as forward-thinking as its technology. How it works: Travelers can browse Nemo’s itineraries (which range from safaris in Kenya to island-hopping in Greece) and filter by trip type, destination, personal interests, or preferred month of travel. And the service is about to become even more bespoke: Later in 2023, users will also be able to choose hotels, add transfers and experiences (e.g., guided hikes), and even extend their stay or add on a second destination via the itinerary builder. The Nemo Travel Experts then take care of booking all the reservations and activities.

Sustonica | 🚀

The idea: A new certification program introduces sustainability standards for short-term rental properties. Why it matters: The hotel industry has many certifying agencies that measure environmentally sustainable operations; the same is not so for short-term vacation rentals. How it works: Based in Spain, Sustonica aims to correct this issue by establishing criteria based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on energy and water conservation; community involvement; and waste reduction. Specifically, these standards would include the use of energy-efficient appliances, recycling bins, and dual-flush toilets. The threshold for certification is low: A rental must score at least 20 percent of possible points—but, crucially, the program doesn’t end there. To renew the certification each year, rentals must show a 2–4 percent annual gain depending on their current score. The certification badge, which owners may use on websites and rental platforms, aims to help travelers easily find greener options among vacation rental choices. Launched in 2023, Sustonica is on track to certify 70,000 rental properties this year.

A route through Auvergne, France

RAIL TRAVEL

The idea: France is working to eliminate the need for intra-country flights —and make fast and sustainable travel available across the country—by heavily investing in its southeastern rail network. Why it matters: Earlier this year, in an ongoing effort to cut carbon emissions, France banned domestic short-haul flights between cities where the same journey could be made by train in under two and a half hours. The extensive rail network is getting a further boost with a 14-billion-euro initiative that will connect Bordeaux with two cities: Toulouse, in Occitaine, and Dax, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, essentially making the destinations reachable from Paris within a three-hour train ride. The project complements France’s 2-billion-euro program to double the number of bicycle lanes, making it one of the greenest countries to travel in. How it works: Work will begin in late 2023, and the Bordeaux-to-Toulouse rail section is expected to open in 2030. Elsewhere in France, the next-generation high-speed trains —which are made from 97 percent recycled material—will be in service in time for the 2024 Olympics.

Coradia iLint | 🌱 🚀

The idea:  Germany debuts the world’s first hydrogen-powered trains , marking the beginning of emissions-free rail travel. Why it matters: As hydrogen-powered train service expands, passengers can travel on transportation networks that emit nothing but steam. How it works:  In 2022, Germany unveiled the first-ever network of 100 percent emissions-free passenger trains, called the Coradia iLint. Powered solely by hydrogen and emitting only water vapor, the network passes through idyllic North Sea landscapes and charming small towns on a 150-mile loop in Lower Saxony, between Hamburg, Bremen, and Bremerhaven. The hydrogen cars run on behalf of the Lower Saxony regional transport company (LNVG) through the company EVB in Lower Saxony, and RMV in the Frankfurt area. LNVG has ordered 14 Coradia iLint hydrogen railcars and will gradually replace the existing Coradia Lint 41 diesel railcars. Currently, five railcars are in service. Step by step, the number of hydrogen trains will be expanded until all diesel railcars have been replaced, proving the viability of fossil-free rail travel, having already saved nearly 425,000 gallons of diesel and 4,400 tons of CO 2 (annually) vs. traditional trains. Five months after northern Germany’s successful launch, Frankfurt unveiled its first hydrogen-powered train cars.

