Fall Reflections & Travel Shifts

A season of change in life, travel, and the world around us.

Author

Susie Hawkins
November 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

FROM MY DESK

Hello Red Tail Travelers,

I hope you're enjoying this cozy season and looking forward to the holidays ahead. It's my favorite time of year, a natural moment to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

At home, life has been full of excitement: new milestones and memories, and the anticipation of our second child, a baby boy, arriving in March 2026. Nora is now fifteen months old, walking, talking, and pointing at every airplane that flies over our house.

As our family grows, so does Red Tail Travel. This year brought so many incredible trips around the world: adventures in South America, milestone journeys through Europe, and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations across the Mediterranean. Behind the scenes, I've been refining the Red Tail planning process to make your experience even better. My goal is simple: for every Red Tail itinerary to be planned with care and crafted with precision.

Thank you, as always, for letting me be part of your travels. I can't wait to see where 2026 takes us.

— Susie Hawkins

JAMAICA

Standing with Jamaica

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds around 185 mph, struck Jamaica and caused severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and power systems.

Relief efforts are now underway as major agencies deliver water, food, tarps, and medical support to affected communities.

If you would like to help, consider donating to credible relief organizations such as Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and World Central Kitchen. Both groups are actively supporting communities affected by the storm. Thank you for standing with a destination and people we care about.

Hey there,

You’re reading Field Notes from Red Tail Travel — a quarterly mix of client stories, travel tips, personal reflections, and updates from behind the scenes. It’s where I share what’s inspiring me, what I’m learning, and the moments that make travel feel meaningful.

Let’s dive in.

— Susie

TRAVEL UPDATE

FAA Announces Flight Reductions

The FAA recently announced that it will temporarily reduce flight capacity by up to 10 percent at major U.S. airports. These cuts begin this week, November 7, and are expected to affect mostly domestic routes. International flights may not be affected, but connections through major hubs may still shift.

What You Need to Know:

  • Some U.S. domestic flights may experience schedule changes, delays, or cancellations.

  • Major hubs like New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta are most likely to be affected.

  • Even if your flight is not canceled, departure times or aircraft assignments may change with little notice.

  • International itineraries are expected to remain stable, but connections through U.S. airports may be adjusted.

Travel Tips:

  • Check your flight status regularly, especially 24 to 48 hours before departure.

  • Make sure your contact information and airline app notifications are up to date.

  • Allow extra time at the airport in case of longer lines or staffing delays.

  • If your trip is time sensitive, consider a backup route.

  • If you have upcoming travel booked through Red Tail, I am monitoring schedules and will notify you of any changes that affect your trip.

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

In Season: Sicily

While much of Europe prepares for the holiday season, Sicily settles into a slower rhythm. The air is crisp, the markets are filled with freshly picked oranges, and the afternoons are quiet.

Fall and winter days can be spent wandering through Palermo’s markets and exploring the nearly empty Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples. Imagine yourself sipping a rich regional red wine beside a crackling fire in a countryside villa. With the summer crowds disappearing, it is easy to slip into the locals’ pace.

Travel tip: Accommodations in smaller towns may reduce services during the winter months, so it helps to plan a base in Palermo or Catania, where there are more options.

TRAVEL INSIGHT

When To Plan Your 2026 Vacation

It may sound far away, but hotels, villas, and small-group or private experiences are already filling quickly for 2026. Travel demand is at an all-time high, and travelers are seeking unique, authentic, and intimate experiences.

There is a clear trend: travelers are planning farther in advance than ever and are securing summer and holiday trips now. The payoff is simple. More choice, better availability, and a calm, unhurried planning experience.

If you already have a destination in mind, this is a great time to start the conversation. Even a loose outline helps me track ideal dates, openings, and opportunities that match what you love most about travel.

From a Recent Journey

This family visited London and the surrounding countryside for the first time and absolutely loved their experience. They attended the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London, visited the Churchill War Rooms, took a historical pub walk through the city, and spent a day exploring the Seven Sisters and the South Downs.

Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

Thank you for making our first trip to London a success! Everything was arranged perfectly, from the hotel to the tours, flights and local recommendations. Your guidance made exploring a new city effortless.

— The Stricklands

For the Travelers in Your Life

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