On May 7, the US Will Require Real IDs to Fly—Here’s the Down-Low

2025 is panning out to be a wild one for air travel.

First, because it looks like the Department of Transportation is going to backtrack on the newly released Fly Rights program. Second, because—as of May 7, 2025—the United States will require all domestic passengers to show a Real ID to board the plane.

What’s a Real ID, you might be asking? How do travelers get them? And why doesn’t a standard-issue state ID mean anything anymore?

While news of the requirement hit news waves almost a year ago, there’s still plenty of confusion surrounding the topic.

Let’s wander down the rabbit hole to answer the most pressing questions for American travelers.

What’s a Real ID and why are they going to be required?

The first mention of this new type of identification came back in 2005 when Congress passed the Real ID Act. In a post-9/11 world, the Department of Homeland Security sought to boost its identification techniques.

So, the goal of this legislation was to regulate and streamline how state’s provide formal identification.

Fast forward twenty years and the first actual purpose of a Real ID will be to standardize the type of identification used to board airplanes—and also enter secure federal facilities like courthouses.

A Real ID can be issued state by state for citizens who provide proof of identity and proof of residence at their local DMV. Although it is not required to show proof of social security to obtain one, you do need to know your social security number when applying.

How can citizens get their REAL ID?

As mentioned above, Americans can get their Real ID after showing proof of residence and identity at their local DMV, similar to getting a driver’s license.

In some states, including California, you can expedite the process by applying online and then picking up your ID at the DMV.

Sounds similar to a driver’s license, right? Unfortunately, the TSA (as a federal entity) won’t accept standard driver’s licenses once that May 7 date arrives. However, some states offer ‘enhanced licenses’, including Washington, Michigan, and Vermont. These types of IDs will be accepted as Real IDs.

Aren’t sure if your ID counts? Look in the top right corner of your ID card. If there’s a star, then it’s a Real ID.

What counts as a substitute?

If you’re anything like me, you might be panicking reading through this article. However, there’s one huge silver lining: passports can be used as a substitute for a Real ID.

As long as your passport is up-to-date, you don’t need to bother with a bonus trip to the DMV.

A passport is also valid for accessing federal facilities, from courthouses to statehouses. Additionally, children under the age of 18 don’t need a Real ID to fly. They’ll rely on their parents’ information like normal.

So, if you already have a passport or a star in the top right corner of your driver’s license, you’re good to go. If not, contact your local DMV to figure out how to get the ball rolling—or stay stuck at home once May 7^th comes around.

Resort Safety 101: How to Stay Safe on Your All-Inclusive Vacation

From the outside looking in, all-inclusive resorts seem like the safest choice for travelers.

That’s because all-inclusive options function like insular little worlds.

When it comes to features like outdoor pools, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, and even shops, all-inclusive hotels and resorts go above and beyond to hand travelers all the tools they’ll need for unmatched downtime.

Even a smaller boutique resort might have up to 450 suites spread across the grounds, along with features like private beaches, 24-hour room service, and specialized programs for guests.

That being said, all-inclusive resorts have their own unique set of rules—especially when it comes to staying safe. Though many Americans flock to the Caribbean each year to return to their favorite resorts, we tend to forget about security, from the explicit rules to the unwritten advice.

Want a crash course in resort safety? Here’s what you need to know.

The down-low on danger

There’s no easy way to write about the dangers of travel—especially when generalizing about an entire country, region, or city.

Let me phrase it this way: it feels a little odd to warn Americans about danger when traveling abroad when the US is actually pretty high on the list of conflict-ridden countries.

In other words, I won’t throw any stones when I come from a very glass house.

But I will give you a blunt down-low on traveling to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Many options frequented by Americans are located in the region’s poorest countries in terms of GDP, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia.

All-inclusive resorts employ tens of thousands of locals across the islands; they’re important economic hubs in many cases. On top of that, it’s not uncommon for non-resort-workers to make a little money as a side hustle, offering things like party favors to resort guests and taking them out on excursions.