SPACE TRAVEL

The idea: Commercial spaceflight could reach historic heights as the Polaris Dawn voyage aims to set a new record for the highest Earth orbit ever flown. Why it matters: As the first in a series of three flights funded by fintech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the Polaris Program represents a more ambitious era for citizen-led space travel, with private citizens carrying out increasingly sophisticated missions. How it works: This isn’t merely another flight where billionaire space tourists wave at Earth from its orbit. Yes, there will be one billionaire onboard—Isaacman, Shift4’s CEO and a trained pilot. When the Polaris Dawn mission finally takes off—potentially by the end of 2024—the four-person crew will spend up to five days on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket attempting to achieve a series of firsts, including being the first commercial mission to complete a space walk. While it’s not anywhere near Elon Musk’s eventual dream of settling on Mars, Polaris Dawn will also research the impact of space travel on human health. It’s another leap forward for the growing private space tourism economy.

Lead editor: Betsy Blumenthal

Editors: Arati Menon, Erika Owen

Lead visuals: Pallavi Kumar

Supporting visuals: Andrea Edelman, Danielle Amy

Illustrations: Giorgia Ascolani

Production: Caitlin Morton

Research: Alexandra Sanidad, Anna Gladwin, Anika Sackrider

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Lead social media: Mercedes Bleth

Supporting social media: Kayla Brock

Contributors: Alicia Erickson; Amy Eckert; Ayesha Khan; Caitlin Morton; Carrie Honnaker; Elaine Glusac; Elissa Garay; JD Shadel; Jen Murphy; Jonny Bierman; Juliet Kinsman; Karen Gardiner; Krisanne Fordham; Kristin Braswell; Laura Beausire; Lee Cobaj; Marta Sahelices; Nicola Chilton; Rachel Chang; Smitha Menon; Terry Ward; Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

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Wojnarowski one of the first significant sports 'insiders' to step away from the spotlight

Associated Press

This undated image provided by ESPN shows ESPN NBA insider's Adrian Wojnarowski. (Allen Kee/ESPN via AP)

Adam Schefter was surprised the first time he heard his friend Adrian Wojnarowski was considering retiring from his job as ESPN’s NBA reporter.

When Wojnarowski announced his decision Wednesday, though, he wasn’t.

Steelers Rookie WR Takes Step Toward Return

Jack markowski | sep 19, 2024.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson at training camp.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their injury report following Thursday's practice as they gear up for their Week 3 home opener versus the Los Angeles Chargers.

Rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson, who has dealt with an ankle injury since the beginning of training camp, was upgraded to a full participant after being limited on Wednesday.

Wilson was also a full participant at the start of last week before being downgraded to limited and eventually ruled out of Pittsburgh's Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos.

He did not appear in any of the team's three preseason contests this year, so his first time stepping on an NFL field may very well come against the Chargers this Sunday.

Quarterback Russell Wilson remained limited with a calf injury, though he told reporters that he is "progressing" and feels like he's made strides in terms of how he feels as well as his level of participation.

He has been sidelined as the team's No. 3 emergency quarterback for each of the first two games of the year while Justin Fields has assumed starting duties at the position. It's unlikely that Wilson will make up enough ground to play in Week 3, but his recovery appears to be on the right track.

Left guard Isaac Seumalo did not practice once again after head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that he is inching closer to a return earlier in the week. He has not participated since suffering a pectoral injury on Aug. 28.

Tight end MyCole Pruitt, who went down with a knee injury against Denver, also did not practice for a second-consecutive day. The team elevated fellow tight end Rodney Williams to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, perhaps serving as evidence that Pruitt will not be available this week.

Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi returned as a full participant on Thursday after being limited Wednesday, and is in good shape to play against the Chargers.

Running back Najee Harris and edge rusher T.J. Watt both were full participants after taking rest days on Wednesday.

Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI to get all your daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns and more!

Steelers Have Two Trades to Consider
Steelers Make Shocking WR Decision in Week 2
Steelers Bring In Extra Help for Penalties
Steelers Re-Sign Former CB
Steelers Get Update on Chargers QB Justin Herbert

JACK MARKOWSKI

Vacancy Details

We encourage you to review the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Incumbent will coordinate all USG official travel in the U.S. Consulate Lagos District and track all USG employee movements. Based on contact and open-source reporting, the incumbent will make security recommendations concerning travel to the Consul General and the RSO for his/her final approval.

