White Lotus Buzz Can't Reverse Thailand's Tourism Decline
Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14% to 2.6 million, government data show. That's the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders.
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Condé Nast Traveler
25 minutes ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
These Are the Top State Parks of 2025, According to Google Maps Data
The United States is home to some incredible stretches of nature—from expansive coastlines to vast canyons to sparkling waterfalls, there are so many different types of landscapes to explore. Sure, national parks like Yellowstone, Zion, and Acadia are more than worth a visit, but if you're looking for something a bit less crowded, easier to access, more affordable, and in close proximity to some of the coolest cities in the country (day trips from NYC, Portland, and Las Vegas are all possible), it's worth taking a deeper dive into our country's best state parks. To help, we've compiled a list of the most popular state parks in the country in 2025 based on data from Google Maps, and have included the best places to stay near each to help you plan out your next trip. This data is compiled from information on the state parks with the most Google Maps direction requests from January 1, 2025, through early August 2025. From hiking through the red Aztec sandstone formations in Nevada's Valley of Fire to spotting manatees in Florida's Blue Springs to glimpsing the Statue of Liberty in New Jersey's Liberty State Park, these are the most popular state parks in the United States in 2025. benedek/Getty Valley of Fire State Park Location: Southeastern Nevada Less than an hour outside of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is home to gorgeous red Aztec sandstone formations that are especially worth viewing during sunrise and sunset when they give the appearance of being on fire (hence the name). The park itself is somewhat small, so it's ideal for a day trip from Vegas—which is perfect since there aren't many places to stay that are any closer. There are a number of hikes worth enjoying, as well as scenic drives you can do without ever having to leave the comfort of your car. Fold it into a trip you're planning to Las Vegas to truly get the best of both worlds—stay at a luxe Las Vegas resort for a few nights and then swap over to a Valley of Fire campground for a bit of outdoor adventuring under the stars. Where to stay near Valley of Fire State Park: Liberty State Park Location: Eastern New Jersey
Fast Company
3 hours ago
- Fast Company
Why is tourism down in Vegas this summer? Some blame Trump
Tourism in Las Vegas is slumping this summer, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors compared to last year, especially from abroad, and some officials are blaming the Trump administration's tariffs and immigration policies for the decline. The city known for lavish shows, endless buffets and around-the-clock gambling welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, an 11% drop compared to the same time in 2024. There were 13% fewer international travelers, and hotel occupancy fell by about 15%, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Mayor Shelley Berkley said tourism from Canada — Nevada's largest international market — has dried up from a torrent 'to a drip.' Same with Mexico. 'We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren't so keen on coming in right now. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally,' Berkley told reporters earlier this month. Ted Pappageorge, head of the powerful Culinary Workers Union, called it the 'Trump slump.' He said visits from Southern California, home to a large Latino population, were also drying up because people are afraid of the administration's immigration crackdown. 'If you if you tell the rest of the world they're not welcome, then they won't come,' Pappageorge said. Canadian airline data shows fewer passengers from north of the border are arriving at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Air Canada saw its passenger numbers fall by 33% in June compared to the same time a year ago, while WestJet had a 31% drop. The low-cost carrier Flair reported a whopping 62% decline. Travel agents in Canada said there's been a significant downturn in clients wanting to visit the U.S. overall, and Las Vegas in particular. Wendy Hart, who books trips from Windsor, Ontario, said the reason was 'politics, for sure.' She speculated that it was a point of 'national pride' that people were staying away from the U.S. after President Donald Trump said he wanted to make Canada the 51st state. 'The tariffs are a big thing too. They seem to be contributing to the rising cost of everything,' Hart said. At downtown's Circa Resort and Casino, international visits have dipped, especially from Canada and Japan, according to owner and CEO Derek Stevens. But the downturn comes after a post-COVID spike, Stevens said. And while hotel room bookings are slack, gaming numbers, especially for sports betting, are still strong, he said. 'It's not as if the sky is falling,' he said. Wealthier visitors are still coming, he said, and Circa has introduced cheaper package deals to lure those with less money to spend. 'There have been many stories written about how the 'end is near' in Vegas,' he said. 'But Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a destination worth visiting.' On AAA's annual top ten list of top Labor Day destinations, Las Vegas slipped this year to the last spot, from number six in 2024. Seattle and Orlando, Florida — home to Disneyworld — hold steady in the top two spots, with New York City moving up to third for 2025. Reports of declining tourism were news to Alison Ferry, who arrived from Donegal, Ireland, to find big crowds at casinos and the Vegas Strip. 'It's very busy. It has been busy everywhere that we've gone. And really, really hot,' Ferry said. She added that she doesn't pay much attention to U.S. politics. Just off the strip, there's been no slowdown at the Pinball Museum, which showcases games from the 1930s through today. Manager Jim Arnold said the two-decade-old attraction is recession-proof because it's one of the few places to offer free parking and free admission. 'We've decided that our plan is just to ignore inflation and pretend it doesn't exist,' Arnold said. 'So you still take a quarter out of your pocket and put it in a game, and you don't pay a resort fee or a cancelation fee or any of that jazz.' But Arnold said he's not surprised that overall tourism might be slowing because of skyrocketing prices at high-end restaurants and resorts, which 'squeezes out the low end tourist.' The mayor said the rising cost of food, hotel rooms and attractions also keeps visitors away. 'People are feeling that they're getting nickeled and dimed, and they're not getting value for their dollar,' Berkley said. She called on business owners to 'see if we can't make it more affordable' for tourists. 'And that's all we want. We want them to come and have good time, spend their money, go home,' the mayor said. 'Then come back in six months.'