Here’s my point: All-inclusive resorts offer opportunities to many hard-working people, and they’re dedicated to keeping guests safe—but people with bad intentions are also aware that these resorts host wealthy guests.

How to stay safe off the resort

Overwhelmingly, advice on how to stay safe when leaving the resort circles back to this: Don’t leave the resort until it’s time to go to the airport.

That’s a very sterile way to experience a country, in my opinion. And it does a disservice to the many locals who take pride in their work and their country, and want to show it off.

So, while staying at the resort is the best way to stay safe while visiting an all-inclusive hotel, I’m going to move into more helpful territory.

Here’s how you can leave the resort to take advantage of those great tours and experiences without feeling overly nervous:

Plan off-resort activities through your resort. Nobody is more invested in keeping you safe and giving you a great experience than hotel staff. If they give you advice on what to do and what not to do, follow it to the letter. Locals are the top authority on safety.
Research your immediate area beforehand. In times of conflict, it might actually be too dangerous to leave the resort. If you’re worried about recent news, speak with the concierge about whether or not it’s a good idea to take off-resort tours.
In addition to researching conflict, also look into cultural norms. You’re going to stand out as a foreigner no matter what, but putting in a little effort to blend in can go a long way in keeping you off a Bad Guy’s radar.
Leave the jewelry and pricey items at home—even if they only look high-end. Enough said.
Don’t get drunk. Also, don’t let strangers get you drunk. Women are pretty familiar with this rule, even at the local dive bar—which means some crooks have made a steal off getting men drunk and robbing them blind. Get drunk on the resort and nowhere else.
Speaking of not being drunk, also stay aware of your surroundings. No need to go full Jason Borne, but if you hear a fuss and see a commotion, don’t stick your head in the sand.
Read resort reviews looking for keywords related to crime. Nothing is more reliable than first-hand experiences from other guests. If they’ve had a bad experience, you can learn from it.

How to stay safe at your resort

If you’re getting robbed at the resort, blame karma. Just kidding.

Like I mentioned above, some Bad Guys have a side hustle of robbing vacationers… sometimes even on the resort.

To stay safe at your resort, follow these tips:

Research and seek out resorts that are known for their safety. Again, you’ll see negative reviews if any guests were compromised while at the resort.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers, especially if it’s off-brand or unlabeled alcohol. Once again, don’t get drunk with strangers in foreign countries. It’s really that easy.
Keep an eye out for any lingerers. Tell resort staff if you see any suspicious activity, like a non-hotel guest hanging out in the common areas or wandering through the hallways.
Watch the water warnings when you go to the beach. Not all dangers come from people. A strong riptide might be even more dangerous than a criminal.

Luxury Travel Vocab: 6 Fancy Words Used at Fancy Hotels

Want to know one of the wonkiest concepts in luxury travel?

If a company labels itself as ‘luxury’, it probably isn’t. My experience with truly opulent travel brands has taught me one thing: real luxury is very subtle and hard to define.

It’s not the number of amenities available but the sense of discernment they leave you with.

That being said, there are a few mundane topics that first-time five-star travelers might not be familiar with. From the vocabulary used to the practices at play, it can be an exciting but slightly confusing experience.

Especially if you’re formerly a budget traveler.

Want the low-down on refined travel vocabulary? Here are a few of the phrases you might hear being tossed around in luxury travel circles.

Five-star vocabulary: phrases used in luxury travel

Turn-down

Turn-down service is when hotel staff sneak into your room and prepare it for bedtime. They physically turn down the sheets, which is where the name comes from, along with fluffing the pillows, closing the curtains, and tidying up.

Many also leave out a sleep menu for guests. (More on this below.) The idea is that guests should be able to sleep into bed and into sweet dreams when they return from dinner and drinks.

Sleep menu

A sleep menu is an actual physical menu that includes specialized offers for bedtime. That might be a range of pillows, from firm options to over-fluffed down pillows to specially scented pillows.

Beyond the scope of pillows, sleep menus might also include options like a sleep-oriented tea, a place to listen to sleep-centric audio, and more.