Incumbent will communicate and coordinate with U.S. Government employees on all official travel in Nigeria and more specifically the US Consulate Lagos District, in accordance with mission Travel Policy and all applicable U.S. Government guidelines and regulations.

Incumbent will stay up to date with current threats via daily contact with RSO or his/her delegate, RSOs of other foreign missions, NGOs, Nigerian police and open-source information (newspapers, internet, television). Incumbent will refer to information gathered from contacts and open source when submitting travel recommendations to RSO. Maintain a weekly travel publication to be disseminated to RSO and section heads.

Coordinate with the S/GSO to ensure that GOVs used in support of official travel meet RSO requirement and are available. Incumbent will provide timely security updates and advice to Motor Pool and travelers and will coordinate with RSO staff if travelers become stranded and/or are subject to threat.

Track and plot employee movement and their travel routes. Prepare annual statistics for the Travel Program in Lagos. As appropriate, coordinate travel that affects both Abuja and Lagos missions.

Fill in as RSO-OMS during staffing vacancies, performing basic administrative duties as required.

Qualifications and Evaluations

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a secret security clearance.

All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and, may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.

Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time (6 weeks) upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

A High School diploma or equivalent is required

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement.

You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.

You must complete the application form and provide the required documents. Your application must address all the position qualification and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Experience : Two (2) years experience in an office environment is required.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Language: Fluent in Reading/Writing/Speaking of English is required.

Please address this language requirement in your ERA application.

Job Knowledge: Work experience in a clerical position is required, using the Microsoft Office Suite on a daily basis is required. Frequent interaction with the public in person, in writing and via telephone is required.

Skills And Abilities: Incumbent must be tactful but effective in dealing with USG travelers and have management intelligence and ability to establish and maintain contacts with GoN, LE and American staff.

Benefits and Other Info

The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees.

For Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants, benefits should be discussed with the HR Office. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C.

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: 

A hiring preference is extended to eligible and qualified applicants in the order listed below. It is essential you accurately describe your status in your application, failure to do so may result in a determination that you are not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER

Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) / U.S. citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
AEFM / USEFM
Foreign Service (FS) on Leave without Pay (LWOP) and Civil Service (CS) with reemployment rights **

* IMPORTANT:  US citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) preferably Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability, equivalent documentation, or certification.  A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.  Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given. 

** This level of preference applies to all FS employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For complete definitions of AEFM, USEFM, EFM, Member of Household, etc., please visit the  3 FAM 7210 Definitions.

  ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS:

The following apply to EFMs, USEFMs, and AEFMs only

Current employees who used a hiring preference to gain employment who are within their first 90 calendar days of employment are not eligible. This does not apply when the hiring mechanism is TEMP or the work schedule is intermittent or irregular.
Candidates with a hiring preference who have already accepted a conditional offer of employment may NOT be extended a second conditional offer of employment unless and until they withdraw their candidacy for the first position in writing.

The following apply to Locally Employed (LE) staff only

Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible.
Current employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory, or an MBC score of less than 100 points on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button at the top of the page to begin your application. Click on the “Submit Application” button to complete your application process. For an instructional video on how to apply click here .

Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job related skills or requirements in your application.

You may edit your application any time before the vacancy closing date. If you fail to submit a complete application by the vacancy closing date of this vacancy, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

For a copy of the complete position description, please contact the HR Office.

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the HR Office.

We foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace where employees can be themselves. We invite qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Please upload all applicable documents to your application. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

All Applicants:

Residency Permit (if applicable)
Work Permit (if applicable)
High School Diploma

In addition, Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants must submit:

Copy of Sponsor's Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
Passport copy
DD-214 - Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
SF-50 (if applicable)

The HR Office will contact successful applicants. For more information on applying for jobs or employment with us, please visit the U.S. Mission website .

