Joining Global Entry is now simpler than ever before, thanks to a recent update made by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The agency has just added a new airport to its “Enrollment on Departure” program, which allows conditionally approved Global Entry applicants to complete their interview process at the airport before boarding their flight.

Miami International Airport (MIA) is now the second airport to participate in the program, which eases the long wait for conditionally approved applicants to score an interview time slot. Scheduling an interview for final approval is often the most onerous part of the application process, as time slots at standard Global Entry enrollment centers are competitive and book up quickly.

“This program eliminates the need for [Global Entry] applicants to schedule an interview at an enrollment center, streamlining the [Global Entry] application process,” CBP’s website states. Travelers simply walk up to the airport’s Enrollment on Departure office for an interview, no appointment needed.

Miami’s new Enrollment on Departure area is located on the second level of Concourse J, across from the Lufthansa check-in counter. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Once at the Miami airport, travelers should “follow signage directing you to the CBP designated Global Entry [Enrollment on Departure] area,” says the agency’s webpage on the program. “A CBP officer will assist you in completing your [Global Entry] interview.”

The program first launched on a trial basis in February 2024 at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The DC-area airport still runs its Enrollment on Departure office, which is located in Concourse B across from gate B41 and is open every day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Officials have also made another small change to make the process easier: Conditionally approved travelers can now take advantage of Enrollment on Departure even if they’re flying on a domestic flight. When the program first launched in 2024, only travelers booked on international flights were eligible.

In order to complete the interview, conditionally approved applicants must bring: a valid passport; documents to prove residency such as a driver’s license with a current address, rental payment statement, or utility bill; and a permanent resident card, if applicable. They must also be ready to show a boarding pass for a same-day domestic or international flight.

If you have multiple passports, be sure to bring them all to the appointment so the officer can add them to your profile. Minors do not need to bring proof of address for their interview.

Plan to give yourself plenty of time to complete the interview before your flight’s boarding time, and keep in mind that your departure gate could be located in a completely different concourse or terminal from the Enrollment on Departure office. The interview should take 10 to 15 minutes per traveler, so officers can ask a few questions, take your photo, and capture your fingerprints.

If you’re not planning to depart from Miami or Washington Dulles in the near future, there’s still an interview shortcut you might be able to use. CBP operates a similar program called Enrollment on Arrival that allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their Global Entry interview after landing in the US from an international flight. That program is much more widespread and is available at 51 US airports and 16 international pre-clearance facilities.

For airline passengers who travel internationally at least a couple times a year, joining Global Entry is well worth the effort. The trusted traveler program allows fliers expedited processing through Customs and Immigration when returning to the US from an international trip, and it also comes with a TSA PreCheck membership. Global Entry membership costs $120 for five years, but several travel reward credit cards cover the cost for their customers as an added perk.

Across Europe’s most popular destinations this weekend, the weather forecast says cloudy with a chance of water guns.

Coordinated anti-tourism demonstrations, which recently have taken the form of crowds of locals spraying tourists with water pistols, are scheduled to happen on Sunday, June 15, in cities such as Barcelona, Ibiza, and Palma in Spain, as well as elsewhere in Europe, including Venice, Palermo, Lisbon, and other cities.

“Tourists have been warned of potential disruptions caused by activist groups preparing a large-scale protest for June 15th,” says Pablo Calvo, Spain Manager for travel operator Tours For You. “The demonstration, organized by the Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET), will focus on major Spanish destinations, such as the Canary Islands (Lanzarote and Tenerife) and the Balearic Islands (Barcelona and Mallorca).”

The protests are a continuation of a movement that first gained momentum in summer 2024 in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, as locals demanded action from politicians to limit mass tourism’s impact on housing, jobs, and daily life. Spain, and Barcelona in particular, remain ground zero for the movement. Here’s everything to know if you have an upcoming trip planned to one of the impacted destinations.

When and where are the protests?

In Barcelona, the protests are scheduled to start at noon on June 15 at the city’s Jardinets de Gràcia.

