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MODULE 4 TRAVEL JOURNAL NOTES

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The Ultimate Guide To Keeping A Travel Journal

• Last updated May 12, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Do you find yourself constantly wandering through breathtaking landscapes, tasting exotic cuisines, and immersing yourself in vibrant cultures? If so, have you ever considered documenting these incredible experiences in a travel journal? A travel journal is not only a beautiful way to preserve your memories, but it also allows you to capture the essence of your adventures in vivid detail. From tips on what to include in your journal to creative ideas for design and layout, The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Travel Journal is the perfect companion for every globetrotter looking to bring their travel tales to life on paper. Join us as we embark on a journey through the pages of this guide, discovering the secrets and joys of keeping a travel journal that will forever transport you back to your most cherished moments on the road.

What You'll Learn

Benefits of keeping a travel journal, choosing the right journal and supplies, tips for organizing and structuring your travel journal, creative ways to capture memories in your travel journal.

Have you ever kept a travel journal? If not, you might want to consider starting one on your next trip. Keeping a travel journal can offer a range of benefits that enhance your overall travel experience. Not only does it serve as a personal keepsake and a way to preserve memories, but it can also be a valuable tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and planning future trips. Below are some of the key benefits of keeping a travel journal.

Preserving Memories:

One of the primary benefits of keeping a travel journal is that it allows you to preserve your memories in a tangible way. Instead of relying solely on photographs, a travel journal gives you the opportunity to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in detail. By writing down the sights you see, the food you eat, the people you meet, and the places you visit, you can capture the essence of your travel experiences and create a lasting memento to look back on in the future.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth:

Keeping a travel journal provides an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. As you write about your experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions. You can reflect on the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and the personal growth you experienced during your travels. This process of self-reflection can help you gain new perspectives and insights, allowing you to grow as an individual.

Enhanced Cultural Awareness:

By keeping a travel journal, you can develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cultures and traditions of the places you visit. You can document your observations and reflections on the local customs, traditions, and ways of life. This process not only helps you learn about different cultures but also fosters empathy and understanding towards others.

Planning and Future Trip Ideas:

A travel journal can serve as a valuable resource for planning future trips. By documenting your experiences and preferences during your travels, you can refer back to your journal when planning your next adventure. You can take note of places you want to revisit, activities you want to try, or new destinations you want to explore based on your previous travel experiences.

Creative Outlet:

Keeping a travel journal can also be a creative outlet for your thoughts, ideas, and artistic expressions. You can experiment with different writing styles, use sketches or drawings to illustrate your experiences, or include photographs and mementos in your journal. This creative process can be both therapeutic and enjoyable, allowing you to express yourself in a unique and personal way.

In conclusion, keeping a travel journal offers numerous benefits for travelers. From preserving memories to fostering personal growth and serving as a planning tool, a travel journal can enhance your overall travel experience. So, the next time you embark on a journey, grab a notebook or start a digital journal and begin documenting your adventures. You'll be glad you did!

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When it comes to keeping a travel journal, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right journal and supplies. Your journal is going to be the home for all of your memories and experiences from your trip, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and fits your style. Here are some tips to help you choose the right journal and supplies for your travel adventures:

• Size and Format: Consider the size and format of the journal that you prefer. Do you want something compact and easy to carry, or do you prefer a larger journal with more space for writing and drawing? Think about how you plan to use your journal and choose a size and format that suits your needs.
• Paper Quality: Pay attention to the quality of the paper in the journal. You want something that is thick enough to prevent bleed-through from ink or markers, and that will hold up well to being carried around in your bag. Look for journals with acid-free paper to ensure that your memories will be preserved for years to come.
• Binding: Think about the type of binding that you prefer. Hardcover journals provide more protection for your pages, but can be bulkier and heavier. Spiral-bound journals are more flexible and easier to use, but may not offer as much protection for your pages.
• Page Numbering: Some journals come with pre-numbered pages, which can be helpful for keeping track of your entries. Consider whether or not this is something that you would find useful.
• Supplies: In addition to a journal, you’ll also need some supplies for your travel journaling. Consider bringing along pens or markers in different colors, as well as some adhesive to attach mementos like ticket stubs or postcards. If you plan to include photos in your journal, you may also want to bring a small portable printer.
• Waterproofing: If you’re planning on doing any outdoor activities or traveling to a destination where there may be a chance of water damage, consider getting a waterproof or water-resistant journal. This will help protect your pages from rain, spills, or splashes.
• Travel-Friendly Features: Look for features that make your journal more travel-friendly, such as an elastic closure to keep the pages secure, pockets for storing small items, or a built-in bookmark to help you keep track of your place.

Remember, your travel journal is a personal reflection of your experiences, so choose a journal and supplies that you love and will inspire you to document your adventures. Spending some time upfront to find the right journal and supplies will ensure that you have the best possible travel journaling experience.

Exploring Canada's Beauty: Can I Travel to Canada on a US Visa?

Traveling is an incredible way to escape our daily routines and explore new places and cultures. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impact on us. One of the best ways to preserve those memories and relive those moments is by keeping a travel journal. A travel journal is a personal record of your adventures, thoughts, and emotions during your trips. It not only serves as a visual representation of your experiences but also helps you reflect on your journey and gain new insights. If you're planning to start your own travel journal, here are some tips for organizing and structuring it effectively:

• Choose the Right Journal: The first step in keeping a travel journal is selecting the right one. Look for a journal that is compact, durable, and provides enough space for writing and pasting mementos like tickets, postcards, and photos. Opt for one with a hardcover to ensure it survives the rigors of traveling.
• Set a Purpose: Before you start writing in your travel journal, set a purpose or theme for it. Ask yourself why you want to keep a journal and what you hope to achieve through it. This will help you stay focused and guide your writing.
• Date Each Entry: Dating each entry is a simple yet effective way to organize your travel journal. It helps you track your journey chronologically and makes it easier to locate specific memories later. Include the day, month, and year at the beginning of every entry.
• Use Categories or Sections: Dividing your travel journal into categories or sections can help you maintain a clear structure. You can create sections based on different destinations you visit, activities you engage in, or even emotions you experience. This allows you to easily find specific moments and revisit them when desired.
• Include Descriptive Details: When writing in your travel journal, be sure to include descriptive details about the places you visit, the people you meet, and the experiences you have. Focus on all your senses – what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Capturing the small details will enrich your memories and bring your journal entries to life.
• Add Photos and Mementos: Along with writing, including photos and mementos in your travel journal adds another layer of visual appeal and nostalgia. Print out your favorite photos from your travels and glue them next to your entries. Collect postcards, brochures, maps, and other small items that remind you of the places you visit and include them in the journal.
• Reflect and Recap: Take some time at the end of each day or week to reflect on your experiences and recap what you've done. Write about your favorite moments, challenges you faced, and lessons you learned. This will help you process your emotions and provide a deeper perspective on your journey.
• Get Creative: Your travel journal is your personal space for self-expression, so don't be afraid to get creative. Use colored pens, markers, and stickers to make your entries visually appealing. Experiment with different writing styles and formats, such as poems or bullet points. You can even include sketches or doodles to document the places you visit.
• Regularly Update Your Journal: To ensure that your travel journal remains a comprehensive record of your journey, make it a habit to regularly update it. Set aside some time each day or week to write in your journal and add any photos or mementos you have collected. Consistency is key to maintaining a well-organized journal.
• Share Your Journal: Finally, don't be afraid to share your travel journal with others. You can let your friends and family browse through it or even consider starting a travel blog or social media account to share your adventures with a wider audience. Sharing your journal will not only bring joy to others but also inspire and motivate you to continue your travel writing journey.

