Kyoto is attempting to regain control over visitor numbers that have spiraled beyond capacity. Last year, nearly 37 million international visitors arrived in Japan, shattering the 2019 record. The city of 2,000 temples finds itself at ground zero of this tourism explosion.

A Tiered System Based on Accommodation Tier

The new tax structure includes five distinct brackets. Budget accommodations under $130 per night maintain a minimal tax of roughly $1.40. Properties between $130 and $330 will see their levy double from last year to around $6.50. The rate climbs to $26 for the next category, covering hotels priced between $330 and $660 per night.

The municipal government reserves its most aggressive rate for high-end properties: beyond $660 per night, guests will pay an additional $65. This progressive structure aims to make wealthier travelers contribute more substantially to funding strained infrastructure. City officials project annual tax revenue will more than double, rising from $35 million to $78 million.

Note: Dollar amounts for tax brackets are approximate and fluctuate with the EUR-YEN and USD-YEN exchange rates. Official prices are set in yen.

Residents at Breaking Point

Tensions between residents and tourists have deteriorated sharply since post-COVID reopening. The historic Gion district, where geiko and their maiko apprentices perform, has become the epicenter of conflict. Visitors wander into private alleyways and aggressively pursue kimono-clad artists for social media photos. Some streets have been closed to the public following resident complaints.

Beyond inappropriate behavior, the entire urban infrastructure is buckling: overcrowded public transit where locals struggle to board, overwhelmed heritage sites, and garbage accumulating in streets. The city wasn’t built to handle such volume. Other Japanese destinations are implementing similar measures: Ginzan Onsen, an Instagram-famous hot spring town, now prohibits entry after 8 PM without a hotel booking. Mount Fuji has introduced daily visitor caps and entrance fees.

A Global Movement Toward Tourism Regulation

Kyoto joins a worldwide trend of destinations attempting to manage visitor flows. Venice introduced a daily tax in 2024 for day-trippers. Edinburgh became the first British city to adopt a similar system in January 2025. Barcelona, Amsterdam, Maya Bay beaches in Thailand, and Machu Picchu in Peru are all experimenting with various approaches: quotas, mandatory time slots, and deterrent pricing.

Japan faces an inherent contradiction: while the national government targets 60 million visitors by 2030, the country’s most iconic destinations are multiplying restrictions. The persistently weak yen continues to attract international travelers enjoying favorable purchasing power, transforming certain sites into overcrowded destinations where the experience deteriorates for everyone.

800 Miles of Bike Paths by 2030

Traditionally, Singapore has never been synonymous with cycling culture, relying instead on its world-renowned public transportation system. But over the past fifteen years, a shift in mindset has emerged, prioritizing more eco-friendly and sustainable modes of urban transportation. Bike paths have gradually appeared throughout the metropolitan area and even extending toward neighboring Malaysia, totaling just over 435 miles of dedicated or semi-dedicated cycling infrastructure today. Impressive, but not nearly enough for a country with bigger ambitions—Singapore plans to double that figure.

The Singaporean government recently unveiled an ambitious plan for the end of the decade, aiming to transform Singapore into a sustainable city by offering cyclists more than 800 miles of exclusive bike lanes by 2030. It’s an audacious project, but knowing how efficiently this city-state operates, it seems entirely achievable.

Bike-Sharing for Less Than a Dollar

To complement this infrastructure push, the city has also rolled out a bike-sharing program for residents and tourists alike. Similar to systems like Citi Bike or Divvy, it costs just 1 Singapore dollar ($0.66 USD) for 30 minutes of riding—an attractive price point designed to get people pedaling.

With these combined efforts, Singapore may soon find itself joining the ranks of the world’s premier cycling cities. Who knows? In a few years, we might be talking about Singapore in the same breath as Amsterdam when it comes to urban cycling culture.

“Dubai Cashless”

When it comes to innovation, Dubai goes all in. The city has decided to progressively eliminate cash payments from its territory for both locals and visitors. From paying for services of all kinds to simple everyday purchases, coins and bills are becoming a thing of the past.

This is where the “Dubai Cashless” project comes in. Part of a broader economic plan called D33, the initiative aims to dramatically expand digital payments for everyone while reducing cash use in all economic and tourist transactions. The ambitious goal? By 2026, 90% of all transactions in Dubai will be cashless.

