Where to Go & What to Know About 2025 Travel

Lots of people are already dreaming about spring getaways and summer vacations as we endure winter weather that includes cold, snow, sleet, and layers of clothing. But as we start planning our trips, there are some important things regarding where to go & what to know about 2025 travel.

NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

Effective May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require REAL ID at all airports and some federal facilities. Check your state DL to see if you have the latest REAL ID or if you need to get your driver’s license replaced/updated. If you have a valid U.S. passport, you can use that in lieu of the REAL ID.

NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE U.K.

Effective January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom will require U.S. travelers to have an ETA to enter the country. An ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization that allows the U.K. to pre-screen visitors, which reduces security threats and makes the entry process more efficient and expedient. At this time, the cost is $13. Previously, American travelers were not required to have more than their passport to enter the U.K. The ETA is valid for two years and multiple entries into the country.

NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION

Effective May 2025 (unless postponed again), thirty European countries will require a European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS). U.S. citizens will be required to obtain this travel visa in addition to having a valid passport. This must be obtained prior to departure, unlike some visas that can be obtained upon arrival. The travel authorization will be valid for three years and good for stays up to 90 days in duration unless your passport expires during that time in which case you will have to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization. The small fee must be paid online when you fill out the application.

In other news about where to go & what to know 2025 travel…

• The DOT has made airline refunds easier for fliers to obtain. Travelers can receive automatic refunds if they do not choose to take a rebooked flight or if there are significant delays across all airlines. Also, bag fee refunds are guaranteed if a bag is delayed for 12+hrs on domestic or 15-30 hrs on international flights. Refunds are also guaranteed if services you paid for, such as WiFi and 24/7 live customer service support are not working properly. Click here to learn about all new DOT rules and regulations!
• New legislation also protects consumers from “hidden hotel fees.” Hotels and OTA’s must disclose all hotel fees up front before the booking is completed.
• Be sure to check U.S. State Department warnings before traveling anywhere outside the U.S. Currently, there are some places in the Caribbean that are not safe for tourists due to high crime.
• Overtourism is a huge problem for many popular European destinations. So much so that the governments are “taxing” tourists (mainly daytrippers) during peak times, such as summer 2025. Hot spots that have a tourist tax include Paris, Venice, Amsterdam (highest tax in Europe), Rome, Portugal, London, Barcelona, Athens, Valencia, Copenhagen, Bruges and more.
• The Orient Express is returning to service next year! The luxury rail line that ran from 1883 to 1977 is back and maybe even better than ever. This has long been on my bucket list so I am excited to get the chance to fulfill this travel dream.

HOT TRAVEL TRENDS & DESTINATIONS FOR 2025

• Travelers are wanting more and more out of their trips, including longer vacations with more fulfilling, immersive experiences.

• Travelers are looking to go farther off the beaten path to more remote and exotic destinations, such as Newfoundland, French Polynesia, Patagonia, Greenland, Kyrgyzstan, Antarctica, and Namibia. Even if traveling to popular places, such as Paris or Venice, travelers are seeking “detour destinations” as well. For example, instead of going to the overcrowded and expensive Greek Isles, savvy travelers are opting for the Athens Riviera. It is less than a hour away from Athens, has beautiful beaches, charming waterfront cafes and affordable resorts. Other examples include Coimbra instead of Lisbon, Portugal and Canfranc instead of Barcelona, Spain.

• Multigenerational vacations have been growing in popularity the last few years and continue to grow in popularity. All-inclusive resorts, full amenity vacation rentals, camping, and adventure theme cruises are the most sought after for extended families.

• Events, such as legendary concerts (Eras Tour), festivals (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), movie locations (Lord of the Rings, New Zealand; White Lotus, Thailand; and Harry Potter U.K.) and natural phenomena (eclipses, northern lights, Great Smoky Mountains firefly season, D.C. Cherry Blossoms, etc.) are also a growing trend.

• American roadtrips remain a popular vacation option for couples, families and solo travelers. Mountains, national parks, and beaches/coastline are the top choices. Think Pacific Coast Highway, Outer Banks, American Southwest, Florida Keys, New England, and Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

• Extended vacations that offer people a chance to get more immersed in the local culture and have a more leisurely and rewarding experience have increased greatly since 2020. The average vacation used to be 7 days but 21 days is more common these days thanks to remote work, more vacation days, and retirees on the go. Warm, safe destinations, such as Spain, Greece and Italy are often chosen, especially good walking towns with lots of rental options. And more people are traveling with their beloved family pets too!

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