Additional cities in Spain that are planning to participate include Donostia-San Sebastian, where demonstrations will begin at 12 p.m. at the clock at La Concha beach; Granada, where protests will start at 11 a.m. at the Mirador de San Nicolas; Palma, where demonstrations are scheduled for 6 p.m. at Placa d’Espanya; and Ibiza, where protests will start at 6 p.m. at Portal de Ses Taules and follow the Plaça de la Constitució, ending in the Plaza de sa Graduada at 9 p.m., according to local news site Periodico de Ibiza.

Protests are also expected to take place on June 15 in major cities throughout Europe, including Venice and Lisbon. Specific plans have not yet been released to the public, but parks, public squares, or popular tourist sites are likely gathering places.

What are the protests about?

The protests aim to highlight the “growing concern over the uncontrolled growth of tourism and its negative effects on local communities,” Calvo says, including rising housing costs, overcrowding, and the treatment of the industry’s hospitality workers.

Lluís Diago, a worker at Barcelona’s famous Park Güell, said in a statement many of the jobs in the city’s tourism sector are “plagued by subcontracting and undignified and unsafe working conditions.”

Improving working conditions and the housing market is a core focus of the coordinated demonstrations on June 15. The protests are fighting against “injustice from the economic model [tourism] sets,” said a spokesperson from the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourist De-Growth. In Barcelona, locals are pushing the city’s politicians to reform policies like stopping a proposed expansion to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, tightening restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, and placing limits on cruise ship arrivals.

Should travelers be concerned?

The message of the demonstrations may be geared toward politicians, but tourists could still be caught in the watery crossfire. “We don’t think there will be aggressive behaviors against tourists, so no fear for travelers,” says Bruno Gomes, who works for We Hate Tourism tours in Lisbon, which aims to help visitors experience the city in a deeper way beyond its biggest tourist attractions.

As with visiting any of the world’s most exciting, cosmopolitan, and travel-friendly cities, a trip to London is always a good idea. But the best time to visit London can depend on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Some stretches of time draw more crowds than others due to school holidays and exciting cultural events happening in the capital, while other periods are quieter offering more room availability at hotels and even lower airfare prices.

To get the insider intel on the best time to visit London, we spoke to a handful of travel experts who count London among their areas of expertise: Camilla Davidson of Red Savannah, Andy Fidler of True Travel, and Angela Tupper of NoteWorthy. “London is truly a year-round destination,” says Davidson. “Whilst the summer months might be the obvious choice—with special events such as Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Wimbledon filling up diaries—there is always something happening in the city.” Read on for recommendations from our experts about when to visit London, how long to stay, what to do and see, and more.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.

When is the best time to visit London?

When you choose to come to London really depends on what you’re looking for during your trip. If you’re hoping for good weather, a visit during the summer (June, July, or August) means you’re more likely to see sunny and warm days. That said, remember that this is Britain: Rain or cooler days are possible even during months that might be more traditionally sunny elsewhere. In this peak season, however, events like Wimbledon and the Royal Ascot fill up the city, says Fidler of True Travel; additionally, schools break for the summer in July, which means local families head into the capital as well.

During this peak travel season season, Davidson of Red Savannah offers the reminder that hotel rates are usually elevated, public transportation can be packed, the most popular museums are full, and the best guides are already booked: “None of this is to say you shouldn’t visit during the summer,” she says, “but allow plenty of time to plan with your travel advisor or tour operator so that your itinerary is built around your preferences and interests, rather than just what’s available at the last minute.”

If you want to see the city at its most sparkly and magical, the best time to visit London is during the festive period, between late November and the end of December. The autumnal months of September and October bring with them gorgeous leaves, Sunday roasts, and cozy pubs.

Spring, however, is the season for nature lovers as blossoms and wisteria begin to flower across the city. Fidler says, “My favorite time of year in London is spring—when the trees of the royal parks are blossoming and the weather has started to warm up, but the crowds are smaller and room rates at hotels are more favorable.”

When is the cheapest time to visit London?