Why Not?

After all, why not embrace this future? The city and its Emirate, supported by various partners and local institutions, see themselves as pioneers. Authorities have declared that “what we’re building today will hopefully become a model for other major metropolises through smart, secure, and universally accessible payment channels.”

It’s worth watching this space—especially since this cashless reality could soon arrive in cities across America and beyond…

Today, we’re looking at a major city that everyone knows by name at least, but which, oddly enough, isn’t its country’s capital. We’re talking about Istanbul and Turkey.

Historical, Political and Geographic Reasons

Just as New York isn’t the capital of the United States (it’s Washington DC), Sydney isn’t Australia’s (Canberra), or Rio de Janeiro for Brazil (it’s Brasília), Istanbul isn’t Turkey’s capital. Yet this city, once called Byzantium or Constantinople, would certainly deserve to be, if only because it remains by far the most well-known and dynamic city in its country, on every level. But nevertheless, it isn’t…

And as is often the case, the reasons are primarily historical and political. To understand them, we need to go back in time a bit, to 1923, which saw the birth of “modern Turkey,” championed by its founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, now a true national hero in his country.

We’re at the end of World War I, with an Ottoman Empire that made the wrong choice by allying itself with Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This would result in a large part of its territory being dismantled by the victors and transformed into new provinces under French or British mandate, while others like Armenia would enjoy (brief) independence, or even be annexed to Greece in the case of regions bordering that country. As for the rest, it effectively came under English, Italian and French influence while officially remaining independent.

Not independent enough, however, to avoid awakening the fears of nationalist movements, led primarily by Atatürk, who after many twists and turns would succeed in creating and leading what would become today’s Turkey following the Treaty of Lausanne on July 24, 1923. A new country had just been born and it needed a capital for its republic.

Of course, the new government could have kept Istanbul as the capital. Except that the founder of this 20th-century Turkey didn’t see things that way. For Kemal Atatürk, a different city was needed for this role. If only to break the link with that defeated Ottoman Empire of which Constantinople had been the capital for centuries. That’s why the choice fell on Ankara, a small town in the heart of Anatolia that was already geographically less vulnerable to foreign attacks than Istanbul, located on the coast. A strategic choice as well, even though the city had barely 20,000 inhabitants at the time, far from Istanbul’s 800,000.

Few people, then, but the freedom to create a capital in its founder’s image, without space constraints and even less tied to the past or Ottoman history. Quite the opposite, in fact, since in this regard, little Ankara had always been an important stronghold of the nationalist movement—enough to create connections and allow development so that Atatürk’s Turkey could become a modern, secular and republican state. The complete opposite of the image then carried by the old Constantinople…

50 Million Visitors Expected Annually Within Two Decades

For a long time, anyone wanting to visit Cambodia—whether to see its capital or the unmissable Angkor—typically had to transit through neighboring Thailand and Bangkok’s airport for air connections.

But that was before the country decided to modernize its transportation infrastructure, notably by opening several new airports across its territory. The goal is to significantly increase visitor numbers, first reaching 20 million by the end of the decade and eventually hitting 50 million annually by 2050. That’s quite ambitious considering the country currently attracts around 6 to 7 million tourists per year. Nevertheless, the projects are underway and becoming reality.

In late 2023, the city of Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor, inaugurated an airport with a capacity of 12 million passengers. Now, this month, it’s Phnom Penh’s turn with the Techo International Airport, replacing the old facility that opened in the late 1950s.

Spanning 2,600 hectares about 20 kilometers south of the capital, the new infrastructure can accommodate up to 13 million passengers annually, with capacity expanding to 30 million during a second construction phase. The estimated cost stands at two billion dollars, largely financed by China—as was also the case for the Siem Reap-Angkor airport. This should, in theory, reignite tourist interest in the country, though for now only Asian and Gulf carriers have committed to serving it. No direct flights yet from Europe or North America. Stay tuned…

Today, we’re heading to Sri Lanka to discover the exceptional site of Sigiriya.

A Palace-Fortress Lost to Time

Here stands one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable and visited locations. In the country’s central region, this major archaeological site—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982—is instantly recognizable by its massive rock rising above the jungle, topped by an ancient fortress built centuries ago.

