Travel News July 2025

This Fourth of July holiday is shaping up to be the busiest ever. Whether you're navigating bumper-to-bumper traffic or breezing through TSA checkpoints, a little preparation goes a long way in making your summer getaway smoother and more enjoyable. From road trips to international escapes, the July 4th holiday offers something for every traveler—but also demands extra planning. Check out our 4th of July top U.S. Destinations blog.

AAA is forecasting 72.2 million Americans traveling domestically between June 28 and July 6. Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 18.5 million travelers at airport checkpoints from July 1 through July 7. Sunday, July 6 is projected to be the busiest day for air travel, with nearly 2.9 million passengers expected to pass through U.S. airports.

TSA officials say they are fully staffed and ready, especially after handling a record-breaking 3.1 million travelers on June 22—the busiest day in TSA history. New technologies and streamlined procedures aim to improve security and reduce wait times, with special focus on easing the experience for families and individuals with disabilities. Children 12 and under can join their parents in TSA PreCheck lanes, and assistance is available through TSA Cares for passengers with medical needs or special conditions.

With 61.6 million Americans expected to drive, travelers are urged to plan around peak congestion times. INRIX data shows July 2 and July 6 will be the worst days to drive, especially in the afternoon. Air travelers should expect longer security lines and are reminded to pack smart: bring a REAL ID or passport and follow TSA’s guidelines for items like baby gear.

A new chapter in global aviation is set to begin in December 2025 as China Eastern Airlines introduces the world’s longest flight, connecting Shanghai to Buenos Aires with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand. Operating twice a week, this route will be the first direct air link between China and Argentina, making history and significantly enhancing travel options across the South Pacific. Passengers will not need to change planes in Auckland, streamlining the journey for those traveling between Asia and South America.

Beyond setting a distance record, the Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route is ready to shift aviation dynamics in the region. It offers an alternative to the traditional Sydney transfer hub and taps into the growing demand for South American travel among Chinese tourists. With Argentina’s blend of European charm and natural wonders like Patagonia and Iguazu Falls, the country is increasingly attractive to long-haul travelers seeking both culture and adventure.

Coinciding with this new route, New Zealand has announced a visa-free transit update for Chinese travelers. Beginning in November 2025, those passing through Auckland will only need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), eliminating the need for a traditional transit visa. This move is expected to elevate Auckland Airport’s status as a major international hub, supporting greater passenger volume and serving New Zealand’s 40,000-strong South American diaspora.

Whether you're planning to explore tango in Buenos Aires or the glaciers of southern Argentina, don’t forget to protect your journey. Get a travel insurance quote today with Trawick International and travel with peace of mind.

As peak summer travel ramps up, travelers passing through Europe’s busiest airports are facing mounting disruptions. On one particularly chaotic day, 384 flights were delayed and 12 cancelled across four major hubs—Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Frankfurt International, and Athens International. The impact was felt across both European and international airlines, including KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, stranding passengers and throwing schedules into disarray.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Europe’s third-busiest, bore the brunt of the turmoil with nearly 100 flight disruptions—most notably from KLM, which suffered 43 delays and all six cancellations reported. Meanwhile, London Heathrow saw 80 delays and three cancellations, heavily impacting British Airways and transatlantic routes. In Frankfurt, operational challenges including aircraft repositioning and staff shortages led to 126 delays, especially for Lufthansa. Athens International wasn’t spared either, reporting 82 delays as local and international carriers struggled with tight turnaround schedules and understaffed ground crews.

Industry experts point to a combination of staffing shortages, infrastructure strain, and increased passenger volume driven by the start of school holidays. Ground operations, logistics, and air traffic control are stretched thin, and the ripple effects are being felt worldwide, as delayed European connections disrupt global travel itineraries. Airlines are encouraging travelers to check in early, utilize digital tools, and prepare for extended wait times and possible rebookings.

With no immediate relief in sight, these widespread delays serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for travel interruptions. If you're planning a European vacation this summer, protect yourself from the unexpected—get a travel insurance quote with Trawick International and travel with confidence.