Although London remains busy with tourists all year, January and February are historically the quietest months in the capital and, therefore, can offer the best opportunities to save money and to bag deals. Avoid the February half term (a period of school holidays), the exact dates of which change annually. Tupper of NoteWorthy recommends January, when many of the Christmas decorations, lights, and shows are still on display: “You can take advantage of the seasonal atmosphere, but often at a better value.” Just don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket and some thermals, says Fidler.

At 9:45 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 21, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis. After multiple reports of ill health covered in the media, Pope Francis made an appearance at the Vatican over Easter weekend as well-wishers piled into the heart of the Catholic Church. The pope later died as a result of a stroke and heart failure, according to Reuters.

Pope Francis attending a weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square in October 2023 in Vatican City

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From the Casa Santa Marta, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

On Tuesday, April 22, the Holy See Press Office announced plans for Pope Francis’s body to lie in state and the subsequent funeral. On Wednesday, April 23, the coffin containing the pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. The funeral follows on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. As an estimated 1.3 billion Catholics around the world begin a period of mourning, and the system for electing a new pope begins, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the occasion.

Rome celebrates its Jubilee year in 2025, with record numbers of visitors expected

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How will the pope’s death affect travel to Rome?

Travel to Rome won’t be directly impacted during the pope’s funeral and subsequent papal conclave. Flights and trains are expected to run as usual. However, travelers should expect the city to be busier than usual as the faithful arrive to pay their respects. Pope Francis’s death comes at a time when the Italian capital is already expecting more visitors than usual because this year marks Jubilee 2025 in Rome.

Will the Vatican be closed to tourists after the pope’s death?

Pope Francis’s death triggers nine days of official mourning. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed to the public during this time, as are most shops and restaurants. Tours of the Vatican will also be paused during the busy funeral period and papal conclave, as cardinals are guided through the Vatican between voting rounds.

Voted one of your favorite countries in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, Thailand frequently tops travel lists as a country known for its culture of hospitality. Thanks to its tourism-friendly policies—and in part to runaway success of the third season HBO’s The White Lotus—the destination has never been more popular, and interest shows no signs of slowing down. But behind the smiling first impression lies a complex cultural code grounded in two core values: “graengjai,” the instinct to avoid imposing on others, and “namjai”, a generous outpouring of the heart. “Jai” means heart, and heartfelt values accordingly permeate daily life, shaping everything from casual interactions with vendors to, potentially, deeper exchanges.

I was born and raised in Thailand, and I attended an international school in Bangkok before moving abroad and eventually living across three continents. Navigating between cultures became second nature, and code-switching the norm. Sometimes, it takes leaving a place to see it with fresh eyes, and I’ve since written multiple guidebooks about Thailand, photographed its coastlines for conservation campaigns, and returned time and again for both work and wonder—feeling the pull home.

Given its complex cultural tapestry, here’s what I think travelers should know when embarking on a journey through the Land of Smiles with awareness, sensitivity, and grace.

1. Return the wai

The wai, a prayer-like gesture with a bow, is Thailand’s customary greeting. Return it when offered—especially to elders and monks—to show respect. The higher your wai, the more formal the gesture. While hugs are becoming more common within expat and international circles, traditional Thai greetings typically avoid physical touch, reflecting a cultural respect of personal space.

2. Remove your shoes

It’s customary to take off your shoes before entering homes, temples, massage parlors, and even some cafés and shops—you can almost feel the shudder when someone inadvertently enters a home with their shoes on! If in doubt, look down: A row of shoes by the entrance is your cue to place yours alongside the rest.

3. Dress modestly, especially at temples

While beaches in Thailand may feel more relaxed, Thai culture generally leans towards the conservative, so it’s best to dress respectfully when exploring beyond the sand, especially at temples and religious sites. Temples aren’t just tourist attractions—they’re sacred spaces. Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. If you’re a woman, carry a scarf or sarong for additional coverage, avoid touching monks, and instead of sitting cross-legged, sit with your legs tucked to one side.

