Anyone planning to travel to Chicago is in for a shock. Chicago’s City Council unanimously voted to create a Tourism Improvement District and raise hotel the hotel tax on rooms within that district to 19% — the highest in the nation, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. For comparison, Los Angeles hotel taxes are 14%, and the … Read more
St. Maarten’s government is warning travelers about a scam that charges tourists to process an immigration form that should be free. The fake third-party website is charging a fee to help visitors complete the island’s embarkation/disembarkation form, a form that’s required for entry. However, there are no fees associated with the real form, the St. … Read more
They’re in the red. Amid the war in Iran and other international conflicts, the US State Department continues to update its travel advisories for American citizens, revealing the latest list ahead of April travel. Since February, when the US launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and strategic sites, several Middle Eastern countries have been branded … Read more
In Las Vegas, where high rollers chase five-star meals and buffet lines are practically a sport, it turns out the real VIP diners are the sharks. At Mandalay Bay Resort, the big fish are fed a mix of mackerel, herring, blue runner, and sardines, according to The Associated Press (AP). The casino’s lead aquarist, Becky O’Brien, told the … Read more
More travelers are deliberately cutting it close at the airport in a viral gamble known as the “airport theory.” The social media trend encourages passengers to arrive just minutes before clearing security, often just 15 minutes ahead of boarding, in an attempt to avoid long waits and extra time spent inside the airport terminal. Despite the obvious … Read more
New Airbnb hosts could score big this summer. With the FIFA World Cup coming up in June, millions of people from all over the world will be making plans to attend the biggest sporting event. New data from Airbnb shows that the demand for stays during the World Cup is surging, with searches for host … Read more
Walt Disney World has always prided itself on its spotless upkeep — but a growing horde of tourists has made it harder to maintain the park’s pristine condition. One popular ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom has fallen victim to the constant crowds of guests and tourists, long wait times and people treating the theme parks … Read more
A recent report is shining a light on popular destinations considered the “worst” for tourists to visit because they fall short of the hype they’ve received over the years. Analysts looked at more than 100 tourist attractions around the world and came up with a list of the “worst” destinations that “underwhelm visitors despite their global … Read more
As tensions increase between Thailand and Cambodia, the United States government is warning Americans about traveling to the border area of the two countries. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand issued a security alert to American tourists Dec. 16, warning of an “escalation of armed conflict” at the popular Asian destination. “U.S. citizens should avoid all travel within 50 … Read more
London is weighing whether to implement a new tourist tax targeting overnight guests. Mayor Sadiq Khan is reportedly looking into charging overnight visitors a tax on stays at hotels and short-term rentals. “The mayor has been clear [about considering] a modest tourist levy, similar to other international cities,” a spokesperson for the mayor of London told the … Read more
At the Rockefeller Center rink, people’s patience is skating on thin ice. New York’s most beloved holiday destination is also the world’s most overcrowded, according to a new study sure to bother Big Apple natives notoriously defensive of their city. Holafly, an e-SIM provider, analyzed TripAdvisor reviews across November, December and January, scouring reviews for … Read more
With more countries wooing Americans today with “golden” visa offerings, those who have had success are presenting even more opportunities. New Zealand recently eased its rules to attract more high-net-worth individuals to its “golden” visa programs. Changes include removing an English language requirement and relaxing the amount of time required for people to spend there. The … Read more
A fire likely started by a tourist’s “irresponsible candle use” and clumsy incense handling broke out in the Chinese temple Wenchang Pavilion on Wednesday, November 12. In a video, flames and thick black smoke can be seen engulfing the sacred three-story building. The temple, which was commissioned in 2008 and built in October 2009, sat … Read more
That little piggy went to market, but this one … took a selfie? A “picture problem” has popped up in the New Forest National Park in southern England, where villagers are complaining that an increasing number of overeager tourists have gotten too friendly with the over 600 pigs who roam the park. Visitors are vying … Read more
Barcelona’s skyline just got a divine upgrade. The iconic Sagrada Familia basilica — the unfinished masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí — officially became the world’s tallest church on Thursday, after a section of its central tower was lifted into place. This week a section of its central tower was lifted into place. REUTERS With the … Read more
Barcelona’s infamous bar-hopping tours are now officially off the menu. The Spanish party hotspot has forbidden pub crawls citywide, banning the promotion, organization, or running of any kind of guided drinking tour — all day, every day for at least the next four years. City officials say the move aims to “ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard … Read more
If safety is at the top of your vacation checklist, one tiny Caribbean island just earned top honors for peace, calm beaches and a world-class food scene. Anguilla, a British overseas territory just north of St. Maarten and east of the Virgin Islands, was named the safest destination in the Caribbean, according to a 2025 ranking from … Read more
It took her on a “trip” to the “falls.” Just in case we weren’t becoming overly reliant on Google Maps: A Polish tourist fell into a canal in Venice, Italy after the ubiquitous navigation app allegedly led her astray, per an Instagram video going viral. “When Google Maps says ‘go straight’ but you’re in Venice,” … Read more
Mamma mia. It’s common knowledge — maybe not to everyone — that Italian-American dishes are different than those served in Italy. Which means that you cannot order fettuccine alfredo or chicken parmesan at a restaurant in Italy and expect them to know what you’re talking about. Well, that’s exactly what one American tourist did while … Read more
Las Vegas’ famous buffets have long been a tourist staple, but now they’re facing a trendier contender on the Strip. Food halls offer a different draw, serving decadent dishes in a cafeteria setting with a myriad of options. Many of the city’s staple buffets have been replaced by food halls in recent years. In 2020, Rio’s Carnival World … Read more