Essential Travel Tips & Inspiration

January Newsletter: Start the Year with Adventure!

Happy New Year! 🎉

I hope your festive season was filled with joy, connection, and maybe a touch of wanderlust. I know mine was – having spent 2 weeks in the beautiful Mauritius!  (Read more about it in my blog)

That said, it’s very dark and cold in North Devon, and I’m already thinking about my next trip… January is a perfect time to plan your next adventure, so let’s dive into what’s new and exciting for 2025.

In This Issue:

• Key Travel Changes and Tips for 2025 (your must-read guide!)
• Destination Inspiration: Spotlight on Greenland, Belize, and Atlantic Canada
• Exclusive Offers: January Bookings Bonus

Key Travel Changes and Tips for 2025: A Personal Guide for Hassle-Free Journeys

Did you know that 1 in 4 Brits travel without insurance??! It’s a startling figure, especially when you think about the potential costs of medical emergencies, delayed flights, or unexpected cancellations. With several new changes set to affect travel plans in 2025—ranging from stricter border controls to increased tourist taxes—being well-prepared is more important than ever.

As someone who loves the thrill of discovering new places, I want to help you feel confident and informed as you plan your next trip. Here’s what you need to know and how to stay ahead of the curve.

1. EU Entry/Exit System (EES): What You Should Know

From early 2025, the EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) to improve border security across the Schengen Area. This digital system will track when non-EU nationals enter and exit, using automated kiosks to scan passports.

What to Expect: Ports like Dover and Calais may experience initial delays as the system is rolled out. Busy periods, like summer holidays, could mean longer queues at airports and ferry terminals.

Top Tip: Allow extra time for border crossings, especially during peak travel times. A little patience will go a long way towards keeping stress levels low.

2. ETIAS Travel Authorisation: A New Step for Brits

From May 2025, British citizens travelling to the Schengen Area will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Think of it as the EU’s equivalent of the U.S. ESTA system.

How to Apply: The online application costs €7 and takes only a few minutes to complete. Once approved, it’s valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Top Tip: Apply a few weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute panic. Getting this sorted early means one less thing to worry about.

3. Tourist Taxes: Don’t Forget to Budget

Popular destinations like Spain and Italy are increasing their tourist taxes in 2025 to fund sustainability projects. These charges vary depending on the region and the type of accommodation you choose.

• Spain: In locations such as Mallorca, expect to pay between €1 and €4 per person, per night.
• Italy: Cities like Venice may introduce entry fees for day-trippers, on top of existing accommodation taxes.

Top Tip: Check the local tourist tax rates before you travel and factor them into your budget. It’s a small cost, but it’s better to be prepared.

4. Faster Entry into the U.S.: New Technology at Work

If you’re heading to the U.S. in 2025, you’ll benefit from new technology designed to speed up the entry process. The CBP Mobile Passport Control app and facial recognition systems are making airport queues shorter.

How It Works: Download the app to pre-fill your customs declaration and submit passport details ahead of time. When you arrive, present the QR code to a CBP officer for quicker processing.

Top Tip: Check if your arrival airport supports the app before you travel. Not all locations are participating yet, but the list is steadily growing.

5. Passport Validity: Avoid Disappointment

In 2024, around 200 UK travellers per day were denied boarding due to issues with passport validity. Many countries require passports to remain valid for at least three or six months beyond your travel dates.

Key Rules:

• Six-Month Rule: Applies to countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
• Three-Month Rule: Applies to the Schengen Area.
• 10-Year Rule for the EU: For travel to Schengen Area countries, your passport must also have been issued within the past 10 years at the time of entry. Even if your passport shows it is valid for longer, the EU counts from the issue date, not the expiry date

Top Tip: Check your passport’s validity today. Renew it early if needed, as processing times can vary between 2 and 10 weeks.

6. EHIC to GHIC Transition: Keep Yourself Covered

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will expire for all travellers in 2025. Make sure to replace it with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which is free to apply for on the NHS website.

Top Tip: Don’t leave it until the last minute. Check your card’s expiry date and apply for a GHIC as soon as possible to ensure you’re covered for healthcare during your trip.

7. Weather-Related Disruptions: Stay One Step Ahead

Extreme weather events, from winter storms to summer heatwaves, are increasingly disrupting travel plans. Ensuring your travel insurance covers delays or cancellations caused by natural events is vital.

Top Tip: Review your insurance policy carefully. Comprehensive coverage offers peace of mind, whatever the weather throws your way.  I recommend Insurefor.com – read more here

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart in 2025

While these changes may seem a little daunting at first, with the right preparation, you can still enjoy stress-free adventures. From checking your passport’s validity to budgeting for new fees, staying informed makes all the difference.

Destination Inspiration: What’s Trending in 2025

❄️ Greenland:
Imagine towering glaciers, vibrant Northern Lights, and the humbling silence of untouched wilderness. Greenland offers an extraordinary chance to experience nature at its most raw and beautiful. In the summer, you can explore by expedition ship, cruising past dramatic icebergs and fjords. From October onwards, travel is land-based, perfect for dog sledding, Northern Lights spotting, and connecting with Inuit communities.

📌 Top Tip: Plan your expedition cruise between June and September. For a winter wonderland adventure, October to April is ideal.

🌿 Belize:
This Central American gem is perfect for adventurers and beach lovers alike. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel the world-famous Blue Hole, or unwind on pristine tropical beaches. Belize’s eco-tourism focus means you can travel sustainably while soaking up its natural beauty.

📌 Top Tip: Visit between December and April for the best weather!

🍁 Atlantic Canada:
Discover the rugged charm of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Think colourful coastal villages, dramatic cliffs, and fresh seafood (lobster lovers, take note!). Whether it’s a scenic road trip or whale watching off the coast, this region offers a true escape.

📌 Top Tip: Visit in late summer or early autumn for stunning foliage and fewer crowds!

Exclusive January Offers

🎁 New Year, New Adventures!
Book your 2025 dream trip in January and enjoy a complimentary personalised gift: choose from a bespoke pre-trip reading list, a handpicked destination playlist, or a travel journal to capture your memories.

💬 DM, Call or WhatsApp 0117 452 1159, or email bridget@worldclassadventures.co.uk to get started.

Tell Me What You’d Like to See!

What would you love to hear more about in future newsletters? Destination spotlights, travel tips, exclusive offers—or something else entirely? Let me know, and I’ll tailor these updates to your preferences.

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Stay up to date with the latest offers and follow the life of a travel agent! From exciting travel tips to sneak peeks at new destinations, you’ll find it all on my socials.

📲 Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—and don’t forget to join the conversations, I love to hear your thoughts and travel experiences!

Let’s make 2025 your most adventurous year yet.

Warm regards,