Keeping a travel journal is a rewarding practice that allows you to preserve your travel memories in a tangible and meaningful way. By organizing and structuring your journal effectively, you can ensure that it becomes a cherished keepsake that you can revisit for years to come. So grab your journal, start writing, and let your travel adventures unfold on the pages!

Traveling to Italy with a French Schengen Visa: Exploring the Possibilities

Traveling is an amazing experience, full of new sights, sounds, and adventures. Keeping a travel journal is a wonderful way to capture those memories and reflect on your experiences for years to come. But beyond simply writing down your thoughts and experiences, there are many creative ways to capture memories in your travel journal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Include Maps and Itineraries: When you're planning your trip, print out or draw maps of the places you'll be visiting. Highlight the route you'll be taking, mark down any important landmarks or attractions, and include them in your travel journal. This will not only help you visualize your trip but also serve as an informative and visually appealing addition to your journal.
• Use Photos and Postcards: Take plenty of photos during your travels and print them out to include in your travel journal. You can also collect postcards from the places you visit and stick them in your journal as well. These visual reminders will bring your memories to life and add color and interest to your journal.
• Collect Mementos: When you're out exploring, keep an eye out for small mementos that you can include in your travel journal. This could be anything from ticket stubs and brochures to leaves or small pieces of fabric. These treasures will serve as tangible reminders of your experiences and add a unique touch to your journal.
• Get Creative with Writing: Don't just stick to traditional journal entries – get creative with your writing! Try writing poems, songs, or even short stories inspired by your travels. You can also write down your favorite quotes that you come across during your trip. Mixing up your writing style will make your travel journal more interesting and help you remember your experiences in a unique way.
• Include Sketches and Drawings: If you enjoy drawing or sketching, why not incorporate them into your travel journal? Take a small sketchbook and draw scenes from your journey, whether it's a breathtaking view or a quaint café. Even if you're not an artist, don't be afraid to give it a try – the process of sketching can be just as enjoyable as the result.
• Write Reflections: In addition to documenting your daily adventures, take the time to write reflections on your experiences. What did you learn? How did your travels change you? Reflecting on your journey will help you gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and make your travel journal more meaningful.
• Include Recipes and Tastes: Food is an important part of any travel experience, so why not include it in your journal? Write down recipes of the dishes you try along the way or draw sketches of your favorite meals. You can even stick in restaurant menus or food labels as a way to remember the flavors of your journey.
• Write Open Letters: Another interesting way to capture memories in your travel journal is to write open letters to yourself, your loved ones, or even the places you visit. These letters can express your thoughts, emotions, and gratitude, and serve as a reminder of the relationships you formed during your travels.

Whether you're an avid writer, an aspiring artist, or simply looking for a way to preserve your travel memories, these creative ideas will help you capture your experiences in a unique and meaningful way. So grab a journal, pack your bags, and start documenting your adventures – your future self will thank you!

Considering a Trip to Moscow? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a US Visa

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Popular Butte Creek Falls to stay closed for another four to six weeks

Hikers waiting patiently for a popular waterfall hike to reopen near Scotts Mills will have to wait another month at least.  

Butte Creek Falls Recreation Area, home to a waterfall hike and campground, will remain closed for the next four to six weeks, and possibly longer, Oregon Department of Forestry officials said.

The recreation site wasn’t burned in the September 2020 Labor Day wildfires , but it has been closed ever since because the roads around it were burned and state officials say travel there is unsafe.

“There are still hazard trees that need to be removed near the roads around the recreation area,” ODF spokesman Tim Hoffman said. “Safety has and remains our top priority. 

“There have been several unforeseen delays with the salvage operations in the past so we will notify the public when we have a solid opening date.”  

Related: Shellburg Falls reopens Friday. Here's a sneak peek at what it looks like now.

Butte Creek Falls’ reopening has been delayed multiple times but was suppose to reopen last fall.

Hampton Lumber signed a contract with ODF on Sept. 15, 2021, for a salvage timber sale that included removing hazard trees along roughly 20 miles of road that leads to Butte Creek Falls.

The company missed its deadline to complete work at the end of last October due to “a lack of contractor availability combined with bad weather and challenging conditions on the ground,” a Hampton spokeswoman said previously .

An extension had been granted to complete the work, ODF said.

Meantime, the roads leading to the falls remain closed and so do the trails and campground.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast . Urness is the author of “ Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon ” and “ Hiking Southern Oregon .” He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.

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Moscow plans measures to woo tourists, Foreign Tourist Card in the offing

To woo tourists from across the world, the Moscow City Tourism Committee is taking several measures and to address payment-related issues the Russian government is planning to come out with a virtual ‘Foreign Tourist Card’, that will enable cashless payments for various services.

During the Covid pandemic, the tourist flow to Moscow had dropped significantly. However, the number of Indian tourists visiting Moscow is slowly witnessing an uptrend and with tourist-friendly measures like e-visa, this number is likely to grow in the coming months.

“We are still on our way to restore the flow of Indian tourists in Moscow like it used to be before the pandemic. Before the pandemic, there was very steady growth like 12-15 per cent on a y-o-y basis,” said Bulat Nurmukhanov, Head of International Cooperation Division of Moscow City Tourism Committee.

Travelling to Moscow has now become easier as tourists from India and 54 other countries can apply for an electronic visa to enter Russia from August 1, 2023.

Moreover, initiatives like the Foreign Tourist Card will help address payment-related issues, after the departure of MasterCard and Visa from the Russian market, Bulat said.

“There is an initiative by the Federal Government of Russia to develop a ‘Foreign Tourist Card’. The initiative is under process, and some legislative documents have been amended in order to make this card possible.

“The idea behind this card is that a person back home in India can remotely apply for this card and then he/she can transfer money from the personal bank account to this bank account,” Bulat added.

This will be a virtual card and this will be issued to the person back home. This card will address the payment-related issues of foreign tourists in Moscow.

To give more travel options to tourists, in March this year, Russian flag carrier Aeroflot increased the frequency of its flight services on the Delhi-Moscow route to seven times a week against four weekly services earlier.

India and Russia “in principle” agreed to revise their bilateral air services agreement earlier this month, allowing Russian carriers to operate up to 64 flights per week from 52 to India.

Russian carriers are allowed to operate these flights to six Indian cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Amritsar and Ahmedabad.

“We are really looking forward to the Indian Airlines to restore their flight connections to Moscow. Right now only Aeroflot is operating flights between Delhi and Goa. However, there are some other options available from Dubai to Moscow,” Bulat said.

In a bid to tackle the language barrier that makes arriving in and navigating in a new country quite intimidating, there are seven tourist centres across Moscow. It also has a call centre for foreign tourists in case they need any help, Bulat said.

“We are working on translating the city navigation into English. Our businesses are really active and quick to respond to what the market requires,” Bulat added.

Source: PTI

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Local history: Strata-Dome luxury train impressed Akron residents, at least until dark

“See it from front to rear, inside and out. You will never forget it!”

