May Travel Brief: Fresh Tips and Destination Highlights

From Real ID updates to dream trips in the making, here’s what’s happening at Red Tail Travel.

Hello and Happy May!

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. We’ve been busy in the best way, helping so many of you plan your upcoming travels, from European getaways to relaxing island escapes. There's nothing better than seeing all your adventures start to take shape this time of year.

On a personal side, my daughter just turned 9 months old and she’s already proving to be quite the little assistant. (Granted, her idea of helping usually involves trying to "reorganize" my travel documents...) But truly, she’s been my tiny sidekick through it all, and it makes this season of life even sweeter.

Thank you, as always, for letting me be part of your journeys. I can't wait to see where this summer takes you!

Travel Update: Real ID Enforcement is Coming Here's What You Need to Know

Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a Real ID or another TSA-approved form of ID to board any domestic flight within the U.S.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • For domestic travel:
    You’ll need either a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved ID like a valid U.S. passport. You do not need both.

  • For international travel:
    You will still need a valid passport, just like before. A Real ID is not a substitute for a passport when traveling internationally.

How to know if you have a Real ID:
Check your driver's license or state ID for a star in the top corner. If you don’t see one, your ID isn’t compliant.

If you don’t have a Real ID:
You can still fly domestically after May 7, 2025, as long as you use a valid U.S. passport or another TSA-approved ID.

How to get a Real ID:
Visit your local DMV with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. (Check your state DMV’s website for exact requirements.)

My advice:
Even if you already have a passport, getting a Real ID makes domestic travel easier, especially for quick trips when you don't want to carry your passport everywhere. DMV wait times will likely grow as the deadline approaches, so it’s smart to get it done early!

🎒 New Client Benefit: Luggage Concierge Service with Blue Ribbon Bags

Lost luggage can be one of the most stressful ways to start a vacation. That’s why I’m excited to share that every Red Tail Travel client is now automatically covered by Blue Ribbon Bags luggage concierge service!

Here’s what this new partnership means for you:

📍 Dedicated Help Line: You’ll have a direct point of contact to help track and recover your bag quickly. No more sitting on hold for hours or chasing airline customer service.

📍 Bag Delivery to Your Next Stop: If you're changing destinations while your bag is missing, Blue Ribbon Bags will coordinate to get your luggage delivered wherever you are.

📍 Compensation Guarantee: If your bag isn’t found within four days, you’ll receive $1,000 per bag — no receipts required. You can use that money to replace clothing, toiletries, and anything else you need to get back to enjoying your trip.

It may seem like a small detail, but this service offers real peace of mind — a little backup plan so you can focus on what matters most: making memories, not worrying about a lost suitcase.

Important Update: New U.K. Travel Requirement for 2025

If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom, there’s a new rule you need to know!

Starting January 8, 2025, all U.S. citizens traveling to or through the U.K. for vacation or business will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel.

🌟 Trip Highlights We're Planning

It’s been a busy and exciting time at Red Tail Travel. Here’s a peek at some of the trips we’re planning right now:

  • Southern Italy: One itinerary is all about Rome, Sorrento, Capri, and Naples, with visits to Pompeii, the Colosseum, and so much more.

  • Northern Italy: Another trip is taking travelers through the Dolomites, Verona, and Venice, with plenty of time to soak up the mountain views and charming towns.

  • Paris and England: Exploring Normandy, Giverny, and Paris, then heading to the English countryside for a beautiful wedding before a final few nights in London.

  • Argentina and Patagonia: Splitting time between Buenos Aires, Cordoba for a hunting adventure, and El Calafate for glacier exploration and outdoor adventures.

It’s shaping up to be an incredible season of travel!

✨ Client Spotlight

It’s always such an honor to help turn special milestones into unforgettable adventures. Here’s what one of our recent travelers had to say about their experience:

"Working with Susie to plan Trey’s 40th birthday trip was an absolute dream! From the start, she asked all the right questions and turned our vision into a truly unforgettable experience… every experience was both fun and thoughtfully curated. We got to explore, learn, and laugh our way across Europe.

And the best part? Susie had everything printed and organized for us: our itinerary, our tickets, even little tips and recommendations. We felt so prepared, despite doing almost zero research on our own. She truly thought of everything and made it all effortless."

Thank you, Destiny and Trey, for trusting Red Tail Travel with such a special trip!