4. Mind your feet (and your head)

Feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Never point them at people or statues, and definitely don’t rest them on tables or chairs. Conversely, the head is the most sacred. Don’t touch anyone’s head, especially anyone older or more senior.

5. Eat with others

Eating is arguably Thailand’s favorite pastime. “Have you eaten?” is our local greeting, an equivalent to “How are you?” While solo meals are becoming more common in busy city centers, dining is traditionally a communal affair.

To eat like a local, order several dishes to share, served family-style alongside a pot of rice. Wait for the host to start, and serve them before serving yourself. Use the communal spoon to scoop rice on to your plate before topping it with an assortment of the entrees—this allows you to try a bit of everything! When it comes to utensils, hold your spoon in your right hand and your fork in your left—the fork is used to guide food on to your spoon, not for eating directly. Knives are rarely needed, and chopsticks are usually served with noodle dishes.

Is tipping in Paris required? No, tipping in Paris is not required. C’est tous, c’est ça. Americans, rest easy. If it feels strange to not leave gratuity, you should go ahead and tip anyway—no one in France is going to get mad at you for expressing your thanks for high-quality service with some extra euros. It all just comes down to identifying the right situations where tipping in France is acceptable, and the appropriate amounts. (Speaking of politeness in France, don’t forget to say “bonjour” to the proprietor when entering any establishment.) For some advice regarding the matter of tipping in Paris, I sought advice from a handful of Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists who are experts on traveling in France: Camilla Davidson, the head of destination management for France at Red Savannah; Jonathan Alder, founder of Jonathan’s Travels; and Murray Mitchell of Jacada Travel.

Tipping is not an expected part of the culture in France, certainly not as much as it is in the United States, Davidson explains: “In many instances, there is a sense of pride that pricing is ‘all-inclusive’ and that service is not expected beyond the cost you are charged.” That being said, service professionals such as taxi drivers, servers, hairdressers, and hotel porters will always appreciate it when a bill is rounded up or when you offer a couple of extra euros for a job well done. One thing to note: If you’re paying by credit card, you may not always have the option to add a tip to your card payment, so it’s a good idea to carry some coins and notes to leave a tip in cash.

Here’s how much to tip in Paris, organized by situations and the appropriate amounts.

Do you tip at hotels in Paris?

Tipping at a hotel is generally optional. For bell service, Mitchell of Jacada Travel advises travelers that €2 per piece of luggage would be appropriate, if they wish to tip at hotels in Paris. As for hotel concierges, Alder of Jonathan’s Travels says, “Unless they’ve attended to a special favor or request, it’s not necessary to tip a concierge in France as it is a prestigious and well compensated position.”

Occasionally, some properties might add a voluntary service charge to your final room bill, but this is typically at your discretion, according to Davidson of Red Savannah. For your edification, she says, you can certainly ask how it is allocated and who will get it. After all, you want to be sure that your appreciation reaches its intended recipient: “If a bartender has made a particularly excellent cocktail or you loved your spa treatment, offering a tip for great service is hugely appreciated—but it’s not an expectation in the same way it would be in the United States.”

In France—whether at restaurants or hotels (like Le Bristol, as seen here)—offering a tip for great service is hugely appreciated, but it’s not an expectation in the same way it would be in the United States.

Claire Cocano/Le Bristol Paris

Do you tip at restaurants in Paris?

At restaurants in Paris, tipping is not required. As ever, it is a way of showing your gratitude. Murray says that, by law, a service charge is included in the final bill, but for exceptional service, he recommends a 10% tip, which would be considered very generous.

Smith says the sweet spot for a high-value trip to Alaska is the springtime: “It’s then that Alaska awakens from the long winter, so you’ll see snow up in the mountains, and that drives hungry bears down to the coast for a meal; small cruise ships take advantage of this proximity. April and May are also the driest months along Alaska’s coast, plus there are fewer crowds in both town and on the water.”

A whale breaches in Glacier Bay.

Brent Doscher/Getty

When is peak season in Alaska?