Baby-moon

Baby-moons are an increasingly popular travel trend in the luxury sphere. These trips are for expecting parents (usually their first child) who want to get away before Little Mary arrives.

While these aren’t exclusive to the ultra-lux travel space, I really can’t imagine the average American deciding that six months into a pregnancy is high time to charge a vacation onto their credit card. (Or am I disconnected?)

Bell captain

Whether the average porter assistant is called a bellboy or a bellman, they all report to a bell captain at a luxury hotel. A bell captain is simply the porter who is in charge of all concierge services related to luggage.

Concierge

You’re probably already familiar with a concierge. This term applies to all staff who help hotel guests make appointments, book services, and fulfill similar needs. But at a five-star hotel, every guest (usually) has their own specific concierge.

This concierge has also been prepped to serve specific clientele. If guests have stayed there before, the hotel will have kept notes on their preferences. If not, guests have likely already communicated their expectations and needs, which a personal concierge will see to.

Sabering

Sabering is the art of lobbing off champagne corks with an actual saber. Don’t know what sabers are? They’re cavalry swords with a one-edged, slightly curved blade.

While we’ve all seen someone de-cork a bottle of champagne with a knife, sabering is an even flashier way to get that bubbly. And while it’s not a standard throughout the five-star travel world but has made a comeback over the last decade.

Apparently, it’s a nod back to the old days of glamorous hotel stays in Europe.

Kanazawa: Everything You Need to See in Japan’s Hidden Treasure

From trend reports to travel blogs, Japan has slid into the mainstream for travelers across the world. The country’s rise in popularity comes as no surprise—Japan offers a near-perfect trifecta for adventurers.

Its traditions are distinct, stretching back centuries but still palpable and alive. Its natural wonders are iconic, dotting the nation from Hokkaido to Okinawa. And its contemporary culture is endlessly intriguing, letting travelers explore a novel, new way of life.

That being said, navigating Japan for the first time isn’t nearly as straightforward as other popular destinations like Mexico and France. From language to culture cues, there’s plenty to learn.

Then, of course, there’s the challenge of finding Japan’s hidden gems.

While cities like Tokyo and Osaka are well-known and high on the list for travelers, many miss out on lesser-known wonders—especially those like Kanazawa. Because it’s not located on the tourist track, places like Kanazawa offer unknown wonders, from Kanazawa Castle to its geisha and samurai paths.

Want to take a shortcut to Japan’s best-kept secrets?

I suggest looking into expert companies like smarTours, which take the stress out of planning trips to culturally distinct countries like Japan. Not only do they help you save money by booking trips more efficiently, but they’ll take you further off the beaten path to those hidden gems that others simply don’t see.

What makes Kanazawa a hidden gem?

*Welcome to the historic streets of Kanazawa*

Let’s dig a little deeper to explore what makes venturing outside of hotspots like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto worth your time.

The magic in Kanazawa boils down to tradition. The Land of the Rising Sun is defined by hyper-modernity, along with a strong respect for its most ancient practices.

That’s a fine balance to take a lens to on a casual vacation. In my experience in places like Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia, working with a tour company gave me a leg up on other travelers.

To put it simply, they know where to find those famous sites that foreigners usually miss out on–including hidden gems like Kanazawa.

Kanazawa is one of the country’s best-kept secrets for international tourists. Unlike many other locations, its historic districts weren’t destroyed during WWII, providing a lens into the past.

The city’s historic Nagamachi district is filled with narrow, cobblestone streets—the same ones that samurai once marched down centuries ago. You’ll be swept back in time to the Edo period, where you can explore sites like the Nomura Family house with its stone lanterns and bridges.

You can even wander through the Higashi Chaya Geisha district to learn more about this intriguing tradition–which would be very high on my list. (Though I’ve heard plenty about geishas over the years, I can’t separate fact from fiction.)

Aside from history, Kanazawa is also renowned for its natural splendor. The city is home to Kenrokuen Garden, which is considered one of the most prestigious and gorgeous in the country. From waterfalls to picturesque tea houses, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a movie set.

