Traveling Just to Sleep

Sleep tourism is the latest sub-sector to carve out a major space within the broader wellness travel industry.

The concept is beautifully simple because it flips traditional vacation logic entirely on its head. Instead of packing your itinerary with back-to-back sightseeing, excursions, and late nights that leave you needing a vacation from your vacation, you book a getaway with a single goal: getting high-quality, restorative sleep to heal both body and mind. It’s a direct response to the collective burnout and chronic stress of our fast-paced modern lives. Welcome to the 21st century!

It makes perfect sense when you look at its roots, which trace back to the pandemic. The era of global lockdowns, endless screen time, and heightened anxiety triggered a quiet epidemic of insomnia and sleep deprivation.

Travel insiders quickly recognized a growing demand for experiences that offer pure restoration—a chance to disconnect, clear the mind, and enjoy absolute peace and comfort. All in the name of a good night’s rest.

Over the last two or three years, the concept of sleep tourism has truly solidified. Backed by significant investment, new dedicated retreats blend cutting-edge technology—think AI-driven smart beds—with traditional sleep medicine. And to say it’s taking off would be an understatement.

From North America and Asia to Scandinavia, Switzerland, and pockets of France and Spain, top-tier destinations are embracing this ultimate detox. Interestingly, these sleep-centric retreats are popping up in two completely different environments: isolated, off-grid nature spots and bustling urban hubs where state-of-the-art technology is used to block out the city and engineer the perfect, silent sleep cocoon.

There is something for every travel style and budget. You can choose to recharge in a secluded cabin, a cozy mountain chalet, an intimate boutique hotel, or a world-class luxury resort. For those looking for a deep scientific dive, there are even specialized sleep clinics. The goal remains the same: resetting your natural circadian rhythm.

To achieve this, these properties feature meticulously engineered rooms. Think smart mattresses that auto-adjust to your body shape and temperature, advanced soundproofing, and total blackout setups paired with specialized circadian LED lighting that stimulates melatonin production—the natural “sleep hormone.”

The experience usually extends well beyond the bedroom. Guests can enjoy specially curated, light, sleep-inducing menus, custom herbal teas, and pre-bedtime meditation or yoga sessions designed to quiet a racing mind. Naturally, a strict digital detox from phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi is highly encouraged.

For the ultimate sleep reset, some high-end properties offer comprehensive health check-ups. This includes consultations with sleep specialists and overnight monitoring using sensors and tracking technology to analyze your sleep architecture. The ultimate goal isn’t just a great vacation; it’s about giving you a personalized, actionable blueprint to ensure you keep getting peaceful, restful nights long after you’ve returned home.

A Long Way to Go, But Reasons for Optimism

The Amazon is finally catching a brief break, and conservationists are hoping it marks a lasting trend. Last year, deforestation in the Brazilian portion of the rainforest dropped to its lowest level since 2019.

According to satellite monitoring and environmental observers, roughly 985,000 hectares (about 2.4 million acres or 3,800 square miles) of forest were cleared. While that is still an incredibly high number, it represents a promising 20% decrease compared to the previous year. Crucially, it pushes the annual destruction back below the symbolic threshold of one million hectares.

This downward trend offers real reasons to look forward, especially with the current Brazilian administration setting an ambitious target to completely halt illegal deforestation by the next decade. Still, the urgency remains clear: despite the recent progress, an average of five trees are still being cleared every single day—primarily driven by cattle ranching and agricultural expansion.

Which Countries Make Up the Amazon?

While the Amazon is most famous for its massive footprint in Brazil—which contains nearly two-thirds of the jungle—the world’s largest rainforest actually stretches across eight other South American nations.

Spanning a total area of 5.5 million square kilometers (about 2.1 million square miles), the Amazon basin is shared among the following countries:

• Brazil: ~60%
• Peru: 10%
• Colombia: 7%
• Bolivia: 6%
• Venezuela: 6%
• Guyana: 3%
• Suriname: 2%
• Ecuador: 1.5%
• French Guiana: 1.5%

Between Network Shifts and a Return to Normalcy

It’s been a major talking point: between the conflict itself and its ripple effects—specifically rising fuel costs—airlines have been forced to pivot. This has led to higher ticket prices and, more significantly, a total reconfiguration of flight networks. Carriers are balancing security concerns with profitability, often temporarily cutting less lucrative routes to focus on stable markets. The global sky certainly looks different than it did a few months ago.

