If you want to travel like a pro in 2025, there’s no better person to turn to than Christopher Parr, the award-winning travel journalist, contributor to CBS and USA Today, and Editor-in-Chief of Pursuitist. From flying in style to securing Michelin-star dining, Parr has experienced it all—establishing himself as the ultimate luxury travel insider.
Honored as the “Best Luxury Travel Influencer and Blogger” by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards and named one of the Top 10 Luxury Travel Bloggers by USA Today, we sat down with Christopher to uncover the best travel hacks for 2025—what to do, what to avoid, and how to elevate your journeys.
At Pursuitist, we believe travel advice should be authentic, transparent, and trusted. That’s why we remain a trusted resource—ad free, with no affiliate links. Our only goal is to help travelers like you experience the world smarter, with honesty at the core of every recommendation.
1) What’s the single best 2025 travel hack most people miss?
Christopher Parr: Two rules set the tone for a flawless trip:
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Book direct flights.
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Travel carry-on only.
That eliminates half of the headaches right there.
Once I land, I stick to a first-hour ritual:
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Get sunlight within 90 minutes—resets your clock better than coffee.
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Message the hotel concierge or app before landing; ask for shower/spa/club lounge access if the room’s not ready.
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Switch on eSIM before immigration—no scrambling for kiosks.
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ATM only for small-bill local currency, perfect for tips and taxis.
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Skip rental counters—pre-book Uber Black or trusted car services like Blacklane.
2) Best way to visit Disneyland in 2025?
Christopher Parr: Think of it as a joyful heist.
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Go midweek (Tue/Wed) and arrive 40 minutes before rope drop.
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Stay on-property for early entry and a private park entrance.
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Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass if time matters and leverage Single Rider lines.
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Mobile order meals to maximize park time.
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Take a midday break at your hotel pool before returning for fireworks.
Crowd levels shift constantly, but a well-planned reset makes the magic last.
3) What’s better for rewards in 2025—airline miles, hotel points, or flexible points?
Christopher Parr: Flexible points win every time. Amex, Chase, and Capital One let you transfer to whichever partner has availability, so you’re not locked in.
Stack like a pro:
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Max category multipliers (dining, airfare, hotels).
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Use airline/hotel shopping portals.
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Wait for 20–30% transfer promos.
Optionality is the real reward.
4) Four Seasons vs. Ritz-Carlton vs. … Who’s winning in luxury hotels for 2025?
Christopher Parr: Four Seasons still leads in consistency and service. Ritz-Carlton’s flagships shine, Rosewood feels intimate, Mandarin Oriental owns the city game, and Aman is in a league of its own.
Hack: Always book via Four Seasons Preferred Partner or Amex FHR for perks like free breakfast, spa credits, and upgrades—at the same flexible rate you’d book direct.
5) How do you land Michelin-star meals without months of chasing reservations?
Christopher Parr: Work the bar and concierge angle.
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Arrive at opening, request bar seating, and explore the bar menu options – using offering lighter dining options.
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Tap into hotel concierges—relationships matter.
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Use apps like Resy/SevenRooms with alerts enabled.
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Late lunch or second seating often gets you in without fuss.
It’s about flexibility and timing, not desperation.
6) Best airlines in 2025—who do you actually fly?
Christopher Parr: I optimize for reliability, comfort, and network reach.
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U.S.: Delta for ops, Alaska for service, United Polaris for long-haul, JetBlue Mint for domestic luxury.
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Global: Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, ANA, Emirates—still aspirational.
Insider hack: check seat maps. I’ll shift flights just to score a better cabin layout.
7) Who has the best airport lounge in 2025?
Christopher Parr:
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Qatar Airways Al Safwa First (Doha) – like a tranquil museum.
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Singapore Airlines Private Room (Changi) – refined and efficient.
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United Polaris Lounges (U.S. hubs) – restaurant-level dining pre-flight.
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In the credit-card lounge race: Capital One Lounges are hidden gems, while Amex Centurion is reliable but crowded.
8) What city to avoid in 2025—and which city belongs on the must-visit list?
Christopher Parr: Skip Venice in August. It’s tourist gridlock. Go in October—better weather, better light, better vibes.
Do add Kyoto in March/April (just before cherry bloom) or November (maple leaf season). For an urban food-and-culture fix, Mexico City never disappoints.
9) What suitcase do you carry—and what’s the smartest luggage setup for 2025?
Christopher Parr: I rotate a Rimowa Cabin Plus and a Briggs & Riley Baseline. One’s sleek, the other’s expandable genius.
Golden rules:
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Carry-on only.
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AirTags in bag and passport wallet.
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Packing cubes + hardshell tech kit.
