Smart Travel

Canadian tourism to the United States is experiencing a dramatic decline, affecting numerous states including Minnesota, Florida, California, New York, Washington, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and others. The sharp drop is primarily driven by growing political tensions, trade disputes, and border concerns that have led many Canadians to reconsider traveling to the U.S. This evolving situation has caused significant economic challenges across key U.S. tourism regions, raising concerns about the future of cross-border travel and cooperation. Canadian Tourism Decline Deeply Impacts Key US States The ongoing decline in Canadian tourism is having a profound and multifaceted impact on multiple U.S. states, with effects rippling across the northern border and beyond. States like Minnesota and Florida, traditionally popular destinations for Canadian visitors, are seeing steep decreases in arrivals. For example, in northeastern Minnesota, towns such as Grand Marais have experienced ...

The upcoming National Black Bear Festival in North Carolina promises an exhilarating blend of wildlife adventures, riverfront activities, and unforgettable family entertainment. Celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2025, this event showcases the unique black bear population that thrives in the coastal Albemarle Peninsula. Visitors from across the United States and around the world can look forward to immersive educational experiences and vibrant cultural festivities set against a stunning natural backdrop. Discovering Wildlife Wonders at National Black Bear Festival The National Black Bear Festival stands as a shining beacon for wildlife enthusiasts and families eager to delve into the fascinating world of North Carolina’s native black bears. Located in Plymouth, the epicenter of the world’s densest black bear habitats, the festival offers an immersive experience that educates as much as it entertains. Attendees can join expertly guided black bear tours across a local wildlife ref...

Avianca has recently launched a new nonstop flight service connecting Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Bogotá, Colombia. Operating four times weekly, this route enhances travel opportunities between the United States and Colombia. Offering a seamless and direct connection, the service caters to both leisure and business travelers aiming to explore or conduct affairs in these dynamic cities. Avianca Expands International Reach with New Weekly Flights Avianca’s introduction of weekly nonstop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Bogotá significantly broadens the airline’s international reach, demonstrating a strategic growth into the vibrant North American market. Operating four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—this direct air link addresses increasing demand for convenient travel options between southern U.S. hubs and South America’s rapidly growing destinations. The use of efficient Airbus A320 aircraft provides travelers with more than 1,4...

Brazil and Jamaica have recently been added to the United States’ growing list of countries under new travel advisories, alongside France, India, the Netherlands, UAE, UK, and Germany. These advisories highlight increasing safety concerns due to violent crime, civil unrest, and faltering emergency responses, raising alarms for the tourism sectors of these nations. As American travelers become more cautious, these warnings could significantly affect travel patterns and economic stability in these popular destinations. US Travel Advisories and Their Impact on Brazil’s Tourism Safety Landscape The United States' latest travel advisory upgrade for Brazil sends a clear and urgent message about escalating urban crime and the growing risks that tourists face, particularly in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Once famed worldwide for its vibrant carnival atmosphere and stunning beaches, Brazil now confronts a troubling surge in violent offenses including kidnappings, ...

Maryland’s vibrant Summer Soca Wine and Music Festival is returning with a refreshed new name and an exciting musical lineup at Linganore Winecellars this summer of 2025. This lively two-day event, scheduled for July 19th and 20th, promises a dynamic blend of Caribbean rhythms, culinary delights, and exceptional wines. Festivalgoers can look forward to an immersive celebration combining music, culture, and community under the sunny Maryland skies. Festival Name Change Enhances Maryland’s Summer Experience The recent renaming of the event to the “Summer Soca Wine & Music Festival” marks a significant evolution in Maryland’s summer cultural calendar. Formerly known as the Summer Reggae Wine & Music Festival, this change better reflects the festival's vibrant and diverse musical atmosphere. Emphasizing the energetic Caribbean soca beats and festive spirit, the new name resonates with both longtime attendees and new visitors seeking an unforgettable summer gathering. This...

