Travel News April 2025

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, with tremors felt across Southeast Asia, including Thailand. The disaster has resulted in over 1,700 deaths in Myanmar, with thousands injured and missing. In Bangkok, the quake caused the collapse of a high-rise under construction, killing at least 19 people and trapping dozens more under the rubble. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, the impact has been severe, with significant damage to infrastructure, historic sites, and major tourist hubs like Mandalay, a key destination in Myanmar.

The earthquake has disrupted travel in both Myanmar and Thailand, but major airports in Thailand, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai, are operating normally after initial safety inspections. Some hotels and high-rises temporarily closed or restricted access to communal spaces, though most have since reopened. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is inspecting thousands of buildings for structural safety, and localized disruptions continue in some areas. Despite these challenges, Thailand has not declared a state of emergency, and officials have reassured travelers that the country has returned to normal operations.

As of now, travel advisories discouraging travel to Thailand haven’t been issued, but countries like the U.S. and the U.K. recommend travelers stay informed and follow local safety guidelines. Myanmar, however, has declared a state of emergency in several regions, and travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution if visiting affected areas. For those with upcoming trips, checking with airlines, hotels, and tour operators is recommended, as refund policies may vary. While Thailand’s tourism industry is expected to recover quickly, Myanmar’s historic and cultural sites have suffered extensive damage, potentially affecting tourism in the long term.

Please visit the US Federal Emergency Management Agency for additional advice about what to do in the event of an earthquake and aftershocks.

With Coachella 2025 just around the corner, festival-goers are gearing up for an unforgettable experience in the California desert. But beyond the music and art, events like Coachella are fueling a major shift in travel trends, known as live tourism, where travelers plan entire trips around concerts, sports tournaments, and cultural festivals. This trend has surged in popularity, with Millennials and Gen Z prioritizing unique experiences over material goods, leading to record-breaking travel demand around major events.

Hotels near event venues often see a 300–500% increase in average daily rates, with bookings filling up months in advance. Coachella, for example, turns Palm Springs, Indio, and the surrounding areas into high-demand hotspots, where accommodations, dining, and local attractions experience a massive boost in business. The impact extends beyond hotels, local businesses, transportation services, and entertainment venues, as visitors extend their stays to explore the area before and after the festival.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, live tourism fosters long-term growth for host destinations. Cities that invest in infrastructure improvements to support large-scale events often see continued tourism interest even after the festival ends. Social media also plays a crucial role, amplifying the global reach of events like Coachella and encouraging more travelers to book trips around once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

If you’re heading to Coachella or any major festival this year, make sure you’re covered in case of unexpected changes. Read our blog on music festival travel insurance and get the protection you need for a worry-free experience!

As spring break approaches, recent trends show an unexpected silver lining for the travel industry, even amid declining consumer confidence. According to a new survey from The Conference Board, consumer confidence has been on the decline for the past four months, with expectations about future business conditions and employment prospects at a 12-year low. However, despite this pessimism, many consumers have expressed plans to increase their spending on travel and vacations, signaling a clear shift in priorities for the upcoming season.

For spring break, this means more travelers are opting for outdoor activities and vacations, while spending on movies, restaurants, and other activities has seen a dip. With destinations like beach resorts, mountain getaways, and vibrant cities preparing for the influx of spring break crowds, it's clear that people are eager to make the most of their time off, even if it means tightening their budgets elsewhere. As travel becomes a priority, planning for smooth, stress-free vacations is more important than ever.

To make sure you're fully prepared for your next trip, check out our essential travel tips blog, covering everything from packing hacks to safety must-haves. Plus, don’t miss our guide to must-have travel apps to help you find the best deals, navigate new destinations, and stay organized on the go. And for added peace of mind, explore our travel insurance options to ensure your vacation is protected from unexpected events. Whether you’re heading to a beach or an adventure-packed destination, planning can make all the difference for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, is welcoming visitors again after enduring over 20,000 earthquakes between January 26 and February 22. The seismic activity led to a state of emergency, prompting evacuations as locals and tourists fled the island. However, officials have now declared Santorini safe, with infrastructure reinforced and civil protection plans updated to ensure the well-being of both residents and travelers.

On March 23, the island took a major step toward recovery as it welcomed its first cruise ship since the tremors subsided. Celestyal Cruises’ Discovery arrived with approximately 1,700 tourists, signaling a return to normalcy. Greece’s Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni, reassured visitors that scientists are closely monitoring the situation and that Santorini is fully prepared to host tourists again.

Despite its volcanic past, Santorini remains a sought-after summer destination, attracting 2.5 million visitors annually. Officials are optimistic about a strong recovery for the island’s tourism sector, emphasizing that no major damage was reported during the earthquakes. Businesses, schools, and local attractions have reopened, and the island is ready to welcome travelers looking to experience its stunning caldera views and famous sunsets.

As Santorini recovers from this natural event, officials are also addressing long-term concerns like overtourism, which has put pressure on the island’s infrastructure. With safety measures in place and a renewed focus on sustainable tourism, Santorini is eager to bounce back and continue offering unforgettable travel experiences.

While Santorini is once again ready for visitors, unexpected events like natural disasters can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans. Protect your trip with travel insurance and get a quote with Trawick International today!

Japan is set to launch its own electronic travel authorization system, JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), aimed at streamlining immigration procedures and improving border security. This new e-visa will be required for travelers from 71 countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Tourists will need to complete an online application before departure, allowing authorities to better manage visitor inflows.

With a goal of attracting 60 million international visitors by 2030, Japan is making strategic adjustments to address the challenges of overtourism. One of the most affected sites is Mount Fuji, which saw over 200,000 climbers last year. In response, officials are implementing a new entry fee of 4,000 yen (approximately $27) for all four major climbing routes, doubling the previous charge on the popular Yoshida Trail. Daily hiker limits remain in place to ensure visitor safety and preserve the natural environment.

Beyond Mount Fuji, Japan is introducing additional measures to regulate its booming tourism industry. Several cities, including Kyoto, will implement higher lodging taxes, while the government is considering raising the departure tax for travelers from 1,000 to 5,000 yen. These funds will be used to improve infrastructure, manage tourist hotspots, and create a more sustainable experience for visitors and locals alike.

As Japan rolls out new travel policies, stay informed and prepared for any unexpected changes.