Thank you for your application and your interest in working with us.

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The information that I provide while filling out this online employment application form and completing the application process, including possibly sensitive data, will be transferred online, stored, and processed on a server in the United States of America. This information may or may not be provided the same level of data protection as provided in my home country.
The information that I provide will be retained and destroyed in accordance with U.S. Department of State record retention policies and procedures.
The information that I provide will be reviewed and used for official purposes by the government of the United States of America.
All data transfers via the internet are not 100% secure and there might be some security vulnerabilities.
I may decide not to consent to these terms, but, if I do not consent to all of these terms, then I agree not to proceed with creating an account or moving forward with filling out the application, and I understand that I will not be considered for hiring.

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Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 31, 2024, see individual summaries.

Updated to reflect U.S. government restrictions on travel to Northern Israel, and information for U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents and qualifying immediate family members seeking assistance in Gaza.

Do Not Travel To:

Gaza due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict
Northern Israel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to the rising tensions between Hizballah and Israel

Reconsider Travel To:

Israel due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest
West Bank due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.

Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Check the most recent Alerts at the  Embassy  website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas. 
Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the  Home Front Command Red Alert application  for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks.
Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care. 
Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/ Twitter .
Review the  Country Security Report  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict .

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been closed since May 7 and it is unknown when it will re-open. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.

If a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or qualified immediate family member desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at [email protected] with a copy of the individual’s travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship.

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Gaza:
Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time – if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy.
If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for  How to Prepare for a Crisis  for information that may be helpful.

Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for specific advice on travel within 2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders)

Reconsider travel due to  terrorism and civil unrest .

The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:
Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon; and
Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Northern Israel (within 2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Any U.S. government travel to this area is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.

Due to the ongoing active hostilities between Israel and Hizballah, the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Cross-border rocket, missile, and drone strikes continue to impact this area daily and have resulted in casualties. The Israeli authorities already restrict travel to these areas.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time. 
U.S. government employees are permitted personal daylight travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Given continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank, the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members is through Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb. 
U.S. government employees are permitted daylight travel to: Inn of the Good Samaritan, An-Nabi Musa, Wadi Qelt Nature Preserve, and St. George’s Monastery along Route 1; and Qumran, Kalia Beach, St. Gerasimos/Khogla Monastery, Al Auju, and Qasr al-Yaud baptismal site along Route 90.

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, israel, the west bank and gaza map, search for travel advisories, external link.

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Frontier flight attendants authorize strike. Will your flight be affected?

Flight attendants with Frontier Airlines this week voted overwhelmingly to authorize union leaders to call for a strike.

The strike authorization is a move intended to put pressure on the carrier, as the union claims Frontier is refusing to negotiate over the impact of a business model change on flight attendants.

The Association of Flight Attendants said more than 99% of members favored giving the union the power to strike.

"Frontier flight attendants are struggling to earn a living because of management’s new ‘out-and-back’ model. The impact of this change has turned our lives and our paychecks upside down," union president Jennifer Sala said in a statement . "The harm is real and happening right now. We’re ready to do whatever it takes to bring management to the table."

Is there a Frontier Airlines flight attendant strike today?

No. The vote to authorize a strike does not mean a strike is happening now or is imminent.

The union said it can set a strike deadline if necessary. Under the Association of Flights Attendants' trademarked strike strategy of CHAOS, short for Create Havoc Around Our System, a strike could affect a carrier's entire system or just a single flight.

The union can decide when, where and how to strike, without notice to airline management or passengers, according to the union's statement.

However, a strike is not scheduled at this time as negotiations are not at a point where a strike can legally occur.

The federal Railway Labor Act, which governs airline workers, makes it difficult for airline unions to conduct legal strikes — they need a decision from federal mediators that further negotiations would be pointless, which rarely happens.

