News tagged policy

Sticker Shock: The Looming U.S. Visa Fee Hike and What It Could Mean For Travelers

As the U.S. gets ready to introduce a new $250 “visa integrity fee” in 2025, travelers from around the world may face not only higher costs but a tough choice: attend iconic events like the World Cup and Olympics, or look elsewhere? Here’s how experts think this fee could shake up your travel plans and the hospitality industry—plus some silver linings for the government’s bottom line.

August 6, 2025

No More Shoes-Off Shuffle: TSA Updates Security Rules at Airports

Travelers, rejoice! Starting July 8, 2025, you’ll no longer have to slip off your shoes at airport security in the United States. With new tech leading the way, TSA drops its infamous “shoe removal” rule. Here’s what this means for your travel days ahead and how it might change your airport experience.

August 1, 2025

U.S. Business Leaders Set Out for China: What This Means for Your Future Travels

A high-profile group of American business leaders, led by FedEx’s CEO, will visit China in late July 2025 to help ease trade strains. While the direct impact on travel plans isn’t immediate, this move has the potential to shape the future of tourism, business trips, and even your next online hotel booking between the U.S. and China.

July 28, 2025

Ducks on Deck: Why Royal Caribbean Says No to Duck Hunts in Central Park

Starting July 13, 2025, Royal Caribbean will ban hiding rubber ducks in its shipboard Central Park areas. While meant to protect the lush plant life and ensure passenger safety, this change might put a damper on a quirky cruise tradition. Here’s how this new policy could affect your next adventure at sea.

July 13, 2025

Travel Turbulence: Air Traffic Controller Strike Jolts France’s Summer Rush

Thousands of travelers faced chaos as France’s air traffic controllers walked off the job just as summer vacations kicked off. With hundreds of flights grounded, the ripple effects spread from packed airports to empty hotel lobbies, shaking up the travel experience and sparking debates about the future of air travel.

July 4, 2025

Thailand Hits Reverse on Cannabis: What Travelers Need to Know About the Coming Policy Change

Thailand is about to make a major change to its cannabis policy, reinstating the requirement for a medical prescription to buy cannabis. Travelers hoping for easy access will soon face new hoops, while the local cannabis scene scrambles to adapt.

June 26, 2025

Could Your Next U.S. Trip Be at Risk? What Travelers Need to Know About the Proposed Expansion of the U.S. Travel Ban

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing a significant expansion of its travel ban, potentially affecting travelers from 36 additional countries. If implemented, these changes could reshape travel plans, impact the tourism industry, and create plenty of questions for globetrotters and travel-dependent businesses. Here’s what travelers might need to watch for if the proposed policy takes effect.

June 16, 2025

America’s New Travel Ban: What Every Traveler Should Know Before Summer 2025

The U.S. government has announced a travel ban targeting citizens from 12 countries, effective June 9, 2025. As debate swirls, travelers, tourists, and the hospitality industry are bracing for impacts ranging from holiday headaches to economic hits. Here’s what you need to know—and what you might expect as global travel patterns begin to shift.

June 6, 2025

Is America Shutting Its Doors? What Trump’s New Travel Ban Could Mean for Global Travelers

As President Trump prepares to introduce a sweeping travel ban on visitors from 19 countries, the travel and hospitality world is buzzing with questions. Kicking in June 9, 2025, the new policy is already raising concerns about shrinking tourism, big economic losses, and a colder welcome for global tourists—even as the U.S. government points to national security.

June 5, 2025

Thailand Targets European Tourists Amid Visa Policy Changes

Thailand is focusing on attracting European tourists in the latter half of 2025 by implementing new visa policies and tourism initiatives.

May 24, 2025