The hottest Tourism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Why Everyone Loves Japan

Noahpinion • 24059 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Tourism
  1. Japanese popular culture and products — from anime and manga to food, fashion, and design — have become globally mainstream and shape how many young people express identity.
  2. A huge tourism boom and rising interest in moving to Japan are making the country more familiar and foreigner-friendly, creating a real opportunity to attract foreign investment and new residents.
  3. Japan’s cities offer a unique urban experience — extreme commercial density, walkability, safety, punctual transit, and vertical mixed-use "zakkyo" buildings — that feels like an appealing "alternative modernity" to people from other rich democracies.

A Few Stories From France That Are Capturing My Attention This Week

Paris Unlocked Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Tourism
  1. Researchers are studying bones in the Paris Catacombs to learn more about the lives of the people buried there. This is important because many of their identities were lost when their remains were moved.
  2. The Catacombs were created in the 18th century due to a hygiene crisis from overcrowded cemeteries. It was a big project to manage the remains of six million people.
  3. The underground space in Paris allowed for the safe storage of these bones, preventing further health issues related to the city's cemeteries.

The Scottish island that bought itself

The Novelleist • 890 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🌐 International Tourism
  1. Communities can buy and own the land they live on: on Eigg residents formed a trust to buy the island, sell 99-year leases to locals, and use the income to reinvest in the community.
  2. The trust acts like a tiny government with representatives from residents, the local council, and a wildlife trust, and it runs infrastructure and services. They built a renewable energy grid and manage tourism so money benefits locals instead of absentee landlords.
  3. Scotland scaled this idea with public funds and land-reform laws that give communities first rights to buy land, leading to hundreds of community-owned estates. This creates many small, self-supporting, resident-controlled places that could be a blueprint for better cities.

Missiles Fall Nearby, but Dubai’s Expats Don’t Want to Leave

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 273 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🌐 International Tourism
  1. Missile debris from regional strikes hit a luxury hotel in Dubai, causing damage, a fire, and injuries and showing the conflict can reach the city.
  2. Many expats felt scared at first but still say they feel safe and have no plans to leave even after nearby attacks.
  3. Dubai’s reputation as a safe oasis with malls, beaches, and convenient services keeps people living there despite the regional war.

The Gringo Dream Burns in Puerto Vallarta

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🌐 International Tourism
  1. Puerto Vallarta’s gringo dream was built by Hollywood and tourism growth, drawing retirees and remote workers who saw it as a safe, Americanized beach town.
  2. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel launched blockades and arson after its leader was killed, torching vehicles and buildings, halting flights, and forcing people to shelter in place.
  3. The violence shows Puerto Vallarta is not immune to Mexico’s wider security problems, disproving the idea that it’s a place without Mexican problems.
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The anti-immigration backlash comes to Japan

Noahpinion • 18294 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Tourism
  1. Japan is seeing a rise in anti-immigration feelings, similar to trends in other countries, partly due to a new political party pushing for 'Japanese First' policies.
  2. The country has opened up to immigration over the years due to labor shortages and a drop in birth rates, but this has created tensions and fears about cultural changes.
  3. Overtourism is also causing problems, as the influx of tourists can overwhelm local areas and lead to resentment, impacting perceptions of foreigners.

The Battle of Barcelona

The Leap • 599 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Tourism
  1. Barcelona is facing problems with too many tourists. Locals feel like their favorite spots are being taken over.
  2. The influx of tourists is driving up prices for housing in the city. This makes it harder for local people to find affordable places to live.
  3. Many once-quiet areas are now busy and noisy because of tourism. This change is affecting the lifestyle and culture of Barcelona's residents.

A Tour in Search for the Soul of Seoul

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 361 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Jongmyo Shrine and Sewoon Sangga sit across the street from each other and together illustrate Seoul’s layered history — one a centuries‑old royal Confucian site, the other a brutalist postwar commercial complex.
  2. Sewoon Sangga’s future is uncertain as city plans to upzone and redevelop the site have triggered a high‑profile political fight with national heritage authorities and UNESCO over sightlines, shadows, and preservation.
  3. The conflict spotlights a bigger choice for Seoul between protecting historic scale and character or pursuing high‑rise redevelopment for growth, with real concerns about gentrification and the loss of blue‑collar industry.

Who is Chinatown for?

Vittles • 243 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Tourism
  1. Chinatown is not a single fixed thing but a layered, contested place shaped by many overlapping histories, identities and outside expectations.
  2. Its role has shifted from a community hub that provided jobs and familiar services to a commodified, tourist-focused area influenced by gentrification and corporate branding.
  3. Community and heritage work are vital to preserve memories, support local diasporas, and push for Chinatown to serve social and political needs as well as commercial interests.

