Chinese tourists escaping the cold flock to Malaysia for Lunar New Year festivities

More people in China are choosing to stay away from their villages and families during the Lunar New Year, according to Chinese national and businessperson Xue Gang, 44.

“Our parents do not mind, and even my parents are currently travelling around China.

“Maybe next year I will bring them to Penang to witness the celebrations here,” he said.

Xue, who was in Malaysia’s Penang state with his wife, daughter, and friends, said festive performances were no longer common to enjoy back home.

“If we want to watch performances and celebrations, we have to take a train to Shanghai, the closest major city to where we live,” he said.

“While it is nearby, it can be crowded, and most of the time we skip it.”

Instead, the group of seven chose to spend the festive break in Malaysia.

“It is cold back home now, and we heard good things about Malaysia. We are surprised by how grand the celebrations are here,” he said.

“Malaysians still follow many of the traditions that we have stopped observing.”

On Tuesday, at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Batu Feringghi, hotel guests were treated to acrobatic lion dances, a mask-changing performance, and a dragon dance set to the sound of giant drums.

The lion dance troupe paraded throughout the resorts, spreading blessings to guests and associates, accompanied by performers dressed as the God of Prosperity and the Laughing Buddha.

Li Liangyu, 34, who is in Penang with her husband, Han Bin, 38, and daughter Yun Xi, three, said her family wanted to escape the cold in Henan province and spend time by the beach.

“We used to celebrate back home, but since the birth of our daughter, we have chosen to tra­vel and introduce her to different places, particularly those with a beach,” Li said.

“It can be cold during this time, so last year we took her to Singapore, and this year we chose Penang,” she said.

Li said she had expected a simple celebration.

“We were surprised by the local scene and how grandly they celebrate the Lunar New Year. There are a lot of colours, decorations, and performances,” she said.

Li said she was particularly surprised that even hotels held lion dances and other performances.

“Back home, other than having a reunion dinner with family, we do not do much. We just spend time with friends and relax,” she said.

“If we want to watch performances, we have to go to specific places,” she said.

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Golden Sands resorts’ communication director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said the hotels ushered in the Year of the Horse with a line-up of festive celebrations.

“We invite guests to experience the rich traditions and joyous spirit of the Lunar New Year,” he said.

“The celebration included the traditional lion eye-dotting ceremony, multiple performances, and a yee sang tossing ceremony.”

These Are the Most Affordable Domestic and International Destinations to Visit in 2026, According to Expedia

With travelers already planning trips well into next year, affordability is playing a bigger role in where people choose to go in 2026. And some of the best-value destinations for the year ahead aren’t just easy on the wallet, they’re also diverse, culture-rich, and often overlooked.

Spanning both domestic and international picks, new data from booking site Expedia shows the most budget-friendly destinations boast hotel stays averaging under $150 a night, making travel feel accessible without cutting corners.

Within the U.S., Expedia’s list skews toward smaller cities and secondary hubs, where hotel rates tend to be lower. The city of Laughlin, Nevada, which sits about 90 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, tops the list. That was followed by Bakersfield, California; El Paso, Texas; and Reno, Nevada. All four cities serve as bases for exploring nearby desert landscapes, national parks, and iconic road trip routes.

Other standouts included Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which came in at No. 6 and No. 8 on the list, respectively. There, revitalized downtowns, live music, and growing arts scenes come with far more reasonable hotel rates than larger metros.

In California, Riverside and San Bernardino, at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, offer more affordable SoCal options boasting easy access to both the coast and the mountains.

When it comes to the company’s international picks, the destinations span familiar favorites to under-the-radar spots.

In Mexico, Guadalajara and Mérida stand out for walkable historic centers and vibrant culinary scenes, while South American metropolises like Bogotá, Salvador, and São Paulo weave art, music, and eclectic dining into everyday life. Finally, Asian hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City remain perennial favorites for their spectacular street food and buzzy nightlife.

