Read This if You’re Traveling to Europe in 2025

Happy Holidays Everyone!

As we wrap up 2024, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for being part of this travel community. Your support means so much to me!

It's amazing to think that we've been sharing travel tips and adventures for over three years now. I've loved connecting with so many of you who want to travel more, smarter, and better.

With 2025 just around the corner, I'm super excited about all the new travel content and advice I'll be sharing with you.

Let's make this upcoming year our best travel year yet!

Important news if you're planning a trip to Europe or the UK in 2025 - you'll need some new travel permits. I want to make sure none of you get turned away at the border, so let's go through what you need to know.

New Requirements for UK Travel

Starting January 8, 2025, everyone (including kids!) needs something called an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the UK. This includes just passing through on a connection. 

The good news? It's valid for two years once approved.

Here's how to apply:

• Mobile Users: Link
• PC Users: Link

The ETA costs £10 (about $13) and usually gets approved instantly, though it might take up to three business days. Don't worry if you're traveling before January 8, 2025 - you won't need it yet. Also, if you have British or Irish citizenship, you can skip this step!

Traveling to Other European Countries

Europe is introducing its own system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This is expected to launch in mid-2025. You'll need it for any short trips (up to 90 days) to European Union countries, whether you're arriving by plane, bus, or ship.

Check which countries require ETIAS here:

Link

You can apply online at:

Link

ETIAS costs €7 (about $8) and is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Pro tip: Apply before booking your tickets, just in case there are any issues with your application. While approval usually takes about four days, it's better to be safe than sorry!

EU citizens, you're in luck - you don't need ETIAS.

Remember, a little preparation now can save you from major headaches later. Don't let something as simple as missing travel authorization ruin your European adventure!

Keep traveling,

Andrew

Are you planning a trip to Europe in 2025? Let me know where you're headed!

Cocktail of the Week

The Old Pal cocktail was invented in Paris, France, during the 1920s by Harry MacElhone, the legendary bartender of Harry’s New York Bar. Its name comes from the affectionate term used by MacElhone’s friend and sports editor, William “Sparrow” Robertson, who coined the drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz (45 ml) rye whiskey

• ¾ oz (22.5 ml) dry vermouth

• ¾ oz (22.5 ml) Campari

• Ice

• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Preparation:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.

• Add rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and Campari.

• Stir until well-chilled.

• Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.

• Garnish with a lemon twist.

Random Travel Thought

Flight Rule #452: Middle seat gets both armrests

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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