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Slim blazer—instantly upgrades any outfit.
Must-carry gear: noise-canceling headphones, universal adapter, 20,000 mAh power bank, eSIM backup phone, medicine kit, photocopy of passport.
10) Best credit card for travel in 2025—and what trends are rising (or fading)?
Christopher Parr: A two-card combo covers everything:
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Chase Sapphire Reserve: transfer partners, rental coverage, strong protections.
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Amex Platinum: lounge access + luxury hotel perks.
Backup stars: Capital One Venture X and Citi Strata Premier.
Trends rising:
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Shoulder-season luxury (better rates, same suites).
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Rail and sleeper-train glamour.
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Wellness-driven stays—biohacking menus, recovery lounges.
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Bar dining—Michelin menus without the formality.
Trends fading:
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Status runs for vanity tiers.
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Bulky camera rigs—phones rule.
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Long rental-car lines—rideshare saves time.
Quick Lightning Round
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Best reward strategy? Flexible points + transfer bonuses.
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Disneyland hack? Rope drop, Lightning Lane, Single Rider, midday reset.
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Luxury hotel pick? Four Seasons for consistency; Aman for serenity.
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Best U.S. airline? Delta. Best global airline? Singapore Airlines.
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Top lounge? Qatar Al Safwa in Doha.
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First move after landing? Daylight walk + hotel contact + eSIM live.
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Never leave home without? AirTags, power bank, noise-canceling headphones.
FAQs: Best Travel Hacks for 2025 with Christopher Parr
1. What are the best travel hacks for 2025?
The smartest hacks for 2025 include traveling carry-on only, booking direct flights, using eSIMs for instant connectivity, pre-booking car services instead of rentals, and leveraging flexible credit card points. Christopher Parr emphasizes that simplicity and preparation are the true luxury.
2. Is it better to collect airline miles, hotel points, or flexible points in 2025?
Flexible points are king in 2025. Programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Capital One Miles allow travelers to transfer to whichever airline or hotel offers the best availability. Parr suggests stacking bonus categories, shopping portals, and transfer promos to maximize value.
3. What’s the best time to visit Disneyland in 2025?
According to Christopher Parr, the sweet spot is midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) for fewer crowds. He recommends rope drop strategy, staying on-property for early entry, and using Lightning Lane and Single Rider lines to maximize rides. Mobile food ordering and midday hotel breaks are essential hacks.
4. Which credit cards are best for travelers in 2025?
Parr recommends a two-card setup:
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Chase Sapphire Reserve for strong transfer partners and robust travel protections.
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Amex Platinum for premium lounges and hotel perks.
Other contenders include Capital One Venture X and Citi Strata Premier for everyday earning.
5. What cities should travelers avoid in 2025?
Venice in August tops Christopher Parr’s avoid list—it’s overcrowded, hot, and overrun by day-trippers. Instead, he advises visiting in October when the city glows with softer light and calmer streets.
6. What is the top city to visit in 2025?
Parr suggests Kyoto during the cherry blossom shoulder season (late March/early April) or in November for maple season. For food lovers, Mexico City remains a top global dining destination, best explored with a guided food tour on arrival.
7. What is the best suitcase brand for 2025 travel?
Christopher Parr swears by Rimowa Cabin Plus for sleek durability and Briggs & Riley Baseline for expandable genius and lifetime warranty. He never travels without AirTags, noise-canceling headphones, a universal adapter, and a 20,000 mAh power bank.
8. Which airlines are best to fly in 2025?
Parr ranks Delta and Alaska Airlines as the most reliable U.S. carriers, with United Polaris and JetBlue Mint excelling in premium cabins. Globally, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, ANA, and Emirates remain the gold standard for luxury and service.
9. What are the best airport lounges in 2025?
For luxury, Parr highlights:
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Qatar Airways Al Safwa First (Doha) – serene and museum-like.
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Singapore Airlines The Private Room (Changi) – refined exclusivity.
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United Polaris Lounges – strong U.S. option with sit-down dining.
For card lounges, Capital One Lounges are rising stars, while Amex Centurion remains popular (but often crowded).
10. What travel trends are rising in 2025—and which are fading?
Rising: Shoulder-season luxury, sleeper trains, in-room wellness amenities, and Michelin bar dining.
Fading: Mileage runs for airline status, bulky camera gear, and long rental-car counter waits.
If you’re planning 2025 travels, Christopher Parr’s hacks help you save time, skip lines, and savor the luxury details that transform a trip from ordinary to unforgettable.
For more expert insights, you can explore Pursuitist, where Parr curates the latest in luxury travel, hotels, and lifestyle trends at Pursuitist.com