AAA members who have not signed up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards can do so for free and earn a free day for your efforts. Gold Plus Rewards benefits include things like skip the counter and go straight to your car during pick-up; a wide selection of eligible vehicles; drop the keys and go during return; and more. AAA members will receive the free day in the form of points, which can be redeemed on eligible rentals. Shop Now at Hertz
Sign up for the Red Roof RediRewards program and start earning rewards with every stay. You'll always get the lowest rate available with the Member Exclusive rate, plus you'll earn 10 points per dollar at Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, and The Red Collection hotels. You can then redeem points for discounts on your next hotel stay or even free nights to extend your vacation. RediPoints can also be redeemed in the RediShop for other things, including gift cards to stores such as Amazon and Target as well as other merchandise. And becoming a RediRewards member also means you'll receive RediAccess which provides discounts to thousands of businesses including events and amusement parks, car rentals and airlines, restaurants, childcare services, fitness services, and so much more. Shop Now at Red Roof
Sign up for the AAdvantage loyalty program from American Airlines and start earning points towards valuable travel rewards. The benefits start as soon as you join and you'll earn miles on flights, hotels, car rentals, experiences, and even more. The more you earn, the better your status will be in the loyalty program, enabling you to receive access to exclusive promotions and special offers. You'll also be able to take advantage of perks like priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, free checked bags, and more. Note that some exclusions may apply and benefits will not be available on every flight. Shop Now at American Airlines
Sign up for Expedia's One Key rewards program for free and you'll get member prices on all your travel to save even more. Note that you may need to download the Expedia App in order to take advantage of some member pricing deals and some exclusions may apply, including on things like blackout dates. Shop Now at Expedia
For Martin Luther King Day, you can visit a National Park for free today (among a few others across the year, as listed). Shop Now at National Park Service
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.