Travel in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is deceptive. On a map of the world it appears to be tiny, but the moment you arrive you’ll realise that within its diminutive borders it packs in an astounding array of attractions, landscapes and climate zones – with countless activities to boot.

India wants to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029, and Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission.’

Oct 7, 2024 • 10 min read

When Erin Hynes and Lucas Amormino quit their jobs in Canada to travel around the world for six months, most of their loved ones were supportive.

Sep 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Normally, you don’t see Western European nations on a list of travel alerts issued by the State Department of the United States. But these aren’t normal times.

I was chest-deep in bathwater, listening to the sound of soapy foam popping. I'd timed the moment so that when the clock struck midnight — and I turned 40 — I'd be soaking in a bubble bath on the coast of Algeria. I needed an elegant backdrop as I stared my future in the face.

Five years ago, Indian newlyweds Pallabi and Kshitiz were all set for their dream honeymoon in Australia. But Kshitiz had a business trip to Dubai that left him with no time to submit his passport for the Australian visa, which would take about a month to process. They had to settle for a local getaway instead. Fast forward to today, and with Australia’s new online visa application process — no passport submission required — they’re finally heading to Australia this October.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Minreet Kaur. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Amid reports of increasing demand for travel for the upcoming festive season, Skift reached out to travel services companies to understand the trends in festive season travel.

Sep 10, 2024 • 12 min read

Erin Hynes felt sick to her stomach.

Americans and other tourists visiting Sri Lanka will no longer need to apply for a visa beginning Tuesday, per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, August 28, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Government officials in Sri Lanka announced that citizens from 35 countries—including the United States—will be granted visa-free entry into the Asian nation, according to the Times of India.

Sri Lanka is set to launch a six-month pilot program on October 1, offering free 30-day tourist visas on arrival to citizens from 35 countries, including the U.S., UK, Russia, India and China. The initiative, which temporarily waives the typical $50 visa fee, aligns with the island nation’s peak travel season, lasting from December to mid-April. This move is part of a broader strategy to revitalize tourism, a sector crucial to Sri Lanka’s economy.

“I tell my friends that I'm now midcentury modern,” the New York–based fashion designer Phillip Lim quips about turning 50. “And like the furniture, hopefully better with age.” Joking aside, Lim, who launched his 3.1 Phillip Lim label in 2005 and now sells his signature clean-lined clothing in shops around the world, saw the landmark birthday as a chance to take stock. “I heard somewhere that, with 50, you get a second dawn. I took that to heart.”

Between Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO world heritage sites, its thriving wildlife, and pristine white sand beaches, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” has enough glimmer for everyone—and now, visiting the South Asia island nation, located off the coast of India, is about to get easier (and cheaper) for travelers from 35 countries.

Many people newer to points and miles initially gravitate toward airline programs. That isn't a huge surprise — the ability to get to your destination for almost free is a logical first step. But what about once you arrive?

Jetstar Asia (3K) has announced it will become the only low-cost carrier to fly direct from Singapore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when the new service takes off on 21 November 2024.

Aug 13, 2024 • 12 min read

The Ras Al Khaimah government is building a housing village for thousands of hotel staff as the emirate’s hospitality sector booms.