Sigiriya, also known as “Lion Rock” (a reference to its monumental lion-shaped entrance gate, of which only the paws remain today), is an impregnable citadel perched atop a gigantic granite monolith nearly 200 meters (656 feet) high. There, among remnants of the past, you’ll discover incredibly well-preserved frescoes, some dating back to the 7th century—shortly after King Kassapa decided to establish his new capital here and construct his palace-fortress complete with elaborate gardens. This royal purpose, however, was short-lived. After his death, Sigiriya served as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century before falling into obscurity and finally being rehabilitated by authorities in the mid-20th century. This restoration served both the Sri Lankan people—given the site’s symbolic importance—and the countless tourists who have since come to explore it.

An undeniably unique site, though the climb to the summit remains, admittedly, somewhat challenging, accessed via a long, narrow staircase clinging to the rock face. However, once you reach the top, a magnificent 360-degree panorama rewards every visitor and makes the effort worthwhile. Simply breathtaking…

Info: www.srilanka.travel

Today, we’re heading to a place that’s disappearing before our eyes and can no longer be visited—at least not in the form it existed just a few years ago. That place is the Aral Sea.

Where is the Aral Sea?

The Aral Sea is, or rather was, originally a massive saltwater lake located in Central Asia, shared between Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the south, not far from the Baikonur space station. Unfortunately, it’s now famous only as the site of one of the greatest human-caused ecological disasters of the 20th and 21st centuries, slowly causing it to vanish.

Until the 1960s

Until the 1960s, the Aral Sea was the world’s fourth-largest lake by surface area. At its peak, covering 26,300 square miles (68,000 km2)—more than twice the size of West Virginia—it was abundantly fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers that flowed into it. The area supported rich biodiversity and thriving fishing industries that sustained surrounding port cities like Aralsk and Moynaq. With its enormous size and salty water, it truly felt like an inland sea, which is why people quickly dubbed it the Aral Sea. But that was before…

Before the Soviet Union, which controlled the lake at the time, diverted the water from both rivers in the 1960s to irrigate vast cotton and rice fields in this traditionally desert region.

Deprived of its primary water source, the Aral Sea began to shrink dramatically, receding spectacularly and splitting into several basins. The two main ones today are the Small Aral (on the Kazakhstan side) and the Large Aral (on the Uzbekistan side). It’s estimated that over half a century, the sea lost 90% of its water volume and nearly as much of its surface area, now covering barely 3,100 square miles (8,000 km2) across its various basins.

Naturally, this reduction has had far-reaching environmental consequences, including dried-up sea beds, desertification, and air and soil pollution from salt residue and pesticides once held in the water. The result: a massive salt desert called the Aralkum, vanished fishing industries, and once-thriving port cities that are now nothing more than ship graveyards in the middle of the desert.

Even though protective and rescue measures have been implemented in recent years—particularly on the Kazakh side where the Small Aral Sea appears to have been stabilized—the general consensus is that the place will never return to its former state. Which means you’ll never see in reality what the Aral Sea looked like in its glory days…

Two Cross-Border Lines in the Pipeline

Two railway lines—with potentially more to follow—will connect Kokrajhar (India) to Gelephu (Bhutan) and Banarhat (India) to Samtse (Bhutan). These aren’t exactly household names, but these towns sit on opposite sides of the border between the two countries, in the Assam and Bengal regions on the Indian side, and will provide crucial rail connections for people and goods to the rest of India.

While relatively short at 43 miles and 12 miles respectively, these lines will represent the culmination of two decades of effort and the possibility of choosing something other than road or air travel to cross from one country to the other. This is also a technically impressive project, requiring nearly a hundred bridges (including viaducts), around ten stations, tunnels, and other infrastructure for construction projects expected to last three to four years, with an inauguration planned for 2030.

What to See in Bhutan?

Nestled among the majestic Himalayan mountains, Bhutan is a unique country offering immersion in a culture preserved for centuries. With its breathtaking landscapes, monasteries perched on mountain peaks, and its philosophy of “gross national happiness,” Bhutan is a destination unlike any other that transports you to another world. Though it must be said that it remains relatively unknown to Western travelers.

