Happy Thursday... and HELLOOOOOOOOOO 2025!!

Yep, we're starting this year off with a bang. I'm not sure what it is, but I have a really good feeling about this year.

To kick us off, I wanted to share some upcoming updates in the travel world in the next few months, including one that went into effect yesterday for people traveling to the UK.

• 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.
• UK ETA Example: I want to provide an example of this since it's in effect already. I have layovers in London for a trip next month. I have to apply for the UK ETA even though I am not leaving the airport in London. However, even though I have a layover there on my way to and from my trip, I only need to apply for the ETA and pay the fee once. I am now set to visit the UK (and have layovers there) as much as I want until January 2027, when I must reapply.
• TSA Real ID for US travelers: Starting on May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID to travel domestically within the US, which includes most driver's licenses and state IDs. Your passport is another form of ID you can use, if you don't have the right drivers liscense or state ID, just remember to bring your passport to the airport, even if you are not flying internationally. Read more about which IDs are considered REAL IDs here.
• EU ETIAS: The European Union’s European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to go into effect in May 2025 for people from over 60 visa-exempt countries. This is similar to the new UK ETA. I will send out more info as the effective date gets closer :) But if you want to learn more now, visit the OFFICIAL EU website.

Make sure you use the official websites to apply and get information for these. If you have any questions about them, reply to this email! I'm happy to help as best I can!

And make sure you check out the travel news section below for more news about travel in 2025!

Have a great weekend :)

Sarah

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Travel Giveaways

​Disney Vacation Club is giving away a 7-day trip for five guests, including airfare, theme park tickets, and more. Enter to win by tomorrow, January 10, 2025.

​Omaha Steaks is giving away a trip for two to Napa Valley, including airfare, three-night hotel, a personalized wine experience, and more. Enter to win by January 15, 2025.

UK: Express and Birch Stays are giving away a 4-night stay at the Bodorgan Inn for up to 22 guests. Enter to win by January 19, 2025.

Want to win a $250 Hostelworld voucher? Cast your votes for the Hoscar Awards, which honors the best hostels around the world. Cast your vote by January 19, 2025, for your chance to win.

​Thebacklabel is giving away a trip to Miami, including a spa credit, hotel, dinner, and more. Enter to win by January 20, 2025.

The Latest on the Blog

I've been focused on writing some itineraries for my favorite cities around the world, starting in Asia. Check out the latest ones below!

• ​1 day in Seoul, South Korea​
• ​1 day in Busan, South Korea​
• ​1 day in Bangkok, Thailand​
• ​3 days in Siem Reap, Cambodia​

YouTube

Make sure you subscribe to my channel! More videos are coming SOON (I've been having technical difficulties LOL)

Social Media Sneak Peek

I'm currently sharing Puerto Rico on my Instagram!

Travel Resource of the Week

​EF Ultimate Break is having a sale with trips to sunny destinations up to 25% off! There is no set end date for the sale yet, but my best guess is that it will run until January 23, 2025 - but no promises, so book soon! Plus save an extra $100 on your first trip with this link + code UASarahET100.

Travel News

Red Cross USA is giving away a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. To enter to win, give blood between January 1 and 26, 2025. Make an appointment and donate to win.

Atlas Obscura has published 10 travel resolutions for 2025. Check it out for some travel inspo for this year.

Which airlines were the most on time in 2024? Delta was number 1! See the full list from Travel + Leisure.

Some US National Parks will require reservations in 2025. Read more from Travel + Leisure.

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.