United States Joins Vietnam, Thailand and Other Countries in Embracing Severe Winter Travel Struggles, Along with Southeast Asian Tourism Booms, and Flood Recovery: December 1st Tourism News Update

Published on December 2, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The United States has joined Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries in facing severe winter travel struggles. With the holiday season in full swing, winter storms have wreaked havoc across the U.S., creating disruptions for travelers. Alongside this, Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand are experiencing tourism booms and recovering from devastating floods, making headlines this December.

Vietnam’s surge in international visitors continues to break records, while Thailand’s southern provinces, hit by recent floods, are bouncing back. Travel and tourism in these regions are recovering, offering new opportunities for travelers seeking adventure.

Travel And Tour World urges readers to dive into the full story to understand the severe winter travel struggles facing the U.S. and to explore the thriving tourism industries in Vietnam and Thailand. This update highlights how these global travel trends impact tourism, making it essential for travelers to stay informed. Keep reading for the full story!

The United States, Vietnam, and Thailand are all making headlines this week as travel and tourism continue to surge amid challenging conditions. From the chaos of winter storms in the U.S. to Vietnam’s tourism boom and Thailand’s recovery from devastating floods, travelers are navigating a range of situations this December. Here’s everything you need to know.

US Winter Travel Faces Major Disruptions Amid Record Numbers of Passengers
The Thanksgiving crush has set the stage for a chaotic start to the winter travel season.

The United States is experiencing an early winter travel season that is already facing major challenges. Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally one of the busiest times for air travel, has led to a significant spike in passenger numbers, with many airports reporting record levels of travelers. Adding to the strain, a powerful winter storm has swept across the Midwest, leaving passengers stranded and scrambling for rebookings.

Airports like Chicago O’Hare, a major hub, have been severely affected, with thousands of flight delays and hundreds of cancellations. Even if your local weather appears calm, it’s important to be aware that your plane and crew might be coming from an area with snow and ice, creating delays that could impact your flight’s schedule.

One particularly alarming incident involved a Delta Connection jet that slid off an icy runway in Des Moines, Iowa over the weekend. Thankfully, no one was injured, but it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly winter weather conditions can turn dangerous, disrupting travel plans in unexpected ways.

For anyone flying in the coming weeks, it is highly recommended to plan ahead by building in extra time at the airport. Travelers should also ensure their airline apps are up to date and keep an eye on the status of their flight—specifically where their aircraft is coming from. Even if your departure city is calm, you might be dealing with delays due to weather conditions elsewhere.

Vietnam’s Tourism Boom: A Major Growth Year for the Southeast Asian Destination
More than 17 million international visitors flocked to Vietnam in 2025, marking an impressive growth trajectory.

Moving east to Southeast Asia, Vietnam is celebrating a tourism boom this year, with the country welcoming well over 17 million international visitors by December. This is a remarkable increase, with a growth rate of over 20% compared to the previous year. As the country continues to recover from the global pandemic, projections suggest that total arrivals could surpass 22 million by the end of 2025, putting Vietnam ahead of its pre-pandemic performance.

The surge in tourism means more flights are arriving in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Popular destinations such as the Mekong Delta are also experiencing rapid growth as beach and river tourism becomes a larger focus. While this is exciting news for Vietnam’s economy and tourism sector, it also means that well-loved spots will likely become more crowded. Travelers hoping to visit these areas should plan ahead and secure hotel deals early, as peak season accommodations may be in high demand.

For those looking to explore Vietnam in the coming months, expect increased flight availability, expanded travel routes, and a wider range of experiences. However, it’s wise to prepare for busy tourist hotspots and higher prices during peak travel periods.

Thailand’s Flood Recovery: Southern Provinces Back to Normal
Despite the recent heavy floods, most major tourist destinations are operating as usual.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s tourism sector is bouncing back after a challenging period of heavy flooding in the southern provinces. Areas like Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani were hit particularly hard, with extensive damage affecting infrastructure, transportation, and local businesses. However, tourism officials have confirmed that most of the major destinations in the region have returned to normal, with airports and key transport links operating as usual.

Despite the recovery, travelers heading to southern Thailand are encouraged to check for updates specific to the province they plan to visit. Floods can leave lasting impacts, and conditions can change rapidly, so staying informed is crucial. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been providing updates, and it’s wise for travelers to stay in touch with their hotel or tour operators to get the latest local information on conditions.

Travelers can still explore famous southern Thai destinations with confidence, knowing that the region’s tourism industry is recovering well. However, due diligence is key to ensuring a safe and smooth trip, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.

What Travelers Need to Know: Key Takeaways for December Travel
How to plan for a chaotic winter travel season and take advantage of booming tourism destinations.

As December sets in, here are the key takeaways for travelers navigating these turbulent times:

1. Winter Travel Chaos in the US – With winter storms affecting major travel hubs, expect delays and cancellations. Always check your airline’s app for updates, and factor in extra time at the airport.
2. Vietnam’s Booming Tourism – The Southeast Asian destination is seeing a surge in international visitors, with more flights and expanded services. However, expect crowded hotspots during peak season.
3. Thailand’s Flood Recovery – While major southern destinations have returned to normal, travelers should keep an eye on local updates and conditions. Stay in touch with your accommodations to ensure smooth travel.

While there are hurdles to overcome, these global destinations continue to recover and thrive, offering travelers exciting new opportunities and experiences as the year comes to a close. Be prepared, stay informed, and enjoy the journey!