Summer Travel Stats Say Canadians’ Visits to the US Are Down by 16.2%

According to statistical analysis from Uday Rana of Global News, Canadians have made it clear that they’re less interested in visiting the US than ever before.

Rana breaks down inbound and outbound travel stats from the country’s Statistics Canada database. It doesn’t paint an optimistic picture, as travel from Canada to the US has declined for seven consecutive months.

The news comes as one of many eye-catching travel headlines based in the US, from the apparent death of Vegas to other concerning travel topics. Canadian travel to the US has historically been important, largely for local tourist-focused economies but also in other broader cultural ways.

Unfortunately, it looks like Canadians are still avoiding travel to the US. In fact, based on recent reports from Statistics Canada, Canadian avoidance of the US is ramping up.

A closer look at the numbers—are Canadians really avoiding the US?

In July, 2.6 million Canadians headed south of the border to visit the United States. While that might not sound too shabby, it’s a 34.2% decline from the previous year. During July, 1.9 million Canadians drove to and from the US, which is 35.8% fewer than the previous year; air travel dropped by 16.2% for the same period.

In fact, numbers were down so far that the total number of Americans visiting Canada was larger than the reverse. According to Rana, that has only happened three times since June 2006 in terms of monthly comparisons.

Fewer Canadians are visiting the US, but that doesn’t mean they’re avoiding travel. During the same month, the number of Canadians returning from overseas travels rose by 8.3%.

Similarly, many from the Great White North have chosen to travel domestically this year. Many residents have been supporting the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement, which would include travel. Hospitality groups across Canada have opened the doors for domestic travelers, offering up deals and new ways to get to know their own country.

8 Offers & Programs from Virgin Voyages Cruises That Seal the Deal

What makes Virgin Voyages stand out from other cruises?

First, it’s adult-only. Second, its programming is heavily geared toward younger passengers—and I’m talking about how old you are at heart, not solely in years. Third, passengers don’t cover any gratuity—the cruise line takes care of its employees.

Those three elements are just the tip of the Virgin Voyages iceberg.

I’ve had Virgin Voyages on my radar since I started covering Caribbean and trans-Atlantic cruises. Recently, my brother and his partner embarked on Virgin Voyage’s Dominican Daze five-night Miami-Miami trip with stops in Bimini and Puerto Plata.

The pair are experienced, very active travelers who have been all over the world. They love to go all-in on their destinations, which is part of the reason they were attracted to the Virgin Voyages programs. They also know what they like and dislike, which is great when it comes to hearing honest feedback and opinions.

When the pair finished up their five-night trip, I had a few questions about the experience. I was a little nervous to ask, thanks to my high expectations and knowing that they wouldn’t pull any punches in their review, so to speak.

In the end, they shared a trove of photos and videos, then recounted their experiences. Based on their stories and pictures they shared, it was an experience for the books—and one that they’d go on again in a heartbeat.

So, what made the cruise stand out? And what types of onboard activities have sealed the deal when it comes to me booking my own Virgin Voyages adventure?

Based on the experience that my brother and his partner had, plus my own travel quirks and research, I’m covering the top ten coolest activities, programs, and offers from Virgin Voyages. (Special thanks to Adam and Jamie for their help!)

My focus is on the Dominican Daze cruise in the Caribbean, but know that you can find similar programming across most warm-weather Virgin Voyages routes. I’m going to start with the most basic experiences, then move into more unique territory.

8 of the coolest programs from Virgin Voyages

The more, the merrier, thanks to the Virgin Voyages group program

I noticed that some guests on the Dominican Daze cruise were there celebrating bachelor/ette parties. Recently, I actually recommended Virgin Voyages for any Jack and Jill parties. Part of the reason is the cruise’s fantastic onboard programming, which makes it easy to have fun pretty much all day.

But the company also has a solid group rate program that comes with a 10% discount (if booking 180 days in advance), a $300 bar tab per cabin, 1 VIP-style group dinner, and a 30-day price protection guarantee. Just contact their Groups Team to learn more.

You can book special romance packages with the Splash of Romance program

If you’re booking the cruise as part of a honeymoon or romantic getaway, you can also add a Splash of Romance—which is the name of the experience package. It comes with priority boarding and an exclusive Sail Away Hour.

During the cruise, you also get curated cold-pressed juices delivered daily, two three-hour thermal spa passes, a ‘Shake for Champagne’, and ‘sultry’ bites. I’m guessing those sultry bites involve chocolate, possibly strawberries.