Overall, travelers can maximize value by flying into secondary airports rather than major hubs, like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) instead of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For international trips, the biggest savings usually come from simple but savvy choices: using public transit, visiting low-cost or free sights, and taking advantage of delicious street food options.

This is the full list of the top 10 most affordable destinations for 2026, according to Expedia.

Domestic:

Laughlin, Nevada

Bakersfield, California

El Paso, Texas

Reno, Nevada

San José, California

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Huntsville, Alabama

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Riverside, California

San Bernardino, California

International:

Salvador, Brazil

Guadalajara, Mexico

Bogotá, Colombia

Mérida, Mexico

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

São Paulo, Brazil

Bangkok, Thailand

Edmonton, Canada

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Iran’s 5 Euro Entry Fee: A Review of Global Tourism Fee Models

Parliament Passes Law: Every Foreign Tourist Must Pay 5 Euros. However, Is Iran Alone on This Path? A Look at a Global Trend from Bali to Mexico.

Imagine a plane landing softly on the runway of Imam Khomeini Airport. You are a European tourist who has been planning for months to see Iran’s wonders. As you pass through the gate, you notice a new fee: the equivalent of 5 Euros in entry fees. You may be a little surprised, but this is a new story of modern hospitality; a story being told not only in Iran but all over the world.

Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly has recently passed a law that requires every foreign tourist entering the country by air to pay an amount equivalent to 5 Euros in fees. This money is to be spent directly on strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving airport services, and protecting the environment. But where did this idea come from? Is Iran reinventing the wheel or just joining a global club that already has many members?

From the paradise of Bali to the mountains of New Zealand

Let us take a virtual trip around the world. If your destination is the dream island of Bali in Indonesia, you will have to pay about 10 euros in fees upon arrival. Thailand also plans to charge about 9 euros from each incoming passenger from 2026, part of which will be used to pay for the tourist’s own insurance.

But New Zealand has gone one step further and charges between 20 and 57 euros when applying for a visa as an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to protect its pristine nature.

In the Americas, the Dominican Republic charges $10 upon arrival, and Mexico charges about 12 euros in airport fees in the tourist region of Quintana Roo.

Different models for a common goal

But not all countries take money at the door. Japan, a meticulous and orderly country, has a different approach. They charge you around 8 euros when you check out, which is usually added to the price of your plane ticket, and you may not even notice it.

The Bahamas, like Japan, charges around 27 euros when you check out.

It is interesting to note that Europeans are less likely to resort to direct airport taxes. In Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, ​​instead of an entry fee, you pay a nightly occupancy tax. This means that for every night you stay in a hotel, a small amount is added to your bill and used to improve the city’s services and infrastructure. This is another way to achieve the same goal: sustainable tourism development.

Iran and a global decision

Now back to Iran. The decision to charge 5 euros per tourist is not a strange innovation, but rather a completely logical and global trend. Tourism is like a big party, and every party has its costs.

These small fees are actually a contribution from each guest to help the host to welcome more guests of better quality in the future. This policy helps governments to provide the resources needed to maintain attractions and improve services without putting a strain on public budgets.

Turkish Airlines Unveils Its 500th Aircraft Featuring a Special Livery of 100,000 Employees

Turkish Airlines, operating one of Europe’s youngest fleets, has reached another significant milestone in its journey that began in 1933 with a modest fleet of five aircraft. Joining the fleet at the end of 2025, the 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’ was unveiled during a special launch event today by the Turkish flag carrier.

The unveiling of the 500th aircraft, featuring a special livery featuring photographs of Turkish Airlines’ 100,000 employees and retirees, was held with wide and meaningful participation, reflecting the spirit of unity and solidarity. The event at Istanbul Airport was attended by executives from Turkish Airlines and its subsidiaries, former senior executives, employees, and retirees, as well as prominent figures from the aviation industry.

