Your Daily Dose of Travel Gossip

UK imposes visa ‘emergency brake’ on four countries amid crackdown on visa misuse; halts sponsored study visas | - The Times of India

The UK Home Office has announced an “emergency brake” on certain visa routes for nationals from four countries following what officials described as w.

H-1B Visa 2027: USCIS opens March registration window with new rules; deadline March 19 | - The Times of India

The US Department of Homeland Security earlier introduced a new rule changing how H-1B visa program registrations are selected, introducing a weighted.

9 major deserts around the world and their most iconic attractions

The conventional image of deserts is that of an endless expanse of sand dunes with no signs of life, but the truth is that deserts are among the most breathtaking landscapes on the face of the Earth. These deserts, though receiving extremely low rainfall,

Discover Europe with an island-hopping trip this summer | Euronews

In 2026, so-called 'island hopping' – visiting multiple islands by sea or air – emerges as a leading luxury travel trend. We map routes across Europe.

How do flight tracking websites work? | Euronews

With airspaces closed across the Middle East due to the Israel-Iran conflict, we explain the data behind real-time tracking of the world’s aviation industry.

Qatar Airways to operate relief flights from Muscat and Riyadh | Euronews

While Qatar’s airspace remains closed, the airline is set to begin operations in nearby cities to help those who are stranded due to the US-Israel and Iran conflict.

APAC travel trends pt. 2: AI, loyalty ecosystems and the experiences boom | PhocusWire

The second part of our APAC travel trend series focuses on loyalty, experiences and technology's role in the "digital-first" region.

Etihad suspends Abu Dhabi flights until March 6 amid regional airspace closures | - The Times of India

The airline Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 06:00 UAE time on Friday, March 6, as ongoing airspace closures acros.

Tourists beware: Strict international laws abroad that can land tourists in serious trouble

Travelling abroad often feels like stepping into a parallel world, new languages, new food, new rhythms of life. But what many travellers forget is that laws travel with geography, not with you. What may seem harmless in Delhi, London, or New York could b

Dubai Airports update: Emirates suspends all scheduled flights until March 7 amid regional airspace closures - The Times of India

In another update, Emirates airline has cancelled all scheduled flights to and from Dubai until March 7, 2026 (until 23:59 UAE), amid regional airspac.

Thailand waives overstay fines for travellers hit by Middle East flight disruptions | - The Times of India

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced urgent relief measures for foreign nationals who have been unable to leave the country due to travel disr.

Yellowstone’s Largest Acidic Geyser Erupts for the First Time in Nearly a Decade

Echinus Geyser has erupted in Yellowstone National Park after years of silence.

Lighthouse introduces ChatGPT app for direct hotel booking | PhocusWire

Powered by Connect AI from Lighthouse, The Hotels Network app in ChatGPT is open to hotels across the world.

Lonely Planet launches travel app to expand digital platform strategy | PhocusWire

The travel app combines guidebook expertise with interactive maps, local tips and trip-building tools.

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room; releases emergency contact numbers of Indian embassies | - The Times of India

Amid the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a special control room to assist I.

These Are the Best (and Worst) Months to Fly to Avoid Delays

AirHelp analyzed 248 million passenger trips to pinpoint when delays were most common.

Kuwait Visit Visa Extension: Kuwait extends visit visas, eases residency rules as Middle East travel disruptions strand travellers | - The Times of India

Amid ongoing travel disruptions linked to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Kuwait has temporarily eased certain immigration rules to support .

Packing Valuables? Avoid These Mistakes in Your Hotel Room

Before you stash your rings, watches, or passport in a “clever” spot, read this. A jewelry expert shares where thieves look first in hotel rooms—plus smarter, low-effort ways to store valuables while you travel.

‘Trips are pretty much on hold’: Iran war risks €40 billion loss in Middle East visitor spending | Euronews

For the tourism industry in the Middle East and Gulf region, the fallout from the conflict is projected to be acute.

Where Gen Z Is Moving in the U.S. for Jobs and Affordability

New data from MovingPlace reveals where Gen Z is relocating in 2026, from Minneapolis to Midtown Manhattan—and why these ZIP codes are winning them over.

Lisa Vanderpump on Opening Her First Hotel in Las Vegas—and How Her Past Travels Have Inspired Her

Ahead of the opening of her first hotel, Lisa Vanderpump opens up about airline drama, old-school luxury, and the travel habits she refuses to compromise on.

The U.S. Upgraded Its Travel Advisory for This Coastal Asian Destination Over Kidnapping Risk

Travelers to a tropical island getaway in Southeast Asia are being encouraged to remain vigilant due to rising crime and threats.

In Memoriam: Rafeeuddin Ahmed

With deep sadness, and on behalf of Ms. Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the global tourism community joins the UN family to mourn the passing of Mr. Rafeeuddin Ahmed.

Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka is steeped in natural beauty and cultural significance: See the epic view | Travel

The Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, Sri Lanka, is situated on a hilltop surrounded by lush green valley, and houses the largest statue of the deity in the country.  | Travel

Roadside is piled with garbage…deeply disheartening; what followed was a conversation the Andamans needed | - The Times of India

A photographer's viral post highlighting the garbage problem in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands sparked a nationwide debate. The photographer expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the islands' pristine beauty is threatened by visible waste

Mews, Sojern, Shiji and more travel and tourism news from ITB Berlin 2026 | PhocusWire

At ITB Berlin 2026, travel and tourism companies revealed new products, partnerships and innovations.  

Global Search | UN Tourism

UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation join hands to support Rural Artists and Artisans Across Africa

Five African NGOs will now have the funding they need to support artisans and uplift communities thanks to a groundbreaking joint project from UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation.

Kyrgyzstan: A prime destination for nature tourism, mountain adventures and nomadic hospitality | Euronews

With more than 90% of the country covered by mountain ranges, Kyrgyzstan offers visitors an impressive natural spectacle.

India to operate 58 flights to Gulf today to aid stranded passengers amid West Asia airspace disruptions: What we know so far | - The Times of India

Indian airlines are significantly increasing flights to the Gulf on March 4th to address a travel crisis caused by West Asian airspace restrictions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced 58 special and regular services by carriers like IndiGo and Air I

5 places in India where Holi is not celebrated: Know their stories

Holi, the festival of colours, is often described as India at its most exuberant, streets in pink and yellow, drums beating into the afternoon, strangers turned friends in clouds of gulal. From Mathura to Mumbai, it is chaos, joy and ritual rolled into on

APAC travel trends pt. 1: Traveler behavior, growing markets and what's coming next | PhocusWire

In part one of a two-part feature, PhocusWire takes a deep dive into the current travel trends defining APAC and what the landscape may look like moving forward.

Colour-coded getaways: 6 destinations in India perfect for Holi long weekends - The Times of India

Holi is all about colours. However, in recent years, the festival has become more of a movement. The festival carries a growing urge to step out, to c.

Booking CFO: The AI Threat Isn't 'Really a Risk at All'

Booking CFO Ewout Steenbergen said Tuesday the traffic that his company gets from the LLMs "is very small" and "it's not growing."

Dmrc: Holi 2026: Delhi Metro services to remain suspended till 2:30 PM today | - The Times of India

If you are planning to travel via metro in Delhi today, take note of the timings. As per the reports, metro services across the national capital will .

Expedia CFO: 'We Radically Changed the Direction of the Company'

CFO Scott Schenkel said the Expedia Group team "radically changed the direction of the company over the course of the last 6 to 9 months."

What Is Hyatt Privé — and Is It Actually Better Than Booking Direct?

How to get the special perks like free breakfast and room upgrades from Hyatt Prive.

Navan launches AI travel assistant for unmanaged business travelers | PhocusWire

The assistant is available to business travelers who don’t have access to Navan through their employers, allowing them to manage their travel plans and address disruptions.

Inside Nemacolin’s NFL Draft Weekend

While the recent NFL season may have come to a close, there’s a new opportunity for football fans to get in the game.

UK’s CMA launches investigation into Hilton, IHG and Marriott | PhocusWire

The investigation is part of a probe into “suspected sharing” of sensitive information.

U.S. Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for 13 Countries Telling Americans to Depart Immediately—What to Know

Travelers are being advised to leave the Middle East as soon as possible due to rising security threats in the region.

Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises Cancel All Stops to This Popular Destination Over Safety

Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises have all rerouted ships.

Tourism Fiji Launches First-Ever AI Travel Planner On Chinese TikTok

Tourism Fiji, in partnership with Douyin Travel, has officially launched the Fiji AI Travel Planner on Douyin (China's TikTok).

Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro timings changed for Holi; here’s what travellers need to know | - The Times of India

Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro services will have revised operational hours on Holi, March 4th, commencing at 5:00 PM and concluding at 10:00 PM. This temporary adjustment allows staff and passengers to celebrate the festival.

Middle East flight cancelled? Here are your passenger rights and travel insurance advice | Euronews

Several international airlines cautiously resumed a small number of flights from the UAE on Monday and Tuesday.

5 of the worst travel crisis the world has seen since 2020

Air travel was once seen as the ultimate symbol of global connectivity, a system so vast and technologically advanced that it seemed almost unbreakable. But since 2020, that illusion has shattered repeatedly. From a pandemic that grounded nearly every air

Etihad suspends all Abu Dhabi flights until March 5; passengers told not to travel unless contacted directly | - The Times of India

Etihad Airways has suspended all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until UAE time on Thursday, March 5, citing ongoing regional airsp.

Time to change your kid's school bag? 8 durable backpacks from top brands now on discount; get up to 50% off | Travel

Top school backpacks from brands like Safari, Uppercase and American Tourister offer style, space, and practicality for young students. | Travel