Don’t have anything specific to celebrate? Virgin Voyages will still put on a party for you

The last package I want to mention is the ‘Add a Splash’ package, which is designed to turn any cruise trip into a next-level party. This package comes with a bottomless brunch experience at either The Wake or Razzle Dazzle. Don’t drink? No worries—they have many non-alcoholic picks for you.

In addition to that bottomless brunch pass, the Add a Splash program also comes with a dinner party with unique drinks and desserts, and complimentary Moet & Chandon bubbly.

There’s a pajama party

What did I tell you? Virgin Voyages might have perfected the adults-only but great-for-kids-at-heart programming. Nothing showcases that quite like the pajama party. The PJ Party is part of Virgin Voyages’ nightly entertainment schedule, which is repeated on all ships. From cozy pajamas to silk slip-ons, consider it your time to have fun slumber party-style.

There’s an onboard casino

This isn’t too shocking, as many cruise lines offer small onboard casinos. Once again, however, I have to point out that Virgin Voyages does things a little differently.

First, you can take gaming lessons to learn the ropes before you sit down to play blackjack or craps. Second, there’s a Sea Roller Rewards Program that gives you points every time you play a casino game. You can exchange these points for exclusive offers, from complimentary drinks to cash advance fees waived.

Dinner-shows have entered the chat

Virgin Voyages’ latest vessel, Brilliant Lady, has a brand new lineup of interesting nightly entertainment in the form of dinner shows and games. There’s a vintage-style music show over dinner called Up With a Twist, along with a murder-mystery themed escape-room-style event called Murder in the Manor.

There’s even a casual, immersive disco party called Disco Reimagined. Just a little casual entertainment innovation. (These shows are only offered on Brilliant Lady.)

A fitness center that’s not like other fitness centers

Group workout, anyone? While you won’t catch me lifting a damn finger on vacation, Virgin Voyages has a fantastic ‘health is wealth’ approach onboard—one that beautifully balances out its other boozier, noisier adventures.

You might already know about the famous Runway, a bright-red, 255-meter track that wraps around the ship.

Passengers can also join group workouts for a range of fitness levels. There are stand-up paddleboarding on the beach, enjoy specifically curated hikes during day trips, and even enjoy guided meditations between high-intensity workouts.

The idea is that both on the ship and at port, Virgin Voyages has well-thought-out programs that let you stay as active as you want.

There’s a tattoo parlor on board

Sailors were some of the first people in the Western world to get tattoos—so it’s not wildly out of the question that a cruise ship would offer a tattoo parlor. The Squid Ink tattoo parlor isn’t just any old studio, either. It hosts some of the world’s top tattooers from Soho Ink, Freshly Inked Magazine, and beyond.

What is the Schengen Area? Your Guide to the Schengen Countries & Borders

Heading to Europe? You probably have a few questions about the region’s Schengen area.

Though many Americans know that most of Europe is part of the Schengen zone, it’s a layered and confusing topic. Similar to Nordic countries and the British Isles, the intricacies of the Schengen area can get confusing quickly.

Want to learn the basics of the Schengen area? Take a shortcut with me today—just in time for the program’s 40^th anniversary. (Happy birthday, Schengen area!)

I’m covering the basics of how Schengen works, along with answering questions like which countries are part of the club and how that might impact your travel plans.

Welcome to the Schengen area

Before I dig into the nitty-gritty, I’m going to lay out why Schengen is a thing. Europe is home to 44 countries. Some are tiny nation-states, like Monaco, Andorra, and the Vatican. Others have highly politicized borders that are still up for legal debate.

Those two factors (amongst many others) created an impetus for Europe to streamline its border-crossing practices and regulations after WWII. In other words, countries wanted their citizens to be able to move across borders with less paperwork and confusion.

The Schengen project was started in 1985 amongst a small coalition of five countries that wanted to streamline border crossing practices. The idea quickly expanded until it was officially ratified and launched in 1990.

Uniquely, that’s three years before the European Union was formally established via the Maastricht Treaty, meaning the Schengen area is older than the European Union.

The goal of Schengen in the 1980s and 90s was to eliminate internal borders in the EU to make it easier for people to get around. That might sound straightforward enough, but I think it’s worth mentioning that a big part of the Schengen push in Europe was to foster unity and peace in a post-WWII, Cold War era.

Today, the Schengen area lets around 450 million Europeans move freely across many parts of the continent.

Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

Not all 44 European countries are part of Schengen. As of 2025, 29 countries are part of the Schengen area. That includes 25 members of the EU, along with four non-EU countries. (More on this below.)