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Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I've Lived in Italy for Over 40 Years—These Are the Most Beautiful Islands No One Talks About
Everyone's heard of Sicily, Sardinia, and fashionable Capri, but when it comes to enchanting islands, Italy has much more to offer than the usual headline acts. And few people realize that the country's coastline is actually peppered with over 350 idyllic islands, from picture-perfect Favignana to car-free Panarea to rugged Marettimo. Some islands are remote and hard to reach, while others require less effort. Some are chic, while others are laid-back and rustic. One word of warning, though: Italians adore their islands and make a beeline for them during their summer holidays. So, if you don't want to share your slice of paradise with lots of others, avoid traveling there in July and August. If true solitude is what you're seeking, visit during the winter months—you may be the only visitor. Here are some of the most underrated islands in Italy. Favignana Favignana Lighthouse at dusk. FrancescoAn hour's ferry ride from Trapani, Sicily, butterfly-shaped Favignana—known for its jagged shoreline, sandy beaches like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, and hidden coves lapped by impossibly clear Tyrrhenian waters—is the largest of the three Egadi Islands. Hire a small boat from the port (Capitan Sinagra is a good bet) to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, then explore on land by scooter (rentals available from Brezza Marina). When hunger calls, head to Osteria del Sotto Sale for fresh seafood and pasta before retreating to Dimora dell'Olivastro, a tranquil guesthouse set among olive groves. Marettimo Aerial view of a village on Marettimo most remote of the Egadi Islands, tiny Marettimo—accessible via ferry from Trapani—remains delightfully rustic thanks to its limited accessibility, near absence of cars, and lack of large hotels. The main (and only) town has a cluster of whitewashed, blue-shuttered buildings by a shabby port. Here, travelers spend their days swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the surrounding protected waters, exploring sea caves and grottos, or hiking fragrant trails. Marettimo Residence, an eco-friendly aparthotel with sea views, offers an excellent home base for exploring. Salina Lingua coastline on middle of the seven Aeolian Islands, sleepy Salina is famed for its Malvasia wine and capers. Small, whitewashed villages dot its coast, with Santa Marina serving as the central hub—and the best place to hire a boat for exploring by sea. Days here are blissfully simple: swimming in crystal-clear waters off pebbly beaches, lingering over fresh seafood, and taking in sweeping views. Don't miss the lemon granita at Da Alfredo in Lingua, dinner on the waterfront terrace of Porto Bello, and a stay at the luxe Capofaro Resort. To reach the island, take the ferry from Milazzo via Lipari (about 90 minutes). It's also accessible via ports in Sicily, Palermo, and Naples. Panarea White buildings on the coast of Panarea. RogerWith its whitewashed lanes and bougainvillea-draped terraces, Panarea is the definition of barefoot luxury. One of the easternmost Aeolian Islands, it's reachable only by ferry from Naples, Milazzo, Messina, or Reggio Calabria. Cars are banned, so visitors get around on foot or by golf cart; however, the island is arguably best explored by boat. Rent one from Sea Panarea to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and the nearby islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca before settling in for sunset Negronis at the see-and-be-seen Bar del Porto. Nights often end at Hotel Raya, famed for its rooftop cocktails and late-night soirées. Pantelleria Agricultural terraces on Pantelleria. Grey Zone/Adobe Stock Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a remote volcanic island dotted with traditional dammusi, thick-walled, domed stone dwellings built to keep out the heat. Its rugged landscape is shaped by geothermal activity, with fumaroles, mud baths, and natural saunas in place of sandy beaches. Don't miss the cave-like Grotta del Bagno Asciutto, where steam rises from the earth, or a glass of the island's famed sweet dessert wine, Zibibbo. Reserve a room at Sikelia, built around a group of typical dammusi, where the mud treatments at the spa alone are worth a stay, and dine at La Nicchia for swordfish with tomatoes, olives, and capers. Pantelleria is reachable by plane from Palermo or Trapani (it's about a 30 to 45-minute ride). Vulcano A hiker on an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea. Beyond the shore, rent a Mehari to explore the island's lush interior, where goats roam the mountainside. Then, follow the winding roads to Gelso, home to a black-sand beach and the waterfront Trattoria Da Pina, also referred to as Trattoria Dai Maniaci. Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello. Ponza A woman on a remote nature path on largest of the Pontine Islands, Ponza sits in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples, and remains largely under the radar for most international travelers. Brightly painted houses cling to cliffs above the bustling harbor, and the island's hilly terrain makes the local bus the easiest way to reach scenic trails that wind through scented vegetation to hidden bays and coves. The stunning Spiaggia di Frontone, a pebbly crescent of clear water framed by rocks, is easily reached by taxi boat from the port. Stay at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla, which boasts its own beach club, and dine at Acquapazza for fresh-caught seafood with a view. Ferries from Anzio take about 80 minutes. Procida Marina di Corricell on Procida. Frank Fell/robertharding/Getty Images Often overlooked in favor of Capri and Ischia, the tiny, low-key island of Procida charms with its lemon groves, pastel-hued fishing villages, and laid-back pace. Ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli disembark at bustling Marina Grande, lined with shops and restaurants, but the real draw is Corricella, a jumble of candy-colored houses made famous in "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Climb to the fortified Terra Murata for panoramic water views, then explore the flat terrain by scooter or bike from Sprint near the port. After a day in the sun, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, where airy accomodations offer sea views, and linger over plates of seafood pastas at Da Mariano. La Maddalena A secluded beach on La Maddalena. Salvatore/Adobe Stock La Maddalena, the largest of Sardinia's namesake archipelago, is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Palau but feels far removed from the flash of the nearby Costa Smeralda. Its pink-tinged rocky shoreline frames some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, best experienced via boat tour. The island's sole town is a lively port with shops, bars, and restaurants, while a short bridge connects it to Caprera, home to Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi's former residence and pristine beaches. Base yourself at Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma, which offers adults-only accommodations, a spa, and easy access to the archipelago. Elba Fetovaia beach on Elba the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, offers a mix of history, culture, and postcard-worthy beaches—and it's only an hour ferry ride from Piombino. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled here in 1814, and his villas remain among the island's top sights, along with the ruins of a first-century B.C. Roman villa at Punta delle Grotte and Portoferraio's hilltop Forte Stella. Between sightseeing excursions, lounge on the sweeping bay at Biodola or seek out hidden coves only reachable by boat or on foot. From Marciana Alta, ride the cable car to Monte Capanne for views as far as Corsica, then unwind with gelato in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, or Capoliveri. For a romantic base, book the standalone seafront suite at the boutique Hotel Ilio, set above Sant'Andrea Beach and surrounded by gardens. Ischia Just an hour by ferry from Naples, Ischia offers a quieter charm than nearby Capri, and Baia di Sorgeto is its hidden crown jewel. Tucked into the southern village of Panza, this rocky cove is home to natural infinity pools warmed by volcanic springs that spill into the sea. While Baia di Sorgeto feels blissfully under the radar, other hot springs on the island—such as Negombo and Giardini Poseidon—are more popular and, chances are, far more crowded. After your soak, head to Sant'Angelo, a car-free fishing village with boutiques, seaside cafés, and sweeping views, or unwind on nearby Maronti Beach. Accommodation options abound, from the cliff-top Mezzatorre Hotel and San Montano Resort & Spa to Regina Isabella Resort and the garden-filled Villa Ravino.
