#ThaiTourists

With Europe experiencing yet another record-breaking heat wave, tourists from Thailand and around the world are faced with the challenge of staying comfortable as temperatures soar across the continent. Major destinations such as Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona are seeing highs well above what many visitors may be accustomed to, forcing travelers to adjust their plans and prioritize health and safety while sightseeing (NYTimes).

For Thai travelers heading to Europe this summer, understanding the risks associated with extreme heat is essential, especially as few European cities feature the widespread air conditioning commonly found in many parts of Thailand. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has reported numerous cities experiencing prolonged heat events, while public health bodies urge visitors to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during midday. With heatwaves projected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change (World Health Organization), adaptability and creative cooling arrangements are more important than ever.

A surge in global tourism to Antarctica, the earth’s last great wilderness, has alarmed environmental researchers as nearly 125,000 travelers set foot or sailed its icy waters in the 2023–24 season—a leap from less than 8,000 annual visitors thirty years ago. New research warns that unless robust protective measures are enforced, Antarctica’s unique and fragile ecosystems risk irreversible damage from this increasing human presence (The Conversation).

This sharp rise in Antarctic tourism matters to Thai readers not only for environmental reasons but also because it mirrors the worldwide boom in “extreme” travel and eco-tourism, trends growing among Thai travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai travel agencies begin advertising Antarctic cruises and expeditions, understanding the environmental price of such adventures has never been more important.