American travelers it’s going to be possible to renew soon their passports online.

The U.S. Department of State announced on Sept. 18 that a brand new system will likely be implemented that may bypass an outdated method that required passport holders to print a form and mail a check. In a press release, the agency said the brand new method will likely be more efficient. “By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to provide the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” the statement reads.

“Thanks to increased staffing, technological advances and many other improvements, the average routine passport is now processed in about one-third of the time it took at this time last summer, and significantly less than the six to eight weeks announced.”

The public beta version of the brand new process was released in June 2024 and is on the market 24/7. For now, nevertheless, only adults and residents of a U.S. state or territory will give you the option to renew their passports online.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages led to long wait times for passport renewals, so long as 18 weeks as demand fell. In 2023, as travel restrictions eased, demand surged and strained the system much more. It wasn’t until late 2023 that the department announced processing times had returned to normal. Agency data revealed that 48% of Americans had passports in 2023, up from 5% in 1990.

According to Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter the means of for Americans living abroad, those trying to renew a second passport and passports for youngsters. “This won’t be the last thing we do,” she said.

“We want to see how this plays out and then we’ll start looking at ways to make this service available to more American citizens in the coming months and years.”

She said that whatever the recent process, processing times are still expected to be six to eight weeks. “The advantage of renewing your passport online is that it’s a more convenient service,” Bitter said. “We don’t expect the standard of service to be different for people who apply online than for people who apply by mail. We just want to make sure we give Americans the choice to do both.”

Travelers will still need to pay to renew their passports via a secure websiteThe $130 fee will remain in place.

A brand new study has found that travel has positive effects on physical and mental health, considered one of which is delaying the aging process.

Applying entropy theory to tourism, researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia have found that tourist activities comparable to exercise and leisure help the body decelerate aging. According to an ECU press release, entropy is “the general trend of the universe to death and disorder.”

“(Aging) as a process is irreversible. Although it cannot be stopped, it can be slowed down,” said ECU doctoral candidate Fangli Hu. The entropy perspective sees positive tourism experiences as a possible method to mitigate the increase in entropy and improve health. “Tourism is not just about rest and recreation. It can also contribute to people’s physical and mental health,” Hu added. Wellness, health and yoga tourism have potential health advantages, comparable to boosting metabolism, energy and immune function through exposure to latest environments, positive social interactions, leisure and physical activities comparable to mountaineering, climbing, walking and cycling.

Tourism offers travelers the opportunity to have interaction in physical activity, which ECU researchers have found improves blood circulation, hastens the transport of nutrients and helps eliminate waste. Positive travel experiences might help the body maintain a low-entropy state, influence its self-organizing abilities and improve its ability to defend itself against external threats. “In simple terms, the self-defense system becomes more resilient,” Hu said. “Hormones that promote tissue repair and regeneration can be released and promote the functioning of the self-healing system.”

Leisure travel was found to potentially “help alleviate chronic stress,” which 2021 researchers said contributed to the rapid aging of black people resulting from aspects comparable to societal adversity and racial discrimination. The study, published in also linked depression to the rate of biological aging in black people.

Hu considered recreation as a way that advantages the bones, releases tension and fatigue in muscles and joints, and supports the body’s anti-wear system. These aspects help organs and tissues remain in a state of low entropy.

Hurricane Beryl was a big and destructive storm that struck the Caribbean in June and July. Forming as a tropical storm in late June, Beryl quickly strengthened right into a Category 2 hurricane because it moved westward across the Atlantic. In early July, it made landfall on several Caribbean islands, including Saint Lucia and Dominica, between July 2 and 4.

The hurricane’s strong winds, reaching 110 mph, and heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in Dominica, where many areas were rendered inaccessible by damaged roads and debris. The storm also led to widespread power outages and damage to infrastructure, including homes and public buildings.

In Saint Lucia, coastal areas experienced significant storm surge and flooding that destroyed businesses and disrupted every day life. As Beryl continued its path, it also affected parts of Puerto Rico and the northern Leeward Islands, exacerbating existing threats in those regions.

Hurricane Beryl was no match for the strength, perseverance and determination of the Caribbean people. Carnivals across the Caribbean went ahead as planned. From the Spice Mas in Grenada to the Carnival in St. Lucia, the spirit of celebration was unstoppable. Saint Lucia Tourism and Carnival participants spoke with BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP about your experiences.

“As the head of promoting in Saint Lucia Tourist authorities “Carnival played a key role in reviving the island’s spirit following Hurricane Beryl, especially given its effects felt throughout the region. The festival acted as a vibrant symbol of resilience and unity, bringing locals and tourists together in celebration. It provided a much-needed boost to the island’s economy and morale. National activities, private events, colourful parades and the energetic Dennery Segment and Soca music helped restore a sense of normalcy and joy, proving that even in the face of adversity, Lucian Carnival remains a source of strong cultural heritage and happiness,” said Jenelle Ernest, Head of Marketing at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

She continued: “Carnival, to me, is so much more than just a festival; it is a profound expression of cultural identity and community spirit. It is a time when people come together to celebrate life, music and tradition in a way that transcends everyday concerns. The vibrant costumes, infectious rhythms and collective energy capture the essence of our shared heritage and joy. It is a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of celebrating our roots, which is both refreshing and deeply meaningful. Carnival is all about it – the culture, the people, the vibes.”

When asked how we are able to further enhance the profile of Saint Lucia Carnival and other events, she replied, “A series of ongoing efforts are needed to promote Saint Lucia Carnival and similar festivals across the Caribbean.”

She explained: “First, investing in high-quality marketing and branding campaigns to showcase the unique aspects of each Carnival is key. Building partnerships with international travel and tourism agencies, as well as celebrities and influencers, has helped us reach a wider audience. Finally, fostering collaboration between international Carnivals and Caribbean islands to create joint marketing strategies and shared events has helped to strengthen Saint Lucia’s appeal as a Carnival destination.”

Carnival enthusiast Mellisa Deandre has traveled the world attending carnivals from Brazil to Trinidad and Tobago. She explains, “One of the many reasons I love carnival is that it gives everyone, from lawyers to construction workers, a chance to let loose and enjoy beautiful music, people and culture. I travel with a group of people from both the Caribbean and beyond, who are doctors, entrepreneurs, politicians and more – who use carnivals as a way to take their minds off work and immerse themselves in something much bigger. Being here in St. Lucia was exactly what I needed after witnessing the devastation wrought by Beryl. Carnival is a celebration of freedom from oppression that everyone can enjoy!”

Between the vibrant and loving culture of Saint Lucia and Caribbean carnivals abroad, joy seems to be the theme. As the Caribbean islands proceed to grapple with climate change brought on by many larger nations, tourism officials and carnival enthusiasts agree on one thing: strengthening and protecting carnivals around the world is imperative to proceed bringing joy to the islands that deserve it most.