So much for “If you build it, they will come.” Why even build it if you’re going to keep the doors locked? Japan, which just launched its digital nomad visa program, also has strict income requirements, asking applicants to earn about $5,530 per month. It is too early to gauge how popular Japan’s program will be, though it would not be surprising to see similar results to its East Asian neighbor.

Due to lower average incomes in other parts of the world, the required monthly salary to apply for a digital nomad visa is much lower.  According to Freelancermap, in Finland, you only need to make 25% of the Korean requirements – $1,315 per month. In Spain, you need roughly 2,500 per month, and in flashy Dubai, you only need to make $3,500 per month, all considerably cheaper than South Korea. 

The high income requirements imposed by South Korea make one question the ultimate value of jumping through the hoops to get a workation visa. If the F-1-D only grants you one year in the country, with the option to extend for two, would it be better to stay for three 90-day stints in the country if you won’t receive any questions for doing so? Sure, you can’t register a phone number or buy tickets online without a resident card in South Korea, but is that really worth being required to work on an employment contract and maintain a certain salary to live there for the full year?

The UK may have a better solution for attracting remote workers: make them feel at home with only a stamp in their passport. In December 2023, they updated their immigration policy. Travelers to the UK can now work remotely, provided it’s not the main reason for their visit. The remote work includes taking business calls, participating in remote meetings, and email correspondence.

In the end, South Korea may attract more tourist dollars by doing away with the workation visa altogether. Would it be better to extend the period of stay to six months for visitors and relax the rules around remote work? We will just have to wait and see what the South Korean government decides after it analyzes the data. 

For the freelancers working online who dream of living there, the land of cosmetics, K-pop, and kimchi will have to wait…for now. 

The post Are South Korea’s Stringent Digital Nomad Visa Requirements Dampening Enthusiasm? appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This decision comes in the wake of the regional government’s implementation of taxes and levies on several tourist attractions in the Karangasem area. According to I Nyoman Jati, the Bender of Purwayu Traditional Village, a 10% regional tax and levy were introduced, leading to a consensus during the Paruman to increase the ticket prices for both domestic and international visitors.

Jati confirmed on Friday (February 23, 2024), that the decision to adjust the ticket prices was made after considering the involvement of tour guides and village officials. He emphasized that the price adjustment is moderate, positioning the new rates below those of other attractions that have recently undergone similar revisions. Specifically, the entrance fee for domestic tourists will increase from IDR 30,000 to IDR 40,000, while international visitors will see an increase from IDR 55,000 to IDR 70,000.

The intention behind the modest increase, Jati remarked, is to avoid placing an undue financial burden on tourists visiting the revered Lempuyang Temple. He assured that the revised pricing is still within a reasonable range. In anticipation of the price change, Jati noted that announcements have been made on social media platforms and communication has been extended to all travel agencies, urging them to inform potential visitors of the new entrance fees effective from March 1, 2024.

Jati expressed hope that the adjustment in ticket pricing would not deter tourists from visiting the Lempuyang Temple, a site renowned for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, and remains optimistic about maintaining high visitor numbers.

Bali Recently Implemented Tourist Tax

Bali has introduced a new tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $10) for foreign visitors, effective since February 14.

This fee, collected upon arrival at the airport or through the government’s online platforms, is designated for cultural and environmental conservation, enhancing public services, and infrastructure development.

This move aligns Bali with other global destinations like Iceland, Paris, and Greece, which have also implemented or increased tourist taxes for various sustainability and infrastructure efforts.

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The ranking was established by analyzing the quality and number of reviews that visitors from around the world left on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, regarding lodging, dining, and “things to do.”

The most famous destination for 2024

As per Tripadvisor, Tokyo is the most popular destination for travel in 2024. Visitors are lining up to enter the nation.

According to Airbnb statistics provided by CNBC, Tokyo is also one of the top 24 international destinations for visitors from outside the United States this year.

Compared to the same period in 2023, search traffic for trips from Japan more than tripled for the first nine months of 2024, a greater increase than that of any other country, according to Airbnb.

Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world, is located in Tokyo, one of the most livable cities in the world.

Top 10 travel destinations in 2024 in the world

• Tokyo, Japan
• Seoul, South Korea
• Halong Bay, Vietnam
• Palawan Island, Philippines
• Sapa, Vietnam
• Bogota, Colombia
• Pattaya, Thailand
• Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This year, Seoul, South Korea, is the second most popular travel destination worldwide.

The market research firm Euromonitor International claims that in 2023, the city was among the most visited cities in Asia.

Bookings for flights to Seoul doubled from 2022 to 191%, a Trip.com representative told CNBC Travel.