The peak season in Alaska is June through August. Yup, peak season is the best time to visit Alaska. “This time brings travelers the best combination of long days, good weather, and abundant wildlife, including greater numbers of whales that congregate in predictable feeding pods, putting on quite a show,” Smith says. Naturally, be prepared for crowds in town and at popular sites like Denali National Park thanks to big ships and bus tours.

If you plan to travel during peak season in Alaska, Palmer recommends taking advantage of the best cruises in Alaska running their full schedules during the summer months: “They offer diverse itineraries in remote locations like Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, and Price William Sound.”

When visiting Alaska for the first time, where should I go?

One of the best ways to experience the wilderness and wildlife of Alaska is by going on a cruise. For example, the Inside Passage—home to fjords, lush forests, incredible marine life, and Glacier Bay National Park, where you can watch massive glaciers calve into the sea—is best explored by small ship, Smith says: “You can pack a lot into a week-long cruise there. You can see all sorts of things like glaciers, bears, eagles, and whales.” Furthermore, the remote areas of Alaska are hard to reach by land, Palmer says, and cruises give travelers a front-row seat to the state’s untamed beauty.

Additionally, the towns of Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan are also highlights, Palmer says: “Each offers a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Some travelers enjoy combining an expedition cruise in Southeast Alaska to explore the northern part of the state and visit Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.”

How many days do I need to spend in Alaska as a first-timer?

Plan to spend 7 to 10 days in Alaska if you’re visiting for the first time. “This allows you to explore multiple regions without feeling rushed,” Palmer says, and suggests first-timers explore Alaska via cruise ship. Smith agrees, saying that a cruise will offer you more wildlife sightings in one week than most people get to see in their whole lives. “If you have two weeks, add a trip to Denali or elsewhere in Alaska’s interior,” he says. “Most folks will only make one trip to Alaska, so it’s best to invest the time to do it right.”

What else should I know before visiting Alaska?

Though the summertime in Alaska generally promises good weather, Palmer says, it can still be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers: “Bring waterproof gear such as a rain jacket and sturdy walking shoes.” Be sure to add lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and insect repellant to your checklist, he says: “Mosquitoes can be present in some areas, especially near forests and inland rivers.”

Speaking of wildlife, Palmer offers an important reminder about expecting and interacting with animals: “One of the biggest draws to Alaska is the fauna, but spotting bears, whales, and seabirds is a plus; it’s not a certainty. It is very likely you’ll see these animals in their natural habitat, but no travel operator can guarantee it will happen. Moreover, it’s essential to keep a safe distance, follow any guidance from your guides, and bring binoculars or a Zoom lens for your camera.”

If you’re booking accommodations on land, Smith suggests focusing on remote lodges and guided excursions away from towns and highways to experience Alaska’s famous wildlife and solitude. “If you’re planning to cruise, you must think outside the boat,” he adds. “When choosing a ship, ignore the onboard amenities and instead focus on how much the crew takes you off the ship to experience the nature you’ve come to see.”

All that said and done, Barbados is increasingly becoming a prime year round destination, according to Roney, especially because there are festivals and events throughout the cultural calendar of Barbados: “Known as the sweetest summer festival in the Caribbean, the Crop Over Festival in August creates a vibrant spectacle of music, dance, outdoor events, and street masquerades. The Barbados Food and Rum Festival is held in October and features the island’s award winning chefs and mixologists in fusion of Caribbean culinary artistry.”

When is the cheapest time to visit Barbados ?

For a more affordable trip to Barbados, book your trips for the months of May, June, September, October, and November. This is when hotels and resorts on the island offer their lowest rates, Roney says. “July and August are considered a shoulder season with slightly higher rates and higher occupancy rates due to the American and European summer vacation seasons,” he advises. “The private villas on Barbados offer their lowest rates from mid-April through mid-December.”

For your first time in Barbados, plan to stay at least five nights because there’s plenty to do—on both land and sea.

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When is hurricane season in Barbados?

The risk of hurricanes and tropical storms is highest between July and October. In recent years, notable storms have hit the Caribbean island throughout July and August. However, September and October are statistically the most common months for such storms.

