News

Boracay’s White Beach Named Among World’s Best for 2025

White Beach still glimmers, luminous on the global stage of Boracay. The Philippines has always been one of the most coveted destinations among people who travel from all over the globe, and it is ranked as one of Big 7 Travel’s best beaches in the world list 2025! And for good reason: It is one of the country’s crown jewels, White Beach in particular hewing closely to notions of paradise — powder-soft sand that is brilliant white, water the color of turquoise, a landscape an embarrassment of palm trees and dense jungle. Despite sliding to No. 10 on the 2025 list, White Beach still has its draw for the old hands and sun bunnies looking to get a fix of beach paradise. Big 7 Travel’s 2025 listing is a recognition to the stunning beauty and magic of White Beach. The site’s rankings, which are determined with a combination of factors medical weight loss, including social media mentions, expert editorial votes and past rankings, provide a varied look at the beaches that have earned their place as just a little extra special. It landed on our list for its beauty, yes, but also because it is so approachable — a place that has something for all kinds of travelers, no matter who you are. The Philippines offers some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but white Beach’s notoriety is that it’s pretty in that postcard-type of way, stunningly beautiful kilometers of nearly pure-white – if slightly yellowed – sand backed by lush, tropical vegetation and lapped by sparkling crystal-clear, aqua-colored, shiny waters. This is what has drawn suitors from the world to the virginal, pristine beauty. Whether you feel like lounging on white sandy beaches under swaying coconut palm trees, or having the time of your life in the sea and in the sand, the sun, and the fun, you’ll find yourself falling in love with Boracay! The best of the lot is another holiday stunner, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach which is top in the 2025 list. Although tuwing march there was a particularly strong headwind, White Beach too made the top 10 list, solidly placing itself on the map of the world’s best beaches for that year.

Read more

Vietjet Adds Danang–Kuala Lumpur Flights; More Asia Air Updates

Vietjet is making significant strides in the aviation industry by launching a new daily direct service between Danang, Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, starting October 26, 2025. This addition enhances connectivity between central Vietnam and Malaysia’s capital, marking a key milestone in Vietjet’s expanding Southeast Asia network. Alongside this exciting development, Philippine Airlines is resuming its seasonal flights to Sapporo, Japan, for the winter season, while Loong Air is strengthening its position in the China-Malaysia travel corridor with a new Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur route. These moves by Vietjet, Philippine Airlines, and Loong Air reflect the airlines’ efforts to meet growing travel demand and improve regional connectivity in the skies. Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo, Japan, from November 24, 2025, through March 27, 2026. This return service will connect the Philippine capital to northern Japan, providing a convenient travel option for those looking to explore Japan’s winter wonders during the colder months. The seasonal route will operate for the winter period annually, offering travelers a reliable and comfortable way to reach one of Japan’s most popular winter destinations.

Read more

Germany Allows UK Tourists E-Gate Entry, Joins 3 Other EU Nations

Germany is set to grant all UK nationals access to automated e-gates once its border systems are fully upgraded to support the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), marking a significant step toward easing post-Brexit travel friction. This move, outlined in a new bilateral agreement between the two nations, reflects growing efforts to streamline mobility, reduce long airport queues, and reinforce economic and diplomatic ties between the UK and EU member states. The Cabinet Office has announced that Germany will begin allowing certain UK airline passengers to use automated passport e-gates at its airports by the end of August. Initially, this privilege will be extended to frequent travellers. All UK citizens will be granted access once Germany completes the enhancement of its border control infrastructure, aligning with the upcoming launch of the European Union’s long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES). This provision is part of a broader bilateral agreement established during a high-level diplomatic visit between the two nations.

Read more

Türkiye Launches Easy E-Visa Access for Vietnam Travelers

From September 1, 2025, Vietnamese citizens will have a much easier way to travel to Türkiye, thanks to the launch of the Türkiye e-visa Vietnam system. This new process will allow Vietnamese tourists and short-term business travelers to apply for their visas online, marking a significant shift toward simplifying travel procedures. This move is a major step forward in boosting tourism, enhancing economic exchanges, and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Türkiye. Previously, obtaining a Turkish visa was a time-consuming process that required additional steps, such as securing visas from other countries like the U.S. or Schengen nations. Starting in September 2025, Vietnamese citizens will be able to apply directly for a Türkiye e-visa Vietnam online through the official Turkish government portal. The digital visa application process eliminates the need for paperwork and reduces processing time, providing a faster, more efficient way for Vietnamese travelers to visit Türkiye. The new e-visa system for Vietnam citizens allows for quicker approval, with most applicants receiving their visas in just hours after submitting the online application and payment. The e-visa will be valid for up to 180 days from the issue date, and travelers will be able to stay in Türkiye for up to 30 days per visit.

Read more

Emirates Makes Dubai a Top Summer Spot — Key Highlights

With summer in full swing and heat cooking up several global cities, travelers may be looking to escape to cooler climes or spend time indoors. But summer in Dubai isn’t cause to shy away in fear, it is actually an invitation to experience the attractions with style, comfort and most of all, a whole lot of fun as Emirates launches great fares and easy travel plans that cater to this time of year. Already one of the world’s most dynamic cities, Dubai has been reinventing itself as a year-round destination for visitors. This summer Emirates, home to the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, welcomes all its tourist and business travelers on board with special deals on some of the most extraordinary experiences Dubai has to offer. Dubai’s appeal as a global travel destination is second to none, thanks to its commitment to all-year-round entertainment and comfort. Thanks to citywide air-conditioning systems; temperature-controlled pools; elaborate indoor theme parks and sprawling malls, such as the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, visitors can easily avoid the steaming summer temperatures. Tourists can visit Ski Dubai, the indoor snow park, the Dubai Aquarium or the incredible Museum of the Future for stuff that’s just… cool and air conditioned. For visitors looking for more cultural experiences, there are attractions like the Al Shindagha Museum and Etihad Museum that offer exciting, air-conditioned looks at the rich heritage and history of Dubai.

Read more

US Adds $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Non-Immigrant Visitors — What It Means for You

The United States had implemented a new $250 “visa integrity fee” for virtually all non-immigrant visitors to apply starting 2025. Tourists, business travelers and international students are also subject to the fee, and there is no provision for a waiver. The provision comes with the option of a refund for those who comply with their visa conditions, such as not engaging in illegal work, and respecting the visa dates. The fee increase means it will now be much more expensive for anyone to apply for a visa. The fee is among other measures intended to secure U.S. immigration and visa systems, but its implementation and potential effect on international travel have raised concerns. The United States is implementing a new “visa integrity fee” as part of the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introduced during the Trump administration. This new fee will affect all visitors requiring non-immigrant visas to enter the U.S. The fee cannot be waived, and it will apply to a broad range of visa holders, including tourists, business travelers, and international students. While the details about the specific implementation remain unclear, it is expected that the fee will bring about significant challenges and uncertainties for travelers and visa applicants. The fee, set at a minimum of \$250 for the U.S. fiscal year 2025, will apply from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The Secretary of Homeland Security, however, has the authority to adjust the fee, potentially increasing it beyond this baseline. Visa applicants will face the “visa integrity fee” as an extra cost, added on top of the current visa application fees. For example, an individual applying for an H-1B visa, which currently requires a \$205 application fee, will see the total cost rise to \$455 once this new fee is implemented. This means that visitors who are already facing high costs for U.S. visa applications will now face even steeper financial burdens.

Read more