Travel & Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 18, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 18, 2025 – From humble steam-powered beginnings to the mega-liners of today, the cruise industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. The market's growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 1970, an estimated 500,000 people embarked on cruise holidays. By 1997, that number had skyrocketed to five million. What fueled this surge in popularity? Industry experts point to a certain television show with an undeniably catchy theme tune.

The Impact of "The Love Boat"

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 18, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 18, 2025 – In recent years, no TV series has captivated viewers and sparked wanderlust quite like “The White Lotus.” With its blend of murder, scandal, stunning beaches, and wealthy characters behaving badly, the show has become a cultural phenomenon.1 The highly anticipated third season, premiering February 16th, takes viewers to another breathtaking destination: Thailand.2

Setting the Scene: Thailand's Allure

This season’s cast boasts an impressive lineup, including Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Thailand’s own K-pop sensation, Lalisa ‘Lisa’ Manobal. Adding to the excitement, season one fan favorite Natasha Rothwell returns as spa manager Belinda.3 As Lalisa’s character “Mook” says in the trailer, “I hope you enjoy Thailand.”

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 18, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 18, 2025 – The Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) has announced a strong start to the year, reporting an 8.6% increase in passenger traffic for January compared to the same period last year. This positive performance comes as the airline industry continues to navigate a dynamic global landscape.

Increased Passenger Load Factor

The January figures are particularly encouraging for SIA as they outpace the 5.5% increase in capacity. This indicates a significant improvement in the airline's passenger load factor, meaning its planes are flying with more seats filled. A higher load factor is a key metric for airline profitability, demonstrating efficient use of resources and strong demand for services.

Lunar New Year Boost

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 18, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 18, 2025 – Bali's tourism industry, already facing numerous challenges, is now grappling with a significant increase in illegal rental villas, a problem exacerbated, according to industry insiders, by online booking platforms. Executives at legitimate hospitality establishments warn that these unregistered properties pose a serious threat to the island's reputation, create unfair competition for established businesses, and contribute to the already strained environment. They are advocating for stricter enforcement measures against these illegal rental properties as Bali continues to struggle with the consequences of overtourism and environmental degradation.

The Rise of Unregistered Villas

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 17, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 17, 2025 – From Cleopatra's donkey milk baths to the Roman's wine-infused soaks, bathing rituals have a long and fascinating history. Today, the tradition continues with a modern twist: beer spas. Harnessing the therapeutic properties of hops, malt, and yeast, these unique spas offer a rejuvenating experience that blends ancient practices with contemporary wellness trends.

The Rise of Beer Spas

Across Europe and beyond, beer spas are gaining popularity, offering a unique way to relax and reap the potential health benefits of beer's key ingredients.

"There’s the science to support these claims, too," states a 2013 report by the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. "Hops have various therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects."

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 17, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 17, 2025 – ARRIVE by Palisociety has officially opened its doors in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, marking a significant expansion of the brand's national footprint. Overlooking the iconic Robinson Park, ARRIVE Albuquerque breathes new life into a historic 1965 building, offering a unique blend of contemporary design and southwestern charm.

A Contemporary Take on Southwestern Charm

The six-story property boasts 137 guestrooms, a seasonal pool and swim club, and a signature restaurant and bar, DWTNR Cocktail Bar & Lounge, designed to be a vibrant hub for both hotel guests and local residents. The hotel's exterior features a striking oversized mural created by renowned local artist, Nani Chacon, immediately capturing the attention of passersby.

Design by Palisociety: A First for the Brand

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 14, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 14, 2025 – Another sign of the times is impacting long-enjoyed travel freedoms: Canada has closed its border at the top of the Pacific Crest Trail, the 2,650-mile wilderness path that runs from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

The End of an Era for Pacific Crest Trail Hikers

Previously, hikers—who take about 5 months to walk the entire length—could simply apply for a permit that allowed them to walk the 8 miles into southern British Columbia to complete their journeys at Manning Park Resort. Since the late 1930s, the Manning Provincial Park area has achieved legendary status among an international community of hikers as a terminus where victorious PCT participants celebrate the finish line of their odysseys, recover with fellow explorers, and enjoy clean clothes mailed from home.

A New Reality for PCT Completion

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 14, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 14, 2025 – The temporary hiring freeze ordered across the U.S. federal government by the Trump administration could severely impact national parks this summer, according to various observers.

Hiring Freeze Impacts Seasonal Positions

The government's action not only halts the hiring of new National Park Service (NPS) employees but also rescinds job offers for "roughly 400" individuals recently hired, as reported by the Washington Post. These abruptly canceled roles were primarily for seasonal positions, despite the fact that "seasonal positions are supposed to be exempt from the hiring freeze," the Post explains.

Seasonal Workers Essential for Park Operations

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 14, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 14, 2025 – Overtourism and disrespectful tourist behavior dominated headlines in 2024, prompting cities worldwide to implement stricter measures against unruly visitors. From damaging national parks to defacing historical sites, the following incidents represent some of the most egregious examples of tourist misconduct this year. These actions not only angered locals but also resulted in fines, potential jail time, and even deportation for those involved. Narrowing down the worst of the worst was a challenge, but here are ten examples of disgraceful tourist behavior that marred cherished destinations across the globe.

The Tourists Who Paintballed in Joshua Tree

WHERE: California

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 14, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 14, 2025 – Kimanzi Constable, a seasoned traveler with experiences spanning 88 countries, shares a cautionary tale about the importance of meticulous attention to detail when navigating international travel regulations. His recent experience of being banned from Thailand underscores the need for even the smallest details to be carefully considered.

Early Travel Influences

Kimanzi's passion for travel was ignited at the young age of 12. "My mother is from Mombasa, Kenya, and wanted my brother and me to meet our family and experience our Kenyan heritage," Kimanzi explains. "She sent us as unaccompanied minors from Chicago to Kenya, where we stayed for two years." This formative experience instilled a deep love of travel in him.

From Sydney Harbor to Digital Nomad Life