What Frontier says about a flight attendants strike

In a statement to The Arizona Republic, Frontier Airlines said the airline's staff has been meeting monthly with the union in direct bargaining since December 2023 and "remains committed to negotiating in good faith to achieve an agreement that supports our flight attendants and ensures the continued success of our company."

Frontier also claims the union is "resorting to tactics designed to generate publicity and fuel fear at the expense of the flying public."

"Frontier and the (flight attendants union) are not currently in supervised mediation and, consequently, a strike vote cannot even be considered by the National Mediation Board," Frontier stated. "Even if the parties were in mediation, the NMB would then have to determine that an impasse in negotiations has occurred, followed by a number of additional steps."

After federal mediators decide negotiations reached an impasse, the union is required by law to go through a 30-day cooling-off period before a strike can occur.

Is my Frontier Airlines flight affected?

Frontier Airlines passengers won't notice any difference on their flights, which will proceed as usual.

A vote to authorize a strike is not the same as an actual strike and has no immediate impact on airline operations.

If a strike does occur, it would affect Frontier's ability to staff its flights.

Why did Frontier Airlines flight attendants vote to strike?

Frontier flight attendants claim they are struggling financially because of a "drastic" business model change that lowered their take-home pay.

The ultra-low-cost carrier this year shifted to an "out-and-back" routing model where, instead of traditional multiday trips to multiple cities, flight attendants work on one-day "turns" where they return to their home airport after a single day.

Because flight attendants are paid based on time in the air and time away from home, the "out-and-back" model reduces what they earn per day, according to the union. It also increases their commuting time and expenses.

Flight attendants' per diem on multiday trips is not taxed because flight attendants are identified as away from home, but per diem on one-day turns is less money and taxable, according to the union.

In May, the union filed for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board over the effects of this business model on flight attendants.

Frontier refuted the union's claims that it's not negotiating on the impact of the out-and-back model in its statement to The Republic, saying: "Frontier has been diligently participating in monthly negotiations with (the union) since December 2023 to bargain for the terms of an amended contract and has on several occasions indicated its willingness to discuss any impact proposals made by the (union). The (union) has not presented any impact proposals to Frontier during these monthly negotiations."

Are other airline unions planning to strike?

The strike authorization by Frontier's flight attendants union came weeks after United Airlines flight attendants also voted to authorize a strike .

Air Canada narrowly averted a strike after Canada's flag carrier reached a deal with its pilots union on Sept. 15. A strike would have canceled flights to Canada from Phoenix .

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today .

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News & Insights

M&A News: Alaska Air and Hawaiian Airlines Secure Merger with Conditions

September 18, 2024 — 10:29 am EDT

Written by Annika Masrani for TipRanks ->

Alaska Air (ALK) and Hawaiian Airlines have received the green light from the Transportation Department for their $1 billion merger, but with crucial conditions attached. This deal, which Alaska announced late last year, is set to reshape the airline industry. The Wall Street Journal reports that this deal is the first major U.S. airline merger since Alaska’s acquisition of Virgin America in 2016.

Transportation Department Sets Stringent Conditions

The Transportation Department’s approval is not a free pass. According to Reuters , the department has mandated that the airlines maintain service on essential routes between the Hawaiian Islands and key U.S. destinations. They also need to preserve frequent-flier mile values and ensure compensation for flight delays or cancellations within the airlines’ control. “We are committed to upholding these conditions to benefit our passengers,” said Alaska Air’s spokesperson, reflecting the company’s alignment with the department’s requirements.

Leadership Shifts as Merger Finalizes

Once the deal closes, expected soon, Hawaiian Airlines’ CEO Peter Ingram will step down, with Joe Sprague of Alaska’s Hawai’i/Pacific region stepping into the role. This leadership change aims to ensure a smooth transition and integration, aligning with both airlines’ strategic goals.

