In the know

The latest news to inspire you to see the world

Thailand expands visa-free travel for 93 countries

Thailand has expanded its visa-free travel for Australians from 30 days to 60 days as part of a new tourism scheme. The visa can be extended up to 30 days more through the Thai immigration bureau. Ninety-three countries and territories are eligible for the new scheme, up from 57 previously. The changes are part of the South-East Asian nation's latest efforts to boost travel and tourism.

Most powerful passports list

The Singapore passport has just been named the world’s most powerful travel document in the Henley Passport Index, which has been tracking 227 countries and territories around the world for 19 years. Following Singapore, the next most powerful are Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Spain which jointly hold second spot and third in the ranking are South Korea, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Uber expands its boat options across Europe

Uber has expanded its Uber Boat service across popular cities like Ibiza, Venice, and Athens. The rideshare company told Travel + Leisure that the options include private yachts, water limos, and more. The Ibizia experience allows for users to pre-book a private yacht for the day for up to eight people for 1,600 euro. The eight-hour hire includes a personal skipper, a bottle of champagne, and snacks. Uber Boat launched in August and will run until the end of September.

Spain set to become the most visited country in the world

According to a report by Google and Deloitte, Spain is set to be the most-visited country in the world by 2040. Currently ranked number two after France, Spain is well-known for its beaches, year-round good weather and delicious food. In 2023, around 84 million people visited Spain and it’s predicted that by 2040, this number will increase to 110 million visitors (followed by France, 105 million). For now, France remains the most-visited country in the world.

16 DAY ANTIQUITIES OF TURKEY WITH GULET PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR

An unparalleled experience. Sail the Aegean Coast on a traditional gulet, explore Cappadocia’s fairytale landscapes, see Istanbul’s grand sights, Hadrian’s Gate, the battlefields of Gallipoli.

• Small group tour, no more than 14 guests

• 5-star hotels, 3 nights sailing the Turkish Riviera on a traditional Turkish gulet

• Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide

• Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia

On land and sea in one of the world’s most incredible countries, including guided visits in Athens and Ephesus and sail the Aegean Sea

• Small, intimate group experienceno more than 24 guests in mainland Greece

• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

• 3 nights in 4-star premium accommodation

• 5-day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises in an exterior cabin

• Travel in comfort with luxury coach transportation

Amazing trip...loved every minute of it. Our guides were amazing and went above and beyond to give us a great holiday. The accommodation was definitely 5-star.

Enjoy the culinary delights and sights of Istanbul and tick off your bucket list: the battlefields of Gallipoli, ancient Troy, the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, picture-perfect Santorini, and more

• Intimate small group experience in Turkey with up to 20 guests

• 7 nights in centrally located, 4-star accommodation

• 1 night stay in deluxe, 5-star accommodation

• 6-day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises

• Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 7 dinners