#TravelTips

Global tourism is changing faster than many industry players expected as three powerful forces — geopolitical tensions, currency movements and record-breaking heat — increasingly shape where people go, how they book and what they expect when they arrive. New reporting shows travellers are becoming more intentional, favouring destinations that offer value, safety and climate comfort, while using financial strategies such as prepaid packages to insulate themselves from volatile exchange rates. For Thailand, a destination that relies heavily on foreign visitors, these shifts bring both risk and opportunity: they could dampen arrivals from some markets even as they open doors to others if Bangkok and provincial destinations adapt quickly.

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.

Bangkok’s family-friendly experiences reveal Thailand’s tourism strengths and areas for improvement as the country repositions itself as Southeast Asia’s top family destination. International visitors share authentic perspectives that help Thai stakeholders boost satisfaction while preserving the culture that makes Thailand special for families seeking meaningful immersion.

As Thailand’s tourism sector recovers from the pandemic, understanding how international families move through Bangkok is increasingly important. Regional competitors are actively courting family travelers, so guest insights guide better infrastructure, communication, and cultural exchange. This approach supports sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

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 new study on Thai dining culture identifies common mistakes visitors make in Thai restaurants, whether at home or abroad. Grounded in real-world experiences and local traditions, the research offers practical guidance to enhance the Thai food experience for both locals reclaiming pride and travelers seeking authentic flavors.

According to research from a leading Bangkok hospital, many diners overlook core etiquette that preserves the nuances of Thai cuisine. For Thai readers, the assessment reinforces the importance of sharing cultural practices with a new generation navigating increasingly international lifestyles.

A wave of visitors to Japan shows no sign of slowing in early 2025. While famous markets in Tokyo and bamboo groves in Kyoto draw crowds, many travelers now seek quieter experiences that deepen cultural understanding. Recent travel analysis highlights traditional Japanese gardens as spaces for immersion at a gentler pace, providing relief from congestion and a more affordable route to engaging with the country’s heritage.

Thai audiences remain keen on Japan, especially during school holidays and sakura season. Families, solo explorers, and couples aim to visit iconic temples and entertainment districts, yet often encounter long queues and rushed moments. Data from official tourism bodies suggests a shift toward exploring lesser-known gardens that blend history with tranquility.

With Japan’s tourism industry surging to unprecedented levels—welcoming a record 14.4 million visitors in the first four months of 2025 alone according to The Japan Times—travelers from around the world continue to flock to the Land of the Rising Sun for its iconic cherry blossoms, culinary delights, and historic temples. As global wanderers pack famous locales like Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and Kyoto’s bamboo groves, a growing number of tourists are seeking alternatives to crowded sites. Recent travel experiences and expert observations indicate that Japan’s centuries-old gardens offer a practical and affordable solution for those longing for genuine immersion and tranquility amid surging tourist numbers (The Japan Times).

A recent travel study and social chatter converge on a common pitfall: oversize luggage can mar the European experience. For Thai travelers, understanding local expectations helps shape smoother journeys and deeper cultural engagement across Europe.

In cities like Vienna and beyond, bulky bags can draw puzzled looks and complicate navigation through narrow lanes, cobblestones, and historic facades. A viral video has highlighted three practical challenges for travelers with heavy luggage: few elevators in older buildings, cobblestones that hinder wheeled bags, and the tight spaces of heritage architecture with narrow doors and winding staircases. This is more than inconvenience; it can affect comfort and immersion in Europe’s historic centers.

Recent travel research and social media trends converge in highlighting a common, yet often overlooked, mistake made by American tourists in Europe: overpacking and bringing oversized suitcases. The issue, brought into focus by a widely shared Travel + Leisure article, underscores not only logistical challenges but also cultural differences that set travelers from the United States apart in the eyes of Europeans.

For tourists from Thailand, who are themselves part of a vibrant and ever-growing international travel community, understanding the pitfalls of overpacking is crucial, especially as more Thai travelers embark on multi-country tours through Europe. These lessons resonate in our interconnected world, where social media shapes travel norms and etiquette.

As sustainable tourism grows more popular worldwide, many Thai travellers are asking the same pressing question as jet-setters across the globe: how can we make sure our trips genuinely help the planet and local people, rather than just succumbing to “greenwashing” marketing? The latest research published on The Conversation (July 18, 2025) reveals that while terms such as “eco”, “sustainable”, and “green” are splashed liberally throughout holiday brochures, more than half of these green claims are vague, misleading or unproven – and nearly as many certification labels lack meaningful verification (The Conversation). This growing confusion highlights the urgent need for Thai tourists to look past superficial eco-labels and make smarter, more responsible choices when booking domestic or overseas holidays.

Sustainable travel is on the rise, but Thai travelers are asking how to ensure trips truly benefit people and the planet. A July 2025 Conversation piece shows many eco-claims in brochures are vague and some certifications lack verification. This creates confusion for domestic getaways and international trips alike.

Greenwashing is not limited to the West. Thai travelers planning a beach holiday in Ko Samui, a hill trek in Chiang Rai, or a family trip to Japan and Europe may encounter similar pitfalls. Post-pandemic tourism rebounds in Thailand have been supported by sustainability campaigns from airlines, hotels, and tour operators. Yet research highlights that more than half of so-called green claims are unsubstantiated or misleading. Data from EU sustainability studies echo this warning, underscoring the risk that credible eco-initiatives are crowded out by marketing.

A heatwave is challenging Europe this summer, pushing travelers to rethink itineraries and protect health while exploring iconic cities. From Paris to Barcelona, heat records are driving smarter planning. Research from European meteorological centers and health authorities stresses hydration, indoor breaks, and seeking shade or cooling whenever possible.

Thai travelers should anticipate areas where air conditioning is less common and temperatures spike for days at a stretch. Data from climate research groups indicates prolonged heat events in major cities, while public health bodies urge avoiding strenuous activity during peak sun hours. As heatwaves become more frequent, adaptable plans and reliable cooling options matter more than ever.

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.

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.

As Thailand enters the bustling holiday travel season, new research and expert advice offer a lifeline to those dreading the stress often associated with journeys during peak periods. From the capital’s busy airports to rural bus terminals, the chaos of getting home or seeking a getaway is as much a feature of Songkran or New Year as the celebrations themselves. But there are science-backed strategies that can make even the most arduous trip smoother, according to a recent report from travel and mental health professionals (AP News).

As Thailand enters peak travel season, research and professional guidance offer a path to calmer journeys. From Bangkok’s airports to regional bus terminals, the stress of getting home or chasing a break is part of the holiday experience. Yet science-based strategies can help. A recent overview from travel and mental health professionals emphasizes practical steps to protect peace of mind and physical wellbeing during busy travels.

For many Thais, holidays mean reunions with family or participation in festivals. The logistics—crowded trains, long lines, delays—often trigger anxiety. Experts provide actionable advice to ease both stress and health concerns during peak travel periods.

As recent high-profile air disasters reverberate around the globe—including January’s deadly U.S. plane crash, the worst in over two decades—more people than ever are wrestling with intense anxieties about flying. Psychologists, flight attendants, and industry experts are witnessing a sharp uptick in flight-related worries, with even seasoned travelers and aviation workers expressing unprecedented discomfort in the wake of recent events (AP News, National Geographic, MSU Denver RED, NY Post). For Thai travelers—many of whom journey by air within ASEAN and beyond for work, leisure, or pilgrimage—the resurgence of “fear of flying” (aviophobia) presents unique personal and cultural challenges.