Currently, Cyprus is in the process of joining Schengen, but still has border crossings in place. Ireland also selectively participates in some Schengen practices. In 2024, Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen agreement.

These countries are in the Schengen area: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (pending), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Swizterland, and the Vatican.

The total number of Schengen countries is 29, but that number is 33 if you count Europe’s four nation-states of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican. These were automatically added to Schengen during its formation.

**Remember: the Schengen area is not the same as the EU**

Here’s where things can get a little tricky. The goal of Schengen is to make movement throughout Europe easier by eliminating almost all border controls. However, just because a country is part of Schengen, that doesn’t mean it’s part of the EU.

Four countries that are part of Schengen are not part of the EU. That includes Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

How long can Americans stay in the Schengen area?

Americans can stay inside the Schengen area for 180 days per year. That range is on a rolling basis, meaning you can’t leave the EU to reset it like with some other regions. In other words, that 180-day range starts one year ago today. If you’ve spent 160 days in Europe since this date last year, you only have twenty days available to you now.

Do Americans need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

Not yet—but it’s coming. The EU has been famously delayed over the last five years in rolling out its new digitized EES or electronic entry system. The EES is set to launch later this year. Once it’s functional, Americans will then be responsible for completing an ETIAS.

The ETIAS is an electronic travel permit, similar to the UK’s ETA and the US’s ESTA. As of September 2025, the ETIAS will cost around $22 and last for three years.

14 Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers in 2025

I’m so sorry, my dear jet-setter, but I can’t protect you against every travel mishap.

There are too many, and they’re constantly evolving. Also, some of the most valuable advice in the travel world will stem from your own experiences—not mine.

That being said, I can point to my own hard-learned lessons, along with those of my travel-centric community.

Some travel tips for first-time travelers are suggestions and straightforward pieces of advice. Others are more like allegories that you need to take in stride and adapt to your own immediate trip needs.

Without further ado, these are the most important travel tips for first-time travelers to keep in mind. Whether you’re flying across the country or the world, these tips will serve you in 2025 and beyond.

Travel tips for first-time travelers based on living decades on the road

Tip #1: It’s probably worth it to pay more for a non-stop flight

Air travel in 2025 is egregiously prone to delay. My one tried-and-true piece of advice for first-time travelers is to splurge on your plane ticket. Book directly on the airline’s website; you’ll be treated better in case of an emergency. Then book a non-stop flight, if possible. There are fewer chances for things to go wrong and for you to miss your connection.

**Tip #2: Pack three times minimum to get the right balance**

If you’re a first-time traveler, you’re probably struggling with a packing list. I have many pieces of advice when it comes to packing, but the most important are these: pack three times to make sure you’re not over- or under-packing, then scrap any pieces that are there wishfully.

Will you actually wear those fancy pants? And do your other articles match the forecast—not what the weather should be like?

**Tip #3: Schedule downtime—a lot of downtime**

Some of my most valuable travel tips for first-time travelers revolve around slowing down. You might want to plan out every second of your trip to make sure you’re maximizing on your time—which is a fair point.

If that sounds like you, then schedule downtime. That might be booking a treatment at a spa or simply leaving an afternoon open. If you don’t schedule some downtime as a first-time traveler, you might leave your vacation feeling even more exhausted than when you arrived.

Tip #4: Buy an eSIM—either locally or via an app

In 2025, first-time travelers don’t need to worry about international phone plans. You can download an app and buy an eSIM that gives your phone service in your host country. Or, alternatively, you can go to any phone store when you arrive and buy an eSIM or a physical SIM from the shop. Usually, the latter come at a much more affordable price and work better.

Tip #5: Know when to bother with insurance

Travel insurance is a big topic, along with medical insurance and emergency insurance. If you’re a nervous type, you might want to invest in insurance that covers you in case of lost bookings, medical emergencies, or even natural disasters.

Personally, I don’t really see the point of traveler’s insurance. If you don’t have enough money in your savings account or available on a credit line to cover something like a lost flight or hotel booking, then maybe it’s not the right time to travel. Again, that’s just my personal take. Do with it what you will.

Tip #6: Double-check visa requirements

Back in the day, an American passport could get you into just about any country without a visa or, if you did need one, a basic form to fill out. Today, countries and regions are rolling out new requirements for visitors at a faster rate than ever before. Always double-check visa requirements before you head out; most are fully digitized and can be approved within a few days.