More generally, the wet season in Barbados runs from July to November. The average rainfall in July is 8.5 inches, making it the wettest month; in comparison, the average rainfall in February is just 1.6 inches, making it the driest month, followed by March. However, sunny days are common during the wet season, when downpours and storms are short-lived.

When visiting Barbados for the first time, how long should I stay and where should I go?

For your first time in Barbados, plan to stay at least five nights, Roney says. There’s plenty to do: Hit the island’s superb golf courses and its amazing restaurants—all of which are very popular, so you ‘’d better make a habit of getting your reservations and tee-times early. Beyond that, there are the beaches, of course: “One of the prime attractions of Barbados are the excellent white sand beaches on the island’s western coast, often referred to as the Platinum Coast,” Roney says. “The waters are calm, and so the snorkeling and scuba diving are excellent.”

This is part of Why I Moved, a recurring series about Americans building a life abroad.

Japan has long enticed Hannah Kirshner. After college, where she studied Japanese, Kirshner went to live in Kyoto as a 22-year-old, working at a bike shop and immersing herself in its messenger bike subculture. Then in 2015, by then a food stylist in New York, Kirshner returned—this time to a “magical mountain town” called Yamanaka Onsen in the Ishikawa Prefecture, where she took on a three-month apprenticeship at a sake bar. What she couldn’t have predicted is that the locals she’d meet—wood turners and boar hunters and paper artists—would draw her to a deeper calling.

The idea for her book, Water, Wood & Wild Things, an ode to Yamanaka’s crafters and cultivators, was born. “As I moved there to write about the community, I became a part of it—and wanted to stay,” Kirshner says in a conversation with Traveler. Seven years on, Kirshner owns two old homes in a compound in Yamanaka that she’s slowly renovating (mostly by herself) using ecological design principles and local materials, and now has a white Kei truck that she uses to schlep supplies (and rubble). She is best friends with a pair of crows and her elderly neighbor’s Shiba Inu—he stops for treats as they pass by on their morning walk—and she spends time gardening and foraging. “I grew up on a small farm in the Pacific Northwest, and there is a sense of the familiar in Yamanaka’s misty forests,” she says.

Foraging in Yamanaka’s mossy mountains reminds Kirshner of growing up in the Pacific Northwest.

The next chapter in Kirshner’s life includes hosting culinary retreats and food-writing workshops with a view to celebrating local food cultures, as well as an upcoming book. “It’s ironic that my husband moved to the US from Japan when he was 18, thinking he’d never go back, only to marry an American woman who never wants to leave.” In the Q&A below, we chat with Kirshner about what it’s been like to settle in Japan and how she built community in her adopted hometown.

Where did you move to, and why this place?

“The first time I lived in Japan was right after college, when I lived in Kyoto and worked at a bike shop. My friend (who was also my host) would tell me about this magical town called Yamanaka Onsen—a hot spring town surrounded by nature—but I never ended up visiting at the time. I did eventually return in 2016, for a three-month apprenticeship at a sake bar in Yamanaka and ended up meeting all these amazing artists and craftsmen and farmers, and realized I wanted to learn about what they were doing and how it all wove together into the culture and community of Yamanaka. Yamanaka Onsen is a culturally rich town even though it’s rural; it has more than a 1000-year history of tourism because of its onsen, its hot springs, and alongside that grew various craft industries like the wood turning. I started spending more and more time in Yamanaka and eventually got my resident visa in 2018 to begin research for my book.”

What prompted you to move out of the US?

“I originally thought I’d move for a couple of years, but in the process of writing about the community, I became part of that community. I fell in love with the idea of buying an old farmhouse and fixing it up. And that was sort of the next step, finding a house. I now own two houses: a 100-year-old kominka (an old wooden traditional house) that I’m renovating and another 60-year old home next door that I live in.”

Did you move alone or with a partner, family, or friends?

“Ironically, my husband is Japanese but lives in Brooklyn, where he runs a graphics studio. I do travel back and forth a lot.”

Give us a top-level explanation of the process of moving.

