South Korea has become a major travel destination in the past few years. Here are ten tips for first-time visitors before booking a trip to Korea.

Over the past years, South Korea has become a significant tourist destination. Many attribute the increase in international tourism to the Chinese term Hallyu or the “Korean Wave.” Hallyu refers to the global recognition and popularity of Korean media, music, dramas, movies, celebrities, idols, and popular culture. Over the past few years, groups such as BTS and BlackPink have gained a substantial international following and fan base, putting South Korea on many people’s bucket lists.

From its history to its culture to its landscapes to its delicious cuisine South Korea is a place everyone should visit once in their life. However, there is much to know before booking a trip to Korea since Korean culture can be much different from Western culture. From checking visa requirements to social etiquette to respecting cultural differences, it is essential to take notes before booking a trip to South Korea. Here are ten tips and things to know before traveling to South Korea.

1. K-ETA Visa

Before booking a trip, it is essential to research the visas, Covid restrictions, and airport transfers in South Korea. The K-ETA Visa is an electronic visa that gives travel authorization to non-Korean visitors. It is essential to obtain this visa before entering the Republic of Korea; it can take up to 72 hours to get the visa. Travelers can get more information and complete the form online at the official Korea Electronic Travel Authorization site.

2. Q-Code

With the pandemic, the world has changed, and so has how countries regulate immigration. We can learn a lot from how South Korea handled Covid-19, and one of the ways they keep track is the Q-Code. The Q-Code is a QR code that holds vaccination information for travelers to South Korea. This is a Covid related code needed to scan during immigration upon entry. Downloading the QR code will ensure more efficient access to South Korea. However, a yellow slip will be passed out to fill on the plane for travelers who still need to fill out the Q-code in advance. Travelers can access the Q-Code on the official application portal to fill out the registration.

3. Learn Basic Words In Korean

There are many things to know before visiting South Korea. However, before visiting any country, it’s essential to research and learns keywords to communicate with locals, but also out of respect by not assuming everyone speaks English. Generally, most visitors will be able to communicate in English, so learning basic vital phrases, greetings, and essential phrases to share will be extremely useful in Korea.

4. Download KakaoMap Or Naver Map

One of the crucial tips before traveling to Korea is to download one navigation app widely used in the country. Many travelers will find that Google Maps is not commonly used in South Korea, where many locations are not marked on the app. Downloading apps such as Kakao and Naver will be very useful for navigating South Korea. KakaoMap will show the fastest routes to attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Naver Map is great for looking up transportation directions such as public transportation, biking, bus routes, walking, etc.

5. Take Off Your Shoes

It is essential to research etiquette tips before traveling to South Korea. Generally, before entering someone’s house in South Korea, one must take off one’s shoes regardless of who they are. This is also something practiced in some establishments, such as restaurants with floor seating where guests must remove their shoes before entering. Before dining or visiting a particular, it is essential to research and respect the culture by learning about South Korean etiquette.

6. Tipping Is Not Necessary

Many travelers from the United States may be surprised that not all countries have the same tipping culture. It is almost expected in most establishments to leave a tip in the States. However, it is not required nor expected to leave a tip in South Korea. This is true for most restaurants, bars, hotels, taxis, etc. It is important to note that insisting on tipping may be considered rude in Korea.

7. Best Time To Visit Korea

For most travelers, the best time to visit South Korea is during the spring and autumn seasons. This is primarily due to the weather, giving visitors a more comfortable setting. There are many stunning places to visit on vacation in South Korea, and choosing the right time to avoid extreme cold and heat will be beneficial before booking a trip to Korea. One of the best reasons to visit South Korea in the spring is to see the pink cherry blossoms bloom all around!

8. Get A Korean SIM Card

Before traveling to any Country, it is a helpful trick to check if all SIM cards work in that country. With limited service, using one’s SIM card while traveling in South Korea may be challenging. Getting a prepaid SIM card will be very useful before taking a trip to Korea for access to the internet, maps, phone calls, texting, and much more. In Korea, roaming costs can get very pricey, so investing in a prepaid SIM card will be very beneficial. However, it is essential to note that a phone must be unlocked to use a different SIM card.

9. Go Hiking

Most travelers visiting South Korea for the first time primarily plan a trip to Seoul and explore all the city has to offer. However, one of South Korea’s many beauties is its vast mountainous ranges, making it the perfect place to go hiking. Experience South Korea’s beauties and picturesque outdoors by making time to go hiking. It will be an unforgettable hike, from volcanoes to green landscapes to breathtaking sunsets!