Tip #7: Going too budget will ruin your trip—know when to splurge

I encourage you to spend more when booking flights because it streamlines operations in case of disaster and minimizes the chance of delays or missed flights. That type of mentality will serve you well in other travel-related topics, too. Going too budget, unfortunately, can wreak havoc on your trip.

For example, choosing to stay in a cheap hostel versus a larger hotel might mean that you lose sleep to other noisy visitors. That missed sleep can have a negative domino effect on the rest of your trip, intensifying jet lag and making you miss out on the things you were excited to see.

Tip #8: Read the reviews for hotels, tours, and more using keywords

Before you book anything, head to the review section. There’s almost always a search bar. There, type in your most pressing concerns, whether noise, customer service, value for price, and so on.

Tip #9: Language and culture matter—way more than you think

Learning a little bit about the local culture at your destination can go a long way in improving your trip. The same for learning a few phrases in the local language. These factors signal to locals that you’re interested in a meaningful exchange—and they can unlock unique experiences.

For example, I once tried out my Swedish in a rural town and was then treated to a Mad Max-style adventure on a local man’s snowmobile. (I mean that in a good way.)

Tip #10: Take out some cash when you arrive

Most travelers prep their banks before leaving home so that they can use their credit and debit cards abroad. That’s a great rule of thumb—but don’t forget to take out some cash when you land. This is a great way to tip (if it’s appropriate) anyone, along with make smaller purchases, like for waters and snacks.

Tip #11: Don’t forget about the bus and/or metro

Taxis and rideshares can be expensive. One of the most important travel tips for first-time travelers from the US to know is that many other countries have functional, affordable public transit systems.

Using an app like Google Maps, you can get from Point A to Point B with just a bus or a metro. Usually, you need to buy a transit card to use it, but you can sometimes still pay cash.

Tip #12: Avoid visiting more than two destinations per trip

The more you try to get done during your trip, the less likely you are to feel excited and rejuvenated by your vacation. That might not be an issue if you want to see many sites and really dig into local culture, especially in a city like Florence with its dozens of museums.

However, I highly recommend avoiding visiting more than two destinations in a trip. In reality, I’d vote you stick to one to really get a feel for the culture and atmosphere.

Tip #13: If you’re prone to worry, have your ducks in a row

If you’re worried about traveling for the first time, these are the topics I think will help you sleep at night. First, buy travel insurance. If you’re really prone to nerves, you might even want to pay for wider coverage, like MedJet, for example.

Aside from insurance, look into the Department of State’s recommendations. Knowing where the nearest embassy is and how it can help you when you’re in need will give you some much-needed comfort—and information on what to do in case of XYZ.

Tip #14: Carabiners, tiny totes, and latex balloons are my secret go-tos

I’m rounding off this list of travel tips for first-time travelers with my three oddest packing suggestions.

Mini-carabiners can be used for a range of purposes, from making your bag thief-proof to hanging things at your rental. Tiny totes can be added to your packing list without taking up any room; they will also give you a day bag or shopping bag at your destination. Lastly, latex balloons can be used to create a cap or seal on any liquids that are prone to leaking. They’ll contain the mess and prevent it from spreading.

What Are the ABC Islands? Your Guide to the Dutch Caribbean

If you’ve visited the Caribbean before or have dreams of doing so, you’ve probably heard of Curaçao and Aruba.

These two islands are some of the most popular, unspoiled, and multi-range options for Americans heading to the Caribbean. With established tourist infrastructure and a great reputation for pristine beaches and water-based activities, Curaçao and Aruba attract tens of millions of tourists each year.

But did you know that Aruba and Curaçao are part of a chain of three islands known as the ABC islands? And that they have a ‘middle sibling’ called Bonaire, which is where the term ABC comes from. (That’s A for Aruba, B for Bonaire, and C for Curacao.)

The ABC islands are also Dutch overseas territories, similar to the US’s legal relationship with Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to answering the question—what are the ABC islands? And are travelers missing out on Bonaire?

Here’s your crash course on the ABC islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, aka the Dutch Caribbean.

What are the ABC islands? A closer look

Willemstad Curacao skyline on a sunny day (Getty)

The ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao sit right off the coast of Venezuela and are some of the westernmost Caribbean islands.

Originally home to the Arawak indigenous tribes, the earliest colonial presence on the islands was recorded in 1599. One of Amerigo Vespucci’s sailors allegedly landed on the island of Curaçao during this time. (Fun fact: Amerigo Vespucci is where the name America comes from.)