“In Japan, you can go for three months at a time on a tourist visa, but when it came to writing my book, I needed to be around much longer, so I applied for a self-sponsored artist visa. I spoke with a photographer who lived in Tokyo on that visa who gave me advice on how to do it and turns out, if you have been a professional in your field of arts for some years, the requirements aren’t that hard. Plus, I found that with all the connections I had made in the community, I was able to get letters of support that also really helped. I hear all these stories of it being really hard for foreigners to rent properties in Japan, but because I’m in a small town, everything is based on who you can get to vouch for you. I’ve never even had to pay a rental deposit. Being in a small community and making the effort to really assimilate opens a lot of doors.”

How does the nature of your work contribute to your decision to move abroad?

“I’ve actually found more opportunities in Japan than I did in New York. There are so many writers in New York, it can be a bit of a struggle to carve out space, whereas there aren’t that many writers writing in English who are living in rural Japan. So without really intending it, writing about Japanese craft and food and rural life sort of became my niche.”

What was the biggest challenge or obstacle to moving, or navigating your new life?

“Language. I’d taken Japanese in college, but I did not really speak it. That has steadily improved—now I like to say I’m renovating a house entirely in Japanese—but I’m learning how to read because it was infantilizing to have to ask my husband and friends to read my mail out to me. I still read at a first-grade level; you have to memorize some 2000 characters to be able to functionally read. So, yeah, that’s been a steep learning curve.”

What was it like adapting to a new culture?

“One of the things that’s really nice, now that I’ve bought a house, is that I have this neighbor who has become my guardian angel. He’s always looking out for me, and one of the things I’m so grateful for is he’ll tell me what I’m supposed to do to be a good neighbor. He’ll be like: ‘Tomorrow is the shrine cleaning day, so come at 9 a.m. and bring work gloves.’ Or, ‘The next time you cut the grass, it would be really nice if you could cut the grass for this person too.’ It’s important to have people who will clue you into what community expectations are. The other thing I’ve had to learn, especially as an American, is about consensus. As an example, I had to get a survey of my property line, and that involved a surveyor gathering seven different people whose properties abut mine and having them confirm and sign off on things. There are a lot of processes that take a lot of patience to navigate because collective consensus is valued over individual choice. I’ve come to think it’s lovely, but it definitely takes a mindset shift.”

Give us a brief description of your typical weekday or weekend.

“When the weather is nice, I like to sit and have breakfast by the kitchen window, and chat with neighbors as they take their morning walks. Both my houses are right next to each other, and there’s just endless work to do, working on the garden or renovation. I’m in the midst of renovating part of the big house into an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and a traditional Japanese wood-fired cook stove, which I plan to use for culinary retreats. So oftentimes the morning is dedicated to physical work, whether it’s stacking firewood or working in the garden or doing demolition work. I might step out into town for lunch, after which the afternoon is spent writing and illustrating for my next book. At some point in the afternoon, a pair of crows come to visit me and eat peanuts out of my hand. They’ve visited me for two years, and this year they brought their babies. In the evening, I might ride my bike into town and go to the onsen

Like most travelers, I’m determined to maximize my vacation days in 2025. The key to making the most of your paid time off—whether you’re hoping to plan lengthy bucket-list trips or are looking to ramp up your weekend getaways—is being strategic about which days you request vacation. It’s a common hack: To smartly link your PTO with holidays and office closures, which allows for more overall time out of office. Effectively, you get more vacation from the same number of vacation days.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average number of paid vacation days for employees after one year in the private industry is 11 days (or 13 days in state and local government); it jumps to 15 days after five years. If you plot those 15 days right around a few holidays (whether they’re federal holidays, or just offered by your employer), they can start to multiply.

According to our calculations, those who have all federal holidays off can turn their 15 days of PTO into 48 days of vacation. With the help of summer Fridays and additional company-wide closures, some lucky few will be able to turn those 15 PTO days into as many as 61 days of work-free time. (Note that the final number of vacation days includes all federal holidays whether or not you take additional PTO days off around each one.)