Unsurprisingly, the Gulf region has been hit the hardest. More than a third of flights have been canceled over the past several weeks, with schedules being adjusted daily based on the latest news.

Despite this, legacy carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways are fighting to maintain their programs, waiting for a return to normalcy by opening new routes or shifting flight paths. Etihad Airways, for instance, is doubling down on Africa, recently adding service to several new cities. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s focus on Africa isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a strategic move to find growth elsewhere.

The Rise of New Hubs and Transatlantic Stability

Africa is actually emerging as a winner in this shift, with air traffic on the continent up by about 20%. This is driven by a surge in domestic demand, but also by the “rerouting” of global aviation. African hubs like Addis Ababa, home to Ethiopian Airlines, have become vital workarounds for travelers looking to bypass the conflict zone on the Europe-Asia axis.

While these workarounds help, they haven’t fully made up for the dip in traffic across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, regions that traditionally rely heavily on Middle Eastern hubs for passenger transit.

The impact is also being felt in Europe, which is seeing fewer arrivals from that part of the world. However, the European market is showing its signature resilience. Many travelers who used to connect through the Gulf are now opting for full, direct flights offered by European carriers.

Closer to home for our North American readers, the news is even more stable. While ticket prices are trending upward, demand for intra-European travel and transatlantic routes remains very strong. Geographically removed from the heart of the crisis, the Americas have largely been spared from the major disruptions affecting the rest of the world.

The Bottom Line

While the events at the start of the year caught many off guard, the initial phase of high anxiety has given way to practical solutions. Aside from the Middle Eastern countries on the front lines, the rest of the world has adapted quickly to avoid a drastic drop in flight volumes.

This doesn’t mean the industry is in the clear—especially for smaller airlines that were already on shaky ground—but for now, the global travel network is proving it can weather the storm. As long as the current geopolitical situation persists, expect these new routes and price adjustments to become the new temporary “normal.”

Hotels, Transport, and Everything in Between

One could argue that, until recently, there simply wasn’t enough breathing room for these upgrades. Before regional tensions shifted the travel landscape, Dubai was operating at full throttle. Authorities were occupied with managing millions of annual visitors, often prioritizing only the most profitable or high-profile “megaprojects.”

However, given the current climate, Dubai has pivoted toward a new wave of construction and refinement. The goal? To unveil a side of the city that is even more ambitious and grand than the one we already know.

A Fresh Look for Iconic Landmarks

The hospitality sector is leading the charge. With several “mega-hotels” seeing a temporary dip in occupancy or brief closures, management teams have seized the opportunity to renovate. Many long-planned refurbishments are finally underway. This includes significant work on the Burj Al Arab—the iconic, sail-shaped silhouette that remains the definitive symbol of luxury for the city and the United Arab Emirates.

Moving Millions: Taxis and the Metro

On the ground, transportation is seeing a massive boost. Hundreds of new taxi licenses have recently been granted, with the goal of bringing the city’s fleet to a staggering 7,000 vehicles.

For those who prefer public transit, the long-awaited Gold Line project for the Dubai Metro has officially been approved. Designed as a model for sustainable urban travel, this underground line will span approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) and serve 18 stations. Crucially, it will provide vital links to the existing metro lines and the Etihad Rail network, making the city more accessible for travelers arriving from other parts of the country.

A More Inclusive, World-Class Destination

The upgrades don’t stop at transport and hotels. The city is also modernizing its beaches to maintain their status as world-class coastal retreats. Furthermore, new digital tools are being implemented to facilitate better communication and feedback between tourists and local operators.

In a significant step toward accessibility, Dubai has also introduced a new Sign Language Charter. This initiative aims to establish the city as a global gold standard for inclusive travel, ensuring that every visitor—regardless of ability—can navigate the city with ease.

