tourism Archives - Traveler Dreams Traveler Dreams Sun, 03 Sep 2023 15:24:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://travelerdreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png tourism Archives - Traveler Dreams 32 32 Here’s How You Can Visit Croatia Without Leaving Your Couch https://travelerdreams.com/heres-how-you-can-visit-croatia-without-leaving-your-couch/ Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:58:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=25246 Ever traveled to a place and really wished you hadn’t? We’re hoping the answer is no, but these things do happen. Whether it’s the people, the weather, or just the vibe, sometimes that trip is a regret. Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and certainly worth a visit, but to […]

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]]> Ever traveled to a place and really wished you hadn’t? We’re hoping the answer is no, but these things do happen. Whether it’s the people, the weather, or just the vibe, sometimes that trip is a regret.

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and certainly worth a visit, but to prove their point, the Croatian Tourist Board is giving you a “test drive”.

Thanks to the technological magic of virtual reality, the board has created “virtual walks” through some of the country’s best-known sites. 

“We continuously invest in promotion and communication channels and keep up with modern trends,” said director of the tourist board, Kristjan Staničić. “Digitalisation of Croatian tourism, along with sustainability, represents one of the key strategic directions of its further development, so in the future, we will additionally upgrade this VR platform with new technological solutions, as well as materials for new destinations and language variants.”

There are 63 experiences to choose from, including the Church of St. Blaise in Dubrovnik, the island of Lokrum, and the capital city of Zagreb.

Visitors will be able to zoom in and out, get a bird’s eye perspective, take a 360° view at street-level, and learn about the history of the various places.

Check them out on the Explore Croatia mobile app or on the Croatian Tourist Board website.

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]]> Tourists Will Soon Having to Pay an Entrance Fee to Visit the Pantheon https://travelerdreams.com/tourists-will-soon-having-to-pay-an-entrance-fee-to-visit-the-pantheon/ Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:18:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22860 Rome is at the top of millions of bucket and it’s easy to see why. The Italian capital is home to a variety of sights, including the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum.   Amongst the list of must-see spots is the Pantheon. The ancient Roman temple has been around since 125 AD, after being rebuilt […]

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]]> Rome is at the top of millions of bucket and it’s easy to see why. The Italian capital is home to a variety of sights, including the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum.  

Amongst the list of must-see spots is the Pantheon. The ancient Roman temple has been around since 125 AD, after being rebuilt following a fire, and is the burial place of several members of Italian royalty. 

As Italy’s most-visited cultural site, the Pantheon welcomed 9.3 million visitors in 2019. Having always been free, tourists are now set to be charged an entry fee.

The matter was brought under consideration 5 years ago, but was shelved by the previous government. Incumbent Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, revived the proposal and an agreement was signed by government and church officials on March 16. Praising the arrangement, Sangiuliano said it was based on common sense. 

Under the new agreement, tourists will be charged a €5 entrance fee. The proceeds will then be divided by Culture Ministry which will take 70 percent, and the diocese of Rome which will get the remaining 30 percent.

The Pantheon is still in use as a Catholic Church, with the move serving as a breakaway from the Roman custom of not charging entrance fees for churches. 

However, a few concessions have been made. 

Residents of Rome will still be able to visit the landmark for free, as will those attending religious services. Under-18s will also get in without paying, while visitors younger than 25 will be charged a discounted rate of €2. 

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]]> Taiwan has a New Incentive for Tourists to Visit https://travelerdreams.com/taiwan-has-a-new-incentive-for-tourists-to-visit/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:40:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22641 If you’ve never been to Taiwan, and it hasn’t made it to your bucket list yet, the government wants to change that.  The island is nestled between China, Japan, and The Philippines, and boasts gorgeous beaches, ornate temples, and lovely markets. As if that wasn’t enough incentive to visit, the Taiwanese government has launched a […]

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]]> If you’ve never been to Taiwan, and it hasn’t made it to your bucket list yet, the government wants to change that. 

The island is nestled between China, Japan, and The Philippines, and boasts gorgeous beaches, ornate temples, and lovely markets. As if that wasn’t enough incentive to visit, the Taiwanese government has launched a campaign that involves paying tourists to come.