Merger Gives Control of the Hawaiian Air Travel Market

The merger will give the combined airline a substantial presence, controlling 50% of the Hawaiian air-travel market. The Transportation Department has also ensured that customer protections, like guaranteeing that children sit next to accompanying adults at no extra cost, are upheld for six years post-merger. This careful oversight aims to address concerns about potential service reductions and loyalty program impacts.

Is ALK a Good Stock to Buy Now?

Analysts remain bullish about ALK stock, with a Strong Buy consensus rating based on seven Buys and one Hold. Over the past year, ALK has surged by more than 5% , and the average ALK price target of $53.00 implies an upside potential of 29.7% from current levels.

See more ALK analyst ratings

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Signing up for STEP helps the U.S. embassy get in touch with you if there's an emergency. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. can't reach you with urgent news while you're traveling, we can use the information in STEP to try and contact you. Become a Smart Traveler Now! STEP is an easy first step to being a smart traveler.
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The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel ...
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel ...
Important Update: The New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is
The U.S. Department of State has recently launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts, as well as other local updates, via email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Launch of the New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Assistant Secretary O'Brien's Travel to Armenia; Alert. Launch of the New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - Re-Enroll Now! Worldwide Caution Alert; VOTING IN 2024 U.S. FEDERAL ELECTIONS Security Alert-U.S. Embassy Yerevan, Armenia; Ambassador. Remarks as Prepared by Ambassador Kvien at World Press Freedom Day Reception May 4, 2023
Launch of the New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The new STEP platform allows you to use a login.gov account to customize your subscriptions and receive country-specific email alerts during the timeframe of your choice. You can enroll multiple trips or locations at once and can modify your subscriptions or unenroll at any time.
Launch of the New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Message for U.S. Citizens: Launch of the New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - ReEnroll Now! Location: Worldwide. Event: On September 16, 2024, the Department of State launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).Re-enroll in the new system at step.state.gov to continue receiving alerts from U.S. Embassy Port Louis and U.S. Embassy Victoria.
How the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment ...
This is when STEP notifications can become incredibly important. The entire sign-up process takes less than five minutes, and the trip registration process takes about 60 seconds. For additional resources, be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter and bookmark its international travel page for the latest country alerts.
STEP: What It Is and How to Enroll
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a free service for Americans (U.S. citizens and nationals) to register a trip or move abroad with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Americans can enroll in the program by creating an account on the U.S. Department of State's dedicated website and completing a profile.
What Is The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program And Why Do ...
The good news is that the State Department offers a service that helps U.S. citizens and nationals stay informed about changing conditions in countries they are visiting or plan to visit. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with ...
Alert message for US citizens: Request to re-enroll in the new STEP
For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. Read More. ... 2024, the Department of State launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). To continue receiving alerts, re-enroll at step.state.gov. By U.S. Embassy Paraguay | 20 September, 2024 | Topics ...
Consider Enrolling In the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP, gives you essential safety information and conditions directly from the Embassy. The Embassy can contact you in any natural disaster or family emergency. And lastly, STEP can help your family get in touch with you in case of an emergency at home.The Manual ~ Traveling should be an adventure — and if your safety is in question when traveling abroad ...
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Must Know Tips
Step 1: Collect your basic information. To get started, you'll need your basic information like your birthday, email address (one you actually use), phone number, passport or passport card number, and contact information for your stateside emergency contacts. Step 2: Create an account. Once you have that information on hand, you can create an ...
Navigating Safe Travels: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Additional Tips for Safe Travel. While enrolling in STEP is a valuable step towards safe and informed travel, here are some additional tips to enhance your security and well-being while abroad: 1. Stay Informed: Regularly check for travel advisories and updates from the U.S. Department of State and the local authorities of your destination. 2.
