#Travel

South Korea’s rise as a global centre for cosmetic tourism is making waves throughout Asia and influencing medical travel trends worldwide. Fresh research and reportage reveal the bustling “Plastic Surgery Street” of Apgujeong in Gangnam, Seoul, now attracts more international visitors than ever, transforming the local beauty industry and prompting fresh debates on safety, pricing, and cultural attitudes towards cosmetic enhancement. The implications, both opportunities and risks, are especially pertinent for Thais considering cosmetic treatments abroad, and for the domestic industry responding to global change.

Kyoto, once revered as the tranquil heart of Japanese tradition and Zen, is facing an identity crisis amid a tidal wave of global tourism. Once known for its serene temples, quiet alleyways, and iconic geisha culture, the city now finds itself struggling under the weight of overtourism, as highlighted in a recent exposé by New York Magazine’s Intelligencer (nymag.com). As international arrivals shatter records, this former imperial capital is wrestling with preserving authenticity while accommodating millions of visitors seeking a slice of “the real Japan”—often with chaotic results.

Vacations are meant to recharge our spirits and provide relief from daily routines, but new research warns that certain habits may be undermining the very relaxation holidaymakers seek. A recent feature in HuffPost collects insights from travel experts and mental health professionals, revealing that common vacation practices—from overplanning to obsessively comparing trips on social media—may be fueling stress rather than easing it (HuffPost). For many Thais who place great value on sanuk (enjoyment of life), these revelations offer both warnings and practical lessons against letting leisure turn into another form of pressure.

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport has once again solidified its status as one of the region’s key aviation gateways, ranking fourth in the latest list of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports, according to recently published data. The airport served a remarkable 3.11 million passengers over the past reporting period, reflecting the rapid rebound and ongoing transformation in the region’s aviation sector following the pandemic e.vnexpress.net.

This new ranking is significant, not just for Suvarnabhumi but for the future of air travel in Thailand and the broader region. For many Thais, the ability to travel freely, access international destinations, and welcome global visitors is closely tied to both economic vitality and cultural exchange opportunities. As borders reopened and travel demand surged, regional airports—particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines—competed for leadership in capacity, technology, and passenger experience.

A new round of rankings on the world’s best skylines is igniting both travel curiosity and pride, as leading lifestyle publication Tatler Asia spotlights cities whose cityscapes are considered the most visually iconic across the globe. The report, released on tatlerasia.com, highlights the interplay between modern architecture, cultural identity, and urban development that makes these skylines a major drawcard for international visitors. For Thai travellers, these findings not only inspire new bucket-list journeys, but also prompt reflection on Bangkok’s own urban evolution and ambitions on the global stage.

As international tourism rebounds to near-historic highs in 2024, destinations across the globe, including Thailand, are grappling with the complex challenge of overtourism. Recent insights published by Deutsche Welle reveal that around 1.5 billion people travelled for leisure last year, marking it as the second busiest year for global tourism ever recorded, surpassed only by 2019 (DW). This surge has reignited urgent debates about the sustainability of tourism, with mounting evidence that unchecked visitor volumes can damage local environments, disrupt daily life, and strain vital infrastructures.

International tourists, once a familiar sight at American landmarks and city centers during the peak summer vacation months, are increasingly opting to take their holidays elsewhere, according to the latest news analysis and tourism research. With North America’s iconic destinations now reporting fewer foreign visitors—particularly from Canada, Europe, and other long-standing source markets—the trend signals a shift with broad implications for both the global and Thai tourism sectors (Wall Street Journal via MSN).

As more Thais prepare to hit the trails during summer, new research from Backpacker magazine underscores the crucial role of targeted pre-hiking exercises in preventing injuries and boosting overall performance on the trail. Published on April 8, 2025, “Hike Stronger This Summer With These 11 Exercises” compiles a set of expertly recommended workouts designed to prepare hikers for the physical challenges of the outdoors, offering valuable guidance as Thailand’s own hiking season approaches.