Author: News Team

Five years ago, Thailand’s lucrative tourism industry looked untouchable. But due to the country’s ongoing political struggle and a series of global health scares, the once unshakable Thai economy appears to be stuck in a permanent rut. Internally, the economy is an image of health, but a sunken tourism sector and limited demand for long-haul flights may continue to keep travellers away. Thailand has historically been one of Asia’s tourism capitals, drawing in millions of visitors every year and enjoying an industry that brings in almost seven percent of domestic revenue. However, a series of political movements have left the…

Due to the massive growth of low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and Tiger Airways, Malaysia has turned into one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations and a hub for transfers between major continental airlines. While the country’s remote resorts and exotic cities continue to attract those prepared to shop, relax, and treat themselves, it’s the country’s scenery that really sets it apart. Most visitors to Malaysia turn towards the country’s largest city, Kuala Lumpur, in search of warm relaxation and worthwhile shopping. While the capital is unlikely to disappoint, it’s certainly not the country’s only major attraction or stopping point.…

Beating out competition throughout North America and Asia, Hong Kong has claimed the title of the ‘world’s best skyline’. The large city and global financial centre is renowned as a photographer’s dream city, housing numerous buildings of over four-hundred metres and one of the world’s most well-known and recognizable harbours. Competitors included New York City, Chicago, and Seoul – all major population centres boasting over eight million residents. With a population of eight million, Hong Kong is considered a ‘small’ city when compared to its competitors. Other inclusions in Emporis’s countdown included Tokyo, which boasts a population of almost thirty…

Think Hong Kong and you’ll probably think of skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the world. And you’d be right. The city is known for its skyline and shopping chops, bringing in millions of tourists annually with no plans beyond moving from boutique to boutique, filling their suitcases and emptying their wallets in the process. But there’s more to Hong Kong than the tech-heavy city. Dotted along the peninsula are some of the world’s most impressive beaches, each benefiting from Hong Kong’s unique atmosphere and heavy dose of tropical heat. Better yet, due to the limited…

In a city famed for its expensive accommodation, a website encouraging users to welcome travellers into their homes is rapidly gaining popularity. The city is New York – one of the most wealthy cities in the world – and the website is CouchSurfing.com – a free project aimed at providing free housing and accommodation for international travellers and low-cost globetrotters. The median price of a hotel room in Manhattan is approximately $200 – a figure that prompts many of the city’s million monthly tourists to look outside the city’s central districts. But while hotels and serviced apartments demand high prices…

With the holiday season fast approaching, thousands of Britons are planning getaways to various overseas locales. Traditionally, British families have opted to use a travel agent to book overseas trips, accessing low-cost fares and enjoying exclusive offers in the process. But with several of the country’s largest travel agencies going belly-up, it seems like the time to book independently. The latest travel industry bankruptcy case is that of Sun 4 U – a large travel company based in the city of Birmingham. The travel operator ceased business earlier this week due to falling revenues, citing the limited travel spending of…

With Tokyo’s Narita International Airport now offering a high-speed rail connection to the city, it seems as if Japan’s monumental railway plans are nearing completion. The country boasts is home to the most developed and efficient public transportation network on the planet, moving millions of people across the country (and through its cities) on a daily basis and fuelling the nation’s economy. Given the pristine state of public transportation in Japan, it’s becoming increasingly common for visitors to spend months in the country without stepping foot inside a single taxi car or organised tour bus. Ultra-efficient subway networks make cross-city…

Just over forty percent of Britons would like to retire within the United Kingdom, data from a new survey by Aon Consulting has revealed. Over half of those consulted would prefer to retire outside of the UK, with high-temperature countries such as Spain and Greece winning the popular vote. A smaller number of Britons have also demonstrated interest in retiring to the South Pacific. Britain’s retirement choices are at odds with those demonstrated in other European countries. Over eighty percent of Spanish workers plan to retire within their own country, claiming that they will be cared for within their own…

There’s no shortage of confusing deals in the travel insurance industry. From partial coverage to completely rotten agreements, the number of potential loopholes and justifications is miles long, and loaded with negative incentives. Needlessly complicated travel insurance policies are such an annoyance for travellers that they’re a top query for travel magazines, often with no real answers. Navigating a travel insurance agreement can be a nightmare, which is why so many travellers end up skimming over their agreement before signing. The most vital part of any insurance agreement isn’t simplicity or perceived coverage, but understanding. Spend time surveying your documents…

If there’s one topic that thousands of travellers focus on annually, it’s achieving a first class ticket upgrade without shelling out for a full-price ticket. The elusive upgrade has been a popular target for travellers since its introduction, largely due to the perceived luxury of first class travel and the often ludicrous costs of upgrading a ticket manually. But beyond strange theories and luck-based lines of questioning, there’s not much information on how to earn a first class upgrade. We met with some travel experts and asked for their opinions on the best way to gain a free upgrade to…