That's the best Southwest Airlines gift card offer we've seen in over a year, and the best deal we could find now by $20. Buy Now at Costco
- Valid Only For Southwest Airlines® Flights
- Redeem Online, At Ticket Counter Or Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA®
- Limit of 1 Transaction, with a Maximum of 5 Units Per Membership
- Item is Non-Refundable
Fly down under from the mainland US with prices from $875.40. We found this price on flights departing from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) with arrival in Sydney, Australia (SYD) on October 27 and return on November 3. All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication. Book this travel deal by September 30. Buy Now at Fiji Airways
Family vacations start from $31 per night in this Groupon sale, with discounts of up to 76% off. Destinations include Miami Beach, Disneyland Anaheim, and Great Wolf Lodges in several locations. Note that many locations have daily resort fees which aren't included in these prices. Buy Now at Groupon
Use coupon code "TZWARZ" to save $120 per person, dropping starting prices to $769. You'll have a chance to explore the Azores at your own pace, along with your choice in accommodation. We found this price departing from New York, NY (JFK) on January 3, 2025. Book this travel deal by August 31 for travel dates through March 28, 2025. Buy Now at Gate 1 Travel
- roundtrip international airfare
- 5-night hotel stay (choice of hotel)
- daily breakfast
Score a range of discounts on Sandals' Caribbean resorts, with rates starting from $208 per person per night. Plus, book at least 5 nights and get $175 in Resort Credit, or book stays of 7 nights or longer to get up to $1,000 in air credit (in addition to the resort credit). Eligible properties include Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Grande St. Lucia, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Montego Bay (pictured). Book this travel deal by August 4 for for stays through July 31, 2025. Buy Now at Dunhill Travel
- To receive this offer, you must complete this registration form within 72 hours of booking.
Furloughed federal employees can avail of a series of specials and discounts during the government shutdown in Washington DC. (A valid ID is required.) Be sure to check local restaurants and bars for other offers. For now, here are some notables:
- Kreeger Museum: free entrance (pictured, main link)
- Spy Museum: half-price entry
- National Museum of Women in the Arts: free entrance
- Compass Coffee: free pastry w/ any drinks order
- Daily Provision: 50% off food and drinks
- Paisano's: 30% off pizzas w/ promo code "TOGETHER"
- Union Pub: $3 beers and $7 beer-and-hotdog combos
Shop a range of discounts from the various lines on sale at CruiseDirect for Cyber Monda. Royal Caribbean offers up to 60% off a second guest with kids sailing fee, Norwegian Cruise Line takes 50% off with free at sea benefits, and Princess Cruises takes 50% off third and fourth guests with $200 in extra savings, to name but a few. Shop Now at CruiseDirect
Use coupon code "MOVIE29" to get this price. You'll get the AMC Theatres Experience (2 tickets + 2 drinks + 1 popcorn), for $29 ($21 off). Buy Now at Giftory
2025 Global Travel Trends: A Summary
Shifting Traveler Priorities: Experiences, Authenticity, and Family
Travel in 2025 is being shaped by a blend of passion and practicality, with travelers seeking more meaningful and experience-driven trips. A major trend is the shift away from simple sightseeing and toward "event travel," where vacations are planned around concerts, sporting events, or festivals. There is also a strong desire for authentic, local connections, demonstrated by travelers seeking unique, handmade souvenirs instead of generic mementos. Multi-generational "fam adventures" are on the rise, with extended families traveling together and children having a greater influence on trip planning.
Booking with Confidence in 2025
Ultimately, the modern traveler is more informed than ever, using powerful online tools to find the best value. Platforms like Expedia are essential for comparing options, bundling flights and hotels for savings, and booking the memorable trips that define 2025.
Smart and Savvy Travel Planning
While overall travel costs are rising, travelers are becoming more strategic with their spending. They are increasingly savvy about using loyalty points and program benefits to add value, secure upgrades, or offset costs for trips they are passionate about. Technology plays a crucial role, especially for younger generations who rely on travel apps and social media for everything from inspiration and activity recommendations to budgeting and booking.
Broader Forces Shaping Travel Decisions
Broader industry forces are also influencing travel decisions. The growing awareness of overtourism is leading many to explore "destination dupes"—less-crowded alternatives to popular hotspots—or to travel during the shoulder seasons. Climate change is another significant factor, creating a trend toward "coolcations" in northern climates to escape summer heat and extending the traditional travel season into the warmer spring and fall months.