Travel News 2025

The year 2024 shattered travel records, with unprecedented passenger volumes driven by a mix of holiday travel, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the continued rebound of the tourism industry. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported its busiest year in history, with multiple record-breaking days. On December 1, 3.087 million airline passengers were screened nationwide following the Thanksgiving holiday—a new all-time high. Earlier in the year, July 7 had already set a milestone with over three million travelers passing through TSA checkpoints during the peak summer season.

Adding to this surge was the April 8 total solar eclipse, a celestial event that captivated millions and spurred a unique wave of travel. Spanning a path of totality across North America, from Mexico to the eastern U.S., the eclipse drew travelers from around the globe eager to witness the phenomenon. Cities along the path, such as San Antonio, Indianapolis, and Cleveland, reported surges in hotel bookings, increased flight demand, and packed viewing areas. This astronomical event showcased how rare natural occurrences can become major travel motivators, contributing to the overall rise in travel numbers for the year.

These record-breaking moments reflect a year where travel demand reached new heights, challenging airports and airlines to adapt rapidly. The TSA extended hours, deployed additional staff, and leaned on technology to manage the sheer volume while maintaining safety and efficiency. With these milestones, 2024 stands out as a pivotal year for the travel industry, fueled by the allure of unique experiences and a revitalized desire to explore.

In April 2024, the Biden administration introduced comprehensive new rules aimed at ensuring airlines are held accountable when their services fall short. These regulations require carriers to provide automatic cash refunds for a variety of disruptions, including canceled or significantly altered flights, delayed checked baggage, and unfulfilled ancillary services, such as seat upgrades or in-flight Wi-Fi. The rules also emphasize transparent disclosure of fees, making it easier for travelers to understand the true cost of their flights.

The new measures are designed to address long-standing complaints from travelers about refund delays and unclear policies. By automating refunds for eligible disruptions, the Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks to eliminate the hassle of lengthy claims processes and provide faster financial relief to passengers. These changes come in response to a wave of airline service issues in recent years, including massive delays, cancellations, and the growing frustration over hidden fees and inconsistent refund policies.

For travelers, these rules represent a significant shift in consumer protections within the airline industry. Not only will passengers benefit from clearer and fairer policies, but the regulations also aim to encourage airlines to improve their service reliability. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the DOT is setting a new standard for how airlines handle disruptions, fostering greater trust between carriers and their customers.

If you do experience delays or cancellations for which the airline does not offer compensation, travel insurance can help.

Learn more and get a quick trip cancellation travel insurance quote.

As global travel rebounds post-pandemic, overtourism has once again become a pressing issue in popular destinations worldwide. Iconic locations like Venice, Bali, and Barcelona continue to grapple with the strain of excessive tourism on local communities and ecosystems. Meanwhile, U.S. National Parks, such as Yellowstone and Zion, have also faced record-breaking crowds, resulting in overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strained resources. In response, new measures like entry fees, visitor caps, and sustainability initiatives aim to preserve these treasured destinations while fostering more responsible tourism.

Amid these challenges, alternative travel trends like "destination dupes" and voluntourism have gained traction as sustainable solutions. Destination dupes encourage travelers to explore less-crowded alternatives to overrun hotspots, while voluntourism combining travel with community service—also emerged as a meaningful way to counter overtourism’s impacts. Many travelers now choose to participate in environmental cleanups, educational programs, or wildlife conservation projects in areas affected by excessive tourism. U.S. National Parks, for instance, offer programs for volunteers to help maintain trails or support conservation efforts. By actively contributing to the well-being of these destinations, travelers can foster deeper connections with the places they visit while mitigating their impact.

By embracing these alternative approaches, travelers can protect overburdened destinations, preserve their cultural and environmental integrity, and discover hidden gems that offer equally enriching experiences. These efforts represent a shared responsibility between destinations and visitors, paving the way for a more sustainable future for global travel.

The year 2024 was marked by severe weather disruptions that profoundly impacted global travel, from powerful hurricanes in the Atlantic to catastrophic storms like Spain’s DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). These events highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather, leaving tourists and travel operators scrambling to adapt.

In Spain, the DANA system unleashed torrential rains and devastating flooding across regions like Valencia, Murcia, and Andalusia. Transportation networks were paralyzed, with flights canceled, trains halted, and roads submerged, forcing thousands of travelers to rethink their plans. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season brought a series of destructive storms, including Hurricanes Helene, Beryl, and Milton, which left trails of disruption and destruction in their wake.

In addition to hurricanes and extreme weather events, California is currently battling severe wildfires, including the devastating Palisades Fire near Los Angeles. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, the fire has destroyed over 1,000 structures, claimed at least two lives, and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to contain the blazes, but high winds, rugged terrain, and dry conditions have made their efforts incredibly challenging.

While major airports in the region remain largely operational, Hollywood Burbank Airport has reported some flight disruptions due to the fire. Popular tourist destinations such as Universal Studios and the Getty Museum have temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety. Travelers to the region are advised to monitor updates and be prepared for potential changes to their plans as the situation develops.

The ongoing wildfires underscore the growing frequency and intensity of weather-related disruptions worldwide. Whether hurricanes, flash floods, or devastating fires, these events serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and adaptability in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.

RELATED: Travel Insurance Guide: Travel Insurance and Bad Weather

As we enter 2025, travelers should brace for a series of major changes to international and domestic travel protocols. From updated identification requirements for U.S. flights to new entry systems for Europe and the UK, these changes are set to redefine the way we travel.

Initially expected in late 2024, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) were delayed due to IT challenges and are now slated to launch in May 2025. These systems aim to modernize border security and improve efficiency for visitors to the EU.

The ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt countries, including U.S. citizens, to obtain travel authorization before visiting any Schengen Area nation. This authorization, costing €7 ($7.21), will remain valid for three years and allow multiple short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applications will be processed online and linked electronically to travelers’ passports, eliminating the need for traditional visa stamps.

Meanwhile, the EES will use biometric data, such as fingerprints and digital photos, to replace manual passport stamping, streamlining the border entry process. While the system’s delay gives travelers more time to prepare, it underscores the importance of staying updated on these requirements for smooth travel in Europe.

For U.S. domestic travelers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will enforce the REAL ID requirement starting May 7, 2025. This measure mandates that travelers present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights or access federal facilities.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their state’s driver’s licensing agency and provide documents verifying their identity, Social Security number, proof of address, and lawful status. REAL IDs are marked with a special seal, though designs vary by state. Alternative TSA-approved IDs, such as passports or Global Entry cards, will also be accepted.

On the other hand, international travelers planning to visit the United Kingdom should note the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting January 8, 2025. This pre-screening system, similar to the U.S.’ ESTA, will enhance border security while facilitating a smoother entry process.

The ETA, which costs £10 ($12.40), is valid for two years and allows unlimited entries during that period. Applications can be submitted online or through a mobile app. While the ETA simplifies entry for short-term visitors, it does not replace visa requirements for those needing one.

With these significant changes on the horizon, travelers must stay informed and plan ahead to ensure seamless journeys in 2025 and beyond.