Fernwayer has recently introduced exclusive curated private tours in Mexico City, offering travelers an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant local culture, rich history, and inspiring art scene. This innovative collection of experiences is thoughtfully designed by expert local guides to bring authentic insights and unique perspectives. Visitors can now uncover the soul of Mexico City through private tours that showcase its deep-rooted traditions, archaeological marvels, and culinary heritage in unforgettable ways. Fernwayer Curated Private Tours Bring Mexico City’s Rich History to Life Mexico City, originally known as Tenochtitlan, boasts a legacy dating back to the 14th century, making it one of the most historically significant cities in the Americas. Fernwayer’s private tours deliver an intimate journey through this compelling past, guided by local historians and art experts dedicated to sharing the city’s vibrant stories. The Historic Center,...

Germany, Russia, Georgia, Poland, Turkey, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and more are increasingly captivating Kuwaiti travelers seeking affordable and breathtaking destinations. As rising summer temperatures in Kuwait encourage residents to explore cooler and visually stunning locations, these countries offer the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and budget-friendly options. This trend highlights the evolving preferences of Kuwaiti tourists who prioritize safety, economic travel, and memorable experiences in their vacation choices. Kuwaiti Travelers Embrace Affordable Vacation Spots Kuwaitis are showing a remarkable preference for travel destinations that offer affordability without compromising on experience or scenic appeal. The shift toward budget-friendly locations such as Turkey, Egypt, and Azerbaijan reflects a growing desire among middle-income families and individuals to enjoy quality vacations that fit within their financial means. Many travelers carefully evaluate...

The United States has joined a growing global trend alongside Mexico, Belize, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Morocco, Thailand, and Germany by implementing tourism taxes aimed at combating climate change and managing overtourism. These countries are adopting fiscal measures not merely to increase revenue but to preserve delicate ecosystems and improve the sustainability of popular destinations. As these taxes become more widespread, travelers worldwide must understand their implications and the positive environmental impact they support. United States Takes Bold Steps Toward Sustainable Tourism The United States’ recent move to impose new tourism taxes, particularly in climate-sensitive regions such as Hawaii, marks a pivotal shift toward sustainability-focused travel policies. Hawaii, which suffered devastating wildfires in 2023, is leading the way by increasing its transient accommodations tax to 11%, with effective rates near 19% when combined with local levies. This hike is a clear dec...

flydubai is making a remarkable leap by expanding its nonstop flight network to Moldova, Romania, Latvia, and Lithuania, marking a milestone in connecting Dubai with key Eastern European and Baltic destinations. This bold move positions flydubai as the first UAE airline to offer direct flights to the Baltic capitals of Riga and Vilnius, broadening travel and business opportunities. Enhanced by a close partnership with Emirates and modern Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the airline's expansion sets a new standard in convenience, efficiency, and connectivity. flydubai expands nonstop flights to Moldova with focus on Chisinau and Iasi flydubai is elevating its presence in Eastern Europe by launching direct, nonstop flights to Moldova and Romania, particularly focusing on the capitals Chisinau and the commercial hub Iasi. Starting from September, passengers can enjoy twice-weekly flights to Chisinau, Moldova’s vibrant capital famed for its growing economy and rich cultural scene. Sim...

Hawaii pioneers a groundbreaking tax policy designed to secure millions of dollars for combating climate threats while preserving its pristine environment for generations to come. This innovative measure targets the tourism sector to generate crucial funding aimed at protecting the islands from escalating climate risks such as coastal erosion, wildfires, and severe storms. By aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, Hawaii establishes itself as a national leader in sustainable tourism and climate action. Understanding Hawaii’s Climate Tax: Generating Essential Funds for Environmental Protection Hawaii's newly enacted climate tax policy represents a decisive step toward addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing the islands. At the core of this initiative lies a 0.75% additional tax levied on the existing daily room rate tax effective from January 1, significantly increasing the state’s overall accommodation tax. This change means tourists staying in l...

