June 2025 Travel News
In the Skies
Big shakeups in the airline world this month:
Silver Airways has shut down abruptly after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year. Known for its quirky pink prop planes in the Caribbean, it’s a nostalgic loss for travelers chasing off-the-beaten-path routes. https://www.travelandleisure.com/silver-airways-abrupt-shutdown-11753079
Skytrax’s Top 10 Airlines of 2025 has dropped, offering fresh inspiration for your next international trip. Think long-haul luxury and exceptional service — with Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific claiming the top three spots. https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/travel/worlds-best-airline-2025-skytrax
Play Airlines, the Icelandic budget option many used for transatlantic deals, will stop flying to the U.S. by October. If you’ve been eyeing a budget-friendly Iceland or Europe trip, now’s the time. https://thepointsguy.com/news/play-airlines-ends-all-us-flights/
The EU has stepped in to require free carry-on bags for all flights. This move could upend the ultra low-cost model in Europe and finally bring transparency to those “too good to be true” fares. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250627-the-big-change-affecting-european-travel
Cruise Updates
Cannes, France is drawing a line: starting in 2026, no cruise ships with more than 1,000 passengers. The port will also cap daily visitors to 6,000 — a potential game-changer for anyone craving more authentic, less crowded shore days. https://cruiseradio.net/french-riviera-port-cracks-down-on-large-cruise-ships/
Carnival is overhauling its loyalty program in 2026. Instead of rewarding how many days you sail, they’ll focus on how much you spend. Also new: loyalty status will expire after 2 years. Expect ripple effects across the industry. https://cruiseradio.net/carnival-cruise-lines-loyalty-program-changes/
U.S. Travel News
Hurricane season is expected to be active this year, with NOAA forecasting 19 named storms. If you're planning a coastal trip between June and November, it’s worth keeping an eye on forecasts and having travel insurance. https://www.travelandleisure.com/noaa-warning-above-normal-hurricane-season-in-2025-11748873
Disney is tightening restrictions on third-party Disney Vacation Club rentals. Going forward, only friends and family can use DVC points — a major shift if you’ve relied on rentals for affordable Disney stays. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/06/29/disney-vacation-club-changes-commercial-renters/84372282007/
Epcot’s Test Track returns July 22 with a high-tech facelift. Same track layout, new experience — ideal for anyone planning a trip to Walt Disney World later this year. https://www.positivelyosceola.com/test-track-returns-to-epcot-july-22-with-high-tech-makeover-and-all-new-musical-score/
New York Port Authority is offering half-off AirTrain fares during major construction at JFK Airport— a rare win for NYC travelers. https://www.frommers.com/tips/car-bus-rail/jfk-airtrain-half-off-in-nyc-summer-2025/
In Las Vegas, some hotels are dropping those notorious resort fees amid a tourism dip. It’s the perfect time to find real value without hidden charges. https://www.frommers.com/tips/hotel-news/-las-vegas-strip-hotel-without-resort-fees/
Amtrak expands! A new Mardi Gras line will connect Mobile, AL to New Orleans — a scenic and relaxed way to get to the party. https://www.wctv.tv/2025/07/02/amtrak-line-opens-between-mobile-new-orleans/?outputType=amp
Global Travel Intel
Hertz’s new AI scanners are causing controversy by detecting and billing for “invisible” damage. If you’re renting a car, it’s wise to document everything — even what you can’t see. https://www.frommers.com/tips/car-bus-rail/hertz-is-using-ai-scanners-to-charge-rental-car-damage-that-human-eyes-miss/
Honduras now requires a measles vaccination or test from travelers arriving from 24 countries, including the U.S. https://www.frommers.com/tips/health-and-travel-insurance/travelers-are-now-required-to-show-proof-of-measles-vaccination-in-this-cruise-destination/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLSRsRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHj4BYHUvFjVl5MNaVCJ3-Vz9XnRZyhFhllWotO6E1gRN3j0Cua0vzgLkdojg_aem__Z55g4vDDMpTgRYd0XMn7Q#mcm7jwnmddododj1kt
A second Frida Kahlo museum, Casa Roja, just opened next to Casa Azul in Mexico City. It's a must for art lovers looking to go deeper than the standard tour. https://www.frommers.com/trip-ideas/arts-and-culture/how-mexico-citys-new-frida-kahlo-museum-will-offer-a-fresh-look-at-the-artist/
India just debuted the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Kashmir. It’s an engineering marvel — and potentially a new bucket-list route for train lovers. https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/06/travel/india-world-highest-bridge-kashmir-chenab-intl-hnk
Wine Break
Hot weather calls for chillable, refreshing wines. Some go-to picks:
Sparkling wines — both white and red
Dry rosé (nothing cloying)
Crisp whites like Vinho Verde
Unoaked whites such as Pinot Grigio
Light reds like Beaujolais or chilled Gamay Noir
Skip the bold Cabs for now. Instead, look for wines with a little bite or bitterness over sweetness — they’re much more refreshing when the temperature climbs.
