@Melissa ********

Hi. My comment is based on factual occurrences I witnessed on the ground where, Prior to the Sultan’s passing, intolerant religious-based factions were influencing civil society by “banning” licensed alcohol establishments from distances from “new” houses of worship. And they were putting in mosques in practically every corner to secure their end. The trend is obvious and blatant, and not compatible with a welcoming environment for international travelers.

Oman has world-class tourist attractions. Hopefully the extremists will not prevail.

@Melissa ********

i’d avoid Türkiye mainland or Oman due to trending religion-based intolerance, but Northern Cyprus has potential that has never been reviewed lately…

@Chris ******

yes, of course cancellable flights are very expensive in comparison with non-cancellable.

It appears that tourists are not complaining to the rule-makers of the financial abuse caused. Looks like everyone just accepts it as a “Cost of doing business” in Thailand.

@John *******

sad for consumers

@Sturgess *******

sadly, a common “third-world” situation that abuses world travelers. First -world airports do not let regulated airport concessions/vendors have such anti-consumer practices. Maybe someday the authorities will “weed out” these low-end businesses to improve the country’s reputation with travelers (or not).

I can concur on all of those observations and experiences. I will not decide only based on price.

@Terry *******

just wait until any step that requires a payment, that will be a whole new experience (e.g. U.S. credit card bank not approving a Honk Kong bank transaction)

An obvious complication by this bureaucratic process is that visa applications often require return tickets and lodging reservations with dates shown, and that means committing at purchase time and usually paying change fees if dictated based on ultimate visa details.

@James *******

perfect. Thanks.