Travel in Thailand

As travellers increasingly seek transformative wellness experiences, Indigenous cultural practices have entered the mainstream. From the commercialization of ayahuasca retreats to Mexican sweat lodges (known as a temazcal, it’s now easier than ever to access ancient modalities of healing on your next trip. But many of these cultural practices are divorced from their origins, eliciting criticisms of cultural appropriation. Subsequently, travelers pursuing a more ethical and regenerative approach to travel look to go to the source for their next culturally rooted wellness experience.

Thailand is looking to boost tourism across Southeast Asia with a new visa scheme.

Ten new restaurants have another great reason to book a table.

A notable demographic shift, particularly among young upwardly mobile women, is driving the recent travel rebound in China. These travelers are researching and booking trips online, often spontaneously.

It used to be that Bangkok’s weather was defined by three clearly demarcated seasons: the “cool,” the hot, and the wet, but these days locals like to joke that there is only hot, hotter and hottest. While it may be true that the Thai capital runs on a sultry high-flame sizzle most days, there are definitely seasonal differences, as well as compelling reasons to visit year round.

Over the last two years, my journey as a travel enthusiast and Business Insider's travel reporter in Singapore has brought me to almost every country in Southeast Asia.

With more than 300 sunny days per year, daytime temps that rarely dip below 65, and an armada of resorts, Phoenix, Arizona is a great getaway for any group gathering that prioritizes pool time, day drinking, and a few rounds of golf. But the city's appeal goes deeper: The area's natural beauty inspired designers and artists like Frank Lloyd Wright, Maxfield Parrish, and Paolo Soleri. And despite its enormous growth (the metro area topped 5 million last year), the increasingly diverse city still retains a frontier spirit: Newcomers are reinventing everything from its food scene to its art circuit, making Phoenix one of America's best under-the-radar destinations.

This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Allie Hubers , a 29-year-old freelance travel writer. It's been edited for length and clarity. Business Insider verified Hubers' expenses.

A ferry with around 100 people on board caught fire on its way to a popular tourist destination in Thailand early Thursday.

Singapore is making a push to attract Indian tourists. The Singapore Tourism Board has announced a series of partnerships with Indian companies, the latest an agreement Wednesday with fintech firm PhonePe.

Pack your bags, quiet that nagging, never-satisfied inner critic, and set off on your very own solo odyssey.

New destinations in Norway and Türkiye – More flights to North America – Intercontinental flights nearly at pre-crisis levels.

Blueground secures capital from top-tier investors, expands sector dominance, and innovates with new business models.

Venture Ashore expands with new tours in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and North and South America, including Alaska.

Wego data in 2023 showed that there’s increased searches originating from the UAE for these firm favorites and up-and-coming travel destinations.

Meet Paul van Frank, a seasoned hotelier with 30 years of experience in luxury resorts worldwide. Known for his integrity, guest-centric approach, and adeptness in operations and sales marketing

Flexibility: More than 2,100 employees have worked abroad for more than 35,000 days as part of “TUI Workwide” programme.

Both chefs and owners of dining establishments, who are often one and the same, face a multitude of challenges working in today’s highly competitive restaurant industry. Three accomplished chef/owners recently offered their views on a variety of industry-related topics.

“My wife, Victoria, and I went on a Buddhist pilgrimage this past winter. We wanted to go to Bodh Gaya, in Northeast India, to see the Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddha originally sat under the Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment. It was New Year's Day, and we got to the temple right when it opened at 5 a.m. A lot of people spend time making circumambulations, where you walk clockwise around the temple. We did that and meditated within the temple complex. I only practice Tibetan Buddhism, so it was interesting and moving to be around Buddhists from other traditions and countries—from places like Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and China. You hear everyone doing different chants and prayers all day long. It's humbling being there. I felt grateful to be connected to this tradition that has been passed down since the time of the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago, from teacher to student, in this unbroken line. We sat near the Bodhi tree, a descendant of the original tree that the Buddha sat under. A lot of people like the idea of having a leaf from it, but the leaves are quite high up, so you have to wait for them to fall. That wasn't something we were pursuing, but once in a while you'll see a leaf drop, and someone will run over and grab it. Some people sell them. At one point, a Thai monk walked up to us and handed Victoria a leaf. It was so random, out of nowhere—and I was wearing a face mask, so I doubt it was because he was a fan of The Sopranos. I offered him money, but he just smiled and walked away. It was so moving, his generosity.” —as told to Megan Spurrell

Flying taxis raised hundreds of millions of dollars last year, and they’re continuing to raise money in 2024. Some are further along in development than others, but the one featured this week has already begun testing.

New York-based Blueground, the property-management company that operates furnished 30-plus-day rentals, has raised $45 million in a series D round.