At first, our family’s trip to Bora Bora felt like the ultimate tropical escape — there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a beautiful bungalow above crystal-clear water at a resort in French Polynesia.
About three days into our vacation, though, we were over it.
Much to our surprise, we weren’t enjoying ourselves as much as we expected. Instead of feeling relaxed and pleasantly disconnected, we felt restless and isolated.
Our group of two adults and two teens found ourselves craving more — more restaurants, activities, people, and nearby places to explore.
So, we cut our five-day trip short and flew somewhere else. I still think it’s the best decision we could’ve made for our family.
We craved a higher-energy environment with more to see and do
Bora Bora is unquestionably beautiful.
Abby Price
We knew Bora Bora was remote, but we underestimated just how little there’d be to do at our final destination.
It took multiple flights, a layover in Tahiti, and a boat ride to get to our resort. Though it was gorgeous, it was also off the mainland.
Once we were there, we felt frustrated that we couldn’t be spontaneous or easily go exploring on our own.
If we wanted to experience something new, such as scuba diving or riding a boat, we had to book a pricey excursion in advance. To go to Bora Bora’s main village, we’d have to book our resort’s shuttle and pay for and plan our ride back.
In terms of dining options, we felt limited to the resort’s handful of restaurants and bars. If we wanted to leave the property to eat, we would’ve had to spend more time and money traveling to restaurants nearby (most of which were at other resorts). It didn’t feel worth it for us.
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Our meals, while beautifully presented, didn’t feel particularly memorable. Evenings mostly consisted of sunset drinks and maybe a Polynesian dance show on the resort property.
We started feeling isolated. We found ourselves missing the energy of a vibrant destination where we could explore, make last-minute plans, or simply grab a late-night snack somewhere outside the resort.
Rather than spend the rest of our vacation feeling stuck, we pivoted by booking last-minute flights to Los Angeles. It was one of the layover spots on our trip home, so we figured we might as well get the first leg of our long journey over with to save time later.
And, convenience aside, the city had been on our bucket list for a long time with its incredible restaurants and lively beaches. Plus, the city had that faster pace we now knew we were looking for.
Next time, we’ll make sure our destination is a better fit for our travel preferences
We didn’t appreciate Bora Bora as much as some other travelers may be able to.
Abby Price
Leaving the island early may sound drastic — especially since we lost money on our original booking and spent more changing our plans — but it was a great decision for our family.
Bora Bora is the ultimate dreamy destination for the right type of traveler. But it wasn’t a perfect match for our energetic group of two adults and two teenagers.
If you’re considering a trip there, my biggest advice is to know yourself as a traveler. We realized a bit too late that we crave more variety, action, and impromptu outings on vacation.
If you love pure relaxation, seclusion, and breathtaking scenery (or you’re on your honeymoon), Bora Bora may be perfect for you.
If you’re like us, however, you may be better off trying somewhere else.
On August 12, 2026, the moon will completely obscure the sun in northern portions of the globe.
Wilderness Travel
Savvy travelers are already planning their adventure trips for next year’s total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The path of totality—the breathtaking effect of the moon completely obscuring the sun—which passes over Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Northern Spain is so far north that most of the world will not see it.
Cycle the Camino de Santiago
In Spain, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a family-run company headquartered in Italy, is running a 15-day Cycling the Camino de Santiago trip with front-row seats to this amazing celestial event, where guests will experience totality for more than one minute.
Founded in 1972 by Rick and Paola Malpezzi-Price, and now run by their daughters, Maria Elena and Monica, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours offers a wide range of bicycling vacations, including guided tours in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and new self-guided tours in Italy. With a range of touring styles and tour levels, exceptional local leaders, thoughtfully designed routes, and meaningful cultural immersion.
The Cycling Camino De Santiago departure, from Roncesvalles to Santiago, is a rare opportunity to combine a legendary pilgrimage route with an unforgettable astronomical phenomenon.
Riding into the town of Castrojeriz, where the Camino runs right through the ruins of the Church of St. Anton.
ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours
“This is one of those experiences that feels almost mythic,” says Maria Elena Price. “For many, a Camino journey is still very much about spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation. Now, add to that the experience of being in the path of totality, which if you’ve never experienced before, is hard to put into words the effect it has on you. To begin this trip with a total solar eclipse unfolding around you is magical and memorable, to say the least.”