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was so proud of its New Columbian Strata-Dome streamliner that it parked the passenger train all day in Akron and invited the public to climb aboard for tours.

Officials promised visitors that the New Columbian offered “an exhilarating experience” that was like “being in a different world.”

That may have been hyperbole, but the sleek train did look pretty cool 75 years ago.

“Thousands of Akronites got a chance today to see what the railroad industry is doing about a new era in rail travel,” Beacon Journal business writer Joseph E. Kuebler wrote May 11, 1949.

“They wandered through cars that combine just about everything man has devised to make riding on a train as pleasant as sitting in a luxurious hotel,” he continued.

The company christened two eight-car trains in simultaneous ceremonies May 5 for service between Chicago and Washington, D.C. 

Drucie Snyder, the daughter of U.S. Treasury Secretary John Wesley Snyder, shattered a bottle of Potomac River water over one train at Washington Union Terminal while Barbara Cunningham, the daughter of B&O Chicago Director James D. Cunningham, shattered a bottle of Lake Michigan water over the second streamliner at Chicago Grand Central Station.

“In our planning for the New Columbian, the advent of which we celebrate today, we have had very much in mind such pioneering achievements of the Baltimore & Ohio in passenger service,” railroad President Roy B. White announced. “... And we have tried to make the New Columbian worthy of its predecessors in every way.”

The trains, built in Chicago at the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Co., cost $1 million each (over $13 million today), not including the diesel-electric locomotives built in La Grange, Illinois, by a General Motors subsidiary. The units succeeded the Columbian, the nation’s first air-conditioned train, which had been in use since 1931.

Before going into service, the blue, gray and gold trains went on exhibit at various points along the east-west route. Baltimore & Ohio officials invited Akron residents to tour the New Columbian from noon to 9 p.m. May 11, 1949, at the Howard Street station.

“It’s here! The train of the year!” B&O advertised.

Thrills in the Strata-Dome

The eight cars included a Strata-Dome coach, a 24-seat observation section enclosed in glass. During transit, passengers experienced the sensation of floating through air when the New Columbian hurtled at speeds up to 80 mph. There were 40 more seats below the top deck.

“High above the rails, you enjoy sights at every point of the compass: rippling rivers, shadowy hills, the twinkling lights of tiny towns, the flashing fires of great steel mills,” B&O advertised. “And overhead, the bright, quiet beauty of the moon and stars.”

The second car, an observation lounge with a semicircular cocktail bar, included newspapers, magazines and a desk for writing letters. Next was a dining car with suspended tables and diagonal seating for 36. The fourth car had a coffee shop, lounge and snack bar. The four remaining coaches had 56 “Sleepy Hollow” reclining seats. 

Or, as B&O put it: “Soft, pliable upholstery that feels as if tailor-fitted to your body. Tilt the back as you wish, adjust the footrest — and revel in wonderful relaxation.”

Other features included fluorescent lights and air conditioning; semi-private smoking lounges; recorded music and radios for music and news; electric pneumatic devices for opening doors; and modern women’s restrooms with chrome and porcelain fixtures, full-length mirrors and foam-rubber revolving chairs.

The New Columbian employed uniformed stewardesses and maids to assist customers during trips.

“Passengers, who like to know how fast they are traveling, won’t have to guess anymore,” Kuebler wrote. “Speedometers have been fitted on the observation-lounge and on the forward panel of the Strata-Dome car. The instrumental panel also includes an altimeter so the elevation of the train can be determined as its crosses the Allegheny Mountains. There also is a barometer and a clock.”

Cars on each train were named for cities along the route. The observation cars were named for Chicago and Washington, the two terminal points. The two diners were named Akron and Pittsburgh. 

Akron business leaders enjoyed breakfast on the New Columbian. Among the dignitaries present were Akron Mayor Charles Slusser, Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Joseph Harding and Barberton Mayor Theodore Park.

Akron travelers see darkness

After nine hours of exhibition, the New Columbian rolled out of town toward Chicago. The trains went into regular service on May 15.

The railroad originally planned to operate the streamliner during the day, allowing passengers to marvel at the passing scenery from their perches in the Strata-Dome car, but B&O executives made the head-scratching decision to run the trains overnight.

The eastbound train left Akron’s Union Depot at 11:08 p.m. for Washington, arriving in Pittsburgh at 1:36 a.m. The westbound train for Chicago arrived in Akron at 1:50 a.m.

Instead of experiencing the sensation of floating through the air while riding in the Strata-Dome, Akron passengers looked through the windows and saw nothing but darkness between big cities.

That had to dampen the “exhilarating experience.”

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad eventually added floodlights outside the Strata-Dome, but it just wasn’t the same as traveling by day.

In the late 1950s, B&O combined the train’s service with the Capitol Limited passenger train and dropped the Columbian name in 1964. The railroad made further cutbacks as passengers increasingly shunned trains for travel in airplanes and automobiles.

The Capitol Limited ended service in Akron in May 1971 with the arrival of Amtrak as the nation’s passenger rail system. 

Amtrak resumed passenger operations in Akron from 1990 to 1995 and again in 1998, but gave up in 2005 after only 7,930 local riders used the service the previous year. Passengers now have to catch the train in Cleveland or Alliance.

Sadly, Amtrak retired its Strata-Dome cars in 1981. It’s a shame because the scenery was something special to behold … in the daylight. At least that’s what Akron residents heard.

“You’ll never travel any other way, once you get a taste of this. For the Strata-Dome is exhilarating, different, absolutely delightful!”

Mark J. Price can be reached at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Local history: Strata-Dome luxury train impressed Akron residents, at least until dark

• Introduction
• Article Information

a The geographic centroid of a census tract is the geometric center of the geographic region defined by the census tract boundaries. If the geometric center lies outside of the census tract or in a body of water, the centroid is given as the nearest point on land within the census tract closest to the geometric center.

The figure shows the geographic association between driving time to the nearest PBT facility and (A) the proportion of population aged 65 years or older and (B) living below the federal poverty line (low income). Social determinants of health variables, age and income status, are displayed as less than −2.576 Gi* statistic (low), between −2.576 and +2.576 (middle), and greater than 2.576 (high). Driving time is displayed as less than 2 hours (low), at least 2 and less than 4 hours (middle), and at least 4 hours (high).

eTable 1. List of Currently Operating Proton Beam Therapy Facilities in the United States as of September 1, 2023

eTable 2. Driving Time Between Locations for National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers With an Affiliated Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Facility (n=23)

eTable 3. Driving Time to the Nearest Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Facility for National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers Without an Affiliated Facility (n=40)

eFigure. Driving Time to Nearest Proton Beam Therapy Facility by Population Subgroup Quintiles by (A) Race and Ethnicity, and (B) Social Determinants of Health

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Burus T , VanHelene AD , Rooney MK, et al. Travel-Time Disparities in Access to Proton Beam Therapy for Cancer Treatment. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2410670. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10670

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Travel-Time Disparities in Access to Proton Beam Therapy for Cancer Treatment

• 1 Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
• 2 Lifespan Cancer Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
• 3 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
• 4 Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
• 5 Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 6 Center for Clinical Cancer Informatics and Data Science, Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

Question   Do certain US populations have inequitable drive-time access to proton beam therapy for cancer treatment?