The launch also featured children of martyrs who gave their lives for the Turkish nation, representing all 81 provinces of Türkiye, and the cast of Turkish Airlines’ memorable Iğdır* (When You Dream) commercial. This special gathering once again demonstrated that Turkish Airlines’ growth story consists of not only numbers but also shared effort, loyalty, and solidarity.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof.  Ahmet Bolat stated at this special event: “Our 500th aircraft represents far more than a new addition to our fleet; it stands as a symbol of 93 years of dedication, determination, and shared vision. Having considerably accelerated our journey to the top after 2003 with 65 aircraft, today we take pride in reaching 356 destinations across six continents with over 500 aircraft. Twelve years ago, when we filmed our ‘When You Dream’ commercial with 247 aircraft and 247 destinations, the 500th aircraft was a dream. Witnessing that dream become reality today holds a special meaning for the entire Turkish Airlines family. We see our 500th aircraft not as a milestone marking an end, but as the beginning of the ‘Second 500’ era. In line with our goal of reaching a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036, we remain committed to positioning our country as one of the global hubs of aviation.”

As part of this unveiling, the “TK Family” aircraft performed a special ceremonial flight, tracing the number 500 in the sky to mark the beginning of the airline’s ‘Second 500’ era. Operated under flight number TK500, the flight carried the children of martyrs and their families, along with Turkish Airlines executives, former senior executives, and employees.

Aircraft representing key milestones in Turkish Airlines’ fleet expansion were also showcased at the event venue, alongside a full-scale replica of the airline’s first aircraft, drawing significant interest. The fleet milestone aircraft were introduced in the following years:

100th Aircraft – August 2006

200th Aircraft – November 2012

300th Aircraft – February 2016

400th Aircraft – March 2023

500th Aircraft – December 2025

While continuing to enhance operational efficiency and passenger comfort through investments in modern aircraft, Turkish Airlines remains committed to strengthening its fleet in line with its sustainable growth strategy. The 500th Aircraft symbolizes not only the airline’s current strength but also its vision of reaching a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036.

Drawing strength from its heritage as it confidently moves toward the future, Turkish Airlines continues to write new success stories in global aviation, guided by its principle of “growing together, rising together.”

This City Just Ranked as the World’s Safest City for Terrorism Risk, According to a New Report

Known for its incredible art scene, amazing food, historic sites, and an endless array of beauty products, the city of Seoul has plenty to offer travelers. And now, it has also been named the safest city in the world when it comes to the risk of terrorism.

That honor was granted by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, which recently put out its annual list naming the safest cities in the world.

Travelers visiting Seoul can freely explore historic landmarks like the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung, where they can watch the changing of the guard or stroll through the impressive grounds, a beautiful contrast with the city’s modern skyline. And lively neighborhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae are hot spots for shopping, local street food, K-pop culture, and nightlife.

The city’s efficient subway system makes it easy to reach attractions like the traditional tea houses of Bukchon Hanok Village, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and the vibrant markets of Namdaemun and Gwangjang. For those who enjoy the outdoors, nearby Bukhansan National Park offers scenic hiking trails, while the Han River provides bike paths, parks, and river cruises.

And while tensions on the Korean Peninsula often capture global headlines, these issues rarely affect daily life in Seoul.

Beyond Seoul, the city of Reykjavik was once again named the world’s safest overall city since “there’s not a single neighborhood in Reykjavik that’s not exceptionally safe.” Copenhagen, Zurich, Amsterdam, and Honolulu followed that.

Reykjavik also came in second on the list for safety from the threat of terrorism, followed by Honolulu, Zurich, and Copenhagen, rounding out the top five.

To come up with its list, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection said it surveyed more than 1,500 travelers who have personally visited the cities. These travelers then rated their experiences across several areas, including safety, crime, terrorism risk, transportation, health services, and the safety of groups, including travelers of color and LGBTQIA+. Responses were combined with external data to produce a comprehensive safety ranking for each city.

