Posts made in April 2025

Department of Labor Denounces Unemployment Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

U.S. Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer warns states that people could lose federal funds if illegal immigrants allowed access to unemployment benefits.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is urging governors to comply with President Trump’s directives, ensuring tax dollars are not spent on encouraging or rewarding illegal immigration. In a letter sent today, the secretary reminds all states that failing to fulfill existing legal obligations will result in the loss of federal funding through the Title III UI administrative grant.

“Our nation’s unemployment benefits exist solely for workers who are eligible to receive them,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer wrote. “Unemployment benefits are not a handout for those in our country illegally.”

The Secretary’s reminder comes after the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration sent a letter last week to state unemployment insurance administrators, urging them to use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE immigration database. Offered at no cost because of an action by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, this system will ensure states can verify the immigration status of individuals who file claims and indicate whether they are U.S. citizens.

“I am committed to ensuring that the U.S. Department of Labor enforces the law and will personally work to safeguard Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. I look forward to working with you on this effort,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer concluded in the letter.

Read the Secretary’s full letter to governors.

How To Transform Your Vacation With High-End Travel Choices

Smart travelers aren’t just going on vacation anymore—they’re curating unforgettable escapes. While a good getaway helps you unwind, a great one feels like it was made just for you. Think: private flights, once-in-a-lifetime stays, or itineraries crafted to appeal to your every desire.

Making these high-end choices enhances comfort for these travelers—it redefines the whole experience from start to finish, making it extraordinary.

Make Your Trip Feel Like It Was Made for You

Planning a trip that truly caters to your every whim starts with flexibility and a commitment to infusing thoughtful touches whenever possible. That might mean taking an intentional detour through Mexico City’s route most striking architecture, visiting a design hotel crawl across Scandinavia, or embracing an unplugged week of realigning in Bali with daily yoga and plant-based dining.

Today, travelers are making an effort to scour the internet for travel consultants who take the time to get to know their preferences—everything from their favorite cuisines to their sleep habits and even music tastes. Services like Black Tomato, for instance, design entire journeys around your passions. Their “Bring It Back” program goes as far as curating travel based on emotions or memories people want to recapture. Holiday design that’s intimately yours.

It’s a way of traveling that’s less about checking boxes and all about living through experiences that you actually care about.

Leave the Terminals Behind

The private jet charter services market has grown rapidly, from $21.24 billion in 2024 to $24.28 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%. It’s proof that how you get to your destination plays a significant role in how your vacation unfolds.

Private Jet Charter brands like ACS have become popular for upgrading travel because they offer comfort, flexibility, and a tranquil environment from the moment you leave home—the perfect stepping stone to the perfect getaway. With private flights, you take hold of the reins, plan your schedule, choose departure points a stone’s throw away from home, and arrive feeling more relaxed and refreshed.

When you charter a private plane, you can reach destinations not well-served by commercial airlines. Among them are small islands, rural lodges, and backcountry ski resorts. These off-the-beaten-path places are the key to creating memories you will always cherish as incomparable. Plus, with customizable aircraft options, you can select a cabin that fits your group’s size and vibe, whether flying solo or with friends and family.

Don’t Just Stay, Immerse Yourself

If how you travel is the perfect stepping stone to the perfect holiday, where you stay is the make-or-break decision for your entire trip. That’s why many travelers choose accommodations with a one-of-a-kind charm—where the property becomes part of the destination.

For example, the Amangiri resort in Utah blends into the dramatic desert landscape with minimalist luxury suites and private plunge pools. It’s a different world carved out just for you. In Italy, Castello di Reschio is a restored 1,000-year-old castle-turned-boutique hotel in Umbria with riding stables, olive groves, and open-air art installations.

Looking for more privacy? Luxury vacation rentals offer the space of a private home with the ease of five-star service. Companies like onefinestay and The Mysa Collection offer fully staffed villas with chefs, housekeepers, and even wellness specialists. Imagine a private chef preparing local seafood on the terrace of a villa in Mykonos, or a personal butler attending to your every need while arranging a poolside wine tasting in Napa Valley.

These stays don’t just provide a place to sleep—they create a sense of connection with the location seldom found in brochures.

Let Someone Else Handle the Details

When you’re on the road, having real-time support can make everything feel effortless. In today’s world, lifestyle aspirations continue to evolve, which has paved the way for high-end concierge services that help make these desires for a higher standard of holiday life a reality. High-end concierge services help make the unexpected feel manageable, and the ordinary feel special.