The islands traded hands during the colonial era of discovery in the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America. A treaty with the British saw the islands change back to a Dutch territory in 1815. Since then, the islands have been part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands grouped its colonial Caribbean territories into a single body called the Netherlands Antilles, which included islands like Saba, Sint Maarten, and the ABC islands. This was dissolved in 2010, meaning each island took on a different legal status.

Today, Curaçao and Aruba are autonomous and self-governing, while Bonaire is a ‘special municipality’ of the Netherlands. Legally, that makes it a ‘public body’ that’s administered by the main government in the Netherlands. By contrast, Curaçao and Aruba have their own governing bodies. However, all citizens born in the ABC islands are Dutch citizens.

Okay, now onto the fun, tropical adventure stuff.

Which ABC islands should you visit?

Famous Divi Divi trees on sandy beach in Aruba (Getty)

Curaçao is the largest and most populous island of the bunch, meaning it’s a bit more accessible than Aruba and Bonaire. Bonaire, by contrast, is the smallest and least populated island.

Uniquely, both Aruba and Bonaire have drier climates than the rest of the Caribbean, meaning you won’t see the same level of lush greenery.

For those two reasons, I recommend visiting Curaçao first. The island’s capital city of Wilemsted is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to lovely colonial structures and brightly painted houses. In short, along with the island’s 35 pristine beaches and endless adventures in the sun, you also get a solid dose of culture.

Ready to plan the perfect trip? Start looking for a Curaçao hotel.

That being said, I think Aruba is a close second. Aruba hosts famous carnivals, such as Bon Bini Festival and the Aruba Carnival, meaning you can soak up plenty of culture there, too.

The beaches are a little less lush, but just as expansive and gorgeous. (There’s even a famous shipwreck that you can snorkel.) The sand is white and powdery, and thanks to the island’s unique climate, the sun shines almost year-round.

Dreaming of a jaunt to Aruba? Shop around for hotels.

What is Bonaire like?

Bonaire is the smallest and least populous of the ABC islands. It’s also the direst and flattest. But there are two unique things that make Bonaire popular for travelers.

First, the extensive Bonaire National Marine Park, which covers the island’s entire coastline and includes a famous flamingo sanctuary. Second, the snorkeling and diving along its reefs.

What you trade in those traditional lush, jungle-like views in Bonaire you get back in shockingly untouched natural wonders. Along with its protected coastline, Bonaire is also home to pink salt flats and wild donkey populations.

You won’t notice any traffic lights either, as Bonaire is overwhelmingly laidback and focused on environmental conservation.

Ready to check out Bonaire? Look for a place to stay.

WalletHub Just Ranked the Top 20 Veg-Friendly US Cities—The Results Might Surprise You

Ever wondered which US cities come out ahead in terms of vegan and vegetarian dining?

While travelers can usually find vegan or vegetarian options wherever they wander, you might be surprised to learn which cities come out ahead. Some have boosted veg options thanks to local preferences—but others might come out ahead thanks to the number of unique restaurants that have experimental chefs, rely on farm-to-table food sourcing, or even veg-friendly groceries.

Thanks to WalletHub’s latest study, which incorporates 17 metrics that grade a city’s vegan and vegetarian friendliness, you can now take a closer look at the most veg-friendly cities.

Think you can list which cities came out ahead? Here’s your chance to set your guesses.

A closer look at the metrics

As a researcher, I’m always interested in learning about how a study was conducted. In this case, WalletHub used 17 indicators to rank US cities based on vegetarian and vegan friendliness.

Those metrics include: cost of groceries for veg eaters, availability of veg-friendly restaurants, average meal cost, farmers’ markets per capita, juice and smoothie bars per capita, vegetable nurseries per capita, and a range of other supporting data. WalletHub used data from the US Census Bureau, TripAdvisor, GrubHub, Meetup, the CDC, and more.

In other words, it’s a solid study that’s pulling on a range of traveler needs—from the ability to shop for the right groceries to fine dining options with menus that suit your needs.

Now onto the fun stuff.

The most veg-friendly cities in the United States

Ready to see how your predictions panned out? These are the top 20 most veg-friendly cities around the United States according to a recent WalletHub study.

Portland, Oregon
Los Angeles, California
Austin, Texas
San Francisco, California
Oakland, California
Phoenix, Arizona
Miami, Florida
Seattle, Washington
Orlando, Florida
Madison, Wisconsin
San Diego, California
Tampa, Florida
Cincinnati, Ohio
Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
New York, New York
Birmingham, Alabama
Atlanta, Georgia
Chicago, Illinois
Las Vegas, Nevada
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania