This week, our hearts are with all of these affected by the horrific wildfires in Los Angeles. For these with upcoming journey to town, we’ve put collectively the updates and suggestions you have to know. For assembly profs, SEARCH Basis is elevating funds to help these within the MICE trade who’ve been impacted.
This version of Good Journey additionally options the debut of Bangkok’s latest luxurious lodge, the launch of Tourism Cares’ Significant Journey Map of the Hawaiian Islands, TripAdvisor’s 2025 Better of the Greatest Locations full listing and extra.
What These Touring to LA Throughout Wildfires Ought to Know
Los Angeles is going through an unprecedented wildfire disaster, with at the very least 5 main blazes presently wreaking havoc throughout the area. These devastating fires have already destroyed over 9,000 buildings, claimed at the very least 10 lives and compelled the displacement of greater than 180,000 residents from their houses. Declared the most expensive wildfires in California’s historical past, the monetary toll is staggering, with injury estimates starting from $135 billion to $150 billion—a determine that would rise additional as containment efforts proceed to face vital challenges.
For these planning to journey to Los Angeles, the state of affairs calls for cautious consideration. The fires have impacted air high quality, transportation and entry to sure areas, and emergency response efforts are ongoing. If in case you have plans to go to the area, right here’s what you have to know to remain protected and knowledgeable:
A purple flag warning has been prolonged all through Los Angeles and Southern California, indicating hearth circumstances stay crucial.
Santa Ana winds, the reason for the fast unfold of the fires, are predicted to select again up as we speak. Sustain with the newest developments from the Nationwide Climate Service so you might be conscious of the circumstances within the space of LA you might be touring to.
LAX is open and working usually. Nevertheless, a number of airways together with United Airways, American Airways and JetBlue have issued waivers for passengers who want to cancel their flights out of an abundance of warning.
At the moment, the very best useful resource for street closure notifications is the X account of the California Division of Transportation.
Air high quality has been severely impacted because of the fires. Pack N95 masks to guard your self, and keep conscious of air high quality circumstances by repeatedly checking assets corresponding to AccuWeather.
Learn Extra: A number of Wildfires Tear By way of Los Angeles
Bangkok evening view within the enterprise district
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok Opens in Thailand
On Thursday, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok formally opened its doorways. Set inside a placing 708-foot-tall tower at One Bangkok—town’s largest holistically built-in district—the lodge gives a complicated city retreat. Overlooking the tranquil Lumpini Park, it supplies a serene retreat from the colourful power of bustling Bangkok. As a part of Marriott Worldwide’s Luxurious Group portfolio, the property options 260 elegantly designed rooms and suites, complemented by 17,631 sq. ft. of versatile assembly and occasion house.
“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is a pivotal milestone for our model, as we introduce the best customized service and unforgettable experiences to one among Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and culturally wealthy locations,” stated Tina Edmundson, president of Luxurious, Marriott Worldwide. “By seamlessly mixing Thailand’s deep cultural heritage with The Ritz-Carlton’s timeless class and forward-thinking design, we’re not solely enhancing town’s luxurious panorama but in addition providing friends an expertise that’s each genuine and transformative.”
Cunard Debuts Alaska 2026 Voyages That includes Roundtrips from Seattle
Between April and September 2026, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will embark on 23 roundtrip voyages from Seattle, Washington, providing a various array of itineraries starting from seven to 12 nights as a part of its extremely anticipated Alaska programming. For these in search of an much more immersive expertise, friends can mix a number of locations to create an prolonged 42-night journey, choosing from locales in 16 nations that showcase a shocking number of climates, landscapes and cultures, such because the dramatic great thing about Asia and the colourful attract of the Caribbean.
The Queen Elizabeth supplies an opulent and versatile setting for each leisure and enterprise vacationers. With a passenger capability of two,081, the ship boasts an array of thoughtfully designed facilities, together with distinctive assembly and occasion areas. Amongst these is The Royal Courtroom Theatre, with an approximate seating capability of 800, very best for shows, performances or giant gatherings. Extra venues embrace state-of-the-art convention rooms, intimate libraries and chic lounges, catering to each skilled and leisure occasions.