10. Papago App

Language barriers while traveling may make it hard for many travelers. When traveling to Korea, the widely used Papago app will be handy when communicating with locals. It is an excellent resource for translating texts, images, websites, and more. It has an easy-to-use design and will be very helpful while traveling in South Korea.

8 iconic tourist destinations ruined by overtourism

For years, tourism has been lauded for its role in facilitating cultural exchange, stimulating economies, and promoting global understanding. Nevertheless, the negative impacts of overtourism have gained prominence in recent times. Overtourism manifests when popular destinations are overwhelmed by visitors, surpassing their sustainable limits and resulting in environmental degradation, overcrowding, cultural dilution, and infrastructure strain. Below are notable locations worldwide wrestling with the detrimental consequences of overtourism.

1. Venice, Italy

The charming canals of Venice have attracted tourists in search of romance and history for many years. However, the city’s delicate ecosystem is now at risk due to the overwhelming number of visitors. This influx has resulted in pollution, the erosion of historic structures, and growing frustration among residents who are being priced out of their neighborhoods by the surge in vacation rentals.

2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from around the globe. However, the reef is confronted with challenges such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, and damage from boat anchors and tourism, all of which have significantly impacted its well-being. Consequently, this has led to widespread coral bleaching and a decline in the overall ecosystem health.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Sitting atop the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu stands as one of the globe’s most renowned archaeological marvels. Nevertheless, its fame has sparked worries regarding the erosion of its ancient stone edifices, harm to fragile ecosystems, and congestion along the Inca Trail. These concerns have spurred appeals for tighter visitor regulations and the adoption of sustainable tourism methods.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, often hailed as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ has experienced a tourism boom following its prominent portrayal in the television series ‘Game of Thrones.’ This influx of visitors has strained the city’s infrastructure, leading to the deterioration of historic sites and sparking worries regarding authenticity and cultural conservation.

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture have made it a favourite destination for travellers worldwide. However, the island has struggled to cope with the influx of visitors, leading to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and clashes between tourists and locals over water shortages and land disputes.

6. Barcelona, Spain

The vibrant city of Barcelona has become synonymous with overtourism, fueled by the popularity of attractions like Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and the bustling La Rambla promenade. Locals have protested against skyrocketing rents, overcrowded streets, and disruption to everyday life, leading authorities to implement measures to curb tourist numbers and regulate vacation rentals.

7. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landmarks. However, the site has been swamped by tourists in recent years, leading to damage to delicate carvings, erosion of ancient structures, and concerns about the impact of mass tourism on the surrounding communities and environment.

8. Prague, Czech Republic

The fairytale city of Prague, with its stunning architecture and rich history, has become a victim of its own charm. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often swarmed with tourists, leading to overcrowded streets, strain on infrastructure, and rising housing costs for locals. The influx of visitors has also sparked debates about the preservation of cultural heritage and the need for sustainable tourism management in this beloved European destination.

Where can you see the northern lights in the U.S.? The answer might surprise you.

You don’t need a passport to catch one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Normally, you’d have to head north to destinations like Norway, Finland, and Iceland in hopes of catching a glimpse of the northern lights, and while all of these destinations are well worth traveling to, there are a few less-expected spots right here in the United States where you can see the spectacular celestial show.

High solar activity is essential to seeing the lights, particularly in the U.S. When the sun emits superheated plasma, otherwise known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), it can trigger a massive “geomagnetic storm,” which causes the Earth’s auroras to ramp up. However, solar weather is hard to predict, so you’ll need to be prepared (and have a little resiliency) for your best chance at an aurora light show. Use digital tools like NOAA’s forecast tool and Night Sky Alerts to keep track of solar activity and be alerted to the best times to catch the northern lights in your area.

Locations in higher latitudes (which are closer to what’s known as the “Aurora Oval,” or the area with the strongest geomagnetic activity) are ideal for spotting the aurora borealis, so the phenomenon can be seen in the northern United States if the conditions are right. Longer, darker nights (like around a new moon) and clear skies are best. You’ll also want to be aware of when the equinoxes occur (in September and March) because solar activity tends to be high around these times due to the Earth’s tilt in relation to the sun.

With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to spot the northern lights in the U.S.

1. Idaho

When geomagnetic storms are big enough, the northern lights can be visible as far south as northern Idaho. Head to sites like Priest Lake and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.

2. Minnesota

The northern lights can be seen in parts of the Midwest, like northern Minnesota, when the conditions are just right. Cook County is actually one of the best places to spot the phenomenon in the lower 48 states.

