Happy Thursday!

I'm less than one month out from my first trip in 2025, and I can't wait!

If you read my last newsletter, you know there are new travel requirements starting in 2025 - and there's already an update on one!

Here is the blurb about the new UK ETA from the last newsletter:

• ETA for UK travel: As of yesterday (Jan 8, 2025), travelers from over 40 countries now need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the UK, even on a layover. The ETA costs £10 (~$13) and is valid for two years for unlimited entries. You can apply for an ETA on the OFFICIAL UK website.

But... there's an update!

You will no longer need the UK ETA if you are just transiting and not leaving the airport. This will make it easier for people on layovers in the U.K. to pass through security and border control.

Read more about the latest updates here, including a possible price increase.

I wanted to touch on another relatively new subject that will make your travel easier - you can renew your US passport online.

There are many requirements, and this is only available for renewals, not for new passports. Here are some of the biggest requirements for online passport renewal:

• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
• The passport you are renewing is either expiring within one year or has expired less than five years ago.
• You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application.

There are many more requirements that you can find on the website.

As always, you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook, or reply to this email if you want to chat!

Have a great weekend :)

Sarah

PS: Next week, I'll be sending out a short survey that I hope you'll take the time to fill out. It will help me get to know you better so I can send relevant news, giveaways, and more! Plus, there will be a giveaway as a thank you for filling it out. Watch your inbox on January 30 for more info!

Some links in this email are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you.

Travel Giveaways

UK: Snow Magazine is giving away a six-day ski holiday! Enter to win by January 24, 2025.

​Enter to win a trip to an All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in Antigua. Enter to win by January 26, 2025.

Do you have a Chase credit card? Enter to win in Chase’s 10 Million Points Giveaway, where 10 lucky winners will win 1 million Chase UR points. Enter by January 31, 2025.

​Frontier Airlines is giving away a year of free flights to one lucky person. Enter to win by January 31, 2025.

The Latest on the Blog

I recently shared my ultimate 3-day itinerary for Chiang Mai, Thailand.

YouTube

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Social Media Sneak Peek

I'm currently sharing Puerto Rico on my Instagram!

Travel Resource of the Week

Last Chance: ​EF Ultimate Break is having a sale with trips to sunny destinations up to 25% off! The sale ends today, January 23, 2025! Plus save an extra $100 on your first trip with this link + code UASarahET100.

Travel News

Need some travel inspo for 2025? Check out the 24 hotels that were most booked by CN Traveler Readers in 2024.

Where are people looking to travel in 2025? Travel + Leisure found the number 1 trending travel destination. Check it out!

Singapore has the most powerful passport for 2025. See the full list from CNN.

Travel Insurance

One of the things I get asked about the most is travel insurance. Should you get it, and if so, which one?

YES, you should have travel insurance, as you never know when things may go wrong. SafetyWing is my go-to for travel insurance because it covers so much, is easy to purchase for days or months, and is affordable.

Many credit cards also include travel insurance. Personally, I get SafetyWing on top of my credit card insurance.

Learn more about SafetyWing and the benefits of using them in my blog post about travel insurance.