Findings   In this population-based cross-sectional study of 327 536 032 residents of the contiguous US, individuals aged 65 years and older, living below the federal poverty line, and residing in suburban and rural areas were at greatest risk of having long commutes (≥4 hours) to proton beam therapy for cancer treatment.

Meaning   The current geographic distribution of proton beam therapy facilities in the US is associated with inequitable access to proton beam therapy as a cancer treatment option and may hinder enrollment in ongoing clinical trials.

Importance   Proton beam therapy is an emerging radiotherapy treatment for patients with cancer that may produce similar outcomes as traditional photon-based therapy for many cancers while delivering lower amounts of toxic radiation to surrounding tissue. Geographic proximity to a proton facility is a critical component of ensuring equitable access both for indicated diagnoses and ongoing clinical trials.

Objective   To characterize the distribution of proton facilities in the US, quantify drive-time access for the population, and investigate the likelihood of long commutes for certain population subgroups.

Design, Setting, and Participants   This population-based cross-sectional study analyzed travel times to proton facilities in the US. Census tract variables in the contiguous US were measured between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from September to November 2023.

Exposures   Drive time in minutes to nearest proton facility. Population totals and prevalence of specific factors measured from the American Community Survey: age; race and ethnicity; insurance, disability, and income status; vehicle availability; broadband access; and urbanicity.

Main Outcomes and Measures   Poor access to proton facilities was defined as having a drive-time commute of at least 4 hours to the nearest location. Median drive time and percentage of population with poor access were calculated for the entire population and by population subgroups. Univariable and multivariable odds of poor access were also calculated for certain population subgroups.

Results   Geographic access was considered for 327 536 032 residents of the contiguous US (60 594 624 [18.5%] Hispanic, 17 974 186 [5.5%] non-Hispanic Asian, 40 146 994 [12.3%] non-Hispanic Black, and 195 265 639 [59.6%] non-Hispanic White; 282 031 819 [86.1%] resided in urban counties). The median (IQR) drive time to the nearest proton facility was 96.1 (39.6-195.3) minutes; 119.8 million US residents (36.6%) lived within a 1-hour drive of the nearest proton facility, and 53.6 million (16.4%) required a commute of at least 4 hours. Persons identifying as non-Hispanic White had the longest median (IQR) commute time at 109.8 (48.0-197.6) minutes. Multivariable analysis identified rurality (odds ratio [OR], 2.45 [95% CI, 2.27-2.64]), age 65 years or older (OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06-1.11]), and living below the federal poverty line (OR, 1.22 [1.20-1.25]) as factors associated with commute times of at least 4 hours.

Conclusions and Relevance   This cross-sectional study of drive-time access to proton beam therapy found that disparities in access existed among certain populations in the US. These results suggest that such disparities present a barrier to an emerging technology in cancer treatment and inhibit equitable access to ongoing clinical trials.

Compared with photon-based radiotherapy, proton beam therapy (PBT) may have an improved toxicity profile due to decreased dose to organs at risk without compromising target coverage. 1 High upfront levels of investment in equipment and facilities have led to uneven distribution of proton therapy facilities in the United States. 2 Clinical indications and insurance reimbursement for PBT are increasing but access remains difficult for many individuals given the limited number of available treatment facilities. 3 Furthermore, patients and families are often required to travel daily for several weeks during treatment, thus compounding the importance of geographic barriers to access. In order to encourage provision of equitable care among diverse populations, it is critical to identify at-risk groups that face travel-based barriers to care. Such knowledge could further inform policy to improve clinical outcomes and participation in clinical trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy of PBT across a myriad of clinical scenarios.

Geographic accessibility, in particular drive time and driving distance, is associated with patient utilization of both proton and photon radiotherapy. 4 , 5 A prior investigation by Mallie et al 6 in 2021 described variation in PBT drive-time accessibility among 36 facilities, with a focus on pediatric and adult populations and disparities at the state and regional level. However, that analysis was largely descriptive in nature without an attempt to address potential confounding between causative variables to explain disparities observed. To our knowledge, a study investigating the geographic accessibility of proton therapy facilities that considers social determinants of health (SDOH) has yet to be performed.

In this study, we examined the drive-time accessibility of all full-service proton facilities operational in the US as of September 2023. Furthermore, we sought to uncover multivariable associations among these factors that would better describe accessibility issues than an unadjusted approach.

This cross-sectional study was deemed exempt from review and informed consent was waived by the University of Kentucky institutional review board because we used only publicly available deidentified data, in accordance with 45 CFR §46. We followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology ( STROBE ) reporting guideline.

We compiled a list of 42 PBT facilities listed as “currently operating” by the National Association for Proton Therapy on September 1, 2023. We excluded 2 facilities that primarily treat children (St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Proton Therapy Center). Geocoding in ArcGIS Business Analyst Pro (ESRI ArcGIS Pro 3.1) provided coordinates for all included PBT facility addresses (eTable 1 in Supplement 1 ).

We collected census tract population estimates from the US Census Bureau’s 5-Year (2017-2021) American Community Survey estimates using the tidycensus package version 1.4.1 in the R software environment version 4.2.3. 7 , 8 The American Community Survey is a survey of population characteristics collected from a nationwide sample of approximately 3.5 million households annually. Along with total population, we included counts and percentage of the total population by census tract for the following population subgroups: Hispanic (all races), non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, aged 65 years or older, living below the federal poverty line, unemployed, uninsured, and living with a disability. We also collected count and percentage of households by census tract with limited vehicle availability (1 or fewer available vehicles) and no broadband internet access. Race and ethnicity variables were classified in accord with methods used in the 2017 to 2021 American Community Survey. 9

Since Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes were not available for tracts defined by the 2020 Census at the time of analysis, we denoted census tract urbanicity using the 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum Code (RUCC). 10 Tracts were categorized as urban (RUCC 1-3), suburban (RUCC 4-5), and rural (RUCC 6-9) based on the containing county.

To assess drive times for potential clinical trials, the precise locations for 63 National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Cancer Centers were obtained from the NCI GIS Portal for Cancer Research. Seven basic laboratory centers were excluded, as were St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (serves only pediatric patients with cancer) and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center (not in the contiguous US).

We calculated traffic-aware driving times from the land-based geographic centroid of every census tract in the contiguous US to the nearest PBT facility using the ArcGIS US 2023 Business Analyst dataset with network routes based on contemporaneous roads and average traffic patterns. Driving times were unavailable for 49 tracts due to their centroid being located in a geographically remote area without road access. We imputed driving times for these tracts using a k-nearest neighbor mean of the driving times for the 5 nearest census tracts. We measured driving times in minutes on a continuous scale and calculated 2 categorical driving-time variables: driving times of 0 to less than 1 hour, 1 hour to less than 2 hours, 2 hours to less than 3 hours, 3 hours to less than 4 hours, and 4 or more hours; and a dichotomous indicator for very long commutes and/or poor vehicle access (driving time of 4 or more hours).

We assigned the driving time from the centroid of a census tract to all population totals for that tract and calculated (weighted) median driving times and corresponding IQRs. We stratified census tracts into quintiles based on increasing population percentage for demographic and SDOH factors and compared driving-time distributions. Because analyses of driving times apply to the entire population of the contiguous US, it was not appropriate to perform tests of statistical significance.