The program is part of Taiwan’s plan to attract 6 million tourists this year, and a further 10 million by 2025. “The money will be given out through multiple tourism promotion events this year, rather than giving it all out at once,” said Tourism Bureau Director-General, Chang Shi-chung.

500,000 lucky visitors will receive NT$5,000 (about $165) that can be used for food or accommodation during their vacation. Tour groups will also benefit, with 90,000 tour groups set to get up to NT$20,000 (around $665) depending on how many members there are. Overall, the government has allocated NT$5.3 billion (approximately $174.31 million) to the campaign.

“International tourists who are given NT$5,000 will not receive it until they arrive,” Chang explained. “It will be stored in an electronic ticketing card, which can be used to pay for food, accommodation, and other travel expenses during their time here.”

It is hoped that tourists from key markets like Japan, South Korea, Europe, North America, and countries of the New Southbound Policy will take part in the incentive program. 

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]]> Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism https://travelerdreams.com/hong-kong-is-giving-away-500000-free-airline-tickets-to-boost-tourism/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:53:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22384 Fancy visiting Hong Kong? The government wants you to, too. Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, […]

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]]> Fancy visiting Hong Kong? The government wants you to, too.

Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, the city’s GDP was 3.5% lower in 2022 compared to 2021. 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has now come up with a plan to attract more tourists.

From March 1, 500,000 free airline tickets will be given away in a bid to woo more visitors. The tickets were initially bought to support airlines during the pandemic and are worth around $270 million. 

The ticket giveaway, which will be done in phases, is set to last for about 6 months. They will be distributed by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines, starting with Southeast Asian countries, followed by mainland China and Northeastern Asia. An additional 80,000 tickets have been set aside for Hong Kong residents in the summer. 

As part of the campaign, entitled “Hello Hong Kong,” the city will host more than 250 events this year, including the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament, the Hong Kong Marathon, and Art Basel.

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]]> What is Voluntourism? https://travelerdreams.com/what-is-voluntourism/ Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:43:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22011 You know about tourism, and you know about volunteering, but have you ever heard of voluntourism? Voluntourism is a term created to represent tourists who travel and volunteer at their destination. Voluntourism is popular all over the world, with tasks in agriculture, education, physical labor, and health care. A very popular form of voluntourism for […]

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]]> You know about tourism, and you know about volunteering, but have you ever heard of voluntourism? Voluntourism is a term created to represent tourists who travel and volunteer at their destination. Voluntourism is popular all over the world, with tasks in agriculture, education, physical labor, and health care. A very popular form of voluntourism for English speakers is teaching English within developing nations. 

When voluntourism is done ethically and sustainably, it can have a great impact on the communities being served. Good voluntourism involves working with the local community and listening to their needs, rather than taking jobs away from locals.

For example, volunteers can work with local English teachers to improve their English and support their classrooms, rather than taking away the job from the local teacher. This is a great way to build communities up and help them succeed in the long run. It also helps bring money and resources to struggling economies when volunteers buy local goods while they are staying in the community.

Voluntourism can also have an unbelievable impact on the volunteers, as they get to experience a new culture through true immersion. By working with local community members, volunteers learn about the real people behind the culture, and sometimes they form really deep connections. This humanizes tourism in a beautiful way, making the world a more integrated and connected place to be.

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]]> What is Overtourism? https://travelerdreams.com/what-is-overtourism/ Sat, 22 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=15621 You’ve heard of the word “tourism”. As a travel lover, you live it. But have you heard of the concept of “overtourism”? Unfortunately, most haven’t, and it’s something they should really familiarize themselves with. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deutscher Alpenverein e.V./DAV (@deutscheralpenverein) Overtourism is the phenomenon that you’ve probably experienced […]

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]]> You’ve heard of the word “tourism”. As a travel lover, you live it. But have you heard of the concept of “overtourism”? Unfortunately, most haven’t, and it’s something they should really familiarize themselves with.

Overtourism is the phenomenon that you’ve probably experienced firsthand, of how a huge increase in tourist traffic to popular travel destinations negatively impacts both the locals who live there and the travelers visiting. You can see overtourism in the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at the Vatican, the hours-long lines at the Louvre, and the crowds in Prague so tight that you don’t even notice when your wallet is stolen.

The thing is, travel isn’t going to stop. It’s too good for the soul for that to even be a goal. So how do we address overtourism and its environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural impact? There are a few ways.

Go to the lesser-traveled destinations. Because there is so much more of the world to see than just Western Europe.

Visit places during off-seasons. You might be a little bit colder, but you’ll feel much more comfortable than you would in July smothered in a crowd of people.

Tread lightly. Don’t leave trash around. Clean up after yourself. Respect the places you visit the way you would respect your own home because, after all, it is someone else’s.

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]]> The Prettiest Castles to Visit in the UK https://travelerdreams.com/the-prettiest-castles-to-visit-in-the-uk/ Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:51:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=14373 When you think of England, you probably think about the queen and the palaces she lives in. Windsor Castle is indeed beautiful and a must-see for any first-time tourist, but there are actually castles all over the United Kingdom that are absolutely worth visiting, not only in England but in Scotland and Wales as well. […]

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]]> When you think of England, you probably think about the queen and the palaces she lives in. Windsor Castle is indeed beautiful and a must-see for any first-time tourist, but there are actually castles all over the United Kingdom that are absolutely worth visiting, not only in England but in Scotland and Wales as well. Here are a few of the most beautiful around the UK.

Scotland: Dunrobin Castle

Home to the Dunrobin Clan since the 14th century, this beautiful castle features architecture reminiscent of the palace of Versailles and others in France. Not only is the castle itself a sight to behold, but you can also view the gardens as well as visiting their tearoom, museum, and even a collection of live falcons.

Wales: Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle looks a lot like how you probably drew castles as a child. It is large and foreboding, made of stone bricks, and has turrets shaped just like in a fairy tale book. It was built for King Edward I and is a mastery of medieval architecture and fortification. On a visit, you can climb up the towers for an awesome view.

Scottish Countryside: Kilchurn Castle

Built in the 15th century, Kilchurn Castle features a 5-story tower house that looms over its otherwise-mostly-ruined structure. The ruins are part of what makes it so picturesque. It’s set in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a lake on one side and green mountains on the other.

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]]> 3 Notorious Tourist Traps Not Worth Visiting https://travelerdreams.com/3-notorious-tourist-traps-not-worth-visiting/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:53:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=13463 Some places are so famous that people visit them without really doing their research, often leading to disappointment when they arrive and realizing that the destination is actually a tourist trap without much to offer. If you want to avoid that, here are three places you shouldn’t go. The Blarney Stone The Blarney Stone near […]

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]]> Some places are so famous that people visit them without really doing their research, often leading to disappointment when they arrive and realizing that the destination is actually a tourist trap without much to offer. If you want to avoid that, here are three places you shouldn’t go.

The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone near Cork, Ireland is known for being a rock that you kiss. The legend is that you will receive the gift of Blarney, that is if you can bend over backward to kiss it. Unfortunately, the lines are several hours long and it’s not exactly hygienic. In the times of coronavirus, this one is a pass.

Plymouth Rock

Another famous rock, Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is known for being the place where the pilgrims first landed in America in 1620. The problem is that the attraction is just that—a rock. You won’t be missing out if you skip it.

Niagara Falls

Okay, the Niagara Falls themselves are just as majestic as you think they are. But the New York cities that surround it are the definition of a tourist trap full of gift shops and tacky restaurants. You’re much better visiting from the Canadian side if you do want to stop by.

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]]> 3 Cities in Europe That Aren’t Teeming with Tourists https://travelerdreams.com/3-cities-in-europe-that-arent-teeming-with-tourists/ Tue, 02 Mar 2021 12:49:16 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=12228 Europe is an absolutely gorgeous continent with so many different things to see and places to visit. But, for that reason, it’s also one of the most touristy continents, especially if you go to the most popular cities like Paris and Rome. So if you prefer a less crowded holiday, you may want to check […]

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]]> Europe is an absolutely gorgeous continent with so many different things to see and places to visit. But, for that reason, it’s also one of the most touristy continents, especially if you go to the most popular cities like Paris and Rome. So if you prefer a less crowded holiday, you may want to check out one of these three cities.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

A country in Southeast Europe, North Macedonia isn’t very well-known among international tourists, having only gotten its independence in 1991. Locals do love to visit Lake Ohrid, though, because they know about the beauty of its cozy, atmospheric lake and mountain views.

