If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that we are all very confused.
Gone are the days when we just booked a ticket and hoped for the best. This year, we spent more time asking Google for permission to travel than we did actually planning our outfits. We worried about liquids. We panicked about visas. We tried to find places that looked like the Maldives but cost as much as a sandwich.
I dug into the data to find the top 20 questions everyone asked this year. The results paint a funny, slightly anxious picture of modern travel. Here is what we all wanted to know, and the answers that (mostly) solved our problems.
The “Can I Bring This?” Panic
1. “How much liquid can you take on a plane?”
This was the big one. We were promised fancy new scanners that would let us keep our full-sized shampoo. Then, almost immediately, airports said, “Just kidding.” The rules flipped back and forth so much that nobody knew what was going on. The Verdict: Stick to 100ml. Even if the airport says they have new scanners, don’t risk your expensive moisturizer.
2. “When does ETIAS start?”
For travelers heading to Europe, this was the monster under the bed. The ETIAS is a new travel authorization fee, and the start date kept moving. The Verdict: It got delayed again. You likely won’t need it until late 2026 or 2027. You can breathe for now.
3. “Do I need a visa for Europe?”
Closely related to the ETIAS panic. The Verdict: If you are from the US, UK, or Canada, you usually don’t need a full visa for short trips yet. But always check before you head to the airport.
4. “Do I need a REAL ID to fly?”
For my US friends, this deadline has been looming forever. The Verdict: Yes, the deadline is real (pun intended). You need a compliant ID to fly domestically soon, so stop putting off that DMV visit.
5. “What is the required passport validity period?”
Nothing ruins a trip faster than being turned away at the gate because your passport expires in four months. The Verdict: Most places need three to six months of validity after you plan to leave. Check your dates.
The “I’m Broke But Need a Vacation” Search
6. “What are the best destination dupes for 2025?”
We stopped trying to keep up with the Kardashians and started looking for “Travel Twins.” Why pay for Santorini when Paros has the same white walls for half the price? Top Picks: Paros instead of Santorini; Ksamil, Albania instead of the Maldives; Liverpool instead of London (okay, maybe that last one is just me).
7. “When is the best time to book flights?”
We all think there is a secret magic hour to press “buy.” The Verdict: For international trips, book as early as you can. For domestic, aiming for about 38 days out seems to be the sweet spot. Also, the “book on a Tuesday” thing is mostly a myth.
8. “Will airfare prices drop in 2026?”
We are all hoping for a miracle. The Verdict: Don’t hold your breath. Fuel and taxes are still high. Focus on cheaper hotels instead.
The “It’s Too Hot Outside” Shift
9. “What is coolcationing?”
This is a new word for a simple idea: going places where you won’t melt. The Trend: Instead of baking on a beach in July, people are heading to Norway, Scotland, or Alaska. Sweating is out; sweaters are in.
10. “How can I travel more sustainably?”
We are trying to be better guests on this planet. The Shift: More trains, fewer short flights. Night trains in Europe are having a huge comeback.
The “Big Events” Obsession
11. “Oasis reunion tour dates and tickets”
This wasn’t just a concert; it was a movement. The fight for tickets was brutal. If you got one, you are basically travel royalty.
12. “World Cup 2026 tickets release date”
Planning for this started way early. The Verdict: FIFA opened the window in late 2025. If you haven’t looked yet, good luck.
13. “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 packages”
Sports tourism isn’t just for the guys. The interest in hospitality packages for this event was massive.
The “Leave Me Alone” Vibe
14. “What is sleep tourism?”
Yes, we are now paying to go to hotels just to sleep. The Trend: High-end hotels are offering “sleep retreats” with soundproofing and fancy pillow menus. It costs a lot of money to do absolutely nothing.
15. “Best places for solo travel?”
More people are traveling alone, and they want to know where they won’t feel awkward eating dinner by themselves. Top Picks: Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand top the safety lists.
The “Is It Safe?” Checks
16. “Is it safe to travel to [Venezuela/Jamaica]?”
Safety is always the baseline. The Verdict: It depends on the area. Always read the official government warnings, not just Instagram captions.
17. “Can you fly while pregnant?”
A classic worry. The Verdict: Usually yes, up to 36 weeks (or 32 for twins), but you need a doctor’s note.
18. “Do I need travel insurance?”
After all the flight cancellations and lost bags this year? The Verdict: Yes. Absolutely yes. Don’t skip it.
The “Tech and Hacks” Corner
19. “Best AI travel planner”
We let the robots take the wheel. The Tools: Apps like Layla and Wonderplan are huge right now. They build your itinerary in seconds so you don’t have to open forty tabs.
20. “Travel packing hacks”
Because nobody wants to pay baggage fees. The Hack: Rolling clothes saves space. Vacuum bags are a lifesaver. And stuffing clothes into a pillowcase? Airlines are catching onto that one, so be careful.
If these searches tell us anything, it’s that we are becoming smarter, pickier travelers. We want value, we want safety, and we really, really don’t want to throw away our liquids at security. Here is to a smoother 2026!
Adrenaline junkie with a passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and finding unique ways to stay active. Expect stunning scenery, challenging workouts, awesome travel tips and a whole lot of fun. Let’s get sweaty and explore the world together!
