Travel Trends

Key Points:

• Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will enforce Real ID requirements at airport security for domestic travel.

• Only Real ID-compliant licenses or approved alternatives like passports will be accepted at checkpoints.

• Millions of Americans still lack compliant IDs, raising concerns about delays and disruptions at airports.

After nearly two decades of delays, the long-anticipated Real ID enforcement deadline is finally approaching — and airline passengers who aren't prepared may find themselves grounded.

Starting May 7, travelers flying within the United States will need to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

The requirement, passed by Congress in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, is intended to strengthen national security by standardizing the process for issuing state IDs.

Are you Real ID-Ready?

As of early 2024, only about 56% of IDs nationwide met Real ID standards, though TSA says about 80% of current travelers are presenting acceptable identification. That still leaves a significant number of people who may be turned away from security checkpoints if they attempt to fly without the right credentials.

“I do anticipate some disruption,” said Rich Davis, senior security adviser at International SOS. “It’s going to be a little bit of a stressful day or 10.”

To check whether your license is compliant, look for a star in the upper corner — often a black or gold star, or a star inside a circle or bear. If your license lacks this symbol, it won’t be accepted for air travel after May 7.

What counts as approved?

If you don’t have a Real ID, you’ll need to present another accepted form of identification, such as:

• A valid U.S. passport or passport card

• A DHS Trusted Traveler card (like Global Entry or Nexus)

• A Department of Defense or Veteran Health ID card

• Identification issued by a federally recognized tribal nation

• Enhanced driver’s licenses from certain states

• Foreign passports and permanent resident cards

A temporary paper license issued after applying for Real ID is not accepted, so travelers should apply at least two weeks in advance to allow time for processing and mailing.

Prepare for crowds at the DMV

State motor vehicle departments are already experiencing long lines and limited appointment availability as the deadline nears. While AAA branches in some states can process Real ID applications, not all do, and non-members may face additional fees.

“If you don’t have a trip coming up, consider waiting until after May 7 to avoid the rush,” said AAA spokeswoman Aixa Diaz.

Until then, TSA is urging Americans to double-check their ID before heading to the airport — or risk missing their flight entirely.

Key Points:

• A new Trump administration mandate requires all national parks to remain open, even amid deep staffing cuts and operational strain.

• The order prohibits local closures without top-level approval, prompting backlash from conservation groups and park officials.

• Critics warn the directive could jeopardize visitor safety and park preservation during what’s expected to be a record summer season.

The Trump administration has ordered that all national parks and historic sites remain open, regardless of staffing shortages or operational challenges — a move conservation leaders say puts both visitors and parklands at risk.

The directive, issued Thursday by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, states that the goal is to keep parks “open and accessible for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people.” But it also requires that any changes to operating hours or closures be approved by top Interior officials, removing that authority from on-the-ground park managers.

The timing of the order is raising alarm. Last year, national parks drew a record 331 million visitors, and summer is expected to bring even higher foot traffic.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service (NPS) is grappling with severe staffing shortages after the administration cut about 1,000 jobs and hundreds more employees took buyouts.

Critics sound alarm

“This order is reckless and out of touch,” said Kristen Brengel, senior vice president at the National Parks Conservation Association. the Los Angeles Times reported. “It’s micromanagement at its worst, creating more red tape when park staff are already dangerously thin and dealing with peak visitation season.”

Brengel warned that stripping local officials of their authority to temporarily close parts of parks due to weather, maintenance, or safety concerns could leave visitors vulnerable and park resources unprotected.

The Association of National Park Rangers echoed those concerns. In a recent statement, president Rick Mossmans aid workers are “being systematically robbed of their abilities to meet their mission” and protect the land effectively.

Strain on beloved sites

From Yosemite to Joshua Tree, iconic national parks across the country — especially in California — are expected to face growing challenges. Reduced staffing levels could mean longer lines, fewer search and rescue resources, and less maintenance of restrooms and campsites during a season of intense visitor demand.

The new mandate, conservation groups argue, risks turning America’s most treasured public lands into overcrowded and under-supported destinations, undermining the very mission of the National Park Service.

When you ask someone about their vacation and they bark back, “Trust me – I will never go there again!” your yikes meter goes off, doesn’t it?

