🌍 Weekly Travel News Update : March 26, 2025
- Darian Abraham
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Welcome to this week's travel news update! Here’s a roundup of the latest developments from around the globe, organized by country and travel category, to keep you informed and inspired for your next adventure.
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🌐 Global Travel Trends
Wellness Vacations: The Rise of "Vitamin T"
A new trend dubbed “Vitamin T” is taking over the wellness travel scene.
Focused on longevity and mental well-being, these trips include healing retreats, spiritual workshops, and nature-based escapes.
Destinations like Sedona (Arizona) and Ojai (California) are seeing increased demand for these experiences.
Source: nypost.com (March 22, 2025)
🇪🇺 Europe
🚄 Rail Travel
New Player to Rival Eurostar
Gemini, a new rail operator, plans to introduce routes connecting London with Paris and Brussels.
The competition aims to reduce ticket prices and challenge Eurostar’s long-held monopoly.
More European connections may follow if the initial service is successful.
Source: thesun.ie (March 20, 2025)
🛂 Travel Regulations
New Rules Ahead for British Travelers
From late 2025, travelers to the EU will face biometric screening via the Entry/Exit System (EES).
The ETIAS visa-waiver, launching in 2026, will cost €7 and be valid for 3 years.
These measures aim to enhance border security and streamline entry into Schengen countries.
Spain Tightens Public Drinking Laws
Starting June 1, 2025, Spain will impose fines for public drinking and organized pub crawls.
Barcelona’s Eixample district is among the targeted areas, with penalties ranging from €100 to €3,000.
Tourists should be aware of and respect local regulations to avoid unexpected fines.
Sources: thesun.ie (March 21–23, 2025)
🇺🇸 United States
✈️ Air Travel
United Airlines Raises Fees with New Perks
United is hiking annual fees for its credit cards and lounge memberships— with individual lounge memberships reaching up to $750/year.
New perks include airline credits and rideshare benefits.
Reflects a broader trend of airlines adding premium perks to retain loyal customers.
Source: skift.com (March 22, 2025)
⚠️ Travel Warnings
European Countries Issue Warnings About U.S. Travel
Several European governments have updated advisories, warning travelers of strict U.S. border enforcement.
Travelers risk being denied entry or detained if not compliant with visa or documentation rules.
The U.S. continues to maintain tight immigration policies that may surprise unprepared tourists.
Source: nymag.com (March 21, 2025)
Canada Updates Travel Advisory for U.S. Visits
· Canada has revised its U.S. travel advisory due to new immigration policies implemented by American authorities.
· Visitors from Canada staying in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must now register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to avoid potential penalties or difficulties during future visits.
· Travelers should familiarize themselves with this new requirement ahead of extended trips to ensure smooth entry and exit.
Source: axios.com (March 25, 2025)
🇦🇺 Australia
✈️ Air Travel
AirAsia to Launch Kuala Lumpur–Darwin Route
AirAsia is introducing direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin starting June 27, 2025.
Flights will operate four times a week and mark Darwin as the airline’s fifth Australian destination.
Darwin offers laid-back coastal vibes and access to Australia's outback charm.
Source: couriermail.com.au (March 20, 2025)
🚢 Cruise News
Santorini Welcomes First Cruise Ship After Earthquakes
Santorini, one of Greece's most iconic islands, welcomed its first cruise ship of the year—Celestyal Discovery—following a string of minor earthquakes in February that prompted emergency precautions.
The ship carried approximately 1,700 American passengers, who expressed confidence in the local safety measures.
Local businesses are hopeful for a strong tourism rebound as no significant damage was reported across the island.
Source: reuters.com (March 24, 2025)
MSC World America: Delivery and Naming Details
• MSC’s newest flagship will be officially delivered on tomorrow, March 27 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
• Drew Barrymore has been named godmother and will lead the official naming ceremony on April 9 at MSC’s new terminal in Miami, joined by Orlando Bloom.
• A special celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay will follow the naming ceremony, though it's not confirmed whether Barrymore or Bloom will be on board.
• The ship's official inaugural passenger sailing begins April 12 from PortMiami.
Source: crew-center.com, maritime-executive.com, prnewswire.com, cruiseindustrynews.com, seatrade-cruise.com
📝 Disclaimer & Sources
This article is based on the latest travel news updates from reputable sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details directly with airlines, travel agencies, and official sources before making travel decisions.
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