Your Ultimate Travel Blueprint for 2025: Essential Checklist and Insider Tips!

Have you decided where you plan to travel this year?

Numerous ideas are circulating: embark on a cruise, or go on a spiritual journey. Reserve a “wellness retreat” or enjoy a girls’ getaway.

Whether it’s a family vacation or an extended international escapade, the decision of where to go and what to participate in is yours.

However, as travel, particularly air travel, evolves, it’s beneficial to review a few tips on how to travel efficiently. A bit of early organization can significantly enhance your traveling experience.

1. Acquire your passport. You might believe you won’t need it, but that’s likely a misconception. What about that ride to Dawson City or Haines? Passport needed. And there’s more. Verify the expiration date. If it’s less than a year away, think about renewing it immediately. Many places necessitate that your passport remains valid for six months post-arrival. Otherwise, you may face denial of entry. That’s an expensive and preventable error.

2. Don’t overlook your visa. Check beforehand if a visa is necessary. In countries like Tanzania and Vietnam, visas are mandatory — and you obtain them (and pay for them) upon arriving at the airport. Other locations, such as India or Bali, require a visa that can be applied for and purchased online.

Additional charges may be introduced for travel to Europe and the United Kingdom. These aren’t visas, but a fee must be paid. Both the European Union and the U.K. are preparing for an added form for all travelers that will cost between $8 and $15. The form for the U.K. is set to launch by Jan. 8. The EU’s form is still under development to be introduced later this year.

3. Pack light. This can be an aspirational objective for some travelers. The concept of bringing everything onboard isn’t feasible for everyone. However, for those who can do it, you’ll notice a significant reduction in your waiting time at the airport. Additionally, a smaller suitcase allows for greater agility while navigating between flights or when traversing long staircases during elevator outages.

A key strategy for light travel is washing clothes in the hotel sink. It’s one reason I favor synthetic underwear: it’s simple to clean and dries swiftly.

My acquaintance Jeanne Devon is enjoying her adventures traveling throughout Europe and documenting her experiences on her blog. She swears by Dr. Bronner’s soap for laundry while traveling. Typically, I utilize the shampoo provided in hotel rooms.

In case you decide to check a bag (or two), invest in some Air Tags (iOS) or Tile (Android) devices which allow you to track your bag’s location via your phone. Some airlines now provide luggage tracking through their mobile applications, though others do not.

Keep in mind: Both Alaska Airlines and Delta allow two checked bags free of charge for travel to or from Alaska. This is included in the complimentary Club 49 package with Alaska for residents. Delta passengers must enroll in the SkyMiles program.

4. Elite frequent flyer status. If you possess it, utilize it! Should you be engaged in the frequent flyer program, elite status can assist with baggage fees, preferable seating, early boarding, and perhaps even an upgrade to first class.

Airlines are eager for you to enroll in their plans. Nearly every airline has a co-branded credit card that provides at least one round-trip ticket upon approval.

[What lies ahead for air travelers in 2025? Flights, fares, seating, and loyalty programs are continually evolving]

5. Global Entry. This is the paid program utilized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make returning to the U.S. hassle-free. It works. Usually, there’s no waiting at the passport control line in airports. The cost is $120 for a five-year membership, which includes access to the TSA PreCheck lanes. A personal interview at the airport is also required.

The TSA PreCheck access alone is $77.95, independent of the Global Entry fee.

The additional cost is justified, in my opinion. Occasionally, the PreCheck line can be longer than the regular line. However, not having to remove shoes and laptops typically allows the PreCheck lane to progress more swiftly.

6. Traveling with firearms. Yes, it’s possible. There are specific regulations, such as requiring locked cases and ensuring firearms are unloaded. Additionally, all ammunition must be securely packed. Be sure to check your bags and backpacks (and pockets) for any stray ammunition. A forgotten bullet flagged at security will undoubtedly delay your progress.

7. Think about bringing your own snacks. In-flight meals can be unreliable, and food available for purchase may not be offered onboard. You have the option of buying food at the airport for a premium or getting a better deal by grabbing some snacks before arriving.

8. Travel insurance. It’s advisable to obtain coverage, as many aspects of your journey may be nonrefundable. Your credit card might include some insurance elements for car rentals, lost or delayed luggage, or even medical expenses. Numerous insurance options are available, covering emergency evacuation, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Be certain to peruse the fine print. We acquire an annual policy. However, if you are embarking on an expensive journey, it may be wise to opt for a policy provided by the tour operator.

9. Purchasing your ticket. What’s the top…

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When is it the right moment to purchase? Only when you are confident that the date won’t change. With very few exceptions, altering your travel date will likely result in financial loss. One of the premium benefits with numerous airlines is the option to modify flights on the same day without any cost. However, be aware that you might not secure the most desirable seats at the last minute.

[More legroom, no middle seat: Even budget airlines are going premium]

10. Stay active. Here’s another suggestion from Jeanne: “Prioritize your wellness by staying active. I genuinely mean it. Even if you take laps around your home or apartment while scrolling through your phone, or choose to park your vehicle a few blocks away from your workplace daily, or walk your dog a bit more often—even if you start off small but gradually make improvements, every little bit counts,” she shares.

Recently, I navigated through three massive airports in a single day: Mexico City, where the hotel within the airport was accessible via a train to another terminal, followed by a mile-long trek through security to our gate. Next, we needed to go through customs in Dallas, which required a lengthy walk to the immigration desk—I believe it was located in Fort Worth. Ultimately, upon reaching Seattle, we had to take two trains to arrive at our Alaska Airlines flight in the “N” terminal. I am genuinely grateful that my two newly replaced knees are functioning well. I certainly got my steps in!

11. Essential travel gear. Ensure your phone is fully charged. Additionally, carry a portable battery pack with you, since the chargers in the seat-back might not operate correctly. Pack a portable light as well, as the overhead light may be malfunctioning. Bring along high-quality over-ear headphones due to the noisy environment in flights nowadays. Many travelers also opt to carry a pillow. Dress in layers or have a blanket handy, as it could be quite chilly on the aircraft.

Whichever journey you embark on this year, make it memorable. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Refill your water bottle post-security. Inform someone close about your travel plans—and let them know once you arrive at your destination.

Wishing you a fantastic journey!