The cherry on top? There aren’t nearly as many international tourists in Kanazawa as in other hotspots because many don’t know it exists.

These types of lesser-known destinations showcase the magic of letting a company like smarTours plan your trip to Japan—you don’t need to worry about missing out. In fact, you’ll get way more out of the experience than you anticipated.

Culture like never before

*Sample sake in Takayama’s oldest brewery*

Booking a trip to Japan with a tour company isn’t only about checking off those famous sites and cities. Tour companies also act like cultural ambassadors, letting you take a closer and more experiential look at culture.

So, what does that look like in a country like Japan?

One of the first things that comes to mind for me is food. From ramen to soba noodles to sushi, many travelers want to eat their way from city to city. With smarTours, you can take on activities like sake tasting and sushi tasting—with behind-the-scenes benefits, too.

For example, smarTours sake tasting activity takes place in Takayama at the city’s oldest sake brewery. Guests get to learn how the drink is made while they enjoy samples.

Aside from food, my main priority in Japan would be soaking in mineral waters at an onsen. Naturally, that’s on the docket for travelers who book with smarTours—and you don’t just get access to an onsen, but also instructions on how to soak like a local. Similar to saunas, there are plenty of unwritten rules for guests to learn.

When you book a trip with a reliable tour company, you experience these delights day in and day out. Every experience is carefully planned and organized, letting travelers immerse themselves.

A gateway into Japan

*Wander through Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market*

I’m an advocate for companies like smarTours because they take travelers to lesser-known destinations, but they also take you to well-known and iconic sites, too. That’s a must if you’re traveling all the way from the United States to Japan.

When you book with a trusted, experienced tour company, you get the best of both worlds. Along with hidden gems like Kanazawa, you can expect trips to smaller destinations like Mt Fuji, Hakone, Shirakawago, and Takayama. But you won’t miss out on well-known cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

In Tokyo, you can explore the city’s most colorful wholesale fish market, then head to the Asakusa Kannon Sensoji Buddhist temple. In Kyoto, you can wander through the 17^th-century Nijo Castle, which marked the height of Kyoto’s political and economic power.

In those smaller cities, you can explore the Shoshazan Engyoji Temple complex of Himeji, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, and traditional shopping areas like Takayama’s Kami-Sannomachi District. Out in the countryside, you can take gondola rides that offer panoramic views of Hakone and Mt. Fuji.

If you travel with smarTours, you can even add on trips to places like Nikko, Nara, and Hiroshima. Flexibility like that matters, giving you a chance to venture off even more into lesser-known territory.

What’s the best way to see Kanazawa and beyond?

*Scenes from the optional trip to Nikko*

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a more seasoned pro, the best way to explore Japan and its hidden gems like Kanazawa is by working with a travel company.

While you can book trains (and even ferries) from one city to the next, Japan’s language and cultural barriers aren’t for the faint of heart.

My suggestion is to shop around for tours that meet your interests. For those who want to head off the tourist track into new territory, check out smarTours’ Japanese tours, including an 11-day option and a 13-day option that includes a stop in Osaka.

I suggest booking with smarTours for three reasons. First, the company has plenty of experience working with local guides and experts—which makes for a meaningful trip.

Second, they take the headache out of planning a cross-country itinerary in a place where not too many people speak English.

Lastly, smarTours’ Japan offers have unbeatable, five-star ratings, which is proof that other travelers have enjoyed their journeys.

Personally, I’d opt for the longer 13-day tour simply because of those long flights. When I’m crossing multiple time zones, I’m never shy about adding on a day or two. I’d also be sure to add that trip to Nikko, which has been on my list for years. This gorgeous blend of shrines and mountain views looks like the stuff of Ghibli dreams.

Travel Savings Hack: The Dollar Will Get You Farther in These 7 Countries in 2025

How does wanderlust intersect with Wall Street? The USD.

While I’ve never been a Daddy Warbucks type, one of the most straightforward budget travel hacks is to head to countries where the USD is stronger than the local currency.

