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

What’s the Difference Between Digital Nomads vs Remote Workers?

Digital nomads, remote workers, expats, migrants, immigrants—there’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to travel-related topics that touch on work-life and legal status.

While these titles sound complicated, there’s plenty of overlap between them.

Think of it like the differences between the terms ‘tourist’ and ‘traveler’. Though I often use them interchangeably, they have slightly different connotations and nuances.

A tourist is someone who travels simply to experience a city or beach before heading home. They’re more likely to stay at hotels and resorts and focus more on enjoyment and leisure.

A traveler, by contrast, usually hits the road for longer periods of time, interacts more deeply with the local community, and might take on cultural topics like language classes. They might prefer a home-stay or a hostel in order to make more connections with other visitors and locals.

But what about digital nomads and remote workers?

These terms have taken off in recent years and are often mentioned when it comes to travel. But how are they actually different? What are the larger implications of being a digital nomad vs a remote worker? And is there a time when you can use terms like digital nomad and remote worker interchangeably?

First, I’m going to cover the differences between being a remote worker and a digital nomad, then move on to similarities. From there, I’m going to explore how being an expat or immigrant factors into these discussions.

Digital nomads vs remote workers: main differences

A digital nomad is a professional who works while traveling full-time. They don’t have a concrete address or, if they do, it doesn’t last long. Some digital nomads move from country to country, while others might stay in their home country and swap city for city. They could also live in an RV or a converted van.

In other words, you don’t need to travel abroad to be a digital nomad.

A remote worker, by contrast, is anyone who fulfills their job role from a remote location. In short, they aren’t bound to an office.

There’s plenty of overlap between the two, which I’ll cover below. The most important difference between digital nomads vs remote workers is the element of travel. Remote workers don’t necessarily travel. They just have the ability to work from home.

For example, I’m a freelance writer and a remote worker. I fulfill all of my core responsibilities from my laptop. While this is a very modern concept, it’s not exclusively a post-COVID development. Growing up, my mom completed her work as a medical transcriptionist from home—making her a remote worker.

That being said, just because you can work remotely, that doesn’t mean you want to live on the road like a digital nomad.

My mom, for example, never worked from another location. Similarly, I pay for a desk at a shared office where I work daily. Though I could work while on the go (and do so as needed), I’m a remote worker and not a digital nomad.

That being said, I’m mostly surrounded by digital nomads who stay in Barcelona for a few months before packing up and heading out. It’s not uncommon for us to occupy the same spaces.

Digital nomads vs remote workers: similarities

If you’ve been following along, you might have realized that, to become a digital nomad, you must first be a remote worker.

In fact, many digital nomads start as remote workers for a while before making the decision to pack their bags and hit the open road.

Additionally, some remote workers might temporarily become digital nomads. Rather than end their lease or sell their home to live full-time on the road, they can sublet their place before packing their bags. All they have to do is get a digital nomad visa to legally move, live, and work in another country.

Europe, for example, has a long list of digital nomad visas available to Americans. You can apply for one if you want to stay beyond the three-month limit in the Schengen Area.

That brings me to my next point: what are the legal implications of being a digital nomad? And what’s the difference between digital nomads vs expats?

What’s the difference between digital nomads vs expats?

Digital nomads who live and work in other countries have been operating in a gray area for years. The main issue is that digital nomads who don’t have the correct visas don’t pay taxes to their host country, even though they’re working full-time there.

In fact, the recent rollout of digital nomad visas is looking to streamline how governments can tax, regulate, and monitor remote workers who enter as digital nomads.

The modern digital nomad should be working under a legal digital nomad visa. This visa application requires them to show how much they make, give details on where they plan to stay, and for how long. It also lays out any tax requirements they must fulfill.

Here’s where it gets a little tricky.

Expats exist in a similar area. Expats are non-immigrants who live in another country for a significant amount of time, and are legally required to fulfill certain tax and financial duties. Expat visas come in all shapes and sizes, from the golden visa to the investment visa. However, expats do not need to be digital nomads.

Most expats are retired or are nearing retirement. They have ample savings and assets that allow them to freely move and live in other countries as they desire. However, their primary residence and main holdings are in the US, where they were born.

Digital nomads, by contrast, are usually freelancers with more limited savings. They are required to fulfill much looser financial responsibilities in their host country compared to expats.

For example, a digital nomad might need to prove that they make $4,000 a month and cover private health insurance if they want a visa. By contrast, an expat might need to pledge upwards of $50,000 in investments to be eligible for certain types of visas. Here’s an example of one of Mexico’s most popular expat-facing visas, the temporary resident visa.

A quick summary

Remote workers are any professionals who have the option to work from home or remotely. Maybe they travel, and maybe not.

Digital nomads are a type of remote worker who chooses to live on the road. If they move to another country, they’re (usually) on a digital nomad visa, but usually return home one day.

Expats spend ample time abroad but don’t usually work. Most expats are retired and are able to stay in other countries for extended periods of time thanks to pricier visas, such as investment visas or golden visas.

Apple’s New Live Translation Updates Let You Talk to Anyone in the World

On September 15, 2025, Apple released brand new features for its Apple Intelligence suite.

The updates cover a range of high-tech and futuristic updates for Apple devices, like personalized fitness workouts and enhancements to the ‘Genmoji and Image Playground’.

But the main star of the show is Live Translation, which is now available for all smartphones running on iOS 26. (This feature is also available on iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and other 26-gen devices.)

