We begin in Iran, where a fleet of 31 vintage Volkswagen Beetles—each representing a province—capped off Tourism Week with a scenic rally from Tehran, over the Alborz Mountains, to the Caspian Sea. It was a journey that spotlighted place, not politics—lush forest slopes, coastal towns, local crafts, and cuisine. It’s a different lens on a destination rich in culture and value, perfect for travelers seeking something off the mainstream radar. Travel planners, think museum stops in the capital, panoramic mountain views, and coastal overnights—paired with responsible travel and up-to-date advisories.

Next, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the UAE takes a leap onto the global luxury map by joining the invitation-only networks Virtuoso and Serendipians. That means more curated experiences, luxury pairings, and five-star stays—alongside activities like desert stargazing, sunrise ballooning, and pearl diving heritage.

Finally, a look at the U.S. travel forecast: 2025 looks steady with moderate growth, but bigger gains are on the way. The 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics will be the catalysts for a major inbound surge.

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