Privatize Ollantaytambo

Bet On It • 241 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Machu Picchu and its transfer logistics are badly managed, with confusing booking, underpriced tickets, and excessive passport checks that make visiting needlessly painful.
  2. Privatizing Ollantaytambo—auctioning the main and satellite sites plus the road from the train station—could quickly fund better marketing, easy payments, bag checks, and a frequent luxury tram, boosting visitor satisfaction and local tourism income.
  3. Making Ollantaytambo a privatization showcase is politically easier than selling Machu Picchu and could prove the case for wider private management by delivering fast economic and infrastructural wins.

The Japanese Luggage Forwarding Edition

Why is this interesting? • 5308 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. In Japan, you can send your luggage ahead to your hotel for a low cost, making travel much easier. You just ask at the hotel or airport, and they help with the paperwork.
  2. Using this luggage forwarding service means you can travel light with only a small daypack while your bags arrive at your next destination the next day.
  3. This service is reliable and common in Japan, so you don’t have to worry about your bags getting lost or damaged, allowing you to enjoy your trip more.

Beijing renews calls for Taipei to open up tourism upon my FT oped

Pekingnology • 79 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Tourism
  1. Beijing is urging Taiwan to lift travel restrictions and welcome mainland tourists again, saying reopening tourism would benefit cross‑Strait exchanges and people’s well‑being.
  2. Reopening mainland visits is framed as a practical, fast way to lower tensions by restoring everyday civilian contact and routines that make escalation harder.
  3. Both sides have signalled interest but still keep permit limits, so starting with reciprocal, limited steps—like group tours from nearby regions and restored routes—is offered as a feasible path forward.

Did Las Vegas get too greedy?

Silver Bulletin • 740 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
💼 Business Tourism
  1. Visitor numbers and room revenues are falling even with discounted prices, marking the biggest year-over-year drop since COVID and lower average daily rates after inflation.
  2. High-roller gaming like baccarat is holding up, but middle-class gambling and spending are down as blackjack, roulette and slots see lower play and customers wager less.
  3. Casinos have tightened odds and monetized many services to boost short-term profits, but those data-driven tactics risk alienating ordinary visitors and eroding repeat business over time.

Some final China thoughts, a short political rant, and my upcoming England walk

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1355 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Traveling to China is smoother and more rewarding than most people think. You can use a simple transit visa to explore major cities without much hassle.
  2. China wants visitors and the people are friendly and helpful. Tourists are a rare sight, making your experience feel special and engaging.
  3. Understanding China is key to grasping modern global dynamics. The country's unique political system offers a different perspective that is important to explore.

Tourism is good, actually

Slow Boring • 4127 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Despite being cringe and annoying, tourists play a role in bad policy commentary.
  2. There is a negative perception of tourism being harmful due to aesthetic considerations.
  3. Efforts to limit tourism, such as curbing AirBNB, often have underlying reasons beyond just tourism impact.

Blame Air Canada: The Cartel Just Canceled My Vacation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Air Canada faced a strike from flight attendants, which caused significant travel disruptions for passengers and led to financial losses. Many travelers, including one author, lost money on flights and bookings due to the strike.
  2. The strike highlighted issues in the airline industry and the difficulties flight attendants face, particularly regarding their pay for non-flying duties. The situation sparked debates about labor rights and fair compensation.
  3. Government intervention, such as binding arbitration to end the strike, can complicate things further and isn't always effective in resolving conflicts. There are concerns about the airline industry's protections that make it hard for new companies to enter the market.

Is Travel Overrated?

The Contender • 1827 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Revenge travel can create crowded and high-anxiety tourist destinations
  2. Cities are reconsidering tourist economies due to overcrowding and disrespect towards locals
  3. Tourists sometimes treat locals as extras in their social media posts and engage in inappropriate behaviors

Levantine Travels

Gideon's Substack • 35 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. The security crisis has sharply reduced tourism and strained Israel's economy even as construction and population growth continue to drive a long-term building boom.
  2. Political life feels deeply polarized and pessimistic: many fear postponed elections, see no clear alternative leadership, and view protests and Arab-party realignments as potentially transformative but also risky.
  3. Jordan is poorer but notably stable, with Aqaba boosted by foreign investment that brings both growth and local resentment, and the region overall faces governance challenges as fragmentation and outside influence complicate democratic development.