A Paradise for Nature Lovers

From lush valleys to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a land of stunning landscapes with several parks and reserves to discover. Of all these, Jigme Dorji National Park remains the most interesting. It’s home to iconic species of the region such as the Bengal tiger, Asian black bear, and snow leopard. Additionally, hikers are rewarded here with numerous scenic trails winding through the mountains, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range.

A Spiritual Immersion Through Monasteries

Bhutan is steeped in Buddhist spirituality, and its monasteries play a central role in the daily lives of its inhabitants. Several welcome visitors, including the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) clinging to a cliff face and the Gangtey Monastery situated in the heart of a tranquil valley. There, monks warmly welcome passing guests, and you can observe their prayers and sacred rituals. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and serenity of these places for meditation and reconnecting with your inner peace, as they say here…

What Are the Entry Requirements for Bhutan?

They’ve been somewhat simplified recently for visitors. Until now, travel insurance was mandatory to visit the country, which is no longer the case today. However, the e-Visa remains required to enter Bhutan. It’s obtained through the official website visit.doi.gov.bt for $40 USD, to which you must add what’s called a “sustainable development fee” of $100 USD per day per adult. A significant price, but in return, you get a truly unforgettable experience…

Going Digital Like Everyone Else

We’ve all seen it happening: paper documents are gradually disappearing in favor of digital alternatives, and entry formalities are no exception. More and more countries are making the switch, and India has just joined the club by replacing its traditional paper arrival form with a new digital system called the e-Arrival Card.

Like the old paper form, this new digital format allows immigration services to collect passenger information (purpose of visit, local address, etc.). But thanks to digitalization, authorities say it will “streamline the immigration process and prevent delays at checkpoints.” And just like other countries using similar systems, the Indian administration has set up a dedicated website where travelers can complete the process up to 5 days before arriving in India.

What Americans Need to Know About Indian Visas

American travelers (along with most other nationalities) must obtain a tourist visa to visit India for leisure purposes. Without exception, anyone arriving in India without a valid visa or e-Visa will be automatically denied entry by Indian authorities.

Since July 2025, applications for Indian tourist visas—aside from online e-Visa requests—must be submitted directly and exclusively through the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or relevant consulates.

As for the e-Visa, it allows you to exit India through land borders, but you cannot re-enter the country the same way. This digital format only permits entries through the country’s main seaports (3) and airports (around 30).

No tourist visa can be extended once you’re in the country, nor can it be changed to a visa for a different purpose.

Finally, to qualify for a visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your visa’s expiration date and must contain at least three blank pages.

Among the World’s Most Restrictive Legislation

We know that Singapore doesn’t mess around, and that prohibitions – along with their accompanying penalties – are numerous there, even for things that pose no problem elsewhere.

Since 2018, Singapore, like other Asian countries including India and Thailand, has banned the use of e-cigarettes within its borders. But starting this September, the country has decided to toughen its legislation regarding both use and simple possession of e-cigarettes, with increased fines and even territory bans for repeat offenders.

Now everyone is affected, including foreigners and even those simply transiting through the city’s Changi Airport. Beyond equipment confiscation, you now risk a fine equivalent to over $330 USD for the first offense, and much more after that. And as usual, since Singaporean authorities aren’t exactly the “lenient” type, they’ve promised to increase checks both in the city and at the airport. This will even include searching for e-cigarettes in people’s checked luggage.

Where Should You Avoid Vaping?

Asia is where vaping is least tolerated. Beyond Singapore, this is particularly true in Thailand and India, where you also risk hefty fines or even prison time. These three countries are the most restrictive in this regard, though others on the continent like Taiwan, Brunei, Cambodia, and Indonesia (though it’s more relaxed in Bali) are also very restrictive.

Elsewhere, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt (since 2024), and the Seychelles also ban e-cigarettes on their territory, while others like countries in Latin America, Australia, and Japan only allow it under certain conditions, such as requiring the vaping liquid to be nicotine-free.

In short, it’s not always easy to navigate these rules, so it’s better to research how the country or region you plan to visit operates beforehand, knowing that problems – or more precisely, confiscation of your equipment – can start right at customs. However, in the heavily touristed areas of these countries, there’s often more tolerance on this matter. Perhaps simply to help people forget that beyond vaping, there are activities and other practices in places like Thailand or India that are far more serious and worth combating. But apparently, that seems to be a different story for local authorities…