Ian Hernandez
Top 10 Nations on the Verge of Closing to Tourists
Bhutan: Tightening the Gates of the Himalayas Bhutan: Tightening the Gates of the Himalayas (image credits: pixabay) Bhutan, often celebrated for its untouched beauty and “Gross National Happiness” philosophy, has recently stunned the travel world. In 2024, officials raised the Sustainable Development Fee for foreign tourists to $200 per night, a move that shocked many …
Top 10 Nations Where Tourists Are No Longer Embraced
Imagine stepping off a plane, the air thick with the scent of spices, diesel, or sea salt, only to sense a subtle chill in the way locals glance at you. Not outright hostility, not always—but a withdrawal, a shuttering of warmth. The world is changing, and so are the places that once welcomed travelers with …
Top 6 Eco-Friendly Nations and 3 That Fall Behind on Climate Goals
Sweden: Setting the Gold Standard for Green Living Sweden: Setting the Gold Standard for Green Living (image credits: pixabay) Sweden stands out as a beacon for environmental responsibility in a world grappling with climate change. The country’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2045 is not just wishful thinking—it’s backed up by concrete results, with …
Top 15 Tiny American Towns Gaining Popularity with Retirees
Beaufort, South Carolina: Southern Charm on the Waterfront Beaufort, South Carolina: Southern Charm on the Waterfront (image credits: pixabay) Nestled along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway, Beaufort has become a magnet for retirees seeking a blend of small-town warmth and coastal beauty. Recent population data shows that the number of residents over 60 has risen by …
Top 7 Happiest Countries (And 3 That Are Not)
Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland remains at the top of the World Happiness Report for 2025, with a remarkable score of 7.8 out of 10. The Finnish approach to life includes a deep focus on social equality and community, which researchers say is a major contributor …
Top 10 Passports in 2025 Ranked by Travel Power
Japan: The Ultimate Travel Freedom Japan: The Ultimate Travel Freedom (image credits: rawpixel) Japan holds onto the crown for the world’s most powerful passport in 2025, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an astonishing 193 destinations. The Japanese passport’s dominance is a direct reflection of decades of stable diplomacy, economic strength, and global …
Top 10 Countries Likely to Turn Away Tourists Soon
Japan: Overwhelmed by Overtourism Japan: Overwhelmed by Overtourism (image credits: wikimedia) Japan has long been a magnet for travelers, but the country is now facing unprecedented challenges. In the past year, tourist arrivals broke all previous records, with nearly 3 million visitors in a single month. Locals in hotspots like Kyoto and Kamakura have voiced …
Top 10 Hidden Drawbacks to Visiting Hawaii
Sticker Shock: Hawaii’s Soaring Prices Sticker Shock: Hawaii’s Soaring Prices (image credits: wikimedia) Anyone dreaming of paradise in Hawaii is quickly jolted by the reality of how expensive everything is. In early 2025, the cost of a basic hotel room in Honolulu averaged over $400 per night, a number that’s climbed faster than almost anywhere …
Top 9 Unconventional Places in the U.S. to Reignite Wonder
Salvation Mountain, California Salvation Mountain, California (image credits: unsplash) Salvation Mountain rises out of the Sonoran Desert like a fever dream, splashed in every color you can imagine. Created single-handedly by Leonard Knight, this enormous, painted mound is covered in biblical messages but also radiates a joyful, almost childlike energy. Every inch is hand-decorated with …
Top 11 National Parks to Reset Your Mind and Your Calendar
Yellowstone Where the Earth Breathes Fire Yellowstone Where the Earth Breathes Fire (image credits: unsplash) Step into a world where the ground bubbles beneath your feet and rainbow-hued hot springs steam in the morning chill. Yellowstone feels like another planet—geysers erupt with clockwork precision, bison graze in open meadows, and every sunrise brings the promise …