I'm headed to Iceland.

Volts • 1415 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. The author is traveling to Iceland to explore sustainability and energy ventures.
  2. They will be visiting geothermal power companies, carbon removal companies, and more.
  3. There will be a short break in service, with normal content resuming in late October.

The joys of touristing

Wrong Side of History • 384 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Traveling creates lasting memories, even if the experiences are sometimes uncomfortable. It's about exploring new places and feeling the joy of adventure.
  2. Despite the rise of travel critics, more people are traveling now than ever before, drawn by the desire for new experiences. There's a thrill in discovering different cultures and places.
  3. Travel can also reflect social status, as many share their adventures online to impress others. But often, the deeper value of travel is the personal growth and satisfaction it offers.

Kilimanjaro Prep

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Africa has a lot of exciting and unexpected experiences. Every day can bring new adventures and surprises.
  2. Connecting with people, like my friend Michelle, can offer valuable insights. Sharing wisdom and kindness can enhance our journey.
  3. The idea that 'love has no agenda' reminds us to approach relationships genuinely. It's important to show care without expecting anything in return.

Berg Lake and Mt Robson Provincial Park

Splattern • 219 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. The ski tour to Berg Lake offers stunning views of Mt Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Many people enjoy the beautiful trails and the adventure they bring.
  2. Meeting new friends on the adventure can lead to great experiences and support, like the help received from locals for gear and rides. These connections make the journey even more memorable.
  3. Running through beautiful landscapes can inspire and rejuvenate you, even if you feel tired at first. Nature has a special way of lifting your spirits and motivating you to keep going.

When Auschwitz Becomes a Theme Park

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tourism
  1. Tourism at Holocaust sites like Auschwitz can feel wrong and disrespectful to many people. It's strange to combine such serious history with entertainment.
  2. The movie 'A Real Pain' explores the impact of the Holocaust on future generations and how it shapes their identities. It's a personal story about understanding family and history.
  3. There's a disconnect in Poland where some people feel distant or unwelcoming toward Jewish history and culture, which can lead to a cold atmosphere during visits. This ambivalence is troubling for many visitors.

Should You Believe the Hype About Miami?

The New Urban Order • 259 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Miami reflects modern American obsessions with beauty, pleasure, money, technology, and escapism.
  2. Despite the hype, Miami is facing a net population loss, especially in its expensive areas like Miami Beach.
  3. The concept of a city is evolving to include virtual elements, connecting people based on shared experiences and work rather than physical location.

Travel notes: Chiang Mai

Asian Century Stocks • 412 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Chiang Mai is culturally distinct from Southern Thailand and a major tourist destination.
  2. Thailand's tourism industry has been impacted by the absence of Chinese tourists post-COVID.
  3. Major Cineplex in Chiang Mai offers a luxurious cinema experience but has seen a decrease in visitors.

The Wit's Guide to Travel

Get Wit Quick • 334 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Travel can be transcendent, but tourism can feel like hell.
  2. Question the urge to fulfill a bucket list before you die.
  3. Tourism can sometimes lead to a checklist mentality instead of truly experiencing a place.

Why is Sedona Interesting?

Why is this interesting? • 1930 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Sedona's geology is unique, with formations sculpted over 270 million years by elements like wind and water.
  2. Sedona is considered a mystical place with vortexes of spiritual energy attracting healers and seekers.
  3. The city has a unique aesthetic with strict signage requirements, like teal blue McDonald's arches to maintain dark skies.

Journey to the Imperial City

Wrong Side of History • 308 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Vietnam has a mix of modern life and its communist past, with shops and decor that reflect both eras. It's interesting to see how the economy thrives alongside this history.
  2. The food and coffee culture in Vietnam are vibrant and diverse, with different flavors in the north and south. Trying local dishes like egg coffee can be a fun adventure.
  3. Traveling through Vietnam can be a real experience, highlighting both beautiful tourist spots and the impact of past wars. It's essential to be cautious about food, especially when trying local cuisine.

02/02/24 - FAQ Answered!

Moly’s Substack • 117 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Tourism
  1. In China, 'aunties' and 'uncles' refer to middle-aged individuals with specific stereotypes.
  2. PUA in China refers to tactics used beyond just pick-up artistry, expanding to various relationships.
  3. Chinese people have strong opinions on various topics like western food and anti-Japanese sentiments.

#10: Why do cruise ships keep getting bigger? And will it ever stop?

