June 2025 Travel News Highlights

Hawaii is setting a bold new precedent in sustainable travel. This month, the state signed into law the nation’s first “green fee,” a small added tax on hotel stays and short-term accommodations aimed at protecting its fragile environment and preparing for climate-related disasters. Beginning January 1, 2026, visitors will see a 0.75% increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), bringing the total to 11%. This measure is expected to raise $100 million annually to support conservation projects and disaster preparedness.

What makes this law even more groundbreaking is its inclusion of cruise ship passengers, whose nightly cabin rates will also be taxed under the green fee, a first for Hawaii. While the cruise industry has threatened legal action, state officials emphasize that all visitors impact Hawaii’s ecosystems and infrastructure. According to Governor Josh Green, this approach strikes a necessary balance between tourism and environmental responsibility, especially in an era of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.

For travelers, the financial impact is minimal, about $3 extra on a $400 hotel night, but the long-term benefits for local communities and ecosystems could be substantial. These funds will not only protect Hawaii’s stunning landscapes but also help offset disaster recovery costs that often fall on locals. With federal emergency aid shrinking, the state’s proactive approach may serve as a model for other destinations facing similar climate pressures.

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, or anywhere with changing climate risks—it's more important than ever to travel smart. Protect your investment with a travel insurance policy that covers unexpected delays, cancellations, or natural disasters. Get a free quote from Trawick International today!

Pride Month is a powerful reminder of visibility, resilience, and the joy of being exactly who you are. It’s a time when LGBTQ+ travelers around the world hit the road (and the skies) to join global celebrations, connect with community, and discover destinations that feel like home. While recent global headlines have prompted important conversations around safety, especially in the U.S., Pride travel continues to thrive, led by cities and communities that are doubling down on inclusion, security, and celebration.

Whether you’re soaking in queer culture in Madrid, dancing through rainbow-lit streets in Mexico City, or marching in NYC’s legendary Pride Parade, Pride 2025 offers more options than ever for LGBTQ+ travelers to celebrate authentically. WorldPride is coming to Washington, D.C. for the first time since 2019, and organizers have invested in strong security protocols to ensure a safe, affirming space for all attendees. Meanwhile, destinations like, London, and San Francisco continue to be shining examples of LGBTQ+ inclusivity and welcome travelers from all places.

It's also a time to travel with intention. Many LGBTQ+ travelers are being more selective this year, researching local laws, connecting with queer-owned businesses, and prioritizing places where they feel not just safe, but celebrated. That shift in mindset means traveling smarter, bolder, and with purpose. Pride is not just about where you go, but how and why you go. The right destination can uplift your spirit, broaden your world, and remind you that belonging knows no borders.

Ready to discover the most inspiring LGBTQ+ destinations for Pride 2025? Whether you're dreaming of historic parades, vibrant nightlife, or quiet moments of cultural connection, we’ve curated a list of seven must-visit Pride travel spots where love, identity, and joy are always in season.

Read the full blog and start planning your Pride-inspired getaway!

Hurricane Season in the Atlantic officially kicked off on June 1, and early forecasts suggest it could be another above-average year. If you’re planning summer or fall travel to the Caribbean, Gulf Coast, or Southeastern U.S., now is the time to stay informed and be prepared.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2025 season is expected to bring 12 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). That’s well above the historical average, and forecasters say there’s a 60% chance of an above-normal season. While there’s no way to predict exactly where these storms will make landfall, experts advise travelers to monitor weather developments closely, especially as activity typically spikes from August through mid-September, peaking around September 10.

Already this week, the National Hurricane Center is watching an area of low pressure forming off the Southeast U.S. coast. While this early-season system may stay offshore, it’s a reminder that tropical developments can happen quickly, and even when you're just getting into summer travel mode. Further out, forecasters are also keeping a cautious eye on long-range models that hint at potential Caribbean activity, although reliability is limited this early in the season.

️Traveling during hurricane season doesn’t have to mean canceling your plans, but it does mean planning smarter. Make sure your destination has a solid storm preparedness plan, and always consider travel insurance that includes trip interruption, evacuation, and storm-related coverage.

Read our latest blog to learn how to prepare for hurricane season travel, and what destinations and tips to keep in mind this year.

If you're planning a trip to Europe this year, expect some significant changes to how you enter, move through, and stay in EU countries. From digital visa systems to new taxes and border procedures, here’s what travelers need to know heading into the second half of 2025. For expanded details on what travelers need to know heading into the second half of 2025, check out our blog.

Quick Digest of what to know:

• France Introduces a Fully Digital Visa System – starting this month June 2025, France has transitioned to a fully online visa appointment system – although the process incorporates online documentation, an in-person visit is still required to provide biometrics and application completion.

• France Smoking Bans – starting next month July 1, 2025, France will begin enforcing a ban on outdoor smoking in public areas (such as beaches and parks). Spain is expected to follow with its own restrictions.

• Spain Rental Regulations – Spain now requires travelers to submit personal data for booking accommodations or car rentals, and short-term rental properties must be registered with authorities.

• New EU Border Control Systems: EES and ETIAS – Starting October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamps with biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans) for all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area.

• Venice Italy & Catalonia Tourist Taxes and City Access Fees – Travelers visiting Venice between April and July must now pay a day trip fee of €5–10 unless staying overnight. Meanwhile, Catalonia is preparing to raise its tourist tax from €11 to €15 per day starting as early as October.

• Anti-tourism protests – Travelers should also be aware of growing anti-overtourism protests planned across Southern Europe this summer, with the largest demonstrations expected June 15 in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.

Trawick International travel insurance protects your European trip from unexpected delays, disruptions, or emergencies.

Good news for travelers eyeing a Caribbean getaway! the U.S. State Department has officially lowered its travel advisory for Jamaica, moving it from Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution as of May 29, 2025.

This change follows a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this year and reflects updated crime and safety data. While violent crime remains a concern, especially in certain regions, tourist areas are considered generally safer and continue to attract millions of visitors each year.

That said, travelers should remain alert. Some areas across Jamaica are still under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, including parts of Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, and rural districts in St. James, Clarendon, and St. Catherine. The State Department continues to caution against public transportation, night travel between cities, and visiting remote or high-crime neighborhoods.

Healthcare access may also be limited in emergencies, and visitors are advised to bring extra prescription medication and be prepared for upfront payments at private clinics.

Planning a trip to Jamaica? Stay informed at the U.S Department of State website, avoid high-risk areas, and make sure you're protected with comprehensive travel insurance from Trawick International -because peace of mind is the best travel companion.