Puglia, Italy

Sure, many, many people like to go to Italy on vacations, but most of those people aren’t visiting Puglia, a city in Italy’s south. But they should, because Puglia’s rocky beaches, rich history, and delicious food make it a great place to go to.

Kakheti, Georgia

Not only are people sleeping on Georgia, but many people don’t even know that it’s a country and not just a U.S. state. But Kakheti has got a lot to offer visitors, with gorgeous mountain scenery, wineries, churches, and castles.

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]]> How Many of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks Have You Seen? https://travelerdreams.com/how-many-of-the-worlds-most-famous-landmarks-have-you-seen/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:30:43 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=11896 There are two types of travelers. One type likes to act like a local, avoid touristy spots, and try to find hidden gems. And the other type is completely content to stick to the more traveled path of checking out each location’s most well-known destinations and landmarks. Whichever type of traveler you are, it’s hard […]

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]]> There are two types of travelers. One type likes to act like a local, avoid touristy spots, and try to find hidden gems. And the other type is completely content to stick to the more traveled path of checking out each location’s most well-known destinations and landmarks. Whichever type of traveler you are, it’s hard to deny that there are certain landmarks around the world that nobody should miss seeing at least once in their life if they can. So here’s a list of some of those places. How many of them have you seen?

Europe

  • Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
  • Colosseum, Rome, Italy
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
  • Big Ben, London, England
  • St. Basil’s Cathedral: Moscow

Asia

  • Taj Mahal, Agra, India
  • Great Wall of China, Beijing, China
  • Burj Khalifa: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

North America

  • Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota
  • Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco

South America

  • Machu Picchu, Cuzco Region, Peru
  • Easter Island: Chile

Oceania

  • Sydney Opera House: Sydney

Africa

  • The Great Pyramid of Giza: Cairo, Egypt

So whether you’re into history or architecture, towering structures or ancient ruins, this list should provide some inspiration for places to add to your bucket list.

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]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> tourism Archives - Traveler Dreams Traveler Dreams Sun, 03 Sep 2023 15:24:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://travelerdreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png tourism Archives - Traveler Dreams 32 32 Here’s How You Can Visit Croatia Without Leaving Your Couch https://travelerdreams.com/heres-how-you-can-visit-croatia-without-leaving-your-couch/ Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:58:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=25246 Ever traveled to a place and really wished you hadn’t? We’re hoping the answer is no, but these things do happen. Whether it’s the people, the weather, or just the vibe, sometimes that trip is a regret. Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and certainly worth a visit, but to […]

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]]> Ever traveled to a place and really wished you hadn’t? We’re hoping the answer is no, but these things do happen. Whether it’s the people, the weather, or just the vibe, sometimes that trip is a regret.

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and certainly worth a visit, but to prove their point, the Croatian Tourist Board is giving you a “test drive”.

Thanks to the technological magic of virtual reality, the board has created “virtual walks” through some of the country’s best-known sites. 

“We continuously invest in promotion and communication channels and keep up with modern trends,” said director of the tourist board, Kristjan Staničić. “Digitalisation of Croatian tourism, along with sustainability, represents one of the key strategic directions of its further development, so in the future, we will additionally upgrade this VR platform with new technological solutions, as well as materials for new destinations and language variants.”

There are 63 experiences to choose from, including the Church of St. Blaise in Dubrovnik, the island of Lokrum, and the capital city of Zagreb.

Visitors will be able to zoom in and out, get a bird’s eye perspective, take a 360° view at street-level, and learn about the history of the various places.

Check them out on the Explore Croatia mobile app or on the Croatian Tourist Board website.

The post Here’s How You Can Visit Croatia Without Leaving Your Couch appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Tourists Will Soon Having to Pay an Entrance Fee to Visit the Pantheon https://travelerdreams.com/tourists-will-soon-having-to-pay-an-entrance-fee-to-visit-the-pantheon/ Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:18:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22860 Rome is at the top of millions of bucket and it’s easy to see why. The Italian capital is home to a variety of sights, including the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum.   Amongst the list of must-see spots is the Pantheon. The ancient Roman temple has been around since 125 AD, after being rebuilt […]

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]]> Rome is at the top of millions of bucket and it’s easy to see why. The Italian capital is home to a variety of sights, including the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum.  