We built binary logistic regression models using the dichotomous driving-time variable to identify SDOH factors associated with poor vehicle access to PBT facilities. 11 First, we performed univariable analyses, and then constructed a full model using all statistically significant univariable factors. We applied backward stepwise selection with Bayesian Information Criteria to arrive at a final multivariable model. The final set of covariates considered for logistic regression analysis included percentages of the population that were (1) aged 65 years or older, (2) uninsured, (3) living below the federal poverty line, and (4) living with a disability; along with percentages of households with (5) limited vehicle availability and (6) no broadband access (all measured in increments of 10 percentage points). We added urbanicity to the final multivariable model to account for its association with SDOH factors. All statistical tests performed were 2-sided with a P  < .05 significance level; odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs are reported. We used the ResourceSelection version 0.3-6 and car version 3.1-2 packages in R version 4.2.3 (R Project for Statistical Computing) to calculate goodness of fit and variance inflation factors (VIFs) for all models. All statistical analyses were performed from September to November 2023. 12 , 13

To visualize spatial patterns in SDOH variables and driving times to the nearest PBT facility, we constructed bivariate choropleth maps using ArcGIS Pro. First, we identified spatial clusters of high and low values for the statistically significant SDOH variables (percentage of population age ≥65 years, living below federal poverty line) by calculating the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic for each census tract. We used fixed distance bands of 25 miles and applied the false discovery rate correction. We then mapped the Getis-Ord Gi* statistics for each SDOH variable against driving time to the nearest PBT facility. We used a 3 × 3 legend, with cluster z -scores split at −2.576 and +2.576 and driving times split at 2 and 4 hours. We included currently operating PBT facilities and NCI-designated Cancer Centers as additional features in these maps.

We analyzed PBT access for a population of 327 536 032 residents of the contiguous US; 60 594 624 (18.5%) were Hispanic, 17 974 186 (5.5%) were non-Hispanic Asian, 40 146 994 (12.3%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 195 265 639 (59.6%) were non-Hispanic White persons; and 282 031 819 (86.1%) resided in urban counties.

Median (IQR) driving time to the nearest PBT facility across all census tracts in the contiguous US (n = 83 548) was 102.5 (41.2-198.3) minutes with a maximum driving time of 777.4 minutes (Census Tract 9406, Valley County, Montana). Figure 1 displays a map of all currently operating PBT facilities with census tract driving times categorized by hours from the nearest facility.

Accounting for population distribution, the weighted median (IQR) driving time to the nearest PBT facility for individuals living in the contiguous US was 96.1 (39.6-195.3) minutes. There were 119.8 million US residents (36.6%) who lived within a 1-hour drive of the nearest proton facility, and 53.6 million (16.4%) required a commute of at least 4 hours ( Table 1 ).

Table 2 displays median driving times and percentage of population (or households) with poor vehicle access (≥4 hours away) to PBT facilities for various population subgroups. Median (IQR) driving times for non-Hispanic White (109.8 [48.0-197.6] minutes), those aged 65 years or older (103.0 [43.6-196.7] minutes), those with a disability (107.7 [44.8-201.1] minutes), those living below the federal poverty line (103.6 [40.6-201.1] minutes), households with no broadband access (114.4 [47.0-202.1] minutes), and those living in suburban (164.8 [109.3-229.9] minutes) and rural (190.3 [143.9-276.1] minutes) areas were numerically higher than the population median. A disproportionate amount of the populations of non-Hispanic Asian (12.2 million [20.0%]), aged 65 years and older (8.7 million [16.6%]), persons living with a disability (6.9 million [17.0%]), persons living below the federal poverty line (7.0 million [17.2%]), households with no broadband access (2.7 million [16.8%]), and persons living in suburban (7.8 million [22.3%]) and rural (3.5 million [33.2%]) areas experienced poor access. Non-Hispanic Asian people had the shortest median (IQR) driving time (61.0 [30.0-194.2] minutes) to the nearest PBT facility among subgroups explored, whereas non-Hispanic Black had the smallest population percentage with poor access (4.0 million [9.9%]).

Analyzing census tract driving-time distributions by quintiles for racial and ethnic subgroups, we found that median driving times increased with increasing quintiles of non-Hispanic White population and decreased with increasing quintiles of Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, and non-Hispanic Black populations (eFigure in Supplement 1 ). Likewise, median driving times increased with increasing quintiles of population age 65 years or older, living with a disability and with no household broadband access (eFigure in Supplement 1 ). Median drives times generally increased for increasing quintiles of living below the federal poverty line, with the exception of a slight decrease in the last quintile. Populations uninsured and with limited vehicle availability were found to have nonlinear associations between median driving times and increasing quintiles, with the last quintile of households with limited vehicle availability experiencing the shortest median driving time.

Table 3 summarizes univariable and multivariable logistic regressions to identify census tract–level covariates associated with poor vehicle access to PBT facilities. The percentage of population uninsured was not significant under univariable analysis and was therefore excluded from the full multivariable model. Percentage with no broadband access was not significant in the full model. Backward selection removed population with no broadband access and population living with a disability. The remaining variables were retained and significant in the final multivariable model. Under this model, the odds of poor vehicle access to PBT facilities increased for each 10% increase in population aged 65 years or older (OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06-1.11]) and living below the federal poverty line (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.20-1.25]), and decreased for each 10% increase in population with limited vehicle availability (OR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.82-0.84]). Compared with urban census tracts, suburban census tracts had a 40.6% increase (OR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.33-1.48]) and rural census tracts had a 144.5% increase (OR, 2.45 [95% CI, 2.27-2.64]) in odds of poor access to PBT facilities. The final multivariable model demonstrated goodness of fit via the Hosmer and Lemeshow test ( P  = .23) and all independent variables had VIF less than 2.

Bivariate maps demonstrate the spatial association between driving times to the nearest PBT facility and the 2 SDOH variables with significantly increased odds of poor vehicle access in the final multivariable model ( Figure 2 ). In particular, the bright red areas (high-high) indicate census tracts that were at least 4 hours from the nearest PBT facility and in a statistically significant hotspot for percentage of the population aged 65 years or older (or, alternatively, population living below the federal poverty line).

Of the 63 NCI-designated cancer centers analyzed, 23 were run or affiliated with existing PBT facilities, with a median (IQR) driving time between locations of 4.6 (1.8-13.7) minutes. The remaining 40 centers had a median (IQR) driving time to the nearest PBT facility of 132.5 (60.6-199.1 minutes). Six cancer centers were located at least 4 hours from the nearest PBT facility ( Figure 2 ; eTables 2-3 in Supplement 1 ).

In this investigation, we identified extreme heterogeneity in drive-time accessibility to PBT facilities across the US, with only 36.6% of the population living within 1 hour of a currently operating facility, and 16.4% at a driving distance of 4 or more hours. Furthermore, we identified significant demographic and SDOH factors associated with PBT access, highlighting current disparities to receiving PBT, either for routine clinical indications or as part of a clinical trial. Patients who are older (aged ≥65 years), living below the poverty line, and living in suburban or rural areas, were at highest risk of geographic isolation from PBT facilities. Non-Hispanic White individuals tended to have longer drive-times, likely related to higher population percentages in suburban and rural regions. Drive-time accessibility presents a substantial barrier to the delivery of PBT at scale for the US population today. While temporary overnight accommodations near a proton therapy facility are an option, most people with cancer prefer to receive their treatments in a location that allows for continued residence in the home environment. Furthermore, overnight accommodations are often not covered by insurance and become an additional source of financial burden associated with cancer treatment. 14 , 15 These results have broad and important ramifications for patients, radiation oncology clinicians, researchers, cancer center administrators, and policy makers. Being aware of drive-time requirements may also improve shared decision making for clinicians and patients when considering PBT as a potential treatment option.