It’s clear that a “new-look” Dubai is emerging from this period of transition, ready to welcome the world back with even more flair and efficiency.

Traveler Tip: Getting to Dubai from the U.S.

For American travelers, Dubai remains highly accessible via Emirates, which offers direct flights from major hubs like NYC (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Chicago (ORD). While U.S. citizens currently enjoy a 30-day visa-on-arrival (free of charge), it is always worth checking the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before booking your trip to ensure a smooth journey.

Every major airline has at least one—think Atlanta for Delta Airlines or Paris-Charles de Gaulle for Air France. In fact, some of these hubs have become practically unavoidable crossroads on major international air routes, much like the Gulf airports connecting Europe and Asia.

Now, a new player is stepping up to the plate, poised to become an essential transit point for air traffic between Europe, Africa, and North America. That country is Morocco, anchored by its bustling Casablanca hub.

A Prime Geographical Location

To run an efficient hub, an airline first needs a strategic geographical location along its target air routes—if only to save passengers from taking massive detours to reach their final destination. It also helps immensely to have a national carrier with a solid international network and a robust fleet capable of supporting these high-flying ambitions. As it turns out, Morocco checks all these boxes.

The country enjoys a highly unique position: it’s the gateway to Africa, an immediate neighbor to Europe, and the closest point on the African continent to the Americas. That’s a massive ace up its sleeve.

As for its national carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), it’s becoming an increasingly powerful force in the skies. Beyond its original mission of flying the Moroccan diaspora and European tourists in and out of the country, RAM has seriously broadened its horizons in recent years. Its ambitious goal? To transform into a world-class global airline capable of bridging continents and transporting tens of millions of passengers.

To make this happen, Moroccan authorities aren’t holding back, pouring significant financial resources into the project. Their “Objective 2030” (tying into the year Morocco will co-host the FIFA World Cup) aims to skyrocket the country’s airport capacity from 30 million annual passengers to a staggering 80 million. This push will be driven by a rapidly expanding national airline—now a proud member of the Oneworld alliance alongside US-favorite American Airlines and British Airways—which plans to quadruple its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037.

Supporting this massive operation on the ground is Casablanca’s mega-airport, Mohammed V. Outfitted with new terminals and ultra-modern facilities, it’s designed to handle the influx of transit flights. The flight schedules are also being hyper-optimized for seamless connections: planes arriving from across Africa will land just before wide-body jets take off for North America or Europe, and vice versa. For US and UK travelers, this means shorter layovers, fewer headaches, and a much smoother journey.

Currently, Royal Air Maroc serves around 50 cities in Europe, over 30 in Africa, and soon eight in North America. According to aviation experts, these route numbers are set to climb year after year. With heavily backed infrastructure and a growing global footprint, Morocco certainly holds all the right cards to become the ultimate bridge between these three continents.

Streamlining the Visitor Experience

Unsurprisingly, this new policy is designed to manage the massive crowds that flock to the monument during peak seasons, ultimately improving the experience for every visitor.

Beginning this fall, groups will no longer be able to purchase tickets directly at the monument’s ticket windows as they have in the past. Instead, they must use the official authorized booking site.

On the other hand, there are no changes planned for individual travelers. If you are visiting solo or with a small family, you can still buy your tickets on-site for same-day admission.

The Eiffel Tower: The World’s Most Replicated Monument

Between the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, most experts agree that France’s iconic landmark is the most copied monument in the world, narrowly beating out its New York counterpart.

It’s an impressive feat for a structure that only opened in 1889. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Paris World’s Fair, the tower was initially loathed by many French artists and intellectuals. They viewed the 984-foot metallic structure as an eyesore and even campaigned for its demolition.

However, as is often the case with bold new projects in France, once the controversy settled, the Eiffel Tower skyrocketed in popularity. It quickly became the globally recognized symbol of Paris and France. Today, it remains one of the world’s most visited—and therefore most imitated—tourist attractions.