Amongst the list of must-see spots is the Pantheon. The ancient Roman temple has been around since 125 AD, after being rebuilt following a fire, and is the burial place of several members of Italian royalty. 

As Italy’s most-visited cultural site, the Pantheon welcomed 9.3 million visitors in 2019. Having always been free, tourists are now set to be charged an entry fee.

The matter was brought under consideration 5 years ago, but was shelved by the previous government. Incumbent Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, revived the proposal and an agreement was signed by government and church officials on March 16. Praising the arrangement, Sangiuliano said it was based on common sense. 

Under the new agreement, tourists will be charged a €5 entrance fee. The proceeds will then be divided by Culture Ministry which will take 70 percent, and the diocese of Rome which will get the remaining 30 percent.

The Pantheon is still in use as a Catholic Church, with the move serving as a breakaway from the Roman custom of not charging entrance fees for churches. 

However, a few concessions have been made. 

Residents of Rome will still be able to visit the landmark for free, as will those attending religious services. Under-18s will also get in without paying, while visitors younger than 25 will be charged a discounted rate of €2. 

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]]> Taiwan has a New Incentive for Tourists to Visit https://travelerdreams.com/taiwan-has-a-new-incentive-for-tourists-to-visit/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:40:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22641 If you’ve never been to Taiwan, and it hasn’t made it to your bucket list yet, the government wants to change that.  The island is nestled between China, Japan, and The Philippines, and boasts gorgeous beaches, ornate temples, and lovely markets. As if that wasn’t enough incentive to visit, the Taiwanese government has launched a […]

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]]> If you’ve never been to Taiwan, and it hasn’t made it to your bucket list yet, the government wants to change that. 

The island is nestled between China, Japan, and The Philippines, and boasts gorgeous beaches, ornate temples, and lovely markets. As if that wasn’t enough incentive to visit, the Taiwanese government has launched a campaign that involves paying tourists to come.

The program is part of Taiwan’s plan to attract 6 million tourists this year, and a further 10 million by 2025. “The money will be given out through multiple tourism promotion events this year, rather than giving it all out at once,” said Tourism Bureau Director-General, Chang Shi-chung.

500,000 lucky visitors will receive NT$5,000 (about $165) that can be used for food or accommodation during their vacation. Tour groups will also benefit, with 90,000 tour groups set to get up to NT$20,000 (around $665) depending on how many members there are. Overall, the government has allocated NT$5.3 billion (approximately $174.31 million) to the campaign.

“International tourists who are given NT$5,000 will not receive it until they arrive,” Chang explained. “It will be stored in an electronic ticketing card, which can be used to pay for food, accommodation, and other travel expenses during their time here.”

It is hoped that tourists from key markets like Japan, South Korea, Europe, North America, and countries of the New Southbound Policy will take part in the incentive program. 

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]]> Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism https://travelerdreams.com/hong-kong-is-giving-away-500000-free-airline-tickets-to-boost-tourism/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:53:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22384 Fancy visiting Hong Kong? The government wants you to, too. Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, […]

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]]> Fancy visiting Hong Kong? The government wants you to, too.

Prior to the global pandemic taking over, the Asian city recorded 56 million arrivals in 2019. The last few years have hit the region’s tourism industry hard, however, with visitors still required to undergo mandatory isolation until just a few months ago. As a result, the city’s GDP was 3.5% lower in 2022 compared to 2021. 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has now come up with a plan to attract more tourists.

From March 1, 500,000 free airline tickets will be given away in a bid to woo more visitors. The tickets were initially bought to support airlines during the pandemic and are worth around $270 million. 

The ticket giveaway, which will be done in phases, is set to last for about 6 months. They will be distributed by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines, starting with Southeast Asian countries, followed by mainland China and Northeastern Asia. An additional 80,000 tickets have been set aside for Hong Kong residents in the summer. 

As part of the campaign, entitled “Hello Hong Kong,” the city will host more than 250 events this year, including the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament, the Hong Kong Marathon, and Art Basel.