As the 2025 summer travel season reaches its peak, a wave of rapid wildfires is sweeping across some of the world’s most beloved destinations. Turkey and France have now joined the U.S., Canada, and Russia in battling intense blazes that are disrupting air travel, cruise itineraries, and holiday plans just as American Independence Day travel begins. Entire resort areas have been evacuated, airports temporarily shut down, and passengers left scrambling for alternate routes—making this one of the most chaotic summer seasons in recent memory.

On Turkey’s Aegean coast, wildfires near İzmir have forced the evacuation of over 50,000 people and temporarily shut down Adnan Menderes Airport, stranding travelers for hours. Hotels, airlines, and tour operators are under intense pressure, with many guests being relocated or canceled altogether. Meanwhile, in Southern France, fires in regions like Corbières have prompted evacuations from vineyards, campsites, and historic towns. Thick smoke has deterred outdoor tourism and raised serious concerns about air quality, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

The effects stretch far beyond Europe. Wildfires have scorched over a million acres in the U.S. alone this summer, and smoke from blazes in Turkey and France is drifting across neighboring countries. Airlines are adjusting routes and cruise lines are reevaluating port stops to avoid smoky skies. For travelers, the reality is sinking in: wildfire season is now a major consideration when booking a summer escape. Health risks, flight cancellations, and sudden evacuations are now part of the summer travel equation.

As climate change intensifies these threats, flexibility and preparation are key. Before you book your next trip, be sure to protect your investment with comprehensive travel insurance. Get a quote today with Trawick International and travel smarter, no matter what the season brings.

The Iran-Israel conflict has triggered widespread air travel disruptions across the Middle East, grounding flights, rerouting long-haul journeys, and raising serious concerns about airspace safety. While a recent ceasefire has allowed Israel to reopen its airspace, including Ben Gurion International Airport, travelers are still navigating a patchwork of delays, cancellations, and evolving safety protocols. Airlines like Emirates, El Al, Etihad, and United have had to adjust flight paths or suspend routes, creating ripple effects across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Ben Gurion Airport resumed operations following the lifting of a state of emergency, with carriers like El Al and Israir restoring services to key destinations. However, delays remain, and land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt are open but volatile. The U.S. FAA has extended its flight ban in Iranian airspace through October 2027, highlighting the region’s ongoing aviation risks. Airspace closures in countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE have further complicated routing options, increasing journey times and operational costs for airlines.

In addition to route changes, airlines are grappling with a growing threat: GPS spoofing. Up to 200 daily flights in the region have been affected by false GPS signals, endangering navigation accuracy and forcing airlines to invest in countermeasures. As international advisories urge caution, travelers are advised to stay updated on current restrictions and confirm their flight status directly with airlines or official airport websites.

This is a developing story, and conditions can change daily. While Israel’s airspace has reopened, the broader Middle East aviation network remains fragile. If you're planning travel in or through the region, it’s crucial to stay informed—monitor government advisories, airline notices, and airport updates frequently to ensure you can respond quickly to any new developments. A travel advisory is in effect for travel to Israel.

Trawick International has introduced its new Pathway Collection, offering tiered travel insurance options for U.S. residents heading abroad or traveling domestically.

Being introduced with the plans are two new perks exclusive to the Pathway Collection: Traveler Lounge Pass, which provides access to airport lounges when your flight is delayed by more than two hours, and Runway Health Pre-Travel Medication Readiness Consultation, which provides access to an online consultation with a U.S. licensed doctor who can prescribe medications based on your needs and destination.

Coverage ranges from economical (Pathway Essential) to premium (Pathway Premium, with optional Cancel For Any Reason, Interruption For Any Reason, Adventure Sports coverage, and more). A Pathway Domestic plan is also available for U.S. residents traveling domestically, who may not need medical benefits in their travel insurance plan. All plans include a free look period.

Learn More and find Your Pathway