From China, Mexico, and Bolivia to Indonesia, Pakistan, and various corners of Europe, the Eiffel Tower is everywhere. But it has found its most famous second home in the United States. The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on the Strip offers a concentrated (and perhaps a bit kitschy) version of Parisian life as imagined from across the Atlantic.

Opened in 1999, the Paris Las Vegas is a titan of the Strip. With nearly 86,000 square feet of gaming space, a vast “French-themed” shopping mall, 2,916 rooms, and over 4,000 employees, it is one of the city’s largest resorts. It is also one of the most recognizable, thanks to its 541-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower—exactly half the height of the original—which features a stunning observation deck at the top.

As for how a replica of the French icon ended up in the Nevada desert? It dates back to the 1990s when Line Renaud, a legendary French singer and Las Vegas fixture, personally asked the then-Mayor of Paris, Jean Tiberi, for permission to let a second Eiffel Tower take center stage in the middle of Las Vegas.

Expected Later This Year

While the specific details and an official launch date have yet to be finalized, the project is gaining momentum and is expected to take effect sometime this year. The ultimate goal is for every traveler to provide proof of insurance covering medical expenses before they even depart for Thailand.

Alternatively, authorities are considering an automatic entry fee—rumored to be less than $11 (€10)—which would function as a flat tax to provide every visitor with basic healthcare coverage.

This move is largely driven by the financial strain on hospitals in major tourist hubs like Phuket and Chiang Mai, which currently face massive annual deficits. Nationwide, unpaid medical bills are estimated to exceed $2.7 million (€2.5 million) annually, often resulting from scooter or diving accidents. These mounting costs have significantly weakened the Thai healthcare system, prompting the government to seek a sustainable solution.

Current Entry Requirements for Thailand

To encourage tourism, Thailand has recently streamlined its entry process for many nationalities, including American, British, and European travelers.

Currently, if you are traveling for tourism, you only need a passport in good condition that is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. U.S. citizens can stay for up to 60 days visa-free (an increase from the previous 30-day limit). You may also be asked to show proof of a return or onward flight, and occasionally, proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

It is also important to note that since 2025, the old paper arrival forms have been phased out in favor of a digital system. This is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Every traveler, regardless of nationality or mode of transport, must complete this free online registration at least 24 hours before arrival. The only exception is for passengers who are only transiting through a Thai airport.

As a result, many carriers have reached a breaking point. To stay afloat or minimize losses, they are being forced to hike ticket prices, overhaul their flight paths, and slash flight volumes. For travelers, this means more than just “sticker shock” at checkout; it presents a real risk of last-minute cancellations and reduced flight frequencies in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Here is a snapshot of how the industry is reacting across the globe:

Across Europe

• Air France: Surprisingly, the French flag carrier is currently less impacted than its peers. This is because they successfully “hedged” their fuel costs—locking in lower rates for the current half-year before the crisis hit. While ticket prices are still rising and domestic frequencies are being trimmed, major cancellations are currently unlikely (with the exception of routes to Cuba and parts of the Gulf).
• KLM: The Dutch carrier is the latest to scale back operations. Roughly 160 European flights scheduled for May have been scrapped, as they are no longer “financially viable” given current fuel prices.
• Lufthansa: The German giant recently announced the grounding of its CityLine subsidiary. Its fleet of around 30 aircraft was deemed too old and fuel-thirsty to remain profitable in this environment.
• Norse Atlantic: This long-haul low-cost carrier will not be operating its summer service between Los Angeles (LAX) and several European capitals, including Paris.
• Ryanair: The budget king has warned passengers to expect a 5% to 10% reduction in its flight schedule between May and July.
• SAS: The Scandinavian carrier was among the first to react, canceling a thousand flights in April—primarily across its Nordic network—with similar cuts expected to follow.
• Volotea: The low-cost carrier has already reduced several regional routes, notably those serving Corsica, citing the Middle East crisis and soaring fuel overheads.

