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.

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.

Last year, if it felt like everyone you knew was jet setting off to Euro summers, Thai wellness breaks, and Aspen ski trips, you definitely weren’t imagining it; there are numbers that agree. Indians spent $35 billion on international travel in 2024, putting the country among the world’s top 10 outbound tourism spenders, according to the latest UN Tourism report published in May 2025. That’s a steady increment from the $34.2 billion spent in 2023, and a sizeable jump from the pre-COVID tally of $22.9 billion.

Meanwhile, China sits in a league of its own, with travellers shelling out $250.6 billion on overseas travel—not just more than any other country, but also more than Australia, Canada, Russia, Italy and India combined. The US followed China with $177.8 billion, while Germany at $120.3 billion, the UK at $119.2 billion, and France at $60 billion, notably completed a strong showing for European travellers in the top 5 for outbound tourism.

Australia, Canada and Russia spending $45.6 billion, $43.6 billion and $38.8 billion respectively, landed in the middle of the pack. Italy came in ninth at $35.7 billion—just a sliver ahead of India, whose $35 billion spend officially cements its arrival in the global big leagues. Here are the 10 countries that spent the most on travel abroad in 2024.

1. China – $250.6 billion
2. USA – $177.8 billion
3. Germany – $120.3 billion
4. UK – $119.2 billion
5. France – $60.0 billion
6. Australia – $45.6 billion
7. Canada – $43.6 billion
8. Russian Federation – $38.8 billion
9. Italy – $35.7 billion
10. India – $35 billion

These destinations offer quick doses of luxury during an otherwise busy season.

Call it foliage season, shoulder season, Q3 or plain old fall: It’s the best time of year for big cities and big adventures, and it’s coming up fast. In any constantly evolving metropolis, this is when restaurant rows and museum miles flash with glitzy new openings and exhibits, all of them ready to capture a local population that’s spent the last few months decamped somewhere else. And autumn is your best chance to get better-than-summer weather in many beachy getaway spots—without peak summer pricing. That may be truer than ever this year, as global tourism contracts on the heels of tariffs and broader economic uncertainty.

If you want to be in the right place at the right time, look no further: Here are five perfect-for-fall escapes pulled from our master list of where to travel in 2025. As a bonus, they’re all doable as long weekends from a wide variety of US and European cities.

Upper East Side, Manhattan

In New York City, uptown has been downtown-ified. Madison Avenue, once the exclusive domain of rarified labels and shoppers in red-soled shoes, has seen Covid-era store closures get filled in with youthful brands such as LA-import Violet Gray and flagships of of-the-moment brands like L’Agence. Unlike other prime shopping neighborhoods, which feel aggressively packed with an outpost of every brand you’ve ever heard of, the UES feels curated. You’ll actually enjoy yourself as you stock up on Khaite trench coats, Still Here denim and Gorjana charm bracelets.

The restaurant scene here has never been more exciting (just try to nab a reservation at Chez Fifi, Le Veau d’Or or Le Café Louis Vuitton). And on the hotel front, what’s old is new again. The excellent Surrey is now a Corinthia hotel, with an outpost of Miami’s beloved Casa Tua restaurant bringing social buzz (and so many Chanel handbags) to the first floor. Stretch the neighborhood’s boundaries a smidge to include the just-redone Waldorf Astoria on 50th Street—it’s a worthy reboot of the city’s most iconic stay, complete with a new restaurant by Gramercy Tavern’s Michael Anthony.

Don’t forget the area’s art institutions, which are worth a revisit even if you’ve been many times. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has just reopened its renovated Rockefeller Wing, for instance, featuring new collections that highlight work from Africa, the ancient Americas and Oceania. And the Frick has reopened this year after a five-year, $330 million renovation that (among other draws) reinstated a pair of grand gardens and added a spectacular new auditorium for intimate concerts.

Paros and Antiparos, Greece

Let it serve as a sign of the times that one of the hottest amenities for Mykonos resorts this summer—besides a Missoni-branded beach club, natch—was a fleet of speedboats to take guests to neighboring Paros. That’s how much buzz has built around this rising star of an island, and its little sister, Antiparos, in the last year alone. (Don’t just take our word for it; American Express Travel put Paros on its list of hot destinations for 2025 this summer, based on how many of its cardholders were racing to book trips to the island.) Drawing people there are the holy trinity of Greek vacation attractions: Perfectly clear-watered beaches, cross-island breezes ideal for kitesurfing, and traditional whitewashed architecture.

And if Paros and Antiparos used to be a lower-priced alternatives to their iconically nightlife-packed neighbor, those values are evaporating as the island’s cultural clout soars. Take the Rooster, Antiparos’ most sought-after hotel: Rooms are going for $2,500 per night in the middle of September. That particular property closes for the season by the time October rolls around, but many others now stay open. Included in that set is Parilo, a Design Hotel with 33 minimalist-boho suites that can be booked beginning at just $370 per night through October 25. (Its restaurant is a destination unto itself, having earned two Michelin stars and a Michelin Green star for its zero-waste, ethically-sourced approach to local Greek cuisine.) Book it with Marriott Bonvoy points for an even better deal.

London

The energy in London this year has coalesced in a surprising area: All along the Elizabeth tube line. But nothing is poised to be as game-changing as the hulking, Eero Saarinen-designed US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, reborn in late August as the 144-room Chancery Rosewood. Around its massive perimeter, looking out onto leafy Mayfair, is a quiver of ultracool restaurants like the Avro-Ko designed brasserie Serra and outposts of New York institutions Carbone and Masa. (Local culinary legend Ruth Rogers is also said to be opening a venue, and there’s a cafe serving floral-inspired creations by pastry chef Marius Dufay.) The rooftop is home to the Eagle Bar, so named for the way its oversized windows look out past the giant gilded bird that crowns the hotel’s port cochere and towards Hyde Park. It’s fast becoming the most coveted spot for after-work drinks, complete with a sprawling outdoor terrace and a menu by talented NoMad vet Liana Oster.