And, now, TheVacationer took the time to study all those “never agains” and chart all the U.S. cities people said they visited and wouldn’t go back even if their life depended on it.

Martha Reeves and the Vandellas might’ve danced in the streets of Detroit in 1964, but 22.50% of those surveyed in TheVacationer’s latest study said they wouldn’t set foot in Motown again. A close second was the Windy City, with 21.71% saying they were anything but blown away.

Rounding out the Top 3 was Atlanta with 18.47%. Add those three together and you’re looking at 162 million visitors going somewhere else.

The worst of the rest

4. New York City, New York — 18.07%

5. Baltimore, Maryland — 17.39%

6. Anaheim, California — 17.19%

7. San Francisco, California — 15.62%

8. Austin, Texas. — 15.42%

9. Miami, Florida — 14.83%

10. Dallas, Texas — 14.34%

11. Jacksonville, Florida — 14.34%

12. Los Angeles, California. — 14.15%

13. Houston, Texas — 13.16%

14. San Jose, California — 11.69%

15. Sacramento, California — 11.49%

16. Tampa, Florida — 11.39%

17. Las Vegas, Nevada — 11.20%

18. Portland, Oregon — 10.81%

19. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — 10.61%

20. Washington, D.C. — 10.61%

21. Milwaukee, Wisconsin — 10.51%

22. San Diego, California. — 10.31%

23. Seattle, Washington. — 10.31%

24. Minneapolis, Minnesota — 10.12%

25. Orlando, Florida — 10.12%

26. Indianapolis, Indiana — 9.82%

27. Boston, Massachusetts — 9.72%

28. New Orleans, Louisiana — 9.33%

29. San Antonio, Texas — 9.14%

30. Charlotte, North Carolina — 8.84%

31. Phoenix, Arizona — 7.76%

32. Nashville, Tennessee — 7.47%

33. Denver, Colorado — 5.70%

34. Honolulu, Hawaii — 4.91%

Hard times for the City by the Bay

One of the surprises, the survey analysts said, was San Francisco. “San Francisco’s reputation has plunged across America,” TheVacationer’s Eric Jones, said. “At least where I live, there seems to constantly be a news story about theft or burglary in San Francisco. San Francisco’s residents are becoming frustrated by the city’s reputation. Despite all of this, San Francisco is not ranked in the top five major U.S. cities Americans avoid traveling to at all costs. San Francisco ranked only in seventh place with 15.62% of people avoiding it.”

On the other hand, Honolulu is the least likely major U.S. city Americans will avoid traveling to at all costs. Only 4.91% of American adults said they would avoid traveling there – nearly five times less than the number of people who said they would avoid going to Detroit.

No matter where you’re going, you won’t be flying these airlines, either!

The Vacationer also asked travelers to name all the airlines they’d avoid flying on at all costs. To be fair, there were also two “None of These” options – one for Americans who said “cost” was the most important factor and the other was for Americans who said flight dates and times were the primary reason.

For convenience purposes, the study’s analysts ranked the airlines Americans avoid flying, starting with the worst or one most often brought up.

1. Spirit Airlines — 21.06%

2. Allegiant Air — 16.36%

3. American Airlines — 14.40%

4. Frontier Airlines — 14.30%

5. Delta Air Lines — 12.63%

6. JetBlue — 12.63%

7. Alaska Airlines — 10.68%

8. Southwest Airlines — 10.28%

9. United Airlines — 7.64%

10. Hawaiian Airlines — 5.48%

None of these because the cost of the flight is most important to me. — 31.73%

None of these because flight dates and times are most important to me. — 16.65%

Now that summer vacations are pretty much in the books, what places hold possibilities for 2024? Maybe you want to vacation in the U.S. and get a great return on your dollar and not have to worry about safety issues?

Two new studies show that travelers are thinking about mixing it next year and looking for perks and places they typically haven’t in the past.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of YMT Vacations, one survey revealed that 51% of respondents seek relaxed vacations, 43% prioritize cultural exploration, and 38% look forward to visiting historical sites.

The number of people traveling to different destinations is expected to increase in 2024. France, Mexico, and Canada were the top three candidates, each with 42%. In second place was Spain with 40%, Italy with 32%, and Greece with 21%.