Maillie et al 6 published a brief report in 2021 describing PBT accessibility for the 36 facilities operational in the US at that time, with a specific focus on differences between adult and pediatric populations. 6 Median drive times for pediatric (1.61 hours) and adult (1.64 hours) populations were reported. They additionally reported findings by state and US region, showing large variation across these levels. Our investigation confirms and builds upon this previous work, using an updated list of PBT facilities and a more in-depth analysis of population demographics and SDOH variables.

The receipt of radiotherapy (either proton- or photon-based) presents unique travel-related challenges for patients compared with other oncologic treatment modalities. The effects of increased travel time on oncologic surgery and systemic therapies are mostly relegated to the acute phases of diagnosis and/or treatment, when the need for specialty care tied to a specific location is highest. In contrast, a course of radiotherapy typically includes several weeks of daily outpatient treatment at a specialized facility. Previous studies have demonstrated the negative effect of increased travel distance on the use of indicated radiotherapy treatment for specific cancers. 16 - 18 Our findings that individuals aged 65 years and older and those living below the federal poverty line are more likely to experience poor access to PBT specifically further complicates matters. Research shows that older patients are already less likely to be prescribed radiotherapy independent of travel considerations, and the disruption caused by radiotherapy regimens is often accompanied by substantial financial burdens (eg, lost wages, travel expenses, cost of temporary relocation) which may inhibit use among patients with low income. 19 - 24

Understanding these barriers is also important with respect to future research on PBT. At the time of this writing, there are several indications for PBT supported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, including select pediatric tumors, thymic tumors, uveal melanomas, esophageal cancers, some Hodgkin and other lymphomas, seminomas, and chordomas. 25 There is also growing interest in using PBT to treat prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, and breast cancer. Critics of PBT point to a lack of randomized data supporting its use among these diagnoses. In order to rigorously study the potential benefits of PBT, clinical trials are necessary and ongoing. The presence of travel-related barriers may prevent successful trial completion or lead to results that inadequately represent the general population due to selection bias toward those able to overcome travel-related hardships. That said, our finding of lower drive times to PBT facilities for Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, and non-Hispanic Black individuals in the US presents an opportunity to enhance clinical trial enrollment for underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups.

It is critical to recognize that drive time to a PBT facility is one of many factors associated with realized health care accessibility. Differences in health care literacy that correlate with education may affect a patients’ propensity to seek treatment regardless of geographic accessibility. 26 Disparities in patients’ ability to pay for treatment due to lower income or insurance status may also preclude treatment even when geographically accessible. 27 - 29 While Black individuals have shorter driving times to PBT facilities, a retrospective analysis of patients with prostate cancer found that the ratio of Black individuals compared with other races receiving PBT was lower than the ratio of Black individuals receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy. 30 The higher cost of proton therapy and the higher rates of living below the federal poverty line and uninsured persons among Black individuals likely explain this difference. 31

This study has limitations. Although this study draws strength from a comprehensive data source to explore granular associations at a national scale, it nonetheless is limited by factors inherently related to the study design. This analysis assumed that patients with cancer will travel to the PBT facility with the shortest commute, which may not happen in practice. Additionally, we only analyzed personal vehicular drive time and did not account for travel via flying, public transportation, or nonvehicular modes of transportation. This likely resulted in underestimating travel times for those without personal vehicles in urban areas, as those individuals might rely on public transportation, taxis, ride sharing, or other modes that require greater resources than a personal vehicle trip in terms of both time and money. Due to the absence of certain racial and ethnic demographics in many census tracts, we could only analyze US residents who were Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White. This analysis may also underestimate the geographic access for pediatric patients because we excluded 2 clinics that serve them exclusively. Personal travel times will vary from those assessed using the census tract geographic centroid, with greater discrepancies possible in larger, more sparsely populated tracts.

In this nationwide cross-sectional study of driving time accessibility to proton therapy facilities, we found that geographic isolation via road travel was associated with certain patient populations, such as older individuals (aged ≥65 years), those living below the federal poverty line, and suburban or rural residents. These results have important implications for disparities in health care delivery and may also affect the successful accrual of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of proton therapy.

Accepted for Publication: March 11, 2024.

Published: May 17, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10670

Open Access: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC-BY License . © 2024 Burus T et al. JAMA Network Open .

Corresponding Author: Todd Burus, MAS, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 760 Press Ave, Ste 460, Lexington, KY ( [email protected] ).

Author Contributions: Mr Burus had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. Mrs Burus and VanHelene were co–first authors.

Concept and design: Burus, VanHelene, Rooney, McNair, Warner.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.

Drafting of the manuscript: Burus, VanHelene, McNair.

Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Statistical analysis: Burus.

Obtained funding: Warner.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Rooney, Mishra.

Supervision: Lang Kuhs, Christian, McNair, Mishra, Paulino, Warner.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Mishra reported personal fees from National Geographic outside the submitted work. Dr Smith reported personal fees from Astra Zeneca; and consulting fees and grants from National Association of Proton Therapy research grant outside the submitted work. Dr Frank reported grants from Hitachi, personal fees from Ion Beam Applications, personal fees from C4 Imaging, personal fees from Boston Scientific, and grants from Affirmed Pharma outside the submitted work. Dr Warner reported personal fees from Westat, grants from Brown Physicians Inc, personal fees from Melax Tech, and grants from AACR outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

Funding/Support: This study received research funding from National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute U24 CA265879 (Mr VanHelene, Dr Mishra, and Dr Warner).

Role of the Funder/Sponsor: The funder had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Data Sharing Statement: See Supplement 2 .

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Memorial Day road trip ahead. Here are the best and worst times to go in Florida, the Southeast

Memorial Day is rapidly approaching, which means millions will be hitting the roadways or skies for a quick weekend getaway.

AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period. This is a 4% increase over last year, with experts noting this comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, said. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”  

When is Memorial Day 2024? When is Memorial Day weekend 2024?

Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May, with this year's being on Monday, May 27. Memorial Day weekend starts on Friday, May 24, and lasts through the holiday until Monday.

Why we celebrate: What to know about federal holiday, what’s open in Florida

Which will be more congested for Memorial Day travel — roadways or airports?

According to AAA, road trips are expected to set a record with 38.4 million people projected to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend. Drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.

Renting a car for your road trip? Florida-based rental company  Hertz  says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand, with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. 

But airports are also bracing for a large surge of travelers next weekend.

Is Memorial Day a busy airport day?

AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019.

"This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11," AAA said in its press release.

As for other modes of transportation, AAA predicts nearly two million people are expected to travel by buses, cruises, and train.

“This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.” 

When are the best and worst times to travel on Memorial Day?

For those planning a road trip for the holiday weekend, transportation data and insights provider INRIX offers the best times to get on the road.

Experts advise drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.  

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said.

What are the busiest travel days around Memorial Day?

Thursday, may 23.

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 7 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, May 24

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 8 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 6 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

• Best times: Before 1 p.m.
• Worst Times: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday, May 27

• Best times: After 7 p.m.