Rome

You’d think Italy’s fashionistas would have a hard time shifting their center of gravity anywhere south, north, west or east of Milan. And yet in 2025, fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana and Dior are using this year’s Vatican Jubilee as one of many excuses to move their runway shows to the Eternal City. Some 30 million visitors were originally expected to visit Rome during the papal celebration—not including the couture chasers. And that number has likely grown considering that some 250,000 people turned up just to see white smoke rise from the Vatican chimneys in early May.

Consider the fall months a reprieve from all of that hubbub: This is when you can get a prime restaurant reservation without waking up at the crack of dawn exactly three months in advance to book it, and it’s when hotel rates fall in step with the crowds. Plus, the year’s biggest hotel openings—like the Romeo Roma and Orient Express La Minerva—have now had a few months to iron out their kinks. And all of the infrastructure investments meant to support the big events, from a new metro line to renovations at Piazza Navona, have duly removed their scaffolding.

Canary Islands

Sometimes it’s easy to identify why a destination is buzzing (see above). Other times there’s just something in the air. That’s the case with the sun-smacked, palm-studded Canary Islands, a mountains-and-beach destination where more and more jetsetters in our orbit seem to be going, even though the hotels we were excited about in 2025 have all been mysteriously delayed. Regardless, some 44 new hotels—or 6,000 new rooms—are in the pipeline across this seven-island Spanish archipelago of the western coast of Africa, all scheduled to pop by 2028, so there’s clear reason to believe the trendline is ascendant.

But that growth includes megaprojects that will change the face of their surroundings. Take the latest project in Gran Canaria by the Spain-based Lopesan Group: It consists of a whopping 1,800 rooms across nearly 70 acres. The project is estimated to cost around $787 million. It all points towards a tourism development boom that locals fear is going unchecked. That may make it wise to go now, before it’s spoiled. Bonus: The fall weather here is effectively an extension of everyone else’s summer.

For the affluent, travel in the coming year isn’t about simply spending more; it’s about spending better. A new report sheds light on different aspects of luxury travel and the trends associated with it.

A new report shines light on how ultra-luxury travel is no longer just about opulence. In 2025, it’s become centred on meaning, connection, and rarity. This trend will only grow further next year, according to the recently released 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report. It includes insights from over 2,400 travel advisors around the globe. It offers a window into what inspires the world’s affluent travellers, including their desires, destinations, and definitions of value. While spending remains robust, travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that are grounded in something beyond just mere exclusivity. There’s a new balance between extravagance and purpose: today’s luxury traveller wants not just to see the world, but also to experience it deeply.

Top 10 Motivations For Affluent Travel In 2026

1. Celebrating a Milestone

Big birthdays, anniversaries, and life achievements continue to drive luxury travel, as travellers seek unforgettable ways to mark meaningful moments. Many often bring family and friends along for the celebration, of course.

2. The Thrill of New Destinations

Curiosity remains a core motivator. Whether it’s uncharted Arctic cruises or hidden Mediterranean enclaves, the excitement of discovery will define the affluent traveller’s mindset for 2026, as per the report.

3. Quality Time with Loved Ones

Connection has become the new currency of wealth. Multigenerational journeys and family getaways are now seen as the ultimate luxury.

4. Rest and Relaxation

Even amid adventure, the desire for serenity prevails. Affluent travellers increasingly seek restorative stays. For instance, they seek secluded villas, spa retreats, and wellness-led resorts that promise deep rejuvenation.

5. Escaping Foul Weather

Seasonal travel remains a driving factor, with travellers following the sun or snow depending on preference. They may opt for longer stays in destinations offering the perfect climate escape.

6. Health and Wellness

Luxury now also means longevity. Wellness travel continues to expand beyond spa treatments to include sleep retreats, nutrition-focused escapes, and mind-body rejuvenation programs.

7. Personal Enrichment and Education

Travellers want to return home richer in knowledge, not just memories. Art tours, culinary masterclasses, and expert-led expeditions are on the rise among discerning explorers.

8. Connecting with Local People

Meaningful human encounters matter more than ever. From cooking with local families to community-led tours, travellers are prioritising connection over passive observation.

9. Seeking Adventure

Adventure trips are about more than just going out of your comfort zone. Private heli-skiing, bespoke safaris, and guided trekking are increasingly part of the affluent travel portfolio.

10. Pampering Oneself

Finally, indulgence is far from forgotten. High-net-worth travellers still crave luxury’s classic hallmarks, such as personalised service, privacy, and the freedom to fully unwind.

The New Face Of Ultraluxe Experiences

The rise of ultraluxe travel, marked by privacy, exclusivity, and extraordinary access, will become one of 2026’s defining trends, according to the report. The company stated that 40 per cent of its advisors have seen increased demand for ultra-premium offerings. Travellers are gravitating toward all-inclusive experiences that eliminate friction, private stays where seclusion is the luxury itself, as well as celebration travel arrangements ranging from chartered yachts to entire villas booked for family milestones. Passion-led pursuits, such as art, wine, or sporting events, are also gaining ground. Even adventure travel has entered the ultraluxe realm.

The Rise of Conscious Luxury

Sustainability has matured from trend to expectation. The affluent traveller of 2026 is more intentional. They prefer destinations that avoid over-tourism, brands that employ locals, and experiences that give back to communities. Culinary choices reflect this too, with farm-to-table dining and locally-sourced ingredients adding ethical depth to indulgence. Wildlife conservation and responsible interaction are now seen as both a privilege and a responsibility, underscoring the shift toward purposeful luxury.