Thailand’s Visitor Decline and 12 Other Top Tourism Stories This Week

Premier Holidays

Prices for Thai beach resorts like Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort have been on the rise. Kasikorn Research Center expects the European market to decline. Premier Holidays

Skift Take: This week in tourism, Thailand faces a reckoning as high-spending European inbound travelers drop off. Meanwhile, we take a look at just how much clout travel advisors have in shaping responsible travel.

— Jasmine Ganaishlal

Read the Complete Story On Skift

How to Prepare Your Trip to Oman

What to pack and what not to pack, that is the question

The allure of Oman lies as much in its geographical location as it does its rich history. Ancient culture blends with contemporary influences to create an intriguing travel destination. What should you then bring on your journey to make the most out of the experience?

Electronic Visa for Oman

One of the most essential items to bring when traveling to Oman is your travel documentation and you will most likely need an eVisa to enter the country. There are different visa requirements depending on which country you come from. Requirements for Americans for an Oman e-Visa for example include a valid passport and the ability to pay for your visa. The eVisa process is fairly simple and it is possible to apply online.

The online visa application process only takes a few minutes to complete and once approved the travel documentation will be sent directly to your inbox. There are different types of visas to apply for and as such, the best things to do is consult official sources online for exhaustive information on all rules and regulations.

Bringing the essentials will make all the difference

1. Lightweight loose-fitting clothes – depending on when you choose to travel to Oman, the country has a sub-tropical desert climate and you need to have suitable clothes for that. This means garments in natural fabrics such as linen or cotton to be able to withstand high daytime temperatures and cold nights. It might also be wise to bring a light jacket in case of rain and wind.

2. Protection against the sun – this means everything from sunglasses to long-sleeved tops and a hat. The sun is relentless and you will need sunscreen as well. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially if you want to enjoy spending time outside. On this note, remember to also bring some mosquito repellent.

3. Sensible shoes – it’s recommended to bring footwear that may be worn at the beach as well as sturdy shoes if you want to go trekking. For everyday use, choose alternatives that will provide some coolness due to the high temperatures.

4. Travel adapter – in order to make sure you are able to use your electronic devices it is best to bring a travel adapter. It might be possible to purchase once you have arrived but to be on the safe side you should definitely bring your own.

5. Suitcase – depending on whether you are traveling with only a carry-on baggage or if you intend to check-in luggage, choose bags that are made of lightweight material and that are roomy. Both in terms of having to carry them but also if you intend to being home some souvenirs.

Travel wisely

Before traveling to Oman, make sure you have your travel documentation in order. It’s also good to take some time to go over your luggage and check to see that you have all the essential items with you. The suggestions here are by no means exhaustive and when traveling to regions such as the Middle East, it’s also crucial to be aware of things like if you are able to drink the local water or not.

Research some before you go and get ready for a unique travel experience.


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Travel Clothes Perfected With Aviator Jeans

Aviator Travel Clothes

It’s not a secret. I’m just not a fan of ‘travel clothes’.

After 19 years of traveling the world, I don’t understand the concept.

Fast-drying clothes? That sounds good but I don’t need clothes that dry in 27 seconds. Regular drying time works for me.

Convertible pants/shorts? Wonderful! However, I don’t think I’ve ever felt a need to switch between the two in the middle of a day, ever. Am I weird?

Super special material? I get it. Different materials have different benefits. Sure, some materials keep you cooler, some keep you warmer. Some are known for their otherworldly softness or their ability to stay ‘clean’, or at least hide the smell. But good old regular cotton does the trick, too. It works for millions of non-traveling people so why can’t it work for travelers as well?

429 pockets? Again, on paper it sounds useful to have so many pockets on a pair of pants or on one shirt. But I barely carry enough stuff to fill up one pocket. What do travelers carry in their pants and shirts that I’m missing?

 

Travel Clothes vs Normal Clothes

What I don’t understand is this – when I’m traveling, there really isn’t much difference than if I wasn’t traveling when it comes to clothes.

In both cases, I walk. I sit. I stand. Sometimes it’s warm out. Other times it’s cool. My money and credit cards go in one pocket. I’m good to go.

So why do I need super special clothes just because I’m crossing a border into a foreign land?

Luckily, I don’t think I’m the only one who’s made this realization. I currently see a trend taking place where overly functional and specialized ‘travel clothes’ are being replaced by normal looking clothes that offer a couple of simple benefits for those who travel.

That’s something I can handle.

 

The Answer – Aviator Jeans

Travel Clothes Aviator Jeans pocket

Where am I going with this?

If I was living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, hitchhiking in the Karaokaram Mountains of Pakistan, visiting Chernobyl or taking a road trip around the Maramures region of Romania, I’d be wearing normal-looking jeans and a normal-looking shirt. So, I like to have normal-looking jeans and normal-looking shirts in my suitcase.

Aviator jeans. That’s what I’ve settled on.

I now have two pairs of these jeans – blue and black – and I wear them almost every day. It doesn’t get any simpler.

Aviator jeans are good looking, comfortable, high-quality jeans. No high-tech ventilation system, no fur from the underbelly of a yak and they don’t turn into a raincoat if I tap my knees three times.

Travel Clothes Aviator Jeans

The passport above fits perfectly into the zipper pocket.

The Travel Benefits of Aviator Travel Jeans?

1. Benefit #1 – They don’t get too wrinkled when folded up in a suitcase for a while. Cool, I can dig it.

2. Benefit #2 – They have a zipper pocket inside of one of the side pockets and inside both of the back pockets too. This provides a simple, yet effective, extra layer of protection for my money, credit cards and even my passport.

3. Benefit #3 –  I could get away with wearing these jeans in almost any situation, from the most casual to a more formal gathering. Ideal for a traveler.

Done.

Three simple, excellent benefits without sacrificing look or comfort (in fact, these jeans are super comfortable).

Aviator jeans.  Normal jeans for travelers. I finally found them.

Thoughts? Are you a travel clothes kind of traveler?

(The post is meant to be sarcastic. Travel clothes clearly offer benefits for many travelers!)

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