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Top 10 Countries Turning Tourists Away

Ian Hernandez

Japan: Overtourism Triggers Tighter Restrictions Japan: Overtourism Triggers Tighter Restrictions (image credits: unsplash) Japan has seen unprecedented tourist numbers since reopening post-pandemic, with a record 3.08 million visitors in March 2024 alone, surpassing pre-COVID figures. In response, authorities have implemented strict crowd-control measures in hotspots like Kyoto and Mount Fuji. For instance, Kyoto’s Gion district …

10 Countries Where Homeownership Is Practically Impossible

Ian Hernandez

Hong Kong: Sky-High Prices and Limited Space Hong Kong: Sky-High Prices and Limited Space (image credits: unsplash) Hong Kong has long held the grim title of the most unaffordable housing market in the world. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report, the median home price in Hong Kong is over 18 times the …

Best Times to Score Travel Deals in 2025

Ian Hernandez

1. January’s Post-Holiday Savings Surge 1. January’s Post-Holiday Savings Surge (image credits: unsplash) The first two weeks of January 2025 continue to offer some of the most remarkable fare reductions across airlines and hotels. According to Hopper’s 2025 Travel Price Outlook, average domestic airfares drop by as much as 16% compared to December holiday peaks. …

Top 10 Places Where Tourists Are No Longer Greeted Warmly

Ian Hernandez

Venice, Italy Venice, Italy (image credits: unsplash) Venice has become a symbol of overtourism, with local residents growing increasingly vocal about their frustrations. In 2024, the city implemented a €5 entry fee for day-trippers to control the massive crowds that often exceed 80,000 people per day in peak season, compared to just 50,000 residents. According …

10 Countries Close to Telling Tourists “No”

Ian Hernandez

Italy: A Strained Hospitality Italy: A Strained Hospitality (image credits: pixabay) Italy is famous for its art, food, and culture, but the country is reaching a breaking point with the number of tourists. Venice, in particular, has introduced a tourist tax in response to a 50% surge in visitor numbers over the last ten years. …

Top 9 Happiest Countries—and 3 of the Least Happy at the Bottom

Ian Hernandez

1. Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness 1. Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: pixabay) Finland has once again taken the top spot in the World Happiness Report 2024, marking its seventh consecutive year as the happiest country. Finnish society is built on a foundation of trust, equality, and a strong social safety net, which …

10 Nations That May Soon Shut Their Doors to Visitors

Ian Hernandez

China China (image credits: unsplash) China has become increasingly cautious about permitting international visitors, especially in the wake of the recent health crises and ongoing global tensions. Since the pandemic, China has maintained some of the world’s strictest entry policies, including mandatory quarantines, health monitoring, and regular surveillance at all points of entry. By 2025, …

10 Countries Nearing a Tourist Ban

Ian Hernandez

Thailand Thailand (image credits: unsplash) Thailand, once the picture of tropical paradise, is on the verge of restricting tourism in 2025 due to mounting unrest and environmental strain. Political protests have escalated, prompting the government to impose curfews in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, raising alarms for international visitors. The famous Phi Phi Islands, …

The 8 Most Joyful Countries to Live In (Plus 3 of the Saddest You Might Want to Avoid)

Ian Hernandez

Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland continues to dazzle the world, having topped the World Happiness Report in 2023 with a score of 7.8 out of 10—and it remains a global leader in well-being today. Finnish society is built on a deep sense of trust, both in …

Top 10 Places Where Tourists Are Less Welcome Than Before

Ian Hernandez

1. Venice, Italy 1. Venice, Italy (image credits: unsplash) Venice is a city that’s practically synonymous with romance, gondolas, and dazzling canals, yet by 2025, the mood has shifted. The city has been overwhelmed by visitors, with tourist numbers up by 50% since 2010, putting immense pressure on infrastructure and daily life. In response, authorities …