Around the World

• American Airlines: Despite trying to hold the line, the US powerhouse is now consolidating traffic into its primary hubs and abandoning secondary routes for both domestic and international service.
• Delta Air Lines: Starting this month, Delta has cut numerous domestic rotations, a move mirrored by several other major US carriers and budget airlines.
• United Airlines: United was the first major US carrier to react aggressively, slashing its flight volume by 5% as early as March.
• Air New Zealand: The carrier has trimmed its domestic and regional networks while simultaneously raising fares. Expect about a 5% reduction in overall activity until market conditions stabilize.
• Cathay Pacific: The Hong Kong-based airline and its subsidiaries have cut their flight schedules by 5% to 6% for the May and June period.
• Gulf Carriers: Being in close proximity to the conflict, carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways are facing massive disruptions. Despite their location, they still purchase fuel at market rates. Currently, Emirates has seen a third of its flights affected, while Qatar Airways has had to cancel or reschedule up to three-quarters of its operations, leading to significant price hikes for passengers.
• African Airlines: Due to infrastructure challenges, aviation fuel is often more expensive in Africa than elsewhere. Local carriers are struggling, with many reducing flight volumes. In Nigeria, some airlines are even considering a total suspension of domestic service in the near future.
• Chinese Airlines: Most are pivoting away from “secondary” direct flights, choosing instead to funnel passengers through major hubs toward only their most profitable destinations.
• Indian Airlines: For the moment, Indian carriers have chosen to pass the cost directly to the consumer with heavy price increases rather than cutting routes. However, industry analysts suggest this strategy may not be sustainable for long.
• Vietnam Airlines: The carrier has significantly reduced or suspended most domestic routes and several non-priority international flights, a measure expected to last for several months.

Additional Travel Risks

Beyond fuel costs, several routes are being suspended or heavily restricted due to the inherent risks of flying near conflict zones. This includes travel to Israel and various Gulf airports.

Furthermore, travel to Cuba is becoming increasingly difficult. Several Canadian carriers, Spain’s Iberia, and even Air France have recently announced they are abandoning service to Havana for the time being, citing both economic and operational challenges.

Whether you’re wondering about the best way to get local currency or how much a bowl of street-side Pho will set you back, we’ve got the answers for your upcoming Vietnamese adventure.

Understanding Currency in Vietnam

First things first: the local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Today, it exists almost exclusively in paper (or more accurately, polymer) banknotes. While coins technically exist in denominations of 200 to 5,000 dongs, they have been rendered obsolete by inflation and are rarely seen in daily transactions.

Expect to carry a lot of bills and—momentarily at least—become a millionaire! Banknotes range from 1,000 to 500,000 dongs. To give you some perspective, a 500,000 VND bill is worth approximately $20 USD (around £16).

Where to Exchange Money

Currency exchange booths, banks, and authorized money changers are everywhere in major cities and tourist hubs. Interestingly, you can often get some of the best rates at local jewelry shops or through hotels and travel agencies.

Pro-tips for exchanging:

• Compare rates: Don’t settle for the first booth you see at the airport.
• Check the condition: Ensure the USD or EUR bills you bring are crisp and clean; many places will refuse torn or heavily creased notes.
• Ask for small bills: Large denominations are hard to break for small purchases like street food or water.
• Watch the zeros: It’s easy to confuse a 50,000 bill with a 500,000 bill at a glance. Always double-check your change!

The ATM Dilemma

While ATMs have sprouted up across the country, they aren’t always the most efficient way to get cash. Most Vietnamese ATMs have a relatively low withdrawal limit—often less than $100 (£80) per transaction.

Between the local machine fees and the foreign transaction fees from your home bank, those small withdrawals can add up quickly. Treat ATMs as a “last resort” or a backup rather than your primary source of cash.

Which Currency Should You Bring?

The US Dollar (USD) is the most widely accepted foreign currency. In the tourism sector—hotels, tours, and high-end restaurants—prices are often quoted in USD. Euros (EUR) and British Pounds (GBP) are also easily exchangeable in cities, but the Dollar remains the “gold standard” for travelers here.