Meeting up in Pamplona, Spain, on August 10, 2026, the group will shuttle to the village of Roncesvalles to prepare bikes and visit the 13th-century monastery that is the traditional starting point for the Camino and where pilgrim’s get their official passport. The ride itself starts the next day with a downhill run from Roncesvalles following the Iratí River, stopping to visit the 12th-century Romanesque Church of Santa María Eunate along the way. On day three of the trip, August 12, guests will stay at the Hotel Castillo El Collado, a historic castle-like hotel in the medieval hilltop town of Laguardia, with 360° views of the surrounding countryside. The eclipse will begin at approximately 7:30pm local time, with totality occurring around an hour later for a little over a minute.
Hilltop Winery Viewing
Experienced travel leader Wilderness Travel has also announced its program for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, continuing their long-tradition of operating unique journeys guided by the world’s pre-eminent subject matter experts.
The 2026 solar program will take guests to the Iberian Peninsula, directly in the path of totality, to an exclusive hilltop viewing location in Lerma, Spain. This location was chosen in collaboration with esteemed eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson for the finest weather potential and sweeping views across the flat Meseta Norte. In addition to stupendous views of the eclipse, guests can expect to enjoy fascinating culture, history, food, wine, and insightful programming on eclipses and cosmic wonders, curated by distinguished lecturer Dr. Alex Filippenko, Professor of Astronomy at UC Berkeley.
Guests will explore the community of Lerma before heading to the private eclipse-viewing site at an expansive hilltop winery set at a formal ducal palace built for King Felipe III – located virtually on the centerline. Because the Total Eclipse will occur low on the horizon just one hour shy of sunset, guests can look forward to several effects being different from when totality is high overhead. Intensified atmospheric scattering should greatly enhance the colors of the eclipse and the surrounding horizon. The sun, which will appear magnified by the “moon illusion,” will cast elongated shadow bands upon the landscape.
In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime chance to view this perfect eclipse, throughout the rest of the itinerary guests will enjoy great food, wine, local history, culture, and architecture in addition to programming curated by Dr. Filippenko on eclipses and other astronomical phenomena.
View 2026’s total solar eclipse while experiencing culture, history, food, and wine.
Wilderness Travel
Travel experiences to witness next year’s total solar eclipse will fill up fast. Don’t miss the opportunity to view this celestial wonder from directly in the path of totality.
The wildfire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in southern Spain, and has forced hotels and bars to be evacuated as well as several beach resorts
Emergency services have been deployed to the scene in rural Spain(Image: @X)
Holidaymakers and residents have been forced to flee beach resorts across southern Spain after a rapidly spreading wildfire broke out close to the popular coastal town of Tarifa in Cadiz, Andalusia.
The inferno started at approximately 4pm on Tuesday when flames erupted from a motorhome at Torre de la Pena campsite, quickly racing across the drought-stricken, mountainous landscape and threatening residential areas, campsites, and tourist hotspots.
Fierce winds have intensified the blaze, shrouding neighbouring beaches in thick black smoke and forcing authorities to close the N-340 highway between Las Pinas and Pedro Valiente, the Mirror reports.
Emergency crews, including five helicopters, two water-bombing aircraft, a coordination plane, and multiple ground teams, are battling against the flames.
Multiple caravans have already been destroyed by the fire, whilst venues including the Wawa Hotel and popular beachside bars known as chiringuitos have been forced to evacuate.
Authorities have confirmed no injuries have occurred so far.
Tarifa’s Mayor Jose Antonio Santos told La Sexta that the blaze represents “the fastest-spreading fire I’ve ever seen”, describing the circumstances as “unprecedented” for the region.
Local publication Europa Sur has confirmed that restaurants and hotels across roughly 3km from La Pena to Casas de Porros have been evacuated, reports the Irish Mirror.
Beachgoers have received urgent warnings, whilst Algeciras Mayor Jose Ignacio Landaluce has pledged support for the emergency response.
The public is being urged to avoid The vicinity, particularly as key access routes are still shut.
The fire is dangerously close to the Estrecho Natural Park, and precautions are being taken to protect nearby communities, including Valdevaqueros. INFOCA, the Andalusian wildfire response agency, is leading coordination efforts on the ground.
Operations at Gibraltar Airport – the closest airport just 48km away – remain unaffected, with all scheduled flights running on time.
This recent blaze follows a string of wildfires across the Iberian Peninsula, including a significant one near Madrid last month. Officials throughout Spain and Portugal remain on high alert as the ongoing extreme summer heat and dry conditions pose a serious wildfire risk.