Seoul, South Korea, is home to more than a dozen Fortune Global 500 companies, including Samsung and LG, and is well-known for its music and entertainment industries.

TOP travel trends for 2024

The travel trends for 2024 focus on meaningful experiences, sustainability, and wellness. Here’s a concise summary from Conde Nast Traveler magazine:

• Astro Tourism: Traveling to observe astronomical phenomena in pollution-free locations.
• Eco Diving: Choosing destinations based on sustainable scuba practices.
• Home Swapping: Exchanging homes for affordable travel experiences.
• Train Stations as Food Destinations: Train stations becoming hubs for local food and drinks.
• Sports Tourism: Traveling for sports events, enhanced by documentaries like Formula 1: Drive to Survive.
• Coolcationing: Seeking cooler climates to avoid the heat.
• Gig Tripping: Traveling for concerts and music festivals.
• Biohacking Health at Resorts: Resorts offering treatments for longevity and wellness.
• Shoulder Season Travel: Choosing off-peak travel times for better experiences and value.
• Private Group Travel: Traveling with friends or family in private groups for a shared experience.

The post Asian Destinations Are Dominating The Travel Market For 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Based on the latest data, approximately 56,043 COVID-19 cases were reported in the week of December 3–9, 2023. If you compare this with the 32,035 cases reported in the previous week, there has been a significant increase. Compared to the previous week, the average number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 has increased from 225 to 350, and the average number of cases in the intensive care unit (ICU) has increased from four to nine.

In reaction to the current circumstances, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has collaborated with public hospitals to create safety plans. These plans include a number of actions, like making sure there is a sufficient workforce and delaying elective surgeries that are not urgent. The goal is to increase the number of beds, especially for emergency cases.

The Ministry of Health plans to open a new COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) in Hall 10 of the Singapore EXPO. It will serve more than 80 stable COVID-19 patients who do not require intensive hospital care.

It is highly recommended that people with symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) stay at home. Precautions such as wearing masks, limiting social engagements, and staying away from crowded places are advised in interactions that cannot be avoided.

It has been recommended that travelers take precautions, such as wearing masks at airports, purchasing travel insurance, and avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated areas. The public is urged to use emergency departments only for serious or life-threatening situations in order to maximize hospital resources.

The ministry also underlined how crucial vaccination is in the fight against COVID-19. Those who maintain up-to-date vaccination records will see a reduction in hospitalization rates, especially if they have taken a booster shot recently.

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The program is currently in the trial phase and is scheduled to run from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024.

Holders of normal passports from the above-mentioned countries can visit China for up to 15 days without a visa under the extended visa-free program, whether for transit, business, or private purposes. The aim is to strengthen relations between the destination country and these six nations while making tourism to China more accessible to a wider international market.

Compared to the same period in 2022, the number of visitors in the first ten months of 2023 has increased fourfold, according to Trip.com, reaching more than 60% of the pre-pandemic level.

According to the data, Malaysia and Germany were among the top 10 countries from which China received tourists in the same period, with both contributing significantly more visitors than before.

Inbound long-haul traffic is also showing indications of recovery and is even exceeding pre-pandemic levels. For example, bookings from Europe to China in 2019 saw a remarkable increase of 663% compared to 2022 and 28.9% compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Since its launch in September, Trip.com’s new “China Travel Guide” has served around 100,000 foreign visitors and recorded a 30 percent increase in page views.

“China’s inbound tourism has huge potential, and if it is raised to the international median of 1.5% of GDP, it will bring at least nearly one thousand, three hundred and ten billion yuan of growth space,” said CEO of Trip.com Group, Jane Sun.

Trip.com Group has committed to the implementation of its “Nihao! China” program by signing a new framework agreement with the China International Culture Association, a calculated move to increase inbound travel. The creation of international promotional videos showcasing the attractiveness of China as a travel destination is part of this program.

The nation aims to provide a platform for inbound travel services and organize activities at significant international tourism conferences such as China International Tourism Fair, Sino-French Tourism Year, the World Conference on Tourism Development, and China-U.S. Tourism High-Level Dialogue.

The post China Announces Visa-Free Travel For Six Additional Countries appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The Shengsi Islands are home to four primary picturesque areas: Yangshan, Shengshan-Gouqi, Huaniao, and Sijiao. All of these locations are accessible via ferry. The largest of the four islands, Sijiao is known for its immaculate beaches, glistening waters, and exciting water activities. The beaches of Jihu and Nanchangtu are great for swimming, tanning, and taking in the relaxed island atmosphere. Because of the region’s distinct topography, breathtaking cliffs and rock formations provide expansive views of the sea; the archipelago has been dubbed the “Little Greece of China.”