Ways to Pay: Cash, Card, and Apps

• Cash is King: While hotels and modern boutiques accept major credit cards (including contactless), you’ll need cash for markets, street food, and smaller guesthouses.
• Digital Payments: Locals use QR code payments (like MoMo) everywhere. However, these usually require a local bank account.
• The Grab Exception: For transportation, download the Grab app (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber). You can link your international credit card to the app, allowing you to pay for rides and food deliveries seamlessly without needing physical cash.
• The Exit Strategy: The Dong has no value outside of Vietnam. Try to spend your remaining cash or exchange it back to USD/EUR at the airport before you fly out.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Vietnam remains one of the most affordable destinations for Western travelers. If you are traveling as a couple on a backpacker budget, you can comfortably get by on $45 to $55 per day. For those seeking a bit more comfort and mid-range amenities, a budget of $65 to $90 per day is usually plenty.

Note on Visas: For US and UK citizens, you will likely need an e-visa before arrival. Ensure you factor in the $25 application fee when planning your initial costs.

Price Breakdown

To give you a better idea of what things cost on the ground, here is a quick breakdown (estimated in USD and GBP):

• Budget Guesthouse (Double Room): $11 – $17 (£9 – £13)
• Mid-range Hotel (Double Room): $33 – $45 (£26 – £35)
• Street Food or Local Market Meal: $2.50 – $3.50 (£2 – £2.75)
• Tourist Restaurant (Full Meal): $17 – $22 (£13 – £17)
• Car with Private Driver (Full Day): $65 – $110 (£50 – £85)
• Bicycle Rental (Day): Under $6 (£4.50)
• Motorbike/Scooter Rental (Day): $9 – $13 (£7 – £10)
• Local Bus or Train: $2.50 – $3.50 per 60 miles (£2 – £2.75)
• Domestic Flight (One-way): $55 – $110 (£43 – £85)
• Halong Bay Day Trip: $45 – $65 per person (£35 – £50)

What Might Break the Bank?

• The Tet Festival: During the Vietnamese New Year (late January to February), prices for transport and accommodation skyrocket, and many shops close.
• Halong Bay Cruises: While a must-do, high-end overnight cruises can take a significant bite out of a modest budget.
• Western Luxuries: Imported goods, wine, and Western-standard luxury services are priced similarly to what you’d find at home.

Bargaining and Tipping

Bargaining: This is a standard part of the culture in souvenir shops and markets. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 50% of the initial asking price and meet somewhere in the middle. Be aware that “tourist prices” exist; if a price seems high, it probably is.

Tipping: Tipping isn’t strictly expected in local bars or restaurants, but it is highly appreciated. For tour guides, it is customary to tip around $6 – $7 per day, and about half that for private drivers. It’s also polite to leave a small donation in the collection boxes at temples and pagodas.

A five-month hiatus

In total, the site was closed for five months of renovation work. Reopening this April, the Catacombs have been modernised to enhance the visitor experience for the 600,000 people who flock there every year.

The ossuary now boasts upgraded technical facilities and more efficient ventilation, alongside structural reinforcements designed to better preserve the site and the millions of remains it holds. These updates ensure the Catacombs can continue to welcome visitors for many years to come.

The remains of six million people

This eerie Parisian site is the largest underground ossuary in existence. Originally former limestone quarries, the tunnels were converted into an ossuary in the late 18th century to house the remains of approximately six million people. These remains were transferred from various Paris cemeteries that had become dangerously overcrowded—a move dictated at the time by “public health” concerns.

Since then, the site has never ceased to fascinate the curious, evolving into a key Parisian landmark managed by the Musée Carnavalet (the museum dedicated to the history of Paris). Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors explore these tunnels—steeped in macabre legends—on strictly supervised tours.

Practical Information

A typical visit lasts about an hour, following a one-way circuit of roughly 1.5 kilometres. You’ll find yourself some 20 metres below the streets of Paris in a constant temperature of 14°C.

The entrance is located at Place Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th arrondissement. The site is open daily (except Mondays) from 9:45 am to 8:30 pm. Tickets are priced at €31 for full admission, which includes an audio guide. Given its popularity, booking in advance is highly recommended during the peak season.