4: Tech, Travel, and Trunks: Apple’s Latest, Passport Updates, and Louis Vuitton’s Reboot

Travel just got easier. Say goodbye to mailing passport renewals—the U.S. State Department’s new online system is here. Plus, the iPhone 16 drop, how to ace a group trip, and Pharrell’s reimagined Louis Vuitton bed trunk. It’s all in this week’s Bassport.

• Passport, Made Simple: The US Launches Online Passport Renewal Service

• How to Plan a Stress-Free Trip with Friends

• Max Out Your Miles and More with Apple’s New iPhone 16, Watch & AirPods

• Louis Vuitton’s Bed Trunk Gets a Pharrell-Williams Reboot

• Grotesque Beauty in Paris: L’or mord l’os with Christian Rex van Minnen and Ken Sortais

Passport, Made Simple: The US Launches Online Passport Renewal Service

The future of travel just got a lot more convenient. The Department of State has officially launched its fully online passport renewal service, meaning you can now apply for a renewal without ever leaving your couch.

Originally tested in 2022, this system is now open for all eligible U.S. residents, eliminating the need for mailing in paper forms. In a statement, the State Department called the move “a digital transformation” aimed at making passport renewals faster and easier for travelers everywhere.

Eligible travelers must be at least 25, reside in the U.S. or its territories, and have a passport issued between 9 and 15 years ago. Plus, you’ll need to hold onto that old passport and make sure you're not changing any major details (like your name or birth info).

No more running to the post office—just a few clicks, and you’re on your way to a new passport.

Learn More

How to Plan a Stress-Free Trip with Friends

Let’s face it: traveling with friends can either be epic or a complete disaster. If you’ve ever been stuck in the middle of a group argument over where to eat, you know the struggle is real. But, with a little planning, a “friendcation” can go off without a hitch.

I've pulled together tips from seasoned travelers and experts to give you the ultimate guide for group trips. Say goodbye to the drama and hello to memories worth a lifetime. From shared playlists to splitting expenses—this guide will keep the good vibes going strong.

Read More

Max Out Your Miles and More with Apple’s New iPhone 16, Watch & AirPods

Another Apple event, another round of shiny tech to make you wonder if you really need an upgrade. On Sept. 20, Apple dropped its iPhone 16 lineup, along with the Watch Series 10 and updated AirPods, at their Fifth Avenue flagship in NYC. Naturally, the hype was real, and Apple fans—led by Tim Cook and his top team—turned out in droves.

So what’s new? For starters, the iPhone 16 has serious camera upgrades, better battery life, and durability improvements—perfect for all you road warriors. The new AirPods also come with enhanced noise cancellation, which means quieter flights and more productive Zoom calls.

Ready to splurge? Apple’s Deirdre O’Brien shared some smart tips to help you get the most out of your investment—and we’ve got them all here.

Learn More

Louis Vuitton’s Bed Trunk Gets a Pharrell-Williams Reboot

When Louis Vuitton designed the Malle Lit bed trunk back in 1868, it was meant for explorers on far-flung adventures. Now, in a collaboration between Pharrell Williams and Nicolas Ghesquière, the iconic travel accessory has been reimagined for the modern era.

The duo has put their own twist on this historic piece, blending luxury with an adventurous spirit. The result? A stunning update that keeps the essence of Vuitton’s original design but feels fresh, bold, and completely in line with Pharrell’s signature style.

See It Here

Grotesque Beauty in Paris: L’or mord l’os with Christian Rex van Minnen and Ken Sortais

Paris just got a whole lot edgier. In L’or mord l’os (Gold Bites Bone), artists Christian Rex van Minnen and Ken Sortais showcase their work in a captivating and unsettling display of beauty and transformation. Van Minnen’s paintings explore the physical changes that come with personal metamorphosis—often a bit grotesque, yet deeply human.

Meanwhile, Sortais’ sculptures mirror this theme of flux, challenging viewers to rethink what they know about the body, the self, and the world around them. These two artists bring their talents together in a raw, powerful exhibition that’s both revolutionary and beautifully bizarre.

Check It Out

Enjoyed this edition of The Bassport? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and invite them to join the journey. Each share adds a stamp to your Bassport, bringing you closer to exclusive rewards and insider content. Spread the word, and let’s explore the world together!

Thank you!