Preparing for Summer Travel

Published: July 24, 2025

Summer travel is now in full swing. According to the American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, 74% of respondents plan to take one or more domestic trips in 2025, and 59% will travel internationally.  

Whether you’re planning to view the museums of Europe, heading out on an African safari or exploring the Grand Canyon by mule, thoughtful planning can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Below are a few key tips to help you get ready and enjoy smooth travels: 

Get Real: Starting May 7, 2025, TSA requires a REAL ID to board federally regulated domestic flights. If you still have a license or official government ID that is not REAL ID-compliant (typically symbolized by a gold star somewhere on the ID), you will need to obtain one before going through a TSA security check. If you don’t have one yet, remember to pack your passport. 

Be Passport and Visa Ready: For international travel, confirm that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Some countries and airlines may deny entry if your passport is set to expire sooner. In addition, check the current visa requirements of countries that you plan to visit well in advance of your departure date. Visa policies have evolved, and countries you have previously visited without a visa may now require one. For example, to enter the UK, you now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The EU is in the process of implementing a new travel authorization system, likely to go into effect in late 2026. Also, many countries in Africa and Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand, require a visa or other travel authorization.      

Get ready to shop: Purchasing a souvenir shouldn’t end with a declined card. While some credit card companies, such as American Express, do not require notification when you’re planning to travel, it’s wise to check each card you plan to use during your trip. Some cards charge foreign transaction fees that can add up. Ask your bank in advance to make sure you have at least one card that doesn’t. 

Go virtual but have a backup: Digital wallets and peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or Zelle are now widely accepted; however, it is still wise to have a physical credit and/or debit card on hand, just in case digital payment is not accepted or you need cash from an ATM. Also, while Amex is broadly accepted in the U.S., Mastercard and Visa are more widely accepted overseas.  

Get organized: Pre-trip to do lists can be long, but don’t forget to ensure that your legal documents, insurance policies and premium payments are up to date. It is also a good idea to confirm the scope of your health insurance coverage abroad and consider supplemental travel medical coverage if needed. Bring contact information and copies of these travel-related policies so you’ll know how to get help. A copy of your passport is a good idea, too. 

Protect Your Personal Information: Tourists are common targets for theft and cybercrime. When you are busy exploring new cities or having lunch at a cozy local café, guard your phone, passport, money, and credit cards, keeping them secure and inaccessible to potential thieves. Also, avoid accessing personal or financial accounts over public Wi-Fi. For more tips, Rick Steves’ article offers useful advice on staying cyber-safe when traveling. 

As always, we are here to support you as you prepare for travel and other major events. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 212.492.7000 with any questions or if we can be of assistance. 

 

Safe Travels! 

Important Disclosures

This material is provided for informational or educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation. This communication is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind. It is not provided in a fiduciary capacity and may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions. Nothing herein constitutes or should be construed as an offering of advisory services or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities or a recommendation to invest in any specific investment strategy. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. The views expressed herein are as of a particular point in time and are subject to change without notice. The information and opinions presented herein are general in nature and have been obtained from, or are based on, sources believed by Klingenstein Fields Advisors (“KF Advisors’) to be reliable, but KF Advisors makes no representation as to their accuracy or completeness. Although the information provided is carefully reviewed, KF Advisors cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided. KF Advisors represents two investment advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Klingenstein, Fields & Co., L.P. ® and KF Group, LP. If you are a KF Advisors client, please remember that it remains your responsibility to advise KF Advisors, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services.