This week, Ashleigh and Christopher are back home (and out of the camper!) with a full roundup of the latest travel news. From airlines rethinking old rules to cruise lines rolling out bold new itineraries, here’s what travelers need to know before planning their next trip.

In this episode:

TSA ends the “shoes-off” policy at many U.S. airports—and what might be next.

Lithium battery rules tightening: what it means for chargers, cameras, and under-seat bags.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/08/emirates-power-pack-restrictions-fire-danger/85573843007/

Alaska Airlines expands overseas routes 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/05/alaska-airlines-london-reykjavik-new-livery/85524743007/

Spirit’s new Caribbean flights at budget-friendly fares.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/05/spirit-airlines-belize-city-grand-cayman/85524290007/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/04/delta-new-patriots-day-flights-florida/85511420007/ 

Princess Cruises unveils its largest Japan Deployment ever for 2027 

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/princess-cruises-unveils-its-most-spectacular-japan-cruise-season-ever-with-exclusive-access-to-cultural-festivals-and-coastal-wonders-in-2027/

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/07/norwegian-cruise-line-to-build-waterpark-at-great-stirrup-cay/

https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Amsterdam-lays-out-plan-to-limit-river-cruising

https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Smithsonian-Journeys-unveils-new-river-cruises-with-AmaWaterways

Amtrak’s new Acela trains and why they matter.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/08/07/amtrak-new-acela-train-starting-service/85560474007/

Wildfire damage at the Grand Canyon North Rim

https://azdailysun.com/news/local/impacts-of-dragon-bravo-fire-are-daunting-even-before-the-flames-are-out/article_dc6f2020-8092-4673-b7b5-e5cba8595bf3.html

The Beak & Barrel to open at Magic Kingdom this month

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/first-look-beak-and-barrel-opening-august-29/

Avis launches new premium service at select airports 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/avis-launches-curbside-car-rentals-at-airports-11781977

Why EU passport stamps are disappearing

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/08/07/european-union-passport-stamps-removal/85562101007/

A major lawsuit that could change how hotels set prices online.

https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/European-hotels-join-class-action-against-Booking-Holdings

Plus: a summer wine break featuring an under-the-radar white that’s perfect for warm weather sipping.