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]]> What is Voluntourism? https://travelerdreams.com/what-is-voluntourism/ Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:43:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=22011 You know about tourism, and you know about volunteering, but have you ever heard of voluntourism? Voluntourism is a term created to represent tourists who travel and volunteer at their destination. Voluntourism is popular all over the world, with tasks in agriculture, education, physical labor, and health care. A very popular form of voluntourism for […]

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]]> You know about tourism, and you know about volunteering, but have you ever heard of voluntourism? Voluntourism is a term created to represent tourists who travel and volunteer at their destination. Voluntourism is popular all over the world, with tasks in agriculture, education, physical labor, and health care. A very popular form of voluntourism for English speakers is teaching English within developing nations. 

When voluntourism is done ethically and sustainably, it can have a great impact on the communities being served. Good voluntourism involves working with the local community and listening to their needs, rather than taking jobs away from locals.

For example, volunteers can work with local English teachers to improve their English and support their classrooms, rather than taking away the job from the local teacher. This is a great way to build communities up and help them succeed in the long run. It also helps bring money and resources to struggling economies when volunteers buy local goods while they are staying in the community.

Voluntourism can also have an unbelievable impact on the volunteers, as they get to experience a new culture through true immersion. By working with local community members, volunteers learn about the real people behind the culture, and sometimes they form really deep connections. This humanizes tourism in a beautiful way, making the world a more integrated and connected place to be.

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]]> What is Overtourism? https://travelerdreams.com/what-is-overtourism/ Sat, 22 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=15621 You’ve heard of the word “tourism”. As a travel lover, you live it. But have you heard of the concept of “overtourism”? Unfortunately, most haven’t, and it’s something they should really familiarize themselves with. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deutscher Alpenverein e.V./DAV (@deutscheralpenverein) Overtourism is the phenomenon that you’ve probably experienced […]

The post What is Overtourism? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> You’ve heard of the word “tourism”. As a travel lover, you live it. But have you heard of the concept of “overtourism”? Unfortunately, most haven’t, and it’s something they should really familiarize themselves with.

Overtourism is the phenomenon that you’ve probably experienced firsthand, of how a huge increase in tourist traffic to popular travel destinations negatively impacts both the locals who live there and the travelers visiting. You can see overtourism in the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at the Vatican, the hours-long lines at the Louvre, and the crowds in Prague so tight that you don’t even notice when your wallet is stolen.

The thing is, travel isn’t going to stop. It’s too good for the soul for that to even be a goal. So how do we address overtourism and its environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural impact? There are a few ways.

Go to the lesser-traveled destinations. Because there is so much more of the world to see than just Western Europe.

Visit places during off-seasons. You might be a little bit colder, but you’ll feel much more comfortable than you would in July smothered in a crowd of people.

Tread lightly. Don’t leave trash around. Clean up after yourself. Respect the places you visit the way you would respect your own home because, after all, it is someone else’s.

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]]> The Prettiest Castles to Visit in the UK https://travelerdreams.com/the-prettiest-castles-to-visit-in-the-uk/ Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:51:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=14373 When you think of England, you probably think about the queen and the palaces she lives in. Windsor Castle is indeed beautiful and a must-see for any first-time tourist, but there are actually castles all over the United Kingdom that are absolutely worth visiting, not only in England but in Scotland and Wales as well. […]

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]]> When you think of England, you probably think about the queen and the palaces she lives in. Windsor Castle is indeed beautiful and a must-see for any first-time tourist, but there are actually castles all over the United Kingdom that are absolutely worth visiting, not only in England but in Scotland and Wales as well. Here are a few of the most beautiful around the UK.

Scotland: Dunrobin Castle

Home to the Dunrobin Clan since the 14th century, this beautiful castle features architecture reminiscent of the palace of Versailles and others in France. Not only is the castle itself a sight to behold, but you can also view the gardens as well as visiting their tearoom, museum, and even a collection of live falcons.

Wales: Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle looks a lot like how you probably drew castles as a child. It is large and foreboding, made of stone bricks, and has turrets shaped just like in a fairy tale book. It was built for King Edward I and is a mastery of medieval architecture and fortification. On a visit, you can climb up the towers for an awesome view.

Scottish Countryside: Kilchurn Castle

Built in the 15th century, Kilchurn Castle features a 5-story tower house that looms over its otherwise-mostly-ruined structure. The ruins are part of what makes it so picturesque. It’s set in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a lake on one side and green mountains on the other.