Though you still need to figure out how to manage exchange rates, you’ll still come out ahead.

Japan, for example, is going through a tourism heyday right now thanks to a few factors… including a sinking value for the Yen. (And almost-free domestic flights for tourists, but that’s another story.)

In October 2024, the country logged a record-breaking number of visitors. Tourism companies are taking full advantage, squiring Americans around for astonishingly low prices.

Want to financially hack your way to a cheaper, more impactful trip? Start with these countries where the USD will get you more bang for your buck—literally.

(Don’t know anything about the USD or currency strength? Investopedia has a great crash course that lets you see the world’s strongest currencies—which aren’t the USD, by the way.)

Countries where the USD is thriving

Exchange rates are taken from Google Finance on January 10, 2025.

Japan

1 USD = 158 JPY

What’s inspiring Americans to fly to the other side of the planet? I’m sure Japanese culture and its larger-than-life cities are the primary allure—but the USD’s strength is yet another reason to make the long journey.

The Japanese yen has weakened significantly over the last two years, meaning American tourists are able to book high-end hotels, go on multi-day tours, and purchase fine art and textiles at extremely low prices.

Hungary

1 USD = 402 HUF

Surprised that Hungary isn’t using the Euro? Though Hungary (and similar Central and Eastern European countries) are part of the EU and integrated into the Schengen zone, they haven’t switched over to the Euro to protect their economy.

Things like public debt, inflation, and budget deficits have maintained Hungary’s Forint currency. Until the country switches over to the EU, you’ll be able to find incredible deals in Budapest and beyond.

Argentina

1 USD = 1,036 ARS

Political turnover has caused Argentina’s inflation crisis to steadily worsen, meaning the Argentine Peso is one of the highest-value foreign currencies for Americans paying in USD.

Though flights to and from Buenos Aires are still pricey, your money will take you to unexpected places—without going over budget.

Whether you want to explore wineries around the capital city or head as far south as you can, it’s a financially perfect time to head to Argentina.

Brazil

1 USD = 6.05 BRL

With Brazil’s real drifting to an all-time low, Americans can take a budget trip of a lifetime to South America. Even in hotspots like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, you should be able to find great deals on hotels, tours, and fine dining.

That being said, I’d probably head further outside of cities to take a closer look at some of the country’s greatest natural wonders. From secluded beaches like Baia do Sancho to expansive wetlands like the Pantanal, I think Brazil’s greatest wonders take a little bit longer to find. Save big getting into the wild in Brazil.

Egypt

1 USD = 50 EGP

If you’ve been dreaming about seeing the pyramids or traveling the Nile, you won’t find a better time. Similar to Japan, the Egyptian Pound has struggled to recover after the pandemic.

But unlike Japan, Egypt was a bit of a steal even before the pound started to devalue.

In other words, you can see one of the world’s greatest wonders without paying exorbitant amounts. If you’re already in Europe or Africa, you can reach Egypt without forking over too much for a flight, either. Just watch out for Cairo’s air quality.

South Africa

1 USD = 18.98 SAR

South Africans use the rand, which has slowly declined over the last year. With almost 19 rands for every US dollar, you’ll be able to take advantage of unique winery tours, safari offers, and boutique hotels across the country.

Once again, the flights to and from the US are absolutely hefty. And, compared to Japan, you won’t find quite as many high-value opportunities for your money. If I had to pick, I’d head to Tokyo over Durbin—but that’s just me.

Turkey

1 USD = 35 TRY

Turkey’s lira has steadily been devaluing compared to the US dollar for years—and it’s helped push Turkey to the forefront for many adventurous American travelers. From accessible and affordable medical procedures to hidden wonders like Cappadocia, it’s full of surprises.

The icing on top is Turkish Airlines’ stellar stopover program. A stopover program is when an airline offers a special and discounted way to experience a city during a long stopover. Just add a day or two to your itinerary and you can explore a city like Istanbul for almost nothing. (Seriously—they pay for your hotel stay and a city tour!)