South Korea’s renowned budget airline, T’way Air, is making a significant leap into the North American aviation market by launching direct flights between Seoul and Vancouver. This new route, commencing on July 12, 2025, marks T’way Air's first transpacific venture and highlights the airline's ambitious global growth strategy. With four weekly flights connecting two vibrant international hubs, T’way Air aims to provide affordable, convenient long-haul travel options for both leisure and business travelers. T’way Air’s Strategic Expansion into North America T’way Air’s entry into the North American market represents a pivotal moment in the airline’s expanding global footprint. Traditionally known for its budget-friendly service across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, the airline now boldly steps into a new territory with its Seoul to Vancouver non-stop route. Starting July 12, 2025, this service will operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sund...

Japan has recently joined Canada, the US, Mexico, France, Italy, the UK, and Germany in adopting tourist taxes as a growing global trend. As overtourism, aging infrastructure, and maintenance costs rise, these countries are introducing mandatory charges to ensure sustainable tourism. Travelers can expect these fees to become an integral part of their budgets when visiting popular destinations in 2025 and beyond. Tourist Taxes Trends: A Global Shift Toward Sustainable Travel Tourist taxes have become a significant trend worldwide as countries seek to balance the booming influx of visitors with the protection of their cultural and natural heritage. Japan’s recent decision to double the mandatory Mount Fuji hiking fee to 4,000 yen (approximately $27 USD) for international tourists epitomizes this shift. This targeted policy exempts Japanese nationals, signaling a clear intent to have inbound travelers contribute directly to trail maintenance, emergency services, and essential hygiene ...

The US Memorial Day travel surge in 2025 was marked by an unprecedented influx of international visitors, particularly from Italy, Canada, France, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Scotland. Over thirteen million passengers were screened by the Transportation Security Administration, setting a new record for the holiday weekend despite ongoing air traffic controller shortages. This remarkable increase was spurred by falling airfare prices, favorable exchange rates, and renewed global connectivity, signaling a vibrant rebound in both domestic and international travel. Memorial Day Travel Surge: A Historic Rebound in Passenger Volume The Memorial Day weekend of 2025 witnessed a historic surge in travel across the United States, highlighted by the Transportation Security Administration screening over 13.6 million passengers in just five days. This figure surpassed the previous year’s record of 13.4 million, underscoring the extraordinary volume of both domestic and international t...

St. Kitts is rapidly gaining recognition for its distinctive approach to tourism that emphasizes sustainability, boutique hotels, and authentic Caribbean charm. This captivating Caribbean island has deliberately avoided mass-market all-inclusive resorts, positioning itself as a unique destination for travelers seeking environmentally responsible and culturally rich experiences. With increasing visitor arrivals and new luxury developments underway, St. Kitts is charting a compelling path towards sustainable tourism growth. St. Kitts Tourism: A Unique Model of Authentic Growth St. Kitts has carefully cultivated a tourism model that stands apart from many Caribbean competitors by rejecting the mass-market, all-inclusive resort approach in favor of more boutique and personalized experiences. This choice is deeply rooted in the island’s history and environmental ethos. After the closure of its sugar cane industry over twenty years ago, St. Kitts embraced tourism as a vital economic driv...

Mexico’s Cancun has emerged as the top international summer travel destination for American tourists in 2025, showcasing its unmatched blend of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting nightlife. Alongside Cancun, other global favorites such as the United Kingdom, France, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Canada, and Ireland continue to attract significant attention from U.S. travelers. This trend reflects a dynamic travel landscape where both domestic and international destinations cater to varied vacation desires for the summer season. Cancun: The Unrivaled Summer Destination for American Travelers When American travelers consider international summer vacations in 2025, Cancun unmistakably captures the top spot, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions. Beyond its well-known white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Cancun offers an immersive cultural experience with proximity to ancient Mayan ruins. Tourists seeking adventure are drawn to...