#ThaiTravelers

New York State is having a late‑summer moment as families and culture lovers pivot toward road trips that blend learning with landscapes, according to a new roundup of seven standout attractions spanning museums, state parks and an iconic river crossing. The mix—glassmaking in Corning, presidential history in Hyde Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East” in Castile, a record‑setting skywalk over the Hudson, and arts and science stops from Utica to Binghamton—mirrors national travel patterns for 2025 and offers Thai travelers and Thai‑American families a template for educational tourism in the United States. With gas prices at multi‑year lows and state park visitation at record highs, New York’s driveable destinations look set to cap the season on a high note (AAA, Governor’s Office).

New York State emerges as a premier late-summer destination through seven carefully curated attractions that seamlessly blend intellectual enrichment with natural splendor, offering Thai travelers and Thai-American families a comprehensive template for educational tourism across the United States. The diverse collection—featuring world-renowned glassmaking artistry in Corning, presidential history preservation in Hyde Park, spectacular geological formations dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East” in Castile, a record-breaking pedestrian skywalk spanning the Hudson River, and distinguished arts and science institutions throughout the region—reflects evolving national travel preferences while demonstrating how strategic cultural investment can transform regional economies through sustainable tourism development.

Chongqing, a sprawling metropolis in southwestern China famously dubbed the “cyberpunk city,” is witnessing a tourism renaissance as its futuristic architecture, dramatic landscapes and viral online presence propel it onto the global stage. Once bypassed in favor of more established Chinese destinations, Chongqing has rapidly become a must-see city for international visitors, with inbound tourism figures smashing records and transforming the local economy.

For many international travelers, images and videos of Chongqing circulating on social media platforms have sparked curiosity about its labyrinthine streets, multilevel skyscrapers, and dazzling neon nightscapes. According to a recent CNN report, the city is so vertically layered and intertwined that one visiting vlogger described it as “peering into the future,” while others have called it “China’s 8D city” in reference to its multidimensional urban design. This renaissance is not merely of viral interest—official statistics reveal real and sustained momentum: Chongqing received 1.3 million inbound tourists in 2024, representing a staggering year-on-year increase of 184%. In early 2025, inbound foreign arrivals through city ports spiked another 60%, cementing the city’s newfound global appeal.

A visually stunning Chinese metropolis embodying futuristic science fiction aesthetics has dramatically emerged as the world’s most sought-after urban tourism destination, attracting unprecedented numbers of international visitors eager to experience Chongqing’s breathtaking vertical architecture, innovative transportation networks, and luminous cyberpunk landscapes that fundamentally challenge traditional concepts of city tourism and destination marketing. This southwestern Chinese megacity has achieved remarkable transformation from relative international obscurity to viral global fame through strategically amplified social media content showcasing its architectural marvels and urban innovations, generating an extraordinary one hundred eighty-four percent surge in foreign visitor arrivals that has revolutionized local economic opportunities while establishing groundbreaking models for authentic urban character combined with digital storytelling. The Chongqing phenomenon provides invaluable strategic insights for Thailand’s tourism development initiatives, as destination management professionals worldwide analyze how genuine cultural authenticity, innovative urban planning, and sophisticated social media engagement create sustainable competitive advantages that attract discerning travelers seeking meaningful experiences beyond conventional tourist attractions.

With international travel resuming and the Thai baht under pressure from global headwinds, many Thai holidaymakers are looking for affordable ways to explore the United States. Latest industry research highlights September as a particularly budget-friendly month for US travel, offering significant discounts on flights, accommodation, and attractions. Destinations such as New Orleans, Cleveland, Orlando, Albuquerque, and San Diego feature among the most attractive options for those seeking rich cultural experiences without breaking the bank, according to a recent report by Travel Noire.

American tourists demonstrate a remarkable strategic pivot in their European travel preferences for summer 2025, deliberately avoiding overcrowded iconic destinations in favor of authentically European locations cherished by local populations rather than international tourist masses. This significant trend shift, documented through comprehensive travel platform data analysis, reflects evolving post-pandemic travel priorities emphasizing cultural immersion, superior value propositions, and meaningful local engagement that offers valuable insights for Thai travelers planning their own European adventures.

Turkmenistan, a country long shrouded in isolation and strict entry requirements, is making tentative moves toward opening up to more international tourists, according to recent reports and statements from travel industry experts. The Turkmen government’s announcement of streamlined visa procedures earlier this year has generated cautious optimism among travelers and tour operators worldwide, potentially signaling a strategic pivot as the nation faces ongoing economic challenges. Although full implementation of the visa reforms remains pending, tourism stakeholders and observers view these developments as a noteworthy departure from decades of impenetrability—for both adventurous travelers and Southeast Asian nations such as Thailand eager to deepen regional connectivity and expand cultural ties.

Turkmenistan, renowned as one of the world’s most isolated and enigmatic nations, stands poised to undergo a revolutionary transformation in international accessibility through ambitious visa reform initiatives that could fundamentally reshape Central Asian tourism dynamics. This unprecedented policy shift, representing the most significant opening since the Soviet era, creates extraordinary opportunities for Thai adventurers and Southeast Asian travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond conventional tourist destinations while contributing to broader regional connectivity and cross-cultural understanding.