The American Revolution and Ancient Egypt were the top historical scenes travelers (46%) desired to see. The Greek Golden Age (40%) and Viking Age (38%) followed closely behind. In addition to Renaissance Italy (30%), 28% would like to explore World War II-era Europe.

An interesting trend is that some travelers are so caught up in the movies and shows they’re watching, that nearly half (44%) want to go there and savor that slice of life firsthand. The streaming shows "Emily in Paris" (21%) and "The White Lotus" (16%) were the popular choices.

Movies were also influential (36%), with "Triangle of Sadness" (16%) and "Top Gun: Maverick" (13%) mentioned as notable films that travelers would like to visit the sites where the movies took place.

Safety and uniqueness – the best of both worlds

Another study conducted by Vivint – one that scoured subreddits of travelers nationwide – shows that home-sharing vacationers are prioritizing security as a top factor when booking a rental. On average, home-sharing renters would go over budget by 33% for a safer rental.

Breaking that down, the cities with the most secure short-term vacation rentals include Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, CA, and Bakersfield, CA. As for the cities with the most positive reviews about home-sharing rentals, the top three were Tulsa, Okla., Milwaukee, Wis., and Louisville Ky. – places that offer some uniqueness that many travelers haven’t sampled yet.

With 67% positive comments on Reddit, Tulsa, had the most positive home-sharing sentiments. There are plenty of short-term vacation rental options in Tulsa, which is home to first-class museums – like the new Bob Dylan Center – a zoo, and the Center of the Universe.

With nearly 60% of the comments positive, Milwaukee, located on Lake Michigan, was the second-most friendly home-sharing city according to the subreddits surveyed. Beer, baseball, bikes, Summerfest, and where the average summer day never gets past 77 degrees. What’s not to like?

Another rarely-visited gem is Louisville. Not only did it rank number three on the Vivint survey, but according to Airbnb, the Derby City was the number one trending destination in the U.S.

Like Milwaukee, it’s got baseball with the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, but also a whole section of town devoted to bourbon. Plus, there’s the Muhammad Ali Center, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and it’s a foodie haven.

Where not to go? As for the cities at the bottom of the list, reviewers hardly had any positives to share about their stays in Portland, Oregon (26%); Raleigh, North Carolina, received only 20% positive mentions; and Wichita, Kan., bottomed out with only 15% positive comments.

“If you plan on visiting any of these three locations, you may want to skip the home share and book a hotel instead,” the researchers said.

While many consumers may be looking to get away in 2023, a new survey revealed that doing so may come with an additional purchase: travel insurance. 

According to a new study conducted by VisitorsCoverage, a travel insurance company, nearly 80% of travelers are more likely to protect their trip with travel insurance this year than in previous years. It may not be that surprising, considering how chaotic air travel has become.

“Travelers are now more aware of unforeseen circumstances that can affect their travel plans, and they are eager to take precautions to protect their environment,” said Rajeev Shrivastava, VisitorsCoverage CEO. 

Better safe than sorry

The survey included responses from over 1,000 adults across the country who reported traveling more than twice a year. They answered questions about their top travel concerns in 2023, their travel ideas and plans for the year, how they plan on traveling, and more. 

First and foremost, protecting a trip with travel insurance was a popular topic among survey respondents. Nearly 80% said that they’d be more likely to buy travel insurance this year than in previous years – a figure that is up 50% from years past. This highlights the fact that regular travelers are thinking differently about their travel plans in general. 

While the number one travel concern for the year was inflation and the rising costs associated with traveling, concerns about safety, weather, and delays were also prevalent. Fifteen percent of respondents are worried about both inclement weather and the risk of illness, while over 20% are concerned about flight delays, and 16% cited the fear of the unknown as one of their concerns. 

Consumers are ready to travel

Despite these concerns, consumers have plans to travel in 2023 – and no destination is off limits. Overall, nearly 90% of participants reported that their 2023 travel plans will be for leisure.  

Nearly 45% of participants said they’ll be taking more than five trips this year, and nearly 45% said they’ll be taking three or four trips this year. Seventy percent of respondents plan to travel both within the United States and abroad, with Europe being the most favored international locale. 

For those who may be looking for inspiration for their next getaway, the majority of the participants turn to their trusted friends and family or social media. So, if you’re thinking about your next vacation, consider asking those closest to you or those you interact with online.