“Sometimes it’s hard to define the ‘why?’ out of these numbers… But the index is made up of many parts, and even one single voter who happened to have a bad time in a city can move it down in the rankings,” Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection wrote in its report, adding, “We feel good about these results, but consider this a start and not an end.”

The company recommended travelers consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories, which classify countries from the lowest Level 1 to the highest Level 4 warning.

Niagara Falls Is Experiencing Its ‘Frozen Falls’ Effect, Here is How to See the Icy Spectacle

The East Coast has had a cold winter, cold enough that even Niagara Falls, which at its peak sees over 3,000 tons of water drop 32 feet every second, has been affected. As below-freezing temperatures have set in and the water volume has naturally decreased, one of winter’s most spectacular natural phenomena has arrived: the “Frozen Falls.”

When the Niagara Falls become the Frozen Falls, icicles dangle from the cliff edges, and clouds of frozen mist bathe the scene in a filmy white. Anything in the path of the mist is coated in ice, and a frozen bridge forms over the Lower Niagara River. The result is a frozen fairytale-like scene. In addition, while the falls don’t completely freeze over due to the kinetic energy created by the flowing water, they did once (more on that below).

From the U.S., the best view of the Frozen Falls is found at Prospect Point, which overlooks the American Falls. Other good viewing places include the Observation Deck (when open) or the Cave of the Winds Gorge Trip, which gets you even closer to the frozen wonder. The Frozen Falls effect is best viewed from the U.S. side of the falls because the water flow is stronger on the Canadian side.

The Frozen Falls effect happens when there is decreased water flow in the winter; 75 percent of the water that feeds the falls from Lake Erie is diverted to hydroelectric stations, and the water is below freezing temperatures. Temperatures in the teens and single digits have been the norm at Niagara Falls for much of January and February, and the Niagara Falls website notes that they are expecting the temperature to drop to -1-degrees-Fahrenheit this coming weekend.

The only time the Frozen Falls truly and fully froze was in March 1848, when massive ice fields on Lake Erie blocked the source of the Niagara River. The decreased water supply and movement, paired with polar March temperatures, were enough to fully freeze the falls. The full freeze was a short-lived phenomenon that lasted for 30 hours, but according to the Niagara Falls website, the freeze lasted long enough for people to ride horses and ice skate over the basin.

The Niagara Falls are open daily, year-round. Entrance to the park is always free, and in the winter, the crowds thin. This spring, Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S., is also absorbing the two neighboring state parks: Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park. The move will improve access to nearby offerings, encouraging travelers to extend their stay.

The Beloved Italian Tourist Spot Now Charges an Entrance Fee, Here’s What to Know Before You Go

New entrance fees for Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain are now in effect, requiring travelers to pay up for the chance to throw a coin into the historic site.

The new fee, which started on Feb. 2 in an effort to reduce crowding, requires tourists and non-residents to pay €2 ($2.36) for a ticket to visit the front area of the Trevi Fountain, according to Rome’s official tourism department. The fee is required every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The admission ticket can be purchased online in advance, at the city’s civic museums, from tourist info points, from authorized retailers, or at the entrance to the fountain, according to the Trevi Fountain’s website.

Roman residents, young children up to 5 years old, and people with disabilities and their carers are exempt from the admission fee.

“The admission ticket helps protect the Trevi Fountain and ensure better maintenance,” officials wrote on the fountain’s website.

Rome’s Assessor of Tourism Alessandro Onorato told The Associated Press he believes the fee is quite moderate.

“I think tourists were shocked by the fact that the city of Rome is only asking for 2 euros for a site of this level,” Onorato said. “I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least $100.”

In addition to the fee to visit the Trevi Fountain, the city will now charge a new €5 ($5.90) tourist ticket fee to enter some museums, the AP noted. With the new fees, the wire service reported officials estimate the city could earn an extra €6.5 million ($7.6 million) per year.