Floridians beware: Other states are heading to Florida to vacation

Whether Florida residents plan on traveling or relaxing at home all weekend, they might want to be aware of the thousands of others joining them.

AAA compiled a list of the top domestic travel destinations for Memorial Day weekend, with three Florida cities making the list:

• Orlando, Florida
• Seattle, Washington
• New York City, New York
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
• Denver, Colorado
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Miami, Florida
• Boston, Massachusetts

"This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed," AAA writes.

Traveling for Memorial Day weekend? Get ready for one of Wisconsin's busiest ever, AAA says.

It’s poised to be one of the busiest Memorial Day travel periods in Wisconsin since the turn of the millennium this year.

This year’s holiday season is expected to be the busiest since 2019, which was a record at the time, and since the COVID-19 pandemic hammered the travel industry, according to an analysis by AAA . The forecast goes back to 2000 and found the main driver of this year’s boost is high consumer interest, the company said in a news release.

“Memorial Day will be the start to a very busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, in a press release announcing the forecast. “American travelers are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels, making this the busiest Memorial Day holiday weekend in nearly two decades.”

AAA’s analysis shows that 816,913 Wisconsin travelers are expected to travel this year’s Memorial Day weekend, up 4% from 786,232 last year. The majority of that is driving travel, with 734,106 expected to travel by car, with 42,617 and 40,190 by other means like buses, cruises or trains.

Wisconsin’s high interest also mirrors the company’s national forecast. The travel company forecasts that 43.8 million people nationally will travel that weekend, up 5% from 2023, when 42 million traveled.

Here’s what to know about what to expect for traveling — from travel time to costs — on Memorial Day weekend:

Holiday travel expectations at Milwaukee’s airport

While this year’s Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a strong travel period, it should be less hectic than the last big travel period of spring break at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

At that time, the local airport saw its parking lot reach capacity and officials urged travelers to plan for it.

Harold Mester, the airport's director of public affairs and marketing, said he expected travel to be up somewhere between 5% to 10% for those traveling out of the city during Memorial Day weekend. He said that was likely to occur due to new flights being offered at the airport compared to last year.

He pointed to airlines like Southwest, which added a nonstop route to Kansas City, and American Airlines, which added routes to Washington D.C., as examples.

“It will be busy for sure. It’s not going to be busy to the level of spring-break busy. It will be busy with people flying out on Thursday or Friday before,” he said. “Those are predictions anyway. I think our numbers will exceed what (AAA) has.”

Mester also said the airport expects a bump in arrivals, as some travelers fly into Milwaukee for outdoor-centric travel in Wisconsin to camp, fish or hike.

He encouraged those traveling during this period to arrive two hours early, especially if they plan to bring a checked bag, and make a parking reservation in advance.

What are gas prices in Wisconsin?

AAA broke down the cost of various travel categories, from gas to airfare, in its forecast. It showed that prices should be comparable to last year’s holiday weekend across many categories. For those traveling locally or regionally, gas prices should be a boon.

That’s because Wisconsin gas prices are tracking lower than last year, AAA’s data showed. However, prices outside the Midwest are higher than that, so don’t expect to see local prices elsewhere.

As of today, the average gas price per gallon in Wisconsin was at $3.30, considerably cheaper than the national average of $3.61.

How much is airfare for the Memorial Day weekend nationally?

AAA said in its news release that airplane ticket prices are comparable to last year, up only 2%, at an average of $778 for a round-trip domestic flight.

In Milwaukee, the average fare was actually cheaper than AAA's data, according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation data. The average fare was down 7%, or at $383.65.

What to expect when booking a hotel on Memorial Day weekend?

Hotel bookings are cheaper this year, down 5% from last year, based on AAA booking data.

AAA forecasted the cost per stay at domestic hotels at $500 for “multiple nights” and said travelers should expect to pay $660 for international hotels.  

What are car rental prices, demand for Memorial Day weekend?

AAA analyzed data on car rentals, finding that they're considerably cheaper this year, down 17% from last year.

It said the average cost of a car rental “for a few days” is $439.

AAA said cities with the highest car rental demand were Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas. The busiest rental pickup dates are Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, with the average reservation for five days.

Alternative travel methods make a rebound

During the COVID-19 pandemic, other travel methods, like buses, cruises and trains, cratered. This year is poised to return to 2019 levels, AAA said.

It projects that 1.9 million people will travel by these methods, up 5.6% from last year. The highest bump came in ocean and river cruises, the company said.

Best and worst times to drive on Memorial Day weekend

AAA pulled data from INRIX, a transportation data and sights company, to show how travelers should plan for driving by each day of the weekend.

• Thursday, May 23: Leave before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m. for the best travel times, with the worst travel between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Friday, May 24: Leave before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m. for the best travel times, with the worst travel between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 25: Leave before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m. for the best travel times, with the worst travel between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 26: Leave before 1 p.m. for the best travel time, with the worst travel between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Monday, May 27: Leave after 7 p.m. for the best travel time, with the worst travel between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Top travel destinations in the United States

AAA compiled its booking data to show the top 10 domestic travel destinations for Memorial Day weekend:

• Los Angeles/Anaheim
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Fort Lauderdale

Top travel destinations internationally

The travel company did the same to show popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Athens, Greece
• Barcelona, Spain
• St. George, Bermuda
• Edinburgh, Scotland

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Russia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 5, 2023, russia - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the  unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces , the potential for  harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials , the  arbitrary enforcement of local law ,  limited flights into and out of Russia , the  Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia , and the possibility of  terrorism .  U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart immediately.  Exercise increased caution due to  the risk of wrongful detentions.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

There have been numerous reports of drone attacks, explosions, and fires in areas in Western and Southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.

In September 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, subject them to mobilization, prevent their departure from Russia, and/or conscript them. 

U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited due to sanctions imposed on Russian banks. There are reports of cash shortages within Russia.

Commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited. Click  here  for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

U.S. Embassy personnel are generally not permitted to travel on Russian air carriers due to safety concerns.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the air safety rating for Russia from Category 1 to Category 2 on April 21, 2022, due to Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport noncompliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over those areas of the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW) and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

The right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid all political or social protests and not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations and there are numerous reports Russian nationals have been detained for social media activity. 

Country Summary:

U.S. citizens, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private citizens engaged in business who are visiting or residing in Russia, have been interrogated without cause and threatened by Russian officials, and may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion. 

Russian security services may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy of the detention of a U.S. citizen and unreasonably delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are increasing the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”

Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, singled out U.S. citizens in Russia for detention and harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and convicted them in secret trials or without presenting credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce local laws against U.S. citizen religious workers and have opened questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia to perform work for or volunteer with non-governmental organizations or religious organizations.

There have been multiple security incidents in southwestern Russia related to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government declared martial law in Russia’s regions bordering Ukraine (Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Krasnodar) on October 20, 2022. The martial law regime allows the rapid introduction of restrictive measures such as curfew, seizure of private property, restriction of entry/exit and freedom of movement, internment of foreigners, forced relocation of local residents, and restrictions on public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.

Recent legislation has expanded the ability of Russian authorities to detain, question, and arrest individuals suspected of acting against Russia’s interests, including posts on personal social media accounts, engaging with foreign and international entities, discrediting the Russian state or military, as well as advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Terrorist groups, both transnational and local terrorist organizations, and individuals inspired by extremist ideology continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and systems, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Travel to the North Caucasus (including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus) is prohibited for U.S. government employees and strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.

