I can’t believe how quickly this year is going by. I have so many goals I want to accomplish and so many things I want to do, but I also know that if I don’t pace myself, I’ll burn out and end up lying on the couch eating donuts and rewatching Gilmore Girls for the millionth time. Luckily, I have a large family which means there are always events to attend and trips to plan for. This year, almost every month has a trip planned. So today I want to talk a little bit out traveling during springtime, especially since Spring 2025 is proving to have some challenges, like airport issues and new travel ID requirements.
Spring travel isn’t quite like summer’s sun-soaked road trips or winter’s snow-packed getaways. From unpredictable weather to updated TSA rules, traveling in spring requires its own strategy. Also, if you’re driving, here’s a blog post about how to prep your car for long trips. This post is specifically for summer, but the same rules apply for Spring.
Tips For Spring Travel
✈️ TSA Changes You Should Know for Spring 2025
REAL ID Deadline Reminder After several delays, the REAL ID enforcement date began on May 7, 2025. Now every traveler 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to board domestic flights. Acceptable alternatives include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry), U.S. military ID, permanent resident card (Green Card), and tribal-issued photo ID. If your license doesn’t have a star or flag in the upper corner, it may not be compliant. ➤ Tip: Check your current ID now and make an appointment with your state’s DMV if needed. You may also want to update your passport now to avoid the summer rush.
Mobile ID Expansion : More airports now accept state-issued digital IDs in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. If you’re traveling through airports in states like Arizona, Maryland, or Georgia, check if you can breeze through security with just your phone. ➤ Tip: Make sure your phone is charged and unlockable (biometrics or passcode) to use this feature.
PreCheck Perks Update : As of March 2025, TSA PreCheck lines are now more clearly marked, and family lanes are available for travelers with kids under 12. You may also see more CT scanners, which allow you to leave electronics and liquids in your bag. ➤ Tip: These lanes aren’t everywhere yet, so don’t assume—look for signage or ask a TSA officer.
Carry-On Liquid Exceptions for Medications & Baby Items : There’s better signage now clarifying the 3-1-1 rule exceptions. You’re still allowed larger quantities of medically necessary liquids, baby formula, and breast milk—but they must be declared. ➤ Tip: Use a clear, separate bag for these items and tell the officer before screening.
🎒 Packing Tips for Spring Travel Spring can be tricky to pack for—it’s not quite hot, not quite cold, and often both in the same day. Here’s how to pack like a pro:
Layer, Layer, Layer Bring lightweight, versatile layers. Think packable rain jackets, long-sleeved shirts, and cardigans. Avoid bulky winter gear, but don’t rely solely on t-shirts either. One of my new favorite online shops for great travel clothes is a website called Quince. I am not in any way affiliated with this store, but I shop here often and love everything I’ve ever purchased.
Footwear That Handles Mud & Miles Spring showers mean puddles and mud. Opt for water-resistant sneakers or hiking shoes that are also good for walking. Flip-flops can wait for summer.
Pack a Small Umbrella or Poncho Spring rainstorms can come out of nowhere. A compact umbrella or disposable poncho takes up almost no space and saves the day.
Allergy Meds, Just in Case Even if you don’t suffer at home, traveling to new environments can trigger allergies. Toss a travel-size antihistamine into your toiletry kit. And while you’re at it, put together a small First Aid Kit because you never know when you’ll scrape a knee or get a bee sting.
🌼 Spring vs. Summer/Winter Travel: What’s Different
Unpredictable Weather Unlike winter’s snow or summer’s heat, spring swings wildly—60s and sunny one day, 40s and rainy the next. Be ready for wardrobe curveballs.
Less Crowded, But Watch Spring Break Spring generally offers lighter crowds and cheaper prices—except during May’s College and University Graduation Week windows (typically early-mid May, some are later in early June). If you’re traveling during that time, expect fuller flights and higher rates to big university/college towns.
More Flight Delays from Rain/Storms Spring’s unpredictable weather can mean more thunderstorm-related delays, especially in the South and Midwest. (and especially in Virginia where the weather changes instantly–all day long!) ➤ Tip: Book morning flights when delays are less likely to cascade throughout the day. Actually, I think this tip is a good rule to follow no matter the season you’re traveling in.
National Parks Begin to Bloom Spring is one of the best times to visit U.S. national parks before summer crowds arrive. But higher elevations may still have snow, so check trail conditions ahead of time. Also, some parks require timed tickets for parking and for hiking. Always plan ahead before visiting National Parks. It seems like the rules are changing constantly, at least here in Virginia in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Parks.
Check garden/festival calendars—spring is big for local flower festivals, art walks, and seasonal markets. They’re great if you want to attend, and a huge pain if you’re not interested but end up stuck in hours of traffic.
Keep a microfiber towel—great for spring hikes or surprise rain showers.
Paper Maps—yes, they’re old school. But if you’re driving, especially through the mountains, it’s not hard to lose a cell signal. And having a paper map in your car, just in case, can relieve some anxiety when you drive in areas you’re not familiar with.
Air Tags/Tiles—I love these things and attach them to everything now when I travel. Suitcases, purses, wallets, phones, even my car. I put them on anything I can’t afford to lose. And since Prime Day is coming up soon, it’s a great time to grab a few more. They’re not cheap, but they’re a whole lot cheaper than having to replace whatever you’ve lost.
Christmas is over, but there are still leftover cookies to enjoy. So grab your favorite treat and let’s work on our Family Holiday Notebook so we can regroup and plan ahead for the 2022 holidays.
Planning a summer vacation? This summer travel packing guide covers everything you need—from clothes and toiletries to road trip essentials and airplane must-haves.
Since we’re storing winter clothes, today’s post is about making sure our sweaters are both clean and itch-free. It’s an unusual remedy, but it works beautifully and will keep you sweaters soft while in storage.
Prep & Plan is a new blog series, just in time for National Preparedness Month, to help those of us who procrastinate to get things done so we can protect those we love.
Let’s prepare our vegetable garden and flower beds for fall and early winter. From soil care and mulching to planting cool-season crops, these garden prep tips will keep your plants healthy and ready for spring.
Stock your summer pantry with charming, shelf-stable essentials perfect for spontaneous picnics, cozy storm nights, and sweet summer moments. From charcuterie favorites to comfort food must-haves, this guide blends romance with practicality.