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, stated, “Alaska is a very distinctive vacation spot, and we’re delighted to return with our 2026 program. Crusing via its spectacular fjords and seeing the immense glaciers is an expertise like no different. On board, friends can sip regionally impressed cocktails, take pleasure in delicacies influenced by native flavors and listen to fascinating tales from famend explorers. These voyages promise to create unforgettable recollections, and we will’t wait to welcome our friends on board Queen Elizabeth.”
‘Significant Journey’ Map of Hawaiian Islands Printed by Tourism Cares
In a continued effort to champion sustainable tourism and foster significant cultural connections, the non-profit group Tourism Cares has unveiled its Significant Journey Map of the Hawaiian Islands. This thoughtfully designed device serves as a bridge, connecting journey professionals and conscientious vacationers with genuine, community-driven experiences all through Hawaii. It highlights sustainable excursions, lodging and organizations that prioritize the preservation of the islands’ pure magnificence, cultural heritage and the well-being of native residents.
The Hawaiian Islands’ inclusion on this initiative displays a broader dedication to creating optimistic, lasting impacts via tourism. From eco-conscious lodging to immersive cultural excursions and community-led initiatives, the map gives a curated collection of methods to interact with Hawaii responsibly and respectfully.
Learn Extra: Qurator: Hawaii’s New, All-encompassing Tourism Certification Program
The Significant Journey Map mission, relaunched globally in 2023, has grown to incorporate greater than 30 member locations and over 400 native impression organizations worldwide. Every vacation spot is rigorously chosen to advertise sustainability, empower native communities, and encourage vacationers to make a distinction with their journeys. By selecting experiences featured on this map, vacationers and trade professionals alike can contribute to a extra sustainable future for tourism.
“On the core of our mālama Hawaiʻi message is an invite to guests who care, those that search significant experiences throughout their time within the Hawaiian Islands,” stated Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim president and CEO. “We help Tourism Cares’ work to increase the Significant Map Program to incorporate Hawaiʻi. Because the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority advances a imaginative and prescient of regenerative tourism within the islands, we’re excited to see extra methods for guests to attach with enriching alternatives that uplift our communities and setting.”
TripAdvisor Reveals Vacationers’ Alternative Awards 2025: Better of the Greatest Locations
Are you pondering the right location in your subsequent assembly, convention or incentive journey? Look no additional for inspiration—the extremely anticipated Vacationers’ Alternative Awards: Better of the Greatest Locations by TripAdvisor had been introduced as we speak! Topping the listing for 2025 is the long-lasting metropolis of London, a perennial favourite recognized for its wealthy historical past, world-class points of interest and vibrant tradition. With its mix of basic appeal and trendy sophistication, London gives limitless alternatives for unforgettable group experiences.
If England doesn’t fairly suit your group’s imaginative and prescient, don’t have any concern. This yr’s prime locations span the globe, showcasing a shocking range of choices. From distant tropical paradises with serene seashores and crystal-clear waters to bustling cosmopolitan cities buzzing with power and innovation, there’s one thing to encourage each attendee.
Whether or not you’re in search of the posh of a five-star resort on a sun-drenched island, the joy of exploring a brand new city playground or the attract of a vacation spot that blends tradition, journey and rest, this yr’s award-winning areas promise to depart an enduring impression in your attendees. Now could be the right time to dream huge and plan daring in your subsequent gathering.
And now for the winners:
London, England
Bali, Indonesia
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sicily, Italy
Paris, France
Rome, Italy
Hanoi, Vietnam
Marrakesh, Morocco
Crete, Greece
Bangkok, Thailand
Hoi An, Vietnam
Barcelona, Spain
Cusco, Peru
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Lisbon, Portugal
Phuket, Thailand
Istanbul, Türkiye
New York Metropolis, United States
Majorca, Spain
Edinburgh, Scotland
Kathmandu, Nepal
New Delhi, India
Maldives
Cancun, Mexico
Mauritius, Africa