The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya – that Russia has purported to annex more recently. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. Russia staged its further invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and Russia is likely to take further military actions in Crimea, and the four other Ukrainian oblasts are the subject of intensive fighting. There are continuing abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, although the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to provide services in these areas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Russia.

If you decide to travel to Russia:

• Familiarize yourself with the information on  what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Monitor local and international media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• 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  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Russia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

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Moscow: Walter Benjamin’s Moscow Diary

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• First Online: 05 February 2022
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• Jeremy Tambling 2  

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From December 6, 1925 to February 1, 1826, and at first with the atmosphere of Christmas in the city (which is partially observed according to the old calendar), Walter Benjamin (1892–1940), then describable as a “journalist from Berlin,” was staying in a hotel in Moscow. He had gone there in search of the Latvian-born (and hence Russian) actress and theatre director Asja Lacis (1891–1976). While engaged in freelance writing, and translating, he wrote much about Moscow, and kept a very autobiographical diary of his time there, the Moskauer Tagesbuch, which was first published in 1980. This is a gem of writing in its own right, and an essential guide to Moscow seen through the experience of one of the most sophisticated of theorists of cities, and as important as his account of his Berlin childhood. As well as the Moscow Diary, this entry looks at his writings on Moscow in general, particularly “Moscow.”

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Bibliography and Further Reading

Benjamin, Walter. 1986. Moscow Diary , ed. Gary Smith, Trans. Richard Sieburth. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

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Benjamin, Walter. 1999. Walter Benjamin: Selected writings volume 2: 1927–1934 , ed. Michael W. Jennings, Howard Eiland, and Gary Smith. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Brooke, Caroline. 2006. Mosow: A literary and cultural history . Oxford: Signal Books.

Buck-Morss, Susan. 1989. The dialectics of seeing: Walter Benjamin and the Arcades Project . Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Eiland, Howard, and Michael W. Jennings. 2014. Walter Benjamin: A critical life , 268–278. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Ingram, Susan. 2002. The writing of Asja Lacis. New German Critique 86: 159–177.

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Moody, C. 1978. Vsevolod Meyerhold and the ‘ Commedia dell’arte ’. MLN 73: 859–869.

Richter, Gerhard. 1995. The monstrosity of the body in Walter Benjamin’s Moscow Diary . Modern Language Studies 25: 85–126.

Turvey, Malcolm. 2007. Vertov: Between organism and machine. October 121: 5–18.

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Tambling, J. (2021). Moscow: Walter Benjamin’s Moscow Diary . In: Tambling, J. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban Literary Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62592-8_296-1

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62592-8_296-1

Received : 06 January 2021

Accepted : 06 January 2021

Published : 05 February 2022

Publisher Name : Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-319-62592-8

Online ISBN : 978-3-319-62592-8

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Memorial Day weekend 2024 travel will be busiest at these times: How to avoid traffic jams

If you’re traveling for Memorial Day weekend , be prepared to run into some crowds. The next holiday weekend – taking place May 25 to 27 – is slated to see a record-breaking number of travelers, according to AAA. 

A projected 43.8 million Americans are expected to pack their bags for trips over 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend – a 4% increase from last year and close to 2005’s previous record of 44 million. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, in a press release. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Both roads and airports will be extremely busy, with a historic number of roadtrippers since AAA began tracking data in 2000. That’s 38.4 million drivers, up 4% from last year. 

A predicted 3.51 million airline passengers are expected to hit the skies over the holiday weekend, a 4.8% increase from 2023. This will make for the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, AAA said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s everything you need to know about traffic if you’re hoping for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Summer is just around the corner. Here's everything you need to know for your summertime trip.

What are the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekend travel?

Most popular domestic destinations:

• Las Vegas, 
• Anaheim/Los Angeles

Most popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, Canada

What are the best times to drive for Memorial Day weekend? 

To avoid the worst traffic, drivers leaving for their long weekend trip on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, should hit the road before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday. 

Travelers driving on Saturday, May 25, who leave before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m., will be able to avoid the worst traffic jams. On Sunday, drivers should head out before 1 p.m. to avoid the worst congestion. 

Travelers returning home on Monday, May 27, should embark after 7 p.m. if they want to dodge peak traffic. 

What are the worst times to drive by car for Memorial Day weekend?

Travelers should expect the worst traffic on Thursday between noon and 6 p.m. 

Friday between noon and 7 p.m. since they’ll encounter commuter congestion as well. 

Over the weekend, peak traffic is anticipated to be between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

On Memorial Day, drivers heading back home can expect peak traffic between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., aka peak rush hour time.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

Travelers who are going through major metropolitan areas should unfortunately expect travel times to be up to 90% longer than usual, according to Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Pishue said in a statement. 

• Worst route: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E
• Worst day: Saturday, May 25
• Worst time: 4:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 31 minutes
• 54% increased travel time
• Worst route: Manchester to Boston via I-93 S
• Worst day: Sunday, May 26
• Worst time: 8:45 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
• 50% increased travel time 
• Worst route: Milwaukee to Chicago via I-94 E 
• Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
• 27% increased travel time
• Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 
• Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
• 56% increased travel time

Los Angeles

• Worst route: LA to Bakersfield via I-5 N 
• Worst day: Thursday, May 23
• Worst time: 6:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• 84% increased travel time
• Worst route: New York to Albany via I-87N 
• Worst time: 11:45 a.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 37 minutes

Philadelphia

• Worst route: Philadelphia to Baltimore/DC 
• Worst day: Friday, May 24
• Worst time: 7:30 a.m.
• 64% increased travel time

San Francisco

• Worst route:  San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E
• Worst time: 11 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Washington, D.C.

• Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Pkwy N 
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
• 72% increased travel time

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Here’s what to know if you are traveling abroad with your dog

FILE - A traveler pulls his dog in a wheeled carrier at the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. If you are bringing a dog into the U.S. — whether if you are returning from a trip overseas with Rover, visiting the U.S., or adopting a dog from abroad — you have to follow a set of new rules released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, designed to help prevent the spread of rabies. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)

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If you are bringing a dog into the U.S. — whether if you are returning from a trip overseas with Rover, visiting the U.S., or adopting a dog from abroad — you have to follow a set of new rules designed to help prevent the spread of rabies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last updated these rules in 1956, when far fewer dogs came to the U.S. from other countries, officials say. About 1 million dogs now enter the U.S. every year.

There are additional restrictions if the dog has been in many countries where rabies is common. You can find the list of those countries on the CDC website .

The new rules go into affect Aug. 1. There’s a checklist on the CDC website .

Here’s what to know about about the rules:

— Dogs have to be healthy and at least 6 months old when they arrive in the U.S.

— The dog must have a microchip implanted under their skin, which contains identifier information.

— A CDC import form must be filled out in advance, and include a photo of the dog.

— Proof of rabies vaccination is required only if the dog was in a high-risk country in the past six months.

— For dogs vaccinated in the U.S., a certificate endorsed by the Agriculture Department is required.

— For dogs vaccinated outside the U.S., a certificate of vaccination is required along with a blood test, and the animal has to be examined at a CDC-registered facility on arrival in the U.S.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.