Not only will there need to be a massive solar storm, but you will also need to be in an area that is dark and free of light pollution. When a solar storm happens, make your way out of the city and into a dark area. Park yourself beneath the stars and wait for the show to (hopefully) begin.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has an advantage when it comes to northern lights viewing potential, as it is home to Cherry Springs State Park, a Dark Sky Reserve. There, visitors can stay overnight, join tours, and even take a photography class to improve their skills and possibly capture the aurora in action. Visit the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field for 360-degree views of the night sky — even if you don’t spot the northern lights, you’ll still enjoy some of the country’s best stargazing.

4. Michigan

The northern lights can sometimes be spotted from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Michigan is also home to a Dark Sky Park, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Although the park has ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights, they can be unpredictable. Keep your expectations low and you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you catch a glimpse of the lights over these woodlands.

5. Alaska

Because of its location within the auroral oval and dark skies, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and lucky for American travelers, you don’t even need a passport to get there. Fairbanks, Utqiagvik, and Coldfoot are among the best places to visit for a chance to see the northern lights. Visitors can even opt for a guided tour for expert viewing advice. Head to an inland location during March for your best chances of seeing the phenomenon in the Last Frontier.

6. Wisconsin

Auroras have been known to appear in the skies over several of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes. Head to the Apostle Islands or Washington Island in Door County for the chance of glimpsing the lights. The Great Lakes are another perfect backdrop for viewing the colorful phenomenon, and Wisconsin is situated on both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, all the better for northern lights viewing when frozen over.

7. North Dakota

This northern state is the perfect place for night sky viewing if you’re trying to see the northern lights. Scenic areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Mystical Horizons in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau are ideal for those clear skies you’ll need to catch the auroras. North Dakota’s Martens Observatory has actually installed a pair of cameras that provide a public livestream of the night sky that will capture auroras when they appear overhead.

8. Maine

The mostly rural state offers plenty of stargazing opportunities. It’s also home to the Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, making Maine the best place east of the Mississippi to catch the northern lights. There’s also an International Dark Sky Park in the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine woods, as well as other remote, clear spots where the auroras might be spotted.

Before booking your next trip, check out these tips from travel journalist Mark Ellwood.

Traveling is one of life’s great joys — from seeing new places to meeting people from another culture, seeing the wider world is something to be treasured. But even the most experienced travelers can find some moments stressful.

Travel journalist Mark Ellwood talk about some of his best tips after a lifetime of living out of his own suitcase.

He offered five things he would never do if you want your trip to go off without a hitch.

1. Travel without insurance

Ellwood says that travel insurance is often very low cost and can save you in a pinch.

“It’s the same price as a cup of coffee per day, give or take, and buys you peace of mind when something goes awry,” he said.

Ellwood notes many credit cards offer built-in insurance for any trips purchased on that card but he is also a fan of travelinsurance.com or insuremytrip.com. Both are marketplaces where you can shop around for the best plan.

2. Overlook considering all airports

While it might not be the most convenient, Ellwood suggests checking the wider metropolitan area for flights at nearby airports.

“Look for airports nearby — you might score a deal better by searching for, perhaps, Stewart, New York, rather than Newark, (New Jersey),” he said. “Always check nearby airports to both your point of origin and destination.”

3. Exclude lesser-known carriers

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the southeast and include the following:

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the Southeast and include the following:

• Charleston, South Carolina
• Tampa, Florida
• Norfolk, Virginia
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Fort Myers, Florida

4. Neglect geotagging luggage

There’s no worse feeling while traveling than waiting for your luggage to appear on the baggage carousel, only for it to never materialize.

But geotagging your luggage can at least help you track it down.

“Geotag your luggage — whether AirTag or similar,” Ellwood says. “You’ll always know where your luggage is … or isn’t.”

If your bag doesn’t make it to your final destination, you can always tell the airline where it is to help them track it down.

5. Think there’s a magic time to book a flight

Despite years of rumors, there’s really no day or time that’s best to book your travel.

“There is no magic day date time to score a deal,” Ellwood says. “Instead, the best time is whenever you receive an alert that your route’s gone on sale.”
The way to do this is to track your flights ahead of booking them. Ellwood suggests using Google Flights — just type in where and when you’re looking to fly, then toggle the alert tab so you’ll be notified of any changes.

“This allows you to watch how much it’ll cost and swoop in the moment an airline cuts the price when you want to fly,” he says.