For example, companies like John Paul Group and Quintessentially provide 24/7 lifestyle management—securing hard-to-get reservations at top restaurants, arranging access to private art galleries or fashion showrooms, and coordinating last-minute itinerary changes. They are the gatekeepers to the precious moments you’re seeking.

Luxury hotels like The Peninsula or Four Seasons also offer destination-specific concierges who can organize exclusive cultural experiences, such as a private sushi class in Tokyo or a guided after-hours tour of a Paris museum.

Some travelers also work with personal travel advisors who remain available throughout the trip, checking in to offer spontaneous upgrades or help rebook missed connections. This quiet safety net gives travelers the freedom to enjoy and explore.

The Key to Your Favorite Holiday Keepsakes

High-end travel isn’t just about luxury. It isn’t about the gloss, glitz, and glamour—it’s about the mementos and keepsakes of a time you will always hope to relive that you gain. It demands intention. Every thoughtful upgrade, from how you fly to where you stay, creates space for a smoother, richer experience. The key is to lean on the support of specialists and experts so that time away feels like it’s truly yours.

Oakley MUZM Straight Jacket 9

Over two decades ago, the Straight Jacket defined an era of Oakley—bold, defiant, and made for those who refused to follow. It shattered the boundaries of sport, infiltrating culture through film, TV, and the streets, while being worn by the legends who set the blueprint. Now, as Oakley celebrates 50 years of defying convention, the limited-edition Oakley® MUZM Straight Jacket 99 returns — handpicked from the archives and reimagined for a new generation of rule-breakers.

Led by Trinity Rodman, professional soccer player and Team Oakley athlete, who is forging a new legacy, the MUZM Straight Jacket 99 captures the bold, fearless spirit that made Oakley a cultural icon. The Straight Jacket was made for those who understand that style isn’t dictated—it’s self-defined. When the original frames dropped, Oakley didn’t hold back: if you need the world to tell you how to look, this isn’t your frame. This is eyewear for those who don’t ask, don’t wait, and definitely don’t need the world’s opinion.

A member of the Jacket family—a collection of eyewear that fits the face like apparel fits your body—the design connects past and future, revamping the second generation of Straight Jacket down to the classic flame detailing. Featuring the same sporty, aggressive look that was signature to Oakley’s design language in the ’90s and early 2000s, the lightweight O Matter™ frame arrives in a new, unprecedented colorway—complete with silver flames across the frame and temples, no-slip Unobtainium® earsocks for a secure fit, and Prizm™ Black lenses made to enhance color and contrast.

Dare to defy with the MUZM Straight Jacket 99, available starting April 30 on Oakley.com and at select Oakley stores and partners worldwide.

Oakley’s Rebel Returns: The MUZM Straight Jacket 99 Is Back via 360 MAGAZINE.

Joe Jonas – Heart By Heart

VEVO LIVE

Gearing up for a bold creative era, GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and global superstar Joe Jonas unveils his new single “Heart By Heart” out today—listen HERE. “Heart By Heart” paves the way for his forthcoming solo album Music For People Who Believe In Love on May 23rd via Republic Records. Pre-order / pre-save HERE.

Co-written with Lewis Capaldi, Savan [The Weeknd, Ariana Grande], Oscar Holter [DNCE, The Weeknd], and Max Gsus [Kim Petras, Tove Lo], “Heart By Heart” layers acoustic guitar and glistening keys over a bouncy beat. Against this sonic backdrop, Joe’s expansive range immediately captivates as he taps into raw emotion and delivers the song’s nostalgic lyrics with a palpable sense of longing. As the refrain takes hold, he sings, “Well if he don’t ever light your spark, remember I know your heart by heart…Just remember I will always remember.”

Yesterday, Joe and Heineken® announced a new collaboration with an exclusive event in New York City, where Joe debuted his new single “Heart By Heart” for the very first time in front of the offline crowd, instead of using digital channels. The performance was part of Heineken’s new #SocialOffSocials campaign, which aims to demonstrate that the best way to disconnect from the sometimes-overwhelming world of social media is to connect in real life. Joe also filmed part of his forthcoming music video at the event—stay tuned for its official premiere.

