The Seat in the Middle

In July, ideal travel destinations include Bali, Hokkaido, Siargao, Luang Prabang, and Queenstown, each offering unique experiences from serene rice terraces to vibrant flower fields, relaxing beach islands, and cultural rituals. July's mild weather and manageable crowds make these locations rewarding for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan’s tourist visa fees jump 5x from July/April 2026: single-entry now ¥15,000, multiple-entry ¥30,000. Full list of affected countries, who’s exempt & travel tips for 2026 trips.

Qantas is set to launch non-stop flights from Sydney to London in October 2027. This marks a big shift for travellers on the famous Kangaroo Route. The journey will cover about 17,000 kilometres and...

I’ve always believed travel’s true luxury lies not in flawless itineraries, but in the art of adaptation—turning turbulence into triumph. This week’s headlines, dominated by high jet fuel prices reshaping airline schedules and Portugal’s...

Philippine Airlines signed the deal to join oneworld on June 6, 2026, at the IATA meeting in Rio. Full membership should come sometime in 2027. For an airline that has flown mostly on its...

My recent stay at DoubleTree by Hilton New York JFK Airport was a really comfortable option for an overnight stay near JFK. Airport hotels are usually more about convenience than experience, but this stay...

The Canopy by Hilton Atlanta Midtown is a modern boutique style hotel that does not try too hard. Everything felt clean, updated, and easy to navigate from the moment I walked in. Check-in was...

Virus/DiseaseAffected RegionsStatus/DetailsTravel AdviceAndes HantavirusMulti-country (cruise ship-linked; South America origin, cases in Europe)~11 cases, 3 deaths. Person-to-person transmission reported.Avoid close contact with cases; monitor symptoms post-cruise. Level 1 alert.Ebola (Bundibugyo)Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), UgandaOngoing...

Thailand has cut its visa-free stays for tourists from dozens of countries. The cabinet recently approved scrapping the 60-day visa exemption that started in July 2024. Most travellers will now get 30 days instead....

Airline alliances continue to shape long-haul travel with better points earning, lounge access and smoother connections. Here are the key changes so far this year. Star Alliance added ITA Airways as its 26th member on...

The world’s airlines work together in three main groups. These partnerships – Star Alliance, SkyTeam and oneworld – make flying overseas much easier. They link routes, share airport lounges and let you collect and...

Planning a dive trip overseas? These five practical safety checks will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy every dive with confidence.

Solo travel pulls you in with its freedom. You move at your own speed, follow your curiosity, and return with memories that belong only to you. Yet it also brings real challenges. After years...

We stayed at the Conrad Washington DC over Christmas, right in the dead of winter, which gave the whole trip a very specific atmosphere. Washington at that time of year can feel cold and...

I recently stayed at the Sheraton Johor Bahru and I want to share my experience in a simple and honest way. This hotel is one of the newest 5 star hotels in the city...

Fuel prices have shot up sharply this year. The reason is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has tightened jet fuel supplies and pushed costs higher than anyone expected. Airlines around the...

I came across this post on X the other day and it made me laugh out loud. The ad showed a sleek digital screen at what looked like a busy airport, promoting a trip...

Songkran just finished in Thailand for 2026. If you have never been, 2027 is a strong year to try it. The festival runs from April 13 to 15, a Tuesday to Thursday that works...

A United-American merger is suddenly back on the table. Last month, United’s CEO Scott Kirby pitched the idea directly to President Trump. No deal exists yet, and regulators would almost certainly push back hard....

Unfortunately the creator has disabled embedding for this video. Please click here to watch it directly on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BDDy8eceMQA?si=YwfdtXfaOZq7DIRS Back in 1972, Singapore was a tiny dot on the map, barely 734 square kilometres, with...