Haiti Travel Advisory
Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care. Country Summary: Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. ... Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ...
How to Enroll in STEP (and Why You Should)
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the US State Department to ensure that all Americans abroad stay safe and informed. ... Oct 16, 2023. As the world grapples with political tensions, terrorist attacks, civil unrest, and natural disasters, frequent travelers know that staying safe while abroad is a serious ...
Why U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment
Enrolling in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a best practice for all U.S. citizens traveling abroad. STEP connects American travelers to embassy services and resources during emergency and non-emergency situations overseas. Enrolling in STEP is free but must be done on a per trip basis. Universal's Global Regulatory Services team can support making STEP ...
STEP Alert Update
Embassies are instructing enrollees to "visit step.state.gov to enroll in the updated STEP to set your preferences and continue receiving alerts and messages from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate." Arcadia University. Contact Us. 450 S. Easton Rd Glenside, PA, 19038. 1-866-927-2234. [email protected].
Burma (Myanmar) Travel Advisory
Updated Country Summary, to include information about implementation of a conscription law, and changes to the "If you decide to travel to Burma" section. Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.Reconsider travel to Burma due to limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources, and areas with land mines and ...
Florida company's space balloon takes big step toward first human
News; Nation/World; Florida company's space balloon takes big step toward first human flight Sept. 20, 2024 Updated Fri., Sept. 20, 2024 at 6:22 p.m. Left to Right, Space Perspective founders ...
Bright Ideas in Travel 2023
How it works: In April 2023, Visit California and Kind Traveler launched the first state regenerative-travel program. Visitors heading to the Golden State can unlock exclusive rates and perks ...
RV review: Aurora 13BHX—itsy bitsy teeny towable
Today's RV review is of the new-for-2025 Aurora 13BHX travel trailer. A lot of RVers look at RVs as being a great way to bring a comfortable place along with ... Today's RV review with Tony Barthel is of the Aurora 13BHX, a small travel trailer that's a step up from tent camping for a family with kids. Friday, September 20, 2024. RVtravel.com ...
Wojnarowski one of the first significant sports 'insiders' to step away
Adrian Wojnarowski's decision to be one of the first significant insiders to leave on their own and try something new is surprising because some thought it might have happened sooner.
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FORT LAUDERDALE - Uvis Balinskis is ready to take the next step. ... "It went really good for me," Balinskis said of his 2023-24 season. "I played NHL games and got used to things. The ...
Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie WR Takes Step Toward Return
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their injury report following Thursday's practice as they gear up for their Week 3 home opener versus the Los Angeles Char
Seeker
Travel Coordinator - U.S. Eligible Family Members (RSO Travel Coordinator) Open Period: 09/18/2024 - 10/02/2024 Format MM/DD/YYYY Vacancy Time Zone: GMT+1 Series/Grade: FP - 0910 8 Salary: USD $37,896 /Per Year Work Schedule: Full-time - 40 hours per week Promotion Potential: FP-NA
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) ... Do Not Travel. U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Any U.S. government travel to this area is done in full coordination with Israeli security ...
The United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan Sign MOU to Strengthen
Today, Ambassador Jonathan Henick and First Deputy Minister of Geology Omonullo Nasritdinxodjaev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan on critical minerals. The signing ceremony took place on the eve of the Government of Uzbekistan's participation in MINExpo INTERNATIONAL, the mining industry's largest global event ...
Frontier Airlines flight attendants vote to authorize strike
In a statement to The Arizona Republic, Frontier Airlines said the airline's staff has been meeting monthly with the union in direct bargaining since December 2023 and "remains committed to ...
M&A News: Alaska Air and Hawaiian Airlines Secure Merger with ...
Alaska Air (ALK) and Hawaiian Airlines have received the green light from the Transportation Department for their $1 billion merger, but with crucial conditions attached. This deal, which Alaska ...

How the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad

Editor's Note

Who should register for STEP?

How to register

Bottom line

STEP: What It Is and How to Enroll

What is STEP?

Why should American travelers enroll in STEP?

What else can travelers do to stay safe while traveling?

1. Consult TripIt’s Neighborhood Safety Scores

2. Share your travel plans with someone back home

3. Trust your instincts

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