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]]> 3 Notorious Tourist Traps Not Worth Visiting https://travelerdreams.com/3-notorious-tourist-traps-not-worth-visiting/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:53:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=13463 Some places are so famous that people visit them without really doing their research, often leading to disappointment when they arrive and realizing that the destination is actually a tourist trap without much to offer. If you want to avoid that, here are three places you shouldn’t go. The Blarney Stone The Blarney Stone near […]

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]]> Some places are so famous that people visit them without really doing their research, often leading to disappointment when they arrive and realizing that the destination is actually a tourist trap without much to offer. If you want to avoid that, here are three places you shouldn’t go.

The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone near Cork, Ireland is known for being a rock that you kiss. The legend is that you will receive the gift of Blarney, that is if you can bend over backward to kiss it. Unfortunately, the lines are several hours long and it’s not exactly hygienic. In the times of coronavirus, this one is a pass.

Plymouth Rock

Another famous rock, Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is known for being the place where the pilgrims first landed in America in 1620. The problem is that the attraction is just that—a rock. You won’t be missing out if you skip it.

Niagara Falls

Okay, the Niagara Falls themselves are just as majestic as you think they are. But the New York cities that surround it are the definition of a tourist trap full of gift shops and tacky restaurants. You’re much better visiting from the Canadian side if you do want to stop by.

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]]> 3 Cities in Europe That Aren’t Teeming with Tourists https://travelerdreams.com/3-cities-in-europe-that-arent-teeming-with-tourists/ Tue, 02 Mar 2021 12:49:16 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=12228 Europe is an absolutely gorgeous continent with so many different things to see and places to visit. But, for that reason, it’s also one of the most touristy continents, especially if you go to the most popular cities like Paris and Rome. So if you prefer a less crowded holiday, you may want to check […]

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]]> Europe is an absolutely gorgeous continent with so many different things to see and places to visit. But, for that reason, it’s also one of the most touristy continents, especially if you go to the most popular cities like Paris and Rome. So if you prefer a less crowded holiday, you may want to check out one of these three cities.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

A country in Southeast Europe, North Macedonia isn’t very well-known among international tourists, having only gotten its independence in 1991. Locals do love to visit Lake Ohrid, though, because they know about the beauty of its cozy, atmospheric lake and mountain views.

Puglia, Italy

Sure, many, many people like to go to Italy on vacations, but most of those people aren’t visiting Puglia, a city in Italy’s south. But they should, because Puglia’s rocky beaches, rich history, and delicious food make it a great place to go to.

Kakheti, Georgia

Not only are people sleeping on Georgia, but many people don’t even know that it’s a country and not just a U.S. state. But Kakheti has got a lot to offer visitors, with gorgeous mountain scenery, wineries, churches, and castles.

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]]> How Many of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks Have You Seen? https://travelerdreams.com/how-many-of-the-worlds-most-famous-landmarks-have-you-seen/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:30:43 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=11896 There are two types of travelers. One type likes to act like a local, avoid touristy spots, and try to find hidden gems. And the other type is completely content to stick to the more traveled path of checking out each location’s most well-known destinations and landmarks. Whichever type of traveler you are, it’s hard […]

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]]> There are two types of travelers. One type likes to act like a local, avoid touristy spots, and try to find hidden gems. And the other type is completely content to stick to the more traveled path of checking out each location’s most well-known destinations and landmarks. Whichever type of traveler you are, it’s hard to deny that there are certain landmarks around the world that nobody should miss seeing at least once in their life if they can. So here’s a list of some of those places. How many of them have you seen?

Europe

  • Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
  • Colosseum, Rome, Italy
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
  • Big Ben, London, England
  • St. Basil’s Cathedral: Moscow

Asia

  • Taj Mahal, Agra, India
  • Great Wall of China, Beijing, China
  • Burj Khalifa: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

North America

  • Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota
  • Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco

South America

  • Machu Picchu, Cuzco Region, Peru
  • Easter Island: Chile

Oceania

  • Sydney Opera House: Sydney

Africa

  • The Great Pyramid of Giza: Cairo, Egypt

So whether you’re into history or architecture, towering structures or ancient ruins, this list should provide some inspiration for places to add to your bucket list.

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