The Budget Airport Debate—Should You Avoid Them or Not?

One of the most mind-blowing travel trends I’ve seen take off since COVID-19 is the rise of budget-centric airports.

Not airlines—I’m talking about airports.

To make a very long story short, here’s why you might be noticing an uptick in smaller, budget airline-focused airports in the US and beyond—

Airports charge airlines hefty sums for takeoff and landing, along with levying fees for other services. Budget airlines want to avoid these high fees, so they’ve begun investing in small, budget-friendly airports as an alternative to major hubs.

When flying in and out of lower-demand airports, these airlines save big while also upping the number of flights they can serve.

It’s a clear win for those budget airlines—but what about us humble passengers? Here’s what I think travelers should know about the rise of budget airports that serve budget airlines.

The European model

I’ve flown in and out of two of these ancillary budget airports in recent years: London Luton and Warsaw Modlin. In both cases, I was flying with Ryanair. In both cases, I had to take significant transportation to get where I wanted to go.

London Luton wasn’t a problem, as the airport is (seemingly strategically) located next to a rail line that takes you straight into London. The train cost less than $20 and took around 45 minutes to drop me off at King’s Cross.

Warsaw Modlin wasn’t nearly as breezy. The airport is remotely located outside Warsaw, which isn’t easily reached by either train or bus.

Me and my partner were renting a car to head to a wedding, so that wasn’t a problem for us. We picked up the car and headed on our way. But for the average traveler who’s heading into Warsaw, it would’ve been a pretty hefty task to nab transportation into the city.

The trade-off is clear: convenience for savings.

Since launching, these lower-demand airports have proven important for budget European carriers. Along with London and Warsaw, there’s also a Parisian option (Paris Beauvais).

Regional airports around the continent could see similar treatment, receiving much-needed upgrades and expansions from budget airlines that plan on turning them into hubs.

Meanwhile, in the US…

The European model has proved lucrative for airlines like Ryanair and easyJet—so much so that US airlines are noticing.

Southwest has preferred smaller, separate hubs like Chicago Midway for a while now, even though it isn’t a budget airline. As of 2025, it looks like more competitive budget airlines are looking to do the same, from Avelo to Breeze Airways.

The big question is whether or not these budget airlines serving smaller, regional airports are worth your time and effort as a traveler.

I’m putting a heavy emphasis on time and effort. The clear exchange here is that travelers can save a few hundred dollars by booking with a budget airline over a legacy name, then spend a bit more time and energy reaching a smaller, regional airport.

But that looks a lot different in Europe than it does in the US, where public transportation is less available.

Pay close attention to the numbers here. If you’re buying budget airline tickets to respect a tight budget, you might end up spending just as much on transportation or even parking fees if it’s harder to reach an airport.

Let’s use the most common example of Chicago Midway Airport.

This small hub serves Southwest and Frontier Airlines, which offer affordable regional flights to smaller cities. That makes Midway attractive for travelers who want to save on a flight home after their international flight lands in Chicago.

But getting to and from Midway isn’t easy.

The airport shuttle takes thirty minutes, along with a taxi ride. The train takes just over an hour while busses take a whole two hours to get from one airport to the next. Though that shuttle time seems short, I’d conservatively round up to 45 minutes—I’ve seen Chicago traffic.

The big question: is it worth it?

The Midway example is close to my heart because I usually fly into Chicago before heading south to Saint Louis on a short flight. Those Midway airlines (Southwest and Frontier) are the cheapest and fastest way for me to get home.

But after a long, international flight, hustling through customs, and getting my bags, the last thing I want to do is huff it off to another airport in a bustling city like Chicago.

So, I pay more so that I can get home from O’Hare after landing.

However, if you’re a budget traveler who’s full of energy and wanderlust, you might not have a problem with getting to Midway for that cheap flight. And I’d hate to turn you off the idea.

Again, the exchange here is time and effort compared to money—and I’ve only recently switched over to the ‘throw some money at it’ side of camp.