American travellers are making a distinct shift in their holiday habits for summer 2025, shunning iconic tourist magnets in favour of European destinations beloved by locals, according to new data from the travel platform HomeToGo. Instead of crowding into Ibiza, Santorini, or the French Riviera, US tourists are setting their sights on places like Alicante, Mallorca, Lake Garda, Naxos, and Brittany, echoing the travel patterns of Europeans and seeking a more authentic continental holiday experience (euronews.com).

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented tourism surge in 2025, with record-breaking numbers of international visitors flocking to its major cities, historical landmarks, and global cultural icons. Yet as the nation grapples with the double-edged sword of economic gain and overtourism fatigue, new research and travel narratives are highlighting a calming solution: the country’s lesser-known but culturally essential gardens, which promise a tranquil escape for both domestic and international tourists during even the most crowded peak seasons.

A surge of extreme heatwaves climbing across the Mediterranean this summer has prompted medical experts, local authorities, and seasoned travelers to issue urgent guidance for holidaymakers determined to make the most of the region’s famed sunshine. As temperatures routinely soar above seasonal averages in countries like Italy, Greece, France, and Spain, an emerging body of research shows that many tourists remain dangerously unprepared for the health risks posed by heat, requiring a rethink in how both visitors and local tourism operators approach summer safety.

As global tensions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine continue to reshape international travel, the latest research and reporting reveal that visiting Russia has become a far more complicated—and, for some, contentious—journey than in years past. Despite Western sanctions, flight route disruptions, and dramatic changes to digital and financial infrastructure, thousands—including sizeable numbers from Asia and the Middle East—still make the trip each year. Understanding the new landscape is crucial for Thai citizens and all potential travelers as the realities of 2025 require unprecedented preparation and vigilance. This report distills the most up-to-date advice and developments for those considering travel to Russia, with special attention to safety, logistics, and implications for Thai travelers.

A recent alert issued by the US State Department warning Americans of potential dangers when travelling abroad has sparked a global conversation about travel safety, raising urgent questions for Thai citizens planning international trips. With concerns of geopolitical instability, evolving regional conflicts, and the heightened threat of terrorism, the world’s tourism industry once again finds itself at a crossroads, balancing wanderlust with the need for personal security.

The US State Department’s ‘worldwide caution’ advisory, updated in June 2025, arrives in a period marked by mounting international tensions and an increase in incidents such as politically motivated protests, violent attacks, and travel disruptions in various parts of the world. According to the official alert, Americans are advised to “exercise increased caution” when travelling, especially to volatile regions, due to “the increased potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” This development carries broader implications for travelers of all nationalities, including Thais, who may be considering journeys to affected areas (BBC Travel).

As the international travel industry mounts a determined comeback after pandemic-era setbacks, new skepticism is emerging among would-be tourists, fueled by controversial ad campaigns and rising concerns over safety, reputation, and human rights in key destinations. A recent opinion column published in The Boston Globe on July 3, 2025, highlights a growing wave of “wayward tourism promotions” and the complex, often contradictory realities facing travelers in 2025, raising questions especially relevant for Thai travelers considering outbound journeys (Boston Globe).

For many travelers, the iconic African safari conjures images of thundering wildebeest, golden savannas, and up-close encounters with elephants and lions. Over the years, the high season—those dry, chilly months from June through October—has become synonymous with classic safari experiences. However, recent insights from a leading travel advisor specializing in African adventures suggest that the best time for an unforgettable safari might be during the lesser-known “secret seasons,” offering both spectacular sights and significant cost savings (Travel + Leisure).

China has unveiled sweeping updates to its value-added tax (VAT) refund scheme for international tourists, rolling out instant refunds in additional locations and making the process smoother and more enticing for overseas visitors. The new policy—effective from July 1, 2025—marks a major departure from the previous refund-upon-departure model, allowing eligible tourists to claim cash back directly at participating stores and select refund counters, rather than navigating cumbersome airport procedures. This change aims to attract greater numbers of foreign tourists, boost retail spending, and revitalize the local economy after several challenging years for China’s tourism industry.

Afghanistan, long marred by decades of conflict, is witnessing an unexpected and slow revival in tourism since the return of Taliban rule, according to the latest report by the Associated Press. The current rulers, whose government has not yet been recognized by the international community, are actively encouraging foreign visitation, touting the revenue and cultural exchange potential for a nation in deep economic and social flux (apnews.com).

For Thai readers, the story offers a gripping lens into how economic desperation, societal transformation, and international isolation can upend even the most unlikely sectors—like tourism—in conflict-ridden nations. As Thailand’s own tourism industry serves as the economic backbone and a major conduit for cultural dialogue, the Afghan situation is a case study in how travel and tourism can become both a form of soft diplomacy and a crucible for ethical debate.

Tourists seeking an experience beyond the ordinary are increasingly looking to Mongolia, where vast steppes, nomadic traditions, and untouched nature offer a unique journey unlike anywhere else in Asia. According to travel advisers highlighted in a recent Business Insider article, Mongolia’s tourism is gaining attention as a rare destination for those eager to wander off the beaten path and engage deeply with authentic local culture and dramatic landscapes. This trend holds special appeal for adventurous Thai travellers and those in search of meaningful, sustainable tourism.