Thailand Welcomes Agoda’s Debut Merchandise Store Featuring Exclusive Travel-Inspired Lifestyle Products That Celebrate The Spirit Of Exploration And Everyday Adventure
Home»ASIA» Thailand Welcomes Agoda’s Debut Merchandise Store Featuring Exclusive Travel-Inspired Lifestyle Products That Celebrate The Spirit Of Exploration And Everyday Adventure
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Agoda has officially launched its first-ever merchandise store in Thailand. Available exclusively on leading e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada, this store offers a carefully curated collection of travel-inspired lifestyle products. From functional accessories to stylish apparel, each item is designed to capture the essence of exploration and adventure, making travel a part of everyday life. This new retail venture not only enhances Agoda’s connection with its community but also allows Thai consumers to embrace the spirit of travel—whether they are preparing for their next trip or simply adding a touch of wanderlust to their daily routine.
Agoda Enters Retail with Travel-Inspired Lifestyle Store in Thailand
Agoda, the globally recognized digital travel platform, has taken a significant leap into the world of retail by unveiling its first-ever merchandise store. Available exclusively on leading e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada in Thailand, this new retail venture allows Agoda fans and travel enthusiasts to shop for branded lifestyle products that embody the essence of travel.
This innovative move marks a notable evolution in Agoda’s brand strategy. While the company has long been synonymous with hotel and flight bookings, it now aims to build a deeper emotional connection with its customers through a lifestyle product line. The Agoda Swag Store introduces a new dimension to the brand—one that merges travel passion with everyday living.
Curated Travel-Inspired Merchandise Collection
The launch features a thoughtfully selected range of lifestyle products designed for both frequent travelers and fans of the Agoda brand. Shoppers can choose from functional yet trendy items such as:
Branded T-shirts
Stylish mugs
Soft eye masks
Cosmetic pouches
For those always on the move, Agoda offers practical travel accessories including:
Luggage straps and tags
Durable travel covers
A vacuum compression travel backpack
A hands-free carry-on sling
The innovative Hydrate & Scroll 2-in-1 water bottle that doubles as a phone stand
Each item has been carefully designed to enhance travel experiences while promoting a sense of personal style and brand connection.
Launch Offers to Boost Accessibility
In celebration of the Agoda Swag Store’s debut, shoppers can enjoy special introductory deals with discounts reaching as high as 60%. This introductory offer aims to make the merchandise accessible to a wider range of shoppers, encouraging more people to engage with the Agoda lifestyle.
The company’s broader vision is not just to sell products, but to integrate the spirit of travel into everyday life. Through this retail expansion, Agoda hopes to connect with individuals who view travel not just as an occasional activity, but as part of who they are.
Fast, Reliable Delivery with DPX
Agoda has partnered with DPX, a trusted logistics provider, to ensure that all orders are fulfilled quickly and efficiently across Thailand. Most deliveries are completed within 1–2 business days, and many orders are eligible for free shipping depending on platform-specific promotions.
This efficient delivery model enhances the customer experience, ensuring that travelers and shoppers alike receive their products with minimal delay—just in time for their next journey or lifestyle upgrade.
Expanding Brand Engagement Beyond Bookings
The launch of Agoda’s merchandise store reflects a wider strategy to build lasting relationships with customers. By offering tangible branded products, Agoda reinforces its visibility in the daily lives of its users, going beyond the digital touchpoints of its booking platform.
Whether someone is packing for a vacation, sipping coffee at home, or organizing travel essentials, these lifestyle products serve as constant reminders of Agoda’s commitment to making travel more seamless, stylish, and inspiring.
How to Shop the Agoda Swag Store
Thai consumers can explore the full range of Agoda’s lifestyle merchandise by simply searching for “Agoda” on Shopee or Lazada. Both platforms feature the complete collection, updated deals, and shipping options to suit a variety of customer needs.
This new shopping experience not only reflects Agoda’s innovative brand vision but also showcases its commitment to adapting to evolving customer expectations. As travel continues to blend with lifestyle, Agoda’s retail debut sets the tone for a new kind of brand engagement—one that brings the adventure home.
In conclusion, Thailand is the launchpad for Agoda’s debut merchandise store, offering travel-inspired lifestyle products that celebrate exploration and adventure. Available exclusively on Shopee and Lazada, the collection blends style with practicality for everyday travelers.
