World-wide leisure travel slowed somewhat this year compared with the prior two years but still appears to have grown three-to-four percent above 2024’s travel record. At the same time, many travelers appear to have reoriented their focus on outdoors and nature-oriented destinations.

As a result, an increasing number of destinations, including both large cities and small towns, have implemented tourism visitor fees and other barriers in attempts to curb the impact of too many visitors. This trend is especially evident across Europe while other popular destinations such as Kyoto, Japan, have followed suit. Meanwhile, Venice, Italy notorious for such practices, surprised us by dropping the entrance fee for day trippers this year.

NEW EU ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The European Union has implemented its new Entry/Exit System (EES) requiring non-EU visa-exempt travelers to register at border entry and exit points. Americans traveling in or through any of the 29 Schengen countries encompassing most of the Continent must register in advance. Currently, as the new system is implemented, travelers may complete the necessary documentation at the point of arrival. However, by next spring, I expect such travelers will be required to apply online at least 72 hours prior to arrival. The cost to register is currently sixteen euros.

Later this year, I expect the United Kingdom, no longer a member of the EU, to implement its own entry system requiring North Americans and other visitors traveling without a visa to register in advance of arrival. Meanwhile, the United States recently increased the cost of its visas for foreign nationals entering our country. Ultimately, I expect world travelers will be required to hold biometric passports embedded a wide range of personal information. In short, the cost and convenience of world travel is creeping up.

While I am still sorting out these new requirements, I expect to be up to speed shortly and ready to help clients deal with them.

BEWARE OF THIEVES AND SCAMMERS

I recently read an article detailing a dozen or so frauds travelers face today as thieves become more sophisticated with their schemes designed to swindle or outright steal from travelers. Leisure travel is supposed to be exciting, fun and often simply relaxing, so each of us can easily become a mark for such shenanigans. It’s vital for travelers to be on alert for pickpockets and thieves who frequently work in pairs – one person distracting you, while the other steals your purse, camera or other valuables. In short, leave most valuables, especially fine jewelry, at home.

At the same time, we all must learn to recognize potential scammers who increasingly focus on the travel industry and people who travel internationally. Should you ever receive an email or telephone call from a “travel supplier” that sounds a little fishy, stop and call me immediately, especially if the caller claims there has been a change in your travel plans. There are many bad people out there, so always be alert to possible travel fraud.

AVOIDING THE CROWDS

Mary and I recently returned from an outdoor adventure exploring northern Arizona and Utah’s national parks, as well as other notable attractions dotted across the Southwest. We waited until mid-September for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Yet, we were surprised to find several destinations – especially Zion National Park – still exceeding the number of visitors easily accommodated.

Instead, we focused much of our journey getting off-the-beaten path in a Jeep, exploring four Indian reservations, isolated historic ruins and numerous geological anomalies including Monument Valley, Utah.

Monument Valley, featured in several John Wayne movies directed by John Ford, captured my imagination growing up but experiencing its mystery and vastness in person made it a one-of-a-kind destination for me. Located on the Navajo Reservation in southern Utah, it must be on the bucket list of every traveler seeking unique sites.

I can’t begin to describe Monument Valley and photos alone cannot do it justice. You simply need to experience the destination with an Indian tour guide to understand and fully appreciate the destination.

Note: Before setting out on a similar road trip, you should consider that much of your journey will reach elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet – a possible problem if you are susceptible to altitude illness. Also, we flew to Phoenix and returned from Las Vegas rather than enduring four days of driving cross-country each way.

TRAVEL CLOSER TO HOME

Our road trip remined me of the many outstanding destinations worth visiting right here in America. For example, if you previously cruised to Alaska, you might consider exploring the interior of our 49^th state aboard the Alaska Railroad. Meanwhile, an ever-increasing number of river boats now cruise America’s great rivers, stopping in cities and historic towns along their route. You also might consider a summer cruise across the Great Lakes or a coastal cruise down the East Coast in late spring or early fall. If you are short on time,  consider a weekend getaway somewhere at a nearby beach or in a mountain resort.

Unless you have yearend holiday travel plans already in place, many destinations are essentially sold out, and air fares are up from December 20 to January 4. As an alternative, if your schedule permits and you wish to escape the holiday rush, I recommend a variety of Caribbean resorts and cruises sailing the first couple weeks of December, as well as early January right after the holidays. Chances are good we will find availability for those periods.

Looking ahead to 2026, now’s the time to begin travel planning for the holiday season next year, as well as cruise-tours to Alaska, European river cruises or custom travel itineraries almost anywhere in the world. The current hot international destinations appear to include Limon, Costa Rica; Jaipur, India; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; and Bodrum, Türkiye, among others. So, if you wish to avoid the crowds as I do, I recommend going someplace else!

Please call or email me if you have any travel questions or should you need travel planning assistance.

Yours in travel,