Below, we outline a few easy ways to hack the holiday calendar for yourself. One caveat: Every office schedule is a bit different, so our suggestions are based on those that have all federal holidays off. To truly maximize your vacation days in 2025, the best option is to plan around federal holidays and tack on a few additional PTO days to your already existing company-wide days off.

We’ve chosen the following schedule to maximize PTO while also providing the opportunity for both long and short trips. If you prefer weekend getaways, feel free to rearrange by cutting down PTO on some of the longer vacations and taking off Friday or Monday around a different federal holiday instead. Or, do the reverse. It’s your time, so do with it as you will—and when you’re ready to plan, you know we’ve got you covered on tips for wherever you’re headed.

Here’s how to maximize your 2025 vacation days—and the best places to visit when you do so.

Take off February 18-21 (nine days of vacation)

Presidents’ Day falls on Monday, February 17, this year, so if you take off February 18-21, you can enjoy a long, nine-day vacation for just four days of PTO. February is the perfect time to head to one of your bucket-list destinations, like Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, (one of our Best Places to Go in Asia in 2025) or Costa Rica for a warm-weather escape. Prefer to lean into the cold weather? Venture to Telluride, Colorado, or Switzerland to enjoy ski season.

(For more trip ideas, check out our guide to the best places to go in February.)

Take off June 20th and 23rd (five days of vacation)

Juneteenth is a Thursday in 2025, so if you take off the following Friday and Monday you can enjoy a five-day vacation for just two PTO days. If your company offers summer Fridays, you’ll just use one-and-a-half PTO days. For longer trips, take off the 16-18 as well so your five PTO days can extend to 10 days of vacation (and with summer Fridays, you can also take off June 13 for the same number of PTO since both the 13 and 20 would only count as half days). This is the perfect time to take a roadtrip with family or friends. (The best places to travel in June, which include Yosemite and Croatia, are primed for this type of getaway.)

Take off May 23 or July 7 or August 29 (four days of vacation)

To hit all 15 days off, choose between extending your Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend, or Labor Day weekend with one PTO day. For some, the Friday before Memorial Day is a half-day, which means you’ll only have to take half-day of PTO to get a four-day weekend. Take the Monday following July 4 off to get a similarly beneficial deal, or the Friday before Labor Day for the final hurrah of summer. If you get summer Fridays, the one before Labor Day is likely the last of the year—and it means you’ll only have to take half a day off. This is the perfect time for a quick trip to your hometown or a relaxing staycation—especially since many US destinations can get crowded, and prices rise, right around these holidays.

Take off November 28 (four days of vacation)

This year, Thanksgiving lands on November 27, so if you take the 28 off you’ll be able to luxuriate in a four-day weekend for the price of one PTO day. If you get Black Friday off—or are just looking to extend your vacation—take off November 26 too. While this is a great time to soak up some R&R with family, maybe you’ll choose to take time for yourself in Panama or Oaxaca, Mexico, two of our best places to go in December, where a medium-length trip like this won’t feel too rushed or dragged out. Better yet? Convince the family to relocate with you this year.

Take off December 22-24, 26, and 29-31 (13 days of vacation)

Make this year’s Christmas one you won’t forget, by taking off the week before and after Christmas Day. Seven days of PTO turn into 13 days of vacation (including New Year’s Day). Plus, if you dip into your 2026 PTO and take off Jan 2 and 3, your vacation can be extended to 17 days. What can’t you do with two and a half weeks off? We recommend taking all of that time to go on a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip, like Antarctica, where you can marvel at the complete darkness of the polar night, spot wildlife, and take in the awe-inspiring landscape. Paris and Austria are also great options, and are sure to be filled with festive, holiday-season charm. If you’re looking for something a bit warmer, consider Santiago, Chile, or Belize. (All five locations are ones we consider among the best places to go in December.)

For those that have company-wide closures between December 25 and January 1, you’ll be able to save even more PTO than you thought, securing 17 days of vacation for just 4 PTO days.

Here’s to a 2025 in which you can vacation more than ever.