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VISAS

A Schengen-Style Visa In South East Asia

Southeast Asia seems to be taking a cue from Europe's travel playbook with talks of a Schengen-style visa system. Thailand, the mastermind behind the plan, is rallying its neighboring countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos for a smoother entry experience.

Word on the street is that Thailand's Prime Minister is pushing this plan harder than a street food vendor hustling Pad Thai.
Apparently, they've got their sights set on hitting the tourism jackpot—80 million visitors a year by 2027.

Thailand is navigating significant economic challenges marked by a sluggish manufacturing sector and declining exports.

• Its reliance on tourism has become vital, constituting approximately 12% of the economy and supporting around 20% of the country's workforce.

The proposed Schengen-style visa scheme isn't just a casual idea—it's a strategic move to turbocharge the region's economies. Imagine it as a visa-driven revival, where everyone gets a taste of the tourism action, boosting growth and opportunities across the board.

What other changes has Thailand made to international visa agreements?

1. This week, Thailand dropped a visa bombshell: they're plotting to ditch visa hassles with Australia. No set date yet, but it's like they're swiping right on easier entry for Aussies, aiming to spice up trade and turn up the tourism heat.

2. In March, China and Thailand got cozy with a visa-free fling—30 days of no strings attached. Travel bookings soared like fireworks!

3. And remember last November? India got the VIP treatment too, skipping the visa line straight to Thailand's tropical paradise.

Most Importantly - It's all paying off big time for Thailand—first quarter of 2024 and they've rolled out the welcome mat for over nine million jet-setters. Who needs visas when you've got sun, sea, and smiles?

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Updates

1. Airbnb’s basically saying - tough luck, with their new policy called "Major Disruptive Events," meaning guests will not be refunded if weather events, natural conditions or endemic diseases cancel their travel bookings, even if the events were unforeseeable.

2. “That’s not how you build an airplane,” A Boeing whistleblower said, the company “hid the problem by pushing the pieces with force to make it look like the gap didn’t exist,” with regards to 787 & 777.

3. Good News - Japan just hit the easy button on your visa applications! If you’re from Brazil, Taiwan, Singapore, UAE, South Africa, UK, Canada, Australia, +4 other countries, you can now apply for visas electronically.

4. Start shelling out more, from the end of April 2024, visitors to venice must pay an entry fee. Day-trippers to Venice who fail to pay the €5, will face fines starting at 10 times the entrance fee, officials said on Thursday.

5. Thailand & Australia are getting cozy! The 2 countries plan to travel visa-free soon, & may soon waive visa requirements. Just in time from songkran..

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Adventures & Experiences

🌊 Songkran | Thailand 13 Apr, – Mon, 15 Apr 2024
Get your water guns ready, folks, because Songkran is about to turn Thailand into one big splash zone! Starting on April 13th, this epic 3-day festival marks the Thai New Year with wild water fights flooding the streets of Bangkok and beyond.
Tourists flock to join the fun, making it the hottest (literally!) attraction in town.
If you're up for getting drenched head to toe, Bangkok is the ultimate destination for Songkran shenanigans. But it's not just about the waterworks - expect dazzling parades and vibrant cultural displays showcasing Thailand's rich diversity.
So, grab your waterproof gear and dive into the craziest water festival on the planet! Below in My travel bucketlist is a summary of what you can do in during songkran in thailand.

🍕 Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
Italy just rolled out the red carpet for digital nomads.
If you've been daydreaming about sipping espresso in Rome while typing away on your laptop, now's your chance. But hold on, you gotta meet a few requirements - like proving you've got enough dough to sprinkle around (about €28,000 a year) and having rock-solid health insurance that'll cover you for your whole Italian adventure.
Plus they’ve got 2-3+ requirements linked in article.
Oh, and don't forget to pack your sunscreen and pasta-loving spirit because Italy's waiting to charm you with its stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. So, if you're ready to swap your office for the Colosseum, grab your laptop and start planning your dolce vita in Italy!

Deals

• Get 175,000 Bonus Points On Welcome Bonuses.

• Get a $49 New Rail Pass This Summer For France.

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• 📰 Read - Cabin Crew Shares Best Plane Travel Hacks You Need To Know

• 👁️‍🗨️ Watch - The next total solar eclipse, is going to be here.

• 😲 React - Scary stuff as engine part falls off Boeing plane during as Southwest Airlines flight takes off

My Travel Bucketlist

Splashing Through Songkran

📍 Songkran, 🇹🇭 Thailand
Over 53,000 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Songkran, Thailand's most exhilarating celebration, marks the beginning of the traditional Thai calendar & is observed with a series of rituals symbolizing purification and renewal. With over 3 days of festivities, it's a spectacle you won't want to miss, boasting a staggering 200 million liters of water splashed during the festivities nationwide! Picture yourself immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors as water splashes through the air, laughter echoing through the streets.

Join Water Fights: Get ready to splash and soak! Songkran is all about the epic water fights, so grab a water gun or a bucket and join in the friendly mayhem.

Attend Cultural Events: Immerse yourself in Thai culture by attending parades, cultural performances, and traditional ceremonies. You'll get a glimpse into the rich heritage of this vibrant country.

Indulge in Street Food: Treat your taste buds to a feast of mouth-watering street food. From pad thai to mango sticky rice, Thailand's culinary scene is a must-try during Songkran.

Party it Up: Hit the nightlife scene and dance the night away at Songkran parties. Whether you prefer beach parties in Phuket or clubbing in Bangkok, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.

Release Floating Lanterns: If you're near a river or lake, participate in the magical tradition of releasing floating lanterns into the water, symbolizing letting go of the past year's troubles.

Get a Traditional Blessing: Start the new year on a positive note by receiving a traditional blessing from monks or elders. It's believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Join water fights at Silom Road, Enjoy street food at Khao San Road.

• Day 2: Explore Ayutthaya's ancient ruins, Take a boat ride on Chao Phraya River.

• Day 3: Receive blessings at Wat Pho, Indulge in a traditional Thai massage by the river.

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

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GUESS THE PLACE

This Country is
made up of 18,000 islands.

- - - - N - - I -

Last week’s answer to:
This Country Has No Rivers - Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world with no rivers at 830,000 square miles.

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