The Shengsi Islands’ cuisine and culture are fundamentally shaped by seafood. Every day, fishermen from the islands bring in fresh catch, which is prepared in both traditional and creative ways by the local eateries.

To catch some fish on your own, be sure to visit the Fishermen’s Village on Sijiao Island and register for a one-day fishing tour. You must try the delicacies, which include crab, octopus, and the freshest fish you can imagine. Offering the best seafood in the area, the annual Fishing Festival takes place in August, while the Shengsi Mussel Cultural Festival takes place in July.

Mysterious Green Village

Houtouwan village at Shengshan Island is a very unique hidden gem. This abandoned fishing settlement may well be the greenest village in the world. Located about 40 miles from Shanghai, this lush haven was formerly a bustling fishing community, home to approximately 2,000 fishermen and their families. However, in the early 1990s, as the modest bay struggled to support the expanding demands of the fishing industry, inhabitants started to leave for the mainland. They sought alternative employment and improved living conditions, mirroring a trend observed in numerous small villages across China.

Gradually, the settlement became a ghost town, with almost every house abandoned and just a few residents remaining. Over the last twenty years, nature reclaimed the area, blanketing the buildings with a dense layer of overgrowth. The eerie beauty of the abandoned houses is heightened by the sight of decaying personal belongings and furniture, left untouched since the residents departed.

Former inhabitants of Houtouwan have now discovered a new source of livelihood in tourism. They guide an increasing number of visitors through this verdant environment, offering water as the sole commodity for sale on the island. The area is awash in varying shades of green, presenting a surreal landscape and making it a haven for photographers seeking captivating shots.

Tips for Traveling to the Shengsi Islands

The best time to visit the Shengsi Islands is late spring (mid-March to early June) or early fall (late September to early December). Typhoons, rain, lots of tourists, and incessant insects are typically associated with summer, while gale-force winds and temperatures of 46 degrees are associated with winter.

For just $15, you can take a beautiful 4- to 5-hour ferry trip from Shanghai or Ningbo to the Shengsi Islands. You can drive to Yangshan via the Donghai Bridge, but you’ll need to take a boat to any of the other islands. The islands themselves can generally be explored on foot, with the use of tour buses or leased taxis. The majority of boats to other islands leave from Sijiao Island, which serves as the archipelago’s transit hub. 

The majority of the islands’ reasonably priced lodging alternatives, which range from $15 to $100 per night, are found on Sijiao and Shengshan-Gouqi. You can interact with the islanders and have a more genuine experience by booking a homestay or hostel. Few international tourists visit the area, and the majority of residents do not speak English. 

The post These Islands With The World’s Greenest Village Are A Real Hidden Gem In Asia appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

They found that in 2022 alone, the number of people working remotely in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, increased by +369%, and in 2023 it was +252%. That shouldn’t be surprising, given what the city has to offer. Among its many attractions are its creative architecture, ancient temples, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

According to nomadlist.com, these are the top 10 nomadic places in the world with the fastest growth rates. 

Nomad List is a popular online platform and community that caters to digital nomads and remote workers worldwide. It offers a range of valuable resources, including city guides, cost of living data, and user-generated reviews and insights about destinations.

Japan Plans To Launch Digital Nomad Visa

The Japanese government is contemplating the creation of a dedicated visa program tailored for digital nomads. This proposed visa is designed for those who engage in remote work while exploring different destinations globally. 

The government’s objective is to enhance international visitor spending within Japan by creating a more accommodating environment for highly skilled professionals to extend their stay in the country. This initiative is in response to the trend seen in various European and other nations, which have already implemented visa programs targeting digital nomads.

Why working as a digital nomad in Japan offers a unique and exciting opportunity 

• Rich Cultural Experience: Japan’s rich history, unique traditions, and vibrant modern culture make it an enriching destination. As a digital nomad, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture, from the beauty of cherry blossoms to the elegance of tea ceremonies.
• High-Tech Infrastructure: Japan boasts one of the world’s most advanced technology infrastructures, providing digital nomads with fast and reliable internet access and efficient public transportation systems for easy travel within the country.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Japan is known for its low crime rate, making it a safe and welcoming destination. Additionally, the cleanliness and orderliness of Japanese cities provide a pleasant environment for work and leisure.
• Beautiful Scenery: From the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto, Japan offers diverse and breathtaking scenery. Digital nomads can explore lush forests, serene temples, and beautiful coastlines during their stay.
• Culinary Delights: Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its quality and variety. As a digital nomad in Japan, you can savor fresh sushi, savory ramen, and delicious street food, enhancing your culinary experience.

Overall, working as a digital nomad in Japan provides a unique blend of modernity and tradition, offering a memorable and productive experience.

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