The current Trevi Fountain was first constructed in the 1700s after being commissioned by Pope Clement XII, according to Rome’s tourism site. The fountain then underwent a restoration from 1989 to 1991, and again in 2014. In its long history, it’s been featured in countless movies and is a must-see for visitors to the Eternal City.

Many visitors today choose to toss a coin into the fountain since it’s believed that if you do, you’ll return to Rome. Moreover, those looking for romance or marriage can toss a second or third coin in for a bit of good luck. The tradition is so popular that officials collect about $10,500 each week to give to charity.

Travelers hoping to visit the fountain without paying can still see it from afar. The admission fee is only required to enter the internal perimeter of the basin.

This Epic New Luxury Train Will Take You Across 5 Countries Along the Silk Road

For thousands of years, travelers and merchants have journeyed along the famed Silk Road for commerce, transit, and inspiration. Now, a new luxury train is making it easier than ever to experience the beauty and majesty of the historic route.

Geographic Expeditions (GeoEx) will launch a new 2,400-mile journey across five different countries with departures planned for both 2026 and 2027. The Grand Silk Road by Train will bring travelers from China to Uzbekistan over the course of 22 days.

“Throughout the journey, revel in rare access visits, expert guiding, and thoughtful immersion into centuries of history and artistry,” GeoEx wrote on its website about the journey. “There is no better way to discover this ancient route than by luxury train, traversing the miles in unmatched style and comfort.”

Start the trip in Beijing, exploring the Forbidden City and climbing the Great Wall, before heading to Xian to view the famous Terracotta Warriors. Travelers will then have the opportunity to ride camels in the Gobi Desert, take a private flight to Kazakhstan’s largest city, taken in stunning Islamic architecture in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and more.

The tour will operate on the Golden Eagle trains, which boast comfortable cabins with day and night designs, a bar lounge fitted with a baby grand piano, and high-end dining.

Each GeoEx trip starts at $50,700, based on double occupancy. The price includes accommodations, ground transport, airport transfers, most meals, and gratuities, along with secondary medical expense insurance and evacuation services.

Luxury train travel continues to be a popular choice in 2026 with plenty of opulent options around the globe to choose from. This year, golf enthusiasts can ride across Italy, playing some of the most iconic golf courses along the way, sampling fare from a Michelin-starred chef as they go, and enjoying traditional aperitivo in the sumptuous cars. Or ride from Paris to Italy’s Amalfi Coast aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express starting in May complete with a stay at the five-star Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast.

In North America, travelers can board the Rocky Mountaineer and ride through the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper or head from Vancouver all the way to Banff while enjoying the views from the glass-domed coaches. Or book one of the new private rail cars along Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and California Zephyr routes complete with multiple bedrooms to spread out in, a lounge with a viewing dome, and chef-prepared meals.

Southwest Just Rolled Out Its Most Controversial Policy Change, What to Know

For the first time in more than 50 years, travelers on Southwest Airlines will have assigned seats, and customers of size who need additional space will have to purchase an extra seat in advance of their flight.

The changes took effect today, Jan. 27, 2026, and ended two policies Southwest has long been known for: open seating, which allowed passengers to choose their own seats at boarding, and a free extra seat policy for customers of size.

Both policy shifts mimic those found on other major U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and American.

Southwest’s new assigned seating policy makes it so customers choose their seats during the ticket booking process, with the option to upgrade for extra legroom seating or preferred seating. Travelers who book the airline’s “Basic” fare will be assigned a seat at check-in. The assigned seating shift includes the arrival of a group-based boarding process for all Southwest flights.

Meanwhile, Southwest’s new policy for “customers of size” states that travelers who do not fit between their seat’s armrests or encroach on neighboring seats are required to buy an extra seat in advance of their flight.

The new policy states that if the plane naturally has an extra seat, the passenger has 90 days after the trip to request a refund for the extra seat they paid for. If the plane is full, no refund will be given. Meanwhile, if adjacent seats are not available at the time of booking, the Southwest policy states that “we’ll try to rebook you on another flight where adjacent seats are available.”

