Here’s the latest travel news for Wise Travellers around the globe:
Thailand: Drinking hours will be extended to 1am, while a six-month pilot will run from 2pm to 5pm, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum said the aim would not only boost tourism but also revive the economy during festival periods.
He said the 2pm-5pm ban, initially introduced to counter government officials from drinking in the afternoon, was now considered outdated.
India: Steps are underway to introduce inbuilt travel insurance on flight tickets that compensates up to 80% for last-minute cancellations within hours of departure.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and Indian airlines are in discussions to roll out the initiative in 2026 and ensure that travellers are not penalised for situations beyond their control. One element is to compensate those who have to cancel within hours of a flight due to personal emergencies. Currently classed as ‘no shows,’ they don’t receive refunds.
The insurance component would be added at no extra cost to passengers, with airlines bearing the premium cost through their partnerships with insurance companies.
Europe: A sleeper train servicing Paris to Venice and Paris to Berlin, which was due to wrap up in December, looks to have been saved.
Austrian state operator ÖBB announced that it would be pulling the plug, but European Sleeper has told the Guardian it will take over the Paris to Berlin line from March 2026 with a thrice-weekly service, with departures likely from Paris Gare du Nord.
Dubai: Travellers may soon be able to pay in digital currencies after Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Crypto.com to explore flight ticket payments with cryptocurrency payments.
The MOU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ CCO, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com UAE. Kazim said: “It’s in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation, while giving customers more flexibility.”
U.S.: Salt Lake City International Airport has unveiled a newly expanded Concourse B, which adds 10 new gates and two lounges to the ever-growing terminal.
The latest phase in the multibillion-dollar redevelopment project began in 2020 and is set for completion late 2026. Delta Air Lines opened its second Sky Club at the airport, while American Express debuted its new Centurion Lounge, the brand’s first in Utah.
Spain: Jerez de la Frontera has been selected as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2026. Under the slogan Eat, Drink, Love Jerez, and supported by local wineries, restaurants, food producers, and traditional ‘tabancos,’ visitors are set to fall in love with Jerez’s legacy as a world-renowned producer of classic sherry wines and unforgettable regional cuisine.
The city plans to host 54 events in 2026, including wine and tapas gatherings, cultural tours, and food festivals, while highlighting responsible and sustainable culinary travel.
The Spanish Capital of Gastronomy award honours cities that go above and beyond in promoting their food and drink scene. Alicante was the focus for 2025.
U.S.: Foreigners will face an additional $100 tariff if they want to visit America’s national parks. The new charge is in line with the U.S. Administration’s ‘America First’ policy.
Fees will be levied on foreign visitors to the likes of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Non-US residents will also have to pay more than $250 for an annual pass, compared to $80 for U.S. residents.
While the increases will take effect from early 2026, U.S. citizens will receive free entry to national parks on designated holidays.
Global: Safety and security remain top priorities for travellers worldwide. So it’s no surprise that the safest countries you would assume are in the top 10.
HelloSafe recently published its 2025 Travel Safety Index, with Iceland currently the safest country in the world, followed by Singapore and Denmark. Twelve of the 15 safest countries globally are in Europe, with France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Finland, Ireland and Hungary completing the top ten.
By contrast, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela ranked among the most dangerous Latin American countries. High homicide rates, increased militarisation, internal displacement, and ongoing security challenges are among the primary factors.
Thailand: Visa rules are being tightened to curb abuse by repeat visitors as Thailand’s Immigration Bureau launched a nationwide crackdown on foreigners.
The campaign is targeted at foreign travellers who repeatedly enter Thailand under visa-free exemptions. The aim is to shut down “visa runs” being used as cover for illegal activity, including cybercrime and human trafficking.
Police Major General Cherngron Rimphidi, Deputy Commissioner-General and Immigration Bureau spokesperson, said the goal is to stop foreigners “disguising themselves as tourists” while engaging in criminal operations. ”We have already denied entry to about 2,900 foreigners since the start of 2025.”
Four measures have been introduced, including stricter visa-free screening, greater surveillance at border hotspots, tighter visa extension checks and overstay crackdowns.
China: China will extend visa-exemption arrangements for more than 40 countries to December 31, 2026, with Sweden joining the scheme.
The measure has been effective since November 10, 2025, and has been extended to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Under the policy, holders of ordinary passports from those countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland and Hungary, will be exempted from the visa requirement if they enter China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit. They can stay for no more than 30 days without a visa.
Vietnam: The 700th hotel in Marriott’s Asia Pacific portfolio has opened. The Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph Collection is situated along the Hau River.
“Introducing our 700th property in APEC is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners, partners, and guests place in Marriott,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific, excl. China.
Marriott has 30 properties across Vietnam and a pipeline of 50 more projects in destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and Ha Giang.
Autograph Collection Hotels offer multi-sensory wellness offerings, such as a yoga studio, hydrotherapy spa, a meditation pavilion, and a children’s club and pool.
Turkiye: Low-cost airline operator Pegasus Airlines has begun a new four-times-a-week direct service between Istanbul and Bilbao, Spain.
“We are delighted to launch these new direct flights connecting Istanbul with Bilbao, a standout destination in northern Spain,” said Onur Dedeköylü, chief commercial officer of Pegasus Airlines.
Puerto Rico: Hilton has launched a new premium-economy brand, Spark by Hilton Ponce, and it becomes the first Spark in the Caribbean or Latin America.
For travellers who want predictable essentials, modern design, and lower nightly rates than traditional select-service hotels, the debut gives Ponce a new midscale option at a time when the city is seeing more traffic from both leisure and business travellers.
The 120-room property is three miles from Mercedita International Airport and near Highway 52, the main route to San Juan. It offers complimentary hot breakfast, free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.
Italy: Houston and Rome are to be connected by a nonstop flight for the first time.
ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, said its new route between Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will launch on May 1 2026. Initially operating three weekly flights, service will increase to five weekly flights through late October.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
