Babysitting for foreign tourists is booming in Japan, driven by rising demand for foreign-language childcare that lets families explore the country more freely.

South Korea’s Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun Cheol on Dec. 31 announced that the country will extend the waiver of visa processing fees for group tourists from six Asian countries, including Vietnam, for another six months.

Japan plans to lower the application fee for a 10-year passport for people aged 18 and older to about 9,000 yen (US$58), almost halving the current fee of around 16,000 yen.

Phu Quoc is emerging as one of the most closely watched destinations in Asia, following a wave of recognition from leading international travel publications.

The Center for Aviation (CAPA), the world’s leading aviation data and analytics platform, assessed that Phu Quoc holds a rare advantage in having established a relatively comprehensive aviation ecosystem, comprising an expanded international airport and an airline bearing the island’s name, Sun PhuQuoc Airways.

Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations in 2026, thanks to its unique blend of spectacular natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern cities, according to France’s Vogue magazine.

Eurostar suspended all trains connecting London to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels on Dec. 30 after a power supply issue in the Channel tunnel, sparking travel chaos during the busy travel season between Christmas and New Year.

What began as a solo trek from England to Vietnam has evolved into a shared journey for Luke Deakin, marked by a new relationship, the adoption of a stray dog and an unexpected detour to support flood victims in central Vietnam.

With more than 21 million foreign visitors, the highest ever, 2025 is set to usher in a new era for Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Indonesia’s Bali has been voted the “world’s most romantic destination” at this year’s World Travel Awards, surpassing eight other rivals.