The update comes after years of expectation. Apple was one of the first tech companies to promise live, reliable translations, which was first formally introduced during the WWDC 2025. Fast forward one year, and Live Translation is now live for any Apple users who have AirPods and an iOS 26-enabled smartphone.

But does it actually translate conversations live? And how many languages can it handle? Let’s dive in.

A closer look at Live Translation capabilities from Apple

Though the original hype surrounding Live Translation revolved around AirPods and the ability to live-translate conversations, the feature is more robust. The feature can translate messages, along with real-time translations for FaceTime calls and phone calls—in addition to AirPods Pro 3, of course.

Apple fans and travelers are more focused on Live Translation for the AirPods Pro 3 because it can translate in-person conversations. That means that you can converse with locals at your next destination face-to-face—without double-checking translations using an app.

To enable this feature on the AirPods Pro 3, press both stems at once, then say, “Siri, start Live Translation.” You can also use the Action button on the iPhone, where you can set it to your preferred language.

On FaceTime, Live Translation is done using caption boxes. On phone calls, translations are spoken aloud.

All translations occur on the user’s device, meaning there’s no ‘Cloud’ involved. Instead, all conversations and translations stay on your device alongside the rest of your data.

At the moment, English is the only available language for Live Translation. However, Apple plans to roll out eight additional languages (and their alphabets) in the coming months, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Mandarin), and Vietnamese.

5 Perfect Spots for a Bachelor/ette Jack and Jill Party in the US

Call it the changing times or call it penny-pinching—but there’s a rising trend in the realm of bachelor and bachelorette parties, and it’s one that I didn’t see coming.

That’s the popularity of Jack and Jill celebrations, which combine bachelor and bachelorette parties.

These dual celebrations have become a microtrend in the wedding industry over the last few years, similar to babymoon or ‘hatchelorette’ trips. While all couples have different motivations for combining their goodbye-to-single-life parties, some common reasons are ease of planning and shared friend groups.

Again, savings might also be a factor, as hotel and entertainment prices in traditional bachelor/ette zones like Las Vegas have become (wildly) exorbitant.

And while it might sound demanding to plan a joint Jack and Jill bachelor/ette party, many hotels around the country are up for the challenge. Not only do they offer tons to do that will appeal to both men and women (both together and separately), but they also offer third spaces where the group can hang out.

Want to see which hotels I recommend for your Jack and Jill bachelor parties? Start with these picks, located around the country.

Top picks for a combined bachelor/ette Jack and Jill party

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to East Coast bachelor/ette parties. Cape Cod has everything you could need for a classic escape, from lovely beaches to its range of unique towns to cheeky train rides. Though it’s a bit pricier than other picks on this list, it offers a reliably classy and Americana vibe.

At Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, you have immediate access to a private beach, on-site dining and bars, and both indoor and outdoor pool selections. Plus, you can book three-bedroom and two-bedroom packages that are perfect for group trips.

Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson, Wyoming

As one of the most celebrated hotel openings in 2024 and with its long list of curated packages, the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa in Jackson, Wyoming, will appeal to just about any bachelor/ette group. So long as you enjoy the outdoors, that is.

The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa has gorgeous décor and plenty of areas where small and medium-sized groups can hang out. The full-service spa has popular treatments for anyone who needs a little TLC.

Meanwhile, some of the best views and adventures in the Rockies can be found just outside the town limits for those who want a little rugged outdoors time. Toss in excellent programs, like their Cowboy Concierge, and it’s a win-win.

The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California

If the rugged Rockies aren’t for you, then head to the US’s mini Mediterranean. Napa Valley has long been a lauded bachelorette destination, but hotels like The Meritage Resort and Spa also have something for the guys, including a private bowling alley/cocktail lounge and a steakhouse that includes (what else) masterful wine pairings.

Unsurprisingly, a Jack and Jill bachelor/ette getaway at The Meritage Resort and Spa is ideal for any wine-lovers. The grounds are designed in a tasteful Tuscan style, and include a vineyard that lets you dive into the world of vineyard-to-glass wines.

Toss in elements like an underground estate cave (perfect for tastings) and you’ve got one of the most refined but exciting ways to ring in an upcoming wedding.

Virgin Voyages Adults-Only Cruise from Miami, Florida

What’s one of the very best ways to plan a successful bachelor/ette getaway? Let other people do the heavy lifting for you. My brother and his partner recently returned from a Virgin Voyages Miami-Miami route with visits to Puerto Plata and Bimini—and they gave rave reviews.

The cruise included multiple bachelor and bachelorette parties (no word on whether any were joint ventures), which could take advantage of the many programs, entertainment, and day trips offered by the cruise.

Though groups need to plan out which activities they want to book (and pay ahead of time to reserve their places), it’s one of the most straightforward and accessible options for bachelor/ettes who want a more traditional party-forward experience.

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile

Brides and grooms-to-be in the Midwest might not want to fly to one of the coasts or to the Rockies for their party. If that’s the case, plan your bachelor/ette in Chicago. Not only is the city chock-full of thrilling nightlife and entertainment opportunities, but some hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton on Magnificent Mile are also great for hosting small to medium-sized groups.

This DoubleTree by Hilton includes a large pool where groups can gather and lounge, along with plenty of space in the dining area. It’s also located on the city’s famous Magnificent Mile, meaning views from the rooms are top-notch, and proximity to other hotspots in Chicago is pretty unmatched.