Joe initially kicked off his solo chapter with his singles “Work It Out” and “What This Could Be.” The latter was co-written by Joe alongside GRAMMY® Award-winning hitmaker Dan Nigro [Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan] and GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Feist. The tracks received critical praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, UPROXX, Grammy.com, and more, with Billboard proclaiming, “Jonas lands on a shimmery pop sound that synthesizes a wide array of influences, from garage-rock to alt-pop to ’90s country, while singing about navigating life’s uncertainties and finding gratitude amid loss.” Joe also worked alongside an exciting list of collaborators on the project, including Alexander 23, MUNA’s Josette Maskin, Feist, Dan Nigro, Justin Tranter, Jason Evigan, Tommy English, and Joel Little, with more collaborators and features to be revealed soon.

At the same time, Joe’s voice has continued to resound across culture. He notably joined forces with Latin GRAMMY®Award-winning phenomenon Ela Taubert on “¿Cómo Pasó? Con Joe Jonas,” which exploded with over 31 million Spotify streams and 18 million YouTube views. They also delivered a seismic performance of the track at the 2024 Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Plus, he teamed up with rising superstar Alex Warren on a duet version of his breakthrough smash “Burning Down” as well as appeared on buzzing country phenomenon Ashley Cooke’s “All I Forgot.”

Stay tuned for Music For People Who Believe In Love, out May 23rd.

JOE JONAS SOCIALS: INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER / X | WEBSITE

Jessie J – No Secrets

JESSIE J RETURNS WITH NEW MUSIC: “NO SECRETS” OUT NOW + “LIVING MY BEST LIFE” COMING MAY 16

Listen

Grammy Nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Jessie J makes her highly anticipated return with “No Secrets,” her first release in four years. Out now via Darco Artist Partnerships (D.A.P), the song marks a bold reintroduction to one of pop’s most powerful and beloved voices. “No Secrets” will be followed by “Living My Best Life,” a vibrant Ryan Tedder-produced anthem, arriving May 16.

“No Secrets” is a deeply personal, open invitation into the highs and lows of Jessie J’s life over the past few years. The track explores themes of loss, trauma, and the pressure of living life online, blending raw vulnerability with a playful wink at today’s culture of oversharing. Produced by Los Hendrix (SZA, Brent Faiyaz) and Jesse Boykins III, the song leans into Jessie’s soulful alt-R&B side, with her signature powerhouse vocals and soul-baring lyricism front and center.

“This song is super personal, but I hope it can be relative to anyone’s life,” says Jessie. “I’m a very honest person; I say it how it is and I share with the world a lot of things that most people don’t, but always with a little humor. Humor is key. The music has really gotten me through.”

On May 16, Jessie shifts gears with “Living My Best Life,” a joyful, 80s-leaning throwback full of confidence and catharsis. The track came to her while driving through Los Angeles, Whitney and Prince blasting through her speakers.

“I love the sense of moving upwards, so ‘Living My Best Life’ has that same feeling,” Jessie explains. “It feels timeless, classic, 80s. It makes you want to dance.”

To mark this new chapter, Jessie will take the stage for an intimate acoustic show on May 20 at London’s iconic Union Chapel. The sold-out performance will offer fans an exclusive first listen to her new music, woven together with beloved hits and the candid charisma that’s defined her global appeal.

FOLLOW JESSIE J:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK

The Complete Guide to Portable Concentrate Devices

Portable concentrate devices have revolutionized how cannabis enthusiasts enjoy their favorite extracts.

With concentrate vapes, enjoying concentrates is still exciting, yet also discreet and incredibly convenient. Whether you’re a concentrated connoisseur or just beginning your journey, our complete guide to portable concentrate devices is for you.

What Makes These Devices So Popular?

Portable vaporizers for concentrates are experiencing a surge in popularity. But what’s behind this growing interest in portable concentrate vapes?

As with other portable vapes, they offer the perfect balance of functionality and convenience. Traditional rigs just don’t compare. Unlike bulky smoking apparatuses, these compact and portable devices allow users to enjoy concentrates like rosin, wax, and resin discreetly and on the go.

These sleek devices can fit comfortably in your pocket but still deliver a powerful experience. And there’s no need for torches and complicated setups, because there’s no burning involved. Portable vapes designed for concentrates thus offer more convenience and versatility.

Most concentrate vapes have three main components: a battery, an atomizer, and a mouthpiece. But modern dab pens sometimes have advanced heating technology that preserves complex flavor profiles and minimizes waste.

Understanding Heating Elements and Chambers

The heating element and chamber design are the heart of every portable concentrate vape. Vaporizers use either convection heating elements or conduction coils to heat the concentrate in the chamber. These components can be made of a variety of materials.

The chamber design can impact not only performance but also ease of cleaning and maintenance requirements. Quartz coils deliver rapid heating. Ceramic, and although slower to heat up, provides more even heat distribution and better heat retention.

Higher-end portable models feature temperature control settings, allowing users to customize their experience based on their preference and on concentrate consistency. In such vapes, a titanium coil may be used.

Battery Life and Charging Considerations

Nothing disrupts the vaping experience more than a dead battery mid-session. This is why premium concentrate vaporizers typically feature lithium-ion batteries ranging from 650mAh to 1100mAh. Remember, the higher the capacity, the longer you can use your vape between charges.

When selecting your perfect device, consider your usage patterns. Are you a frequent traveler? You might need a device with a longer battery life. Just an occasional user? A more compact model with a smaller battery will probably be fine.

Most devices utilize USB-C technology for faster charging times, with full charges typically taking anywhere from 45-90 minutes. And many manufacturers now incorporate battery-saving features like auto-shutoff and standby modes to maximize usage time between charges.

Accessories to Enhance Your Experience

With the right portable vape accessories, you can transform a good vaping experience into an exceptional one. So check out the wide selection of accessories available to you.

Super sleek vape pens offer the most discretion and portability. And you can still enjoy the design of a vape pen with concentrates, with a wax dab pen. Click here to buy now, and you’ll soon elevate your sessions to new heights.

Struggling to get the hang of loading up your vape? Don’t worry. Specialized loading tools make the process cleaner and more efficient. Concerned about dropping your device while exploring and sightseeing on vacation? Don’t be. Vape manufacturers and suppliers usually sell protective carry cases.

For the tech-savvy user, Bluetooth-enabled models can pair with smartphone apps.

Selecting the Right Concentrates

The concentrate you choose will significantly impact your overall vaping experience. Distillate, isolate, resin, rosin, shatter, crumble, wax, budders; it’s your choice. More refined concentrates usually work best.

That said, concentrate vapes are not all the same; some are better suited to certain types of concentrate than others. Liquid concentrates may require specialized chambers to prevent leaking, after all. And solid concentrates might benefit from pre-heating features.

When pairing concentrates with your device, consider the heating element and chamber designs and materials. Check if customizable temperature settings are available.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

Regularly clean and maintain your device for optimal performance. It also ensures a clean flavor in each smoke session and a longer device lifespan. Premium models may include cleaning materials and spares. But if your device did not come with these, you can use your cleaning items. I

It’s not that complicated. After each session, gently clean the components with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol while the device is still warm. This removes residual concentrate from the chamber and the mouthpiece. It also prevents flavor contamination between different concentrates.

Side note: isopropyl alcohol is a popular choice for other cleaning hacks, too.

For frequent users, a weekly deep cleaning is also recommended. This involves disassembling the various components and soaking non-electronic parts in lukewarm water. You can add a drop of dish soap to the water, but be sure to rinse the components thoroughly afterward and pat gently or air dry.

Inside the World of VIP Perks

What True Luxury Looks Like Today

We often jump to material goods like designer luggage, watches, and vehicles when we think of luxury. However, in the world of VIP perks, luxury encompasses far more than material items. It’s a whole way of living and experiencing the world, with an entirely different level of treatment than the average person would receive.

But how did this shift from possessions to experiences happen? We can trace it to shifting consumer demands and brands seeking to stay relevant and ahead of the curve. Modern luxury meets—and exceeds—these demands through exclusive offers and experiences both online and in person. Only a select few have access to these offers from brands.

The Shift from Possessions to Experiences

Although luxury industries now prioritise experiences, they are still driven, in part, by brands that offer physical items. As consumers have increasingly adopted online purchases, this has posed a hurdle for luxury brands because their customers still receive high-quality products but miss out on traditional luxury experiences. Brands have adapted how they present themselves to craft unique experiences and offer select customers perks to continue to set themselves apart and deliver an air of lavishness and exclusivity even through an online experience. For instance, they use new technologies to craft personal offers and recommendations and leverage augmented and virtual reality to shape a more unique and personalised experience.

Brands have also adapted by creating in-person experiences that can compete with the ease of shopping online, and part of this appeal is that the experience may not be focused on shopping. Instead, it’s about creating a memorable, immersive event that connects customers with the brand. Luxury brands entice customers with celebrity-hosted events, private screenings, and exclusive product previews.

Even traditional luxury experiences have evolved to remain prestigious. This has led luxury travel and hospitality brands to reach new heights in how they pamper clients. Where materials and finishes would have defined luxury in the past, hotels, airlines, and other modes of travel are now embracing a new definition of luxury—one that prioritises the quality of service their clients experience.

While quality materials are still present, luxury today prioritises experiences over gold-plated finishes, crystal chandeliers, and an expansive use of marble. Instead, it’s about creating memories and anticipating every possible want and need. Like online experiences, luxury brands personalise every interaction.

These shifts appear in exclusive brand offerings, not those available to the general public. These novel experiences and opportunities are reserved for the VIPs who make frequent purchases from luxury brands, elevating the notion of loyalty reward programs to a whole new level.

Modern Luxury Perks for VIPs

Exclusivity and personalisation converge for VIPs in the perks businesses offer them. These perks cater to high rollers who spend as if money is no object, making many of these out of reach for most people. You’ll likely recognise parallels between these perks and those offered by most loyalty reward programs, like those from a major department store or clothing brand. These ways of connecting with customers are highly effective marketing strategies for luxury and budget brands alike.

Early and Priority Access

VIPs are given priority access to experience new offers, from art shows and fashion shows to newly constructed luxury hotels, while being wined and dined. It’s not just being the first to access something, but also being the first to experience the full VIP treatment.

Discounts, Contests, and Promotions

Luxury brands offer their VIPs exclusive discounts, contests, and promotions such as private events, free trips, or concert tickets. This encourages customer engagement and creates opportunities for unique experiences that endear them to the brand.

Exclusive Merchandise and Gifts

While limited-edition merchandise is found across different businesses, luxury brands reserve limited-edition merchandise for their most prestigious customers. Additionally, these clients may have opportunities for personalised products tailored to their preferences and customisations to existing offers. For instance, Louis Vuitton allows VIPs to select the leather and lining material for a custom designer bag. VIPs at luxury brands may also receive gifts alongside their purchases, which are curated to complement and enhance the gift. For example, a jewellery box can be included with the purchase of a necklace.

VIP Lounges

VIPs at events like conferences, sports games, or concerts are provided with private access lounges. These lounges offer comfortable amenities, including food and drinks, and space where they can privately watch the action unfold or participate in meet-and-greets with keynote speakers, athletes, or artists. It adds extra personalisation and care to what may already be a thrilling experience, making it even more enjoyable and memorable.

Personalised Support and Seamless Convenience

From dedicated customer service to personal concierges and premium delivery for orders, some brands offer VIPs seamless convenience to make the customer service experience exceptional. For instance, VIPs of online gaming sites are offered financial flexibility. They enjoy increased limits and faster processing times, so their enjoyment of online platforms has as few disruptions as possible. While most people who game online might go looking for casinos that accept PayPal to maximise convenience around processing times and deposit limits, for VIPs, these concerns are barely a thought. The process of spending is made virtually frictionless.

The Future of Luxury

As with other industries, the luxury industry constantly changes as new trends and technologies emerge. Gen Z has particularly influenced the luxury industry as their purchasing power grows. The generation is driven by meaningful and personalised experiences, which means the emphasis on personalisation in luxury will only continue to be prioritised. But this isn’t the only factor impacting the future of luxury offers. Evolving technologies and shifting consumer values are impacting luxury industries as well.

Technology is creating new avenues for delivering luxury experiences through curated shopping, streaming, and entertainment platforms. It also delivers luxury tech products, like wearable tech from Gucci and Hermès, that add style, convenience, and functionality. AI will likely shape luxury experiences, streamlining personalised offerings and creating more immersive online experiences.

Evolving consumer values have increased demand for sustainable initiatives prioritising social responsibility and the environment. This will likely continue to influence how brands deliver their offers and experiences.

Modern luxury has shifted to deliver unique and lavish perks to VIPs. The cornerstones of making people feel pampered and spoiled—exclusivity and personalisation—are more prominent than ever, and their importance will only continue to grow.

Jessie Murph + Uproxx

Jessie Murph to Headline UPROXX & Sparkling Ice’s ‘Sparkling Sessions 2.0’ Party during Stagecoach

UPROXX Studios and Sparkling Ice have announced that the next installment of ‘Sparkling Sessions’ will take place during this year’s Stagecoach Festival and feature a headlining performance by rising country-pop star Jessie Murph. Taking place on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM PT at a Private Estate 2 Miles from Stagecoach, ‘Sparkling Sessions 2.0’ will offer festival-goers an exclusive desert getaway, with custom Sparkling Ice cocktails, Mexican food trucks, games, VIP experiences, swag, and DJ sets by Le Chev and Politik.

Building on the success of previous ‘Sparkling Sessions’ events at major festivals – including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits – this latest installment promises an unforgettable experience just two miles from the Stagecoach Festival grounds. Part intimate concert series and part custom cocktail-infused dance party, the ‘Sparkling Sessions’ series has provided intimate fan experiences with artists such as Pink Sweat$, Teyana Taylor, Justine Skye, Zack Fox, THEBROSFRESH, and Dasha, bringing a shot of flavor and an undeniable energy to some of the biggest cultural celebrations.

The event is free to attend, but space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first-served basis. Guests must RSVP HERE to secure their spot and receive location details.

For more ‘Sparkling Sessions’ event updates, including behind-the-scenes moments and more, follow @UPROXX on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook.

Jessie Murph and Uproxx via Vaughn Lowery's 360 MAGAZINE.

Photos: Robert Scott Welch

Creative Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Your Next Vacation

Traveling can be very harmful to the environment. Many eco-conscious people have stopped using airplanes and reduced their major vacations entirely. You don’t have to sacrifice travel for the environment, however. There are a ton of ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and give back to the environment while enjoying a full, happy vacation. If you’re wondering where you can improve your eco-travel habits, you’ll want to get creative and get some research under your belt.

Prioritize Sustainable Lodging

Many hotels or rentals have green certifications to prove their dedication to reducing resource waste and providing more eco-friendly service. Whether you prefer a hotel or an Airbnb, be sure to research the most sustainable options in the destination you’re headed to. It may be even more sustainable to rent from locally-owned eco lodges or park model cabins made with natural materials. If you want to go above and beyond, find lodging with composting toilets, renewable energy, and water conservation systems. Camping in nature or using an electric RV can also help you travel and sleep sustainably.

Rent an Electric Vehicle

Whether you want to road trip in an RV or travel around town on your own terms, consider renting or buying an electric vehicle for a cleaner travel method instead of making long distances in your gas vehicle. Electric cars use rechargeable batteries instead of polluting the air with fossil fuels. You’ll pay more money to rent or buy a new car instead of using your own, but you’ll be contributing to less environmental harm.

Eliminate Plastic in Your Luggage

It’s not unusual to bring toiletries in a plastic zip bag or to have single-use plastic travel items. Try to eliminate your use of these items unless you’re reusing them over and over again. Single-use plastics overflow landfills, as they don’t break down naturally in the environment. If you want single-use items, consider recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, or glass. You can also implement reusable items, like fabric laundry bags or metal water bottles. The less plastic you use, the better for the environment.

Bring Your Towels and Toiletries

If you’re staying in lodging that provides towels and toiletries for you, consider skipping them. Most free toiletries in places like hotels are made of single-use plastic, and the more you consume, the more plastic is tossed in landfills. Using hotel towels contributes to excessive water use, as they need to wash towels with each room cleaning. Bringing your own towels skips the need for hotels to clean their own. Alternatively, make sure your hotel towels aren’t washed each time by requesting housekeeping to skip towel laundry until you check out.

Bring Along Reusable Items

On vacation, you’ll be eating, drinking, and shopping. Bringing reusable utensils, straws, and shopping bags significantly reduces the amount of plastic you’ll be tossing away with each takeout meal or shopping trip. The more items you can reuse, the fewer materials are made for mass distribution. There are many stylish reusable travel items, such as fabric lunchboxes, bamboo utensils, and metal straws. All of these items can be continuously reused and repurposed, then recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Use Public Transportation, Walk, or Bike

Cars may be more convenient, but using gas vehicles contributes to air pollution. The most eco-friendly travel methods are walking and biking; consider using these methods within reason whenever possible. Certain public transportation methods are considered more eco-friendly than others, such as electric light rails in certain cities. Check what travel options are available to you and compare their carbon footprints. Create an itinerary to prioritize biking or walking distances whenever you’re able to.

Choose Natural Destinations

Many people travel to urban hubs and entertainment centers like New York City or Las Vegas. While there are many eco-friendly developments in these cities, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to go natural. Choose a camping retreat or rent an eco-friendly beachside cabin. When your vacation involves the great outdoors, you can enjoy what the natural world has to offer without overloading power grids or contributing to urban heat island effects. It’s a chance to discover the beauty of nature and embark on a new adventure.

Treat the Environment With Respect

Wherever you choose to visit, it’s crucial to treat the destination and environment with respect. Avoid littering, respect local laws, and don’t contribute to excessive resource waste. Conserve water and energy whenever possible. If desired, you can even volunteer to help local communities and environments when traveling. It’s our collective responsibility to preserve the beauty of our planet.

Consider Eco-Tourist Programs

Some destinations have eco-tourist programs that provide incentives for visitors who use eco-friendly practices. Recycling or conserving water in some destinations may allow you to receive prizes or unlock exclusive destinations. Look up green travel initiatives in your area or areas you’re looking to visit to see if there are any programs where you’re going.

Conclusion

You don’t have to completely abstain from traveling if you want to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. There are many simple ways to be more conscious about your travel pollution and carbon footprint. Electric vehicles are much better options than gas-powered vehicles, but walking, biking, or using eco-friendly transit is the optimal solution. Reuse whatever you can and aim to reduce single-use plastics on every occasion you can. Careful planning and research can help you enjoy a stress-free vacation in harmony with the world around you.

KENDRICK + SZA KICK OFF THEIR GRAND NATIONAL TOUR IN MINNEAPOLIS

Last night, global artists Kendrick Lamar and SZA kicked off their Grand National Tour with a sold-out show at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.

Following a hits-filled DJ set by Mustard, Kendrick Lamar reunited with SZA for a set of era-defining anthems. Together, they brought to life a nearly 3-hour performance spanning songs from GNX, SOS Deluxe: LANA, DAMN., Ctrl, and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, including fan-favorite tracks like “tv off”, “peekaboo”, “Kill Bill”, “Snooze”, “All the Stars”, their #1 hit “luther”, and many more.

Presented by Live Nation, pgLang, and Top Dawg Entertainment, the 39-date Grand National Tour will continue on Wednesday, April 23rd in Houston, TX and continue across major stadiums throughout North America before heading to Europe and the UK this summer.

For more information on the tour and for tickets please visit grandnationaltour.com.

GRAND NATIONAL TOUR DATES:

Apr 23 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium

Apr 26 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium

Apr 29 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium

May 03 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium

May 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field

May 08 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium

May 09 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium

May 12 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium

May 17 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field

May 21 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium

May 23 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium

May 24 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium

May 27 – Glendale, AZ – State Farm Stadium

May 29 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

May 31 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium

Jun 04 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center

Jun 06 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field

Jun 10 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field

Jun 12 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre

Jun 13 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre

Jun 16 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

Jun 18 – Washington, DC – Northwest Stadium

Jul 02 – Cologne, Germany – RheinEnergieSTADION

Jul 04 – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park

Jul 05 – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park

Jul 08 – Glasgow, UK – Hampden Park

Jul 10 – Birmingham, UK – Villa Park

Jul 13 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Johan Cruijff ArenA

Jul 15 – Paris, France – Paris La Défense Arena

Jul 16 – Paris, France – Paris La Défense Arena

Jul 19 – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium

Jul 22 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Jul 23 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Jul 27 – Lisbon, Portugal – Estadio do Restelo

Jul 30 – Barcelona, Spain – Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Aug 02 – Rome, Italy – Stadio Olimpico

Aug 06 – Warsaw, Poland – PGE Narodowy

Aug 09 – Stockholm, Sweden – 3Arena

Kendrick Lamar + SZA Minneapolis grand national tour opening captured by Greg Noire/pgLang via 360 MAGAZINE.

Photo credit – Greg Noire/pgLang