What Every Traveler Needs to Know Before You Head Out This Summer

Summer is officially here, and if you're anything like my clients, you've been counting down the days. The bags are mentally packed, the passport is ready, and the only thing standing between you and your next great adventure is a little bit of planning. ✈️

But here's something I've learned after years in this industry: being excited and being informed aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, the travelers who enjoy the smoothest, most memorable trips are the ones who took a few minutes to understand what's happening in the world before they stepped out the door. That's exactly what I'm here to help you do.

So let's talk about what's on my radar right now — and what it means for your travel plans.

What's Happening Right Now

Hantavirus: What You Should Know

This spring, health organizations flagged a hantavirus concern that's worth being aware of — particularly for travelers heading to certain regions in the U.S. Southwest or parts of South America. Hantavirus is spread primarily through contact with rodents or their droppings, and while it's not a widespread traveler threat, it's smart to check the CDC's current advisories before booking or traveling to affected regions. I always recommend reviewing CDC Travel Health Notices as part of your pre-trip prep — and as your travel advisor, I keep a close eye on these developments so you don't have to track them alone.

Cuba: Not the Right Time

I know Cuba has long been on many travelers' bucket lists — the culture, the history, the music, the color. I get it completely. But right now, I have to be honest with you: the current situation on the ground is a serious concern. Industry experts are reporting a significant deterioration in Cuba's tourism infrastructure and operations. This isn't a formal government safety advisory, but the practical experience for travelers has become deeply unpredictable. Until conditions improve meaningfully, I am not recommending Cuba itineraries for my clients. Your trip deserves better than that, and there are extraordinary destinations that will deliver the Caribbean and Latin American experience you're dreaming of without the uncertainty.

ASTA's New Destination Watch List

The American Society of Travel Advisors — one of the most trusted voices in our industry — has launched a formal destination watch list covering locations with active safety concerns, evolving entry requirements, or political instability. This is a resource I'm actively monitoring on behalf of every client I work with. If a destination on your wishlist appears on this list, I'll know about it — and we'll talk through your options together.

Pre-Summer Advisory Roundup

Heading into peak travel season, a number of destinations across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia have updated their entry requirements or issued precautionary alerts. These aren't necessarily reasons to cancel plans — but they are reasons to confirm details, check documentation requirements, and make sure your itinerary accounts for any changes. Group travel clients especially: these updates can affect the entire group, which is why I build proactive monitoring into every trip I manage.

One Bright Spot Worth Getting Excited About 🌍

Not everything in this roundup is a caution. I love sharing good news, and this one has me genuinely excited: industry operators are forecasting a strong 2027 for Egypt. After a period of slower recovery, travel to Egypt is picking up momentum, and the outlook for group and cultural tours is excellent. If Egypt is on your dream list — the pyramids, the Nile, the temples of Luxor — now is a wonderful time to start planning ahead. Spots for quality group tours in 2027 will not last long. I'm already talking to clients about early bookings, so don't wait.

What This Means for Your Trip

Here's the most important thing I want you to take away from all of this: having a knowledgeable travel advisor means you are never navigating these updates alone. When headlines change, I'm already adjusting. When an advisory is issued, I'm already cross-referencing your itinerary. When a destination shifts, I'm already identifying alternatives.

You don't need to spend your evenings scrolling through government travel pages or trying to decode what a "Level 2 Advisory" actually means for your specific plans. That's my job — and I take it seriously.

How I Can Help You

As a certified travel advisor with elite-level credentials including Gold-tier Virgin Voyages First Mate, Carnival Diamond Expert, and Sandals & Beaches Preferred Specialist status, I don't just book trips — I advocate for you before, during, and after travel. That means real-time monitoring, proactive communication, and a direct line to reach me when you need answers fast.

Whether you're planning a solo escape, a girls' trip, a destination celebration, or a multigenerational family adventure, I build every itinerary with your safety, your experience, and your peace of mind at the center of every decision. 🌿

Ready to Plan Your Next Trip with Confidence?

You deserve to travel fully present — not stressed, not second-guessing, not wondering if you missed something important. That's exactly the experience I create for every single client.

Let's get your trip on the calendar. Whether you're dreaming of a 2026 cruise, an Egypt adventure in 2027, or something closer to home this summer, I'm here and ready to make it happen.

Book your free consultation today and let's start planning the trip you've been waiting for.

Have questions about a specific destination or advisory? Send me a message directly — I'm always happy to give you a straight answer.

— Lisa Spruiell, Boundless Getaways by Lisa Veteran-Owned | Female-Owned | CLIA Member [email protected]