Bureau of Adventure • 99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Cruise ships are getting bigger mainly because larger ships can serve more passengers at a lower cost per person. This helps cruise companies make more money but also leads to some criticism.
  2. Sustainability is another big reason for bigger ships. As companies aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, larger and more efficient ships help them meet those environmental goals.
  3. Despite the trend of bigger ships, there are limits. Some destinations can't handle large ships due to physical restrictions and tourism infrastructure, which may keep smaller ships in demand.

Has Switzerland Built the Best Public Transportation System in the World?

Can We Still Govern? • 272 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Switzerland has a top-notch public transportation system that is reliable and well-connected. You can easily hop on different trains and buses without hassle, making travel stress-free.
  2. The Swiss transportation system is designed with the user in mind, lowering confusion and making it easy to know where to go next. You rarely need to worry about tickets because everything is convenient, like using one pass for all transport.
  3. Overall, Switzerland’s approach to public transportation shows how good planning and organization can create an excellent travel experience. It reflects a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford cars.

Paid conent: Tove K's guide to hotels

Wood From Eden • 288 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. The guide offers exclusive insights about hotels from someone who used to work as a chambermaid. It's meant to help travelers make better choices when booking their stays.
  2. The content is only available for paid subscribers, which means you have to pay to access the full guide and its tips.
  3. Tove K shares personal experiences and knowledge, giving a unique perspective on what to expect in hotels. This can be really helpful for anyone planning a trip.

Maligne Canyon

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Maligne Canyon is a unique slot canyon in Jasper National Park, known for its special ice formations and ice climbing opportunities. People love visiting it for its stunning natural beauty.
  2. The tour of Maligne Canyon can be challenging, especially on the ice. It’s important to help each other out, especially those who may have difficulty walking.
  3. The writer plans to run along the Icefields Parkway, expecting a week-long adventure. They share their appreciation for winter and the beauty of nature as they embark on this journey.

International Tourism's Lost Year

Vietnam Weekly • 157 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🌐 International Tourism
  1. Vietnam struggled to attract international tourists, falling short of its targets compared to neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore.
  2. Domestic tourism in Vietnam, however, saw a significant increase.
  3. Despite its appealing food, landscapes, and cities, Vietnam faced challenges in promoting itself as a tourist destination.

#11: Travel Agents: the misunderstood distribution channel

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Travel agents play a crucial role in selling travel products, especially cruises and luxury vacations. Many travelers still rely on agents for guidance and expertise when planning trips.
  2. The rise of the internet negatively affected the airline commission model, but many travel agents adapted by focusing on high-commission products like cruises. These products often pay agents better than airline tickets.
  3. Consumers appreciate the free support that travel agents offer. With so many choices in travel, agents help people navigate options and build trust, making the planning experience easier for travelers.

The Urban Arts Establishment Is in Trouble

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Tourism
  1. Access to culture from home, accelerated by the pandemic, is impacting in-person arts attendance and the urban arts establishment.
  2. In-person arts attendance is declining, particularly among older, White audiences, while digital arts engagement is rising, especially among younger and diverse groups.
  3. The decline in traditional arts attendance poses challenges for cities economically, culturally, and in maintaining urban identities.

What the hell is going on in Las Vegas?

Huddle Up • 59 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
💼 Business Tourism
  1. Las Vegas is experiencing a big drop in tourism. Fewer people are visiting, leading to many empty hotel rooms and less money for casinos.
  2. In the first half of 2025, about 1.5 million less tourists came compared to the previous year. This decline is significant and has caused hotel occupancy rates to plummet.
  3. Many people believe the downturn might be linked to negative press and economic concerns. Also, Las Vegas may have overcharged visitors during its peak post-COVID times, hurting its long-term appeal.

Monthly Meanderings: May 2023

Caravanserai with Samantha Childress • 137 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. The post is about the Monthly Meanderings for May 2023 by Samantha Childress.
  2. Samantha welcomes new subscribers and discusses upcoming posts on experiences in Egypt and recommendations for other places.
  3. Readers are invited to leave comments and are offered a 7-day free trial to subscribe to Caravanserai with Samantha Childress.

#9: January Travel Links

Bureau of Adventure • 79 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Tourism
  1. Mexico City has 25 must-try dishes that chefs and locals recommend. It's a great guide for anyone looking to explore its food scene.
  2. Travel brands like Boundless are making it easier for families to live as digital nomads. They offer community and services in different locations around the world.
  3. Accident reports from Viking Polaris and Amtrak show important lessons for safety and design improvements in travel. Learning from these incidents can help prevent future accidents.