While National Parks are free for all on select days, you can get an annual pass for free if you're:
- in the military (or a dependent)
- a Gold Star family member or veteran
- US citizen w/ permanent disability
- 4th grader
- Federal rec site volunteer w/ 250 hours of service
If not, an annual membership costs $80 for most or $20 for senior citizens. Shop Now at National Park Service
Get 30% off NYC Top of the Rock Observation Deck Admission at Giftory. Looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family? Check out Top of the Rock Observation Deck and see New York City from 70 floors up. Enjoy panoramic views from three observation decks—both indoor and outdoor—and spot iconic landmarks! Zip up 850 feet in less than 60 seconds on the legendary Sky Shuttle elevator.
How to get it
Visit Giftory and use code "ROCK30" at the checkout - while availability lasts. One offer per customer only. Minimum spend $43.
Are you on the hunt for even more gift card deals? Check out our Complete List of the Best 2024 Gift Card Deals and save up to 42% on your purchase.Â
Use coupon code "CELEBR8" to get the extra discount on many of Groupon's Labor Day deals — the eligible deals will be marked with the coupon. That means extra savings on getaways, days out, waterparks, and more. Shop Now at Groupon
Shop a variety of travel accessories including bags, passport covers, luggage tags, and more and save up to 30%. Plus, everything qualifies for free shipping. Pictured is a Personalized Duffel Bag from $99. Shop Now at Etsy
Join AMC's Insider club (for free) to avail of this mid-week offer. You'll get 50% off adult base-rate tickets and also save 50% off small combos. Shop Now at AMC
Save on playgrounds, bowling, laser tag, zoo trips, movie tickets, and more — everything you need to give your kids some last-minute fun before school's back. Use coupon code "GROUPON" to get the extra discounts. Shop Now at Groupon
As well as up to 60% off group travels this summer, Amtrak offers a range of discounts worth considering for your next vacation or getaway. These include:
- Kids ride free on auto train (plus a Crayola experience)
- Seniors save 50% on midweek travel
- Buy one, get 50% off 2nd on train tickets to Maine
- Veterans save up to 15%
You can get 25% off the price of a 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day ticket for one or both parks for you and a guest of your choice. You must present an original copy of valid proof of disability and your ID at the park to validate your ticket and retrieve your Priority Card. Shop Now at Disneyland Paris
Military and federal government workers can book a Hertz rental for a business trip and save up to 25% on eligible vehicles. Note that you may have to verify your status through ID.me and you'll need a relevant ID to prove your status at pick-up. Some exclusions apply and discount can vary based on location, booking dates, and more factors. Shop Now at Hertz
Save on admission to nearly 40 amusement parks nationwide. Even better, this offer includes some parks operated by Six Flags, such as Cedar Point and Carowinds.
Note that the deals you'll see are based on your location, so if you're planning on visiting a park in a different area of the country, you can check for discounts by changing your location in the search bar at the top of the page. Book this travel deal by August 30. Shop Now at Groupon
Save on luggage, entertainment tech, & tech accessories. We've picked out this InUSA Trend 28" Hardside Suitcase for $54.99 (better than half off.) Shipping is free on all orders over $35, but Easy Rewards members get free shipping on AutoRestock orders over $25 (it's free to join). Shop Now at Staples
If you're a member of the American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program, you can shop more than 1,200 well-known retailers and take advantage of great discounts. Even better, you'll be able to earn miles including bonus miles at select retailers, which means getting to the next tier of AAdvantage loyalty status even faster. Shop Now at American Airlines
Use coupon code "SHOWTIME" to save extra on these movie tickets — prices start with a single Black Ticket for $14.27 after the code. You can also use the coupon to save on popcorn or drinks. Shop Now at Groupon
Book a hotel and flight package and save up to 33% on your getaway to select locations. If you join OneKey Rewards, you'll also earn up to 10x more OneKeyCash on your flight to move up the reward tiers even faster. Note that some exclusions may apply, including blackout dates, so keep that in mind when booking your trip. Shop Now at Expedia
Get 50% off when you buy two tickets on select events and apply coupon code "TMN241". This deals section will update with eligible tickets that vary by location. Offer excludes fees. Shop Now at Ticketmaster
Groupon is offering up to 75% off on vacations and local activities via coupon code "GROUPON". Save on museums, auto repairs, games, spa treatments, and more. Shop Now at Groupon
Before you book your next hotel stay at Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, The Red Collection, or HomeTowne Studios, be sure to check the deals page, where you're find discounts up to 15% off (or even more!) Note that some exclusions may apply and discounts can vary based on location, booking dates, and more. Shop Now at Red Roof
Travelers 59 and older can book a room at a Red Roof hotel and save 10% year-round. Some exclusions may apply and you'll need to show valid ID at check-in to ensure you get the discounted rate. Shop Now at Red Roof
Eligible government contractors and military members can save 10% on eligible stays at Red Roof hotels. Whether it's a permanent change of station, official travel, leisure trips, or a variety of other scenarios, you can save at select locations. Note that some exclusions may apply and you should be prepared to show a valid ID when checking in. Shop Now at Red Roof
AARP members can save on car rentals from select brands including Avis, Budget, and more. Your discount will vary based on which company you use for your rentals, but in general you can expect things like up to 35% off base rates for Avis and Budget, and even things like $40 off an annual Zipcar membership. Shop Now at Aarp Services Inc
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.