It is important to note that if a customer of size shows up at the airport without an extra seat and it is determined that they need one, they will be required to purchase an additional seat at the airport. If the flight is full or adjacent seats are not available, they will be rebooked on another flight with available seating.

The policy also states, “Southwest may determine, in its sole discretion, that an additional seat is necessary for safety purposes.” It notes that if this determination is made after boarding and the flight is full, the traveler may need to deplane for rebooking.

The change marks a big shift for Southwest customers, but ABC News notes that the new policy is still “more generous than most other U.S. airlines, which don’t offer any such option or refund.”

The seating changes follow Southwest’s May 2025 decision to end its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, which guaranteed passengers two complimentary checked bags regardless of fare.

How Gen Z Is Changing the Travel Industry and Where They Plan to Go in 2026

Maybe it is shared climate anxiety or distrust in corporate America, but Gen Z is not waiting to see the world. They’re taking it by storm right now, and they are traveling in a way that is far different from other generations.

In fact, more than half of Gen Z adults are already considered frequent travelers. “Millennials paved the way and created this sort of idea that travel is a right, not a privilege,” says travel analyst Lindsey Roeschke, adding that Gen Z has built upon this mindset, continuing to prioritize travel above more traditional paths. While other generations are more likely to wait until they have a certain level of income before spending on trips, 61% of Gen Z travelers earn less than $50,000 annually, according to a study by Bankrate.

Gen Z is famously skeptical, and many are hesitant to trust the long-term promises that come with traditional careers. “Jobs and job security are not promised to any of us,” says travel influencer Raimee Iacofono. With travel more accessible than ever before, many Gen-Zers prefer to start their journeys as soon as they can.

Gen Z travelers have different priorities from older generations.

While cost has traditionally steered decisions for first-time travelers, many of today’s young explorers are booking based on their values. Gen Z is more likely to research how companies treat employees as well as their approach to sustainability, and these considerations impact their purchasing decisions.

“You can’t earn brownie points with Gen Z,” says Roeschke. When it comes to the companies they support, Gen Z travelers view ethical practices as the bare minimum.

On Southeast Asia travel, travel influencer Kayli King says, “People are becoming more conscious, and you would have conversations about the exploitation of animals.” Travelers speak more openly about how they can support more ethical businesses, and Gen Z travelers are also more likely to point out which businesses still need to earn their approval.

Beyond this, this generation is more likely to prioritize adventure, mental health benefits, and cultural experiences. This attitude makes them more likely to visit places they have never been before and travel for longer periods of time. Part of this is age-specific rather than generation-specific, but it solidifies travel as an outlet for these young adults to connect with nature, different cultures, and themselves.

Where is Gen Z traveling next?

According to travel app Hopper, Gen Z and Millennial travelers checked prices to destinations in Asia 50% more often in 2023 than they did pre-COVID. Kiwi Report and tour company Contiki also listed Thailand as one of the most popular destinations for Gen Z travelers in 2023. Thailand is a typical starting point for travelers embarking on a Southeast Asia tour, and it has been blowing up on social media alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian destinations.

Southeast Asia ticks all the typical Gen Z boxes. First of all, it is far less expensive than other popular destinations. As Kayli says, “The caliber of nature and landscape and the different things you can see for the price is honestly unbeatable.”

There are also several notable, “Instagrammable” rites of passage, including the Ha Giang Loop, Koh Phangan’s full moon party, and the Komodo Tour.

While Southeast Asia’s value and beauty have famously made it popular for young travelers and backpackers, it is also the culture shock that appeals to Gen Z. “Southeast Asia is a place that alters your brain chemistry,” Raimee says.

Gen Z’s growing share in the travel market continues to impact the way it operates, in many ways for the better. It forces us to recognize our privilege as travelers, reevaluate the institutions we support, and enjoy travel for travel’s sake.