Close-up of a hand holding a U.S. passport with an airport background, emphasizing travel and passport renewal.

Your U.S. Passport Is Getting a Makeover: What Travelers Need to Know

Beth Glosner  | 

If international travel is somewhere on your 2027 or even your someday travel list, you may want to take a second look at your passport.

The U.S. passport is getting some significant updates. The State Department is working toward making first-time passport applications available entirely online, and a redesigned passport is planned for 2028. The new passport is supposed to be a universal 38-page book, but the official State Department material currently available doesn’t appear to clearly state this.

In other words, that little blue book you tuck into the back of your suitcase is getting a bit of a makeover.

And while you don’t need to run out and replace a perfectly good passport just because there’s a new design coming, there are a few changes worth knowing about, especially if you’re thinking about an international trip.

Let’s Dig.

Disclaimer:

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

First-Time Passport Applications Are Moving Online

Close-up of a U.S. passport application form with fields for personal information and identification documents.
Paper Application

Today, getting your first adult U.S. passport still involves an in-person application at an authorized acceptance facility. That can mean a trip to a post office, library, clerk of court, or other participating location, along with the required paperwork and passport photo.

That process is expected to change.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in September that the State Department is working toward allowing Americans to apply for their first passport online. The goal is for the vast majority of Americans to be able to apply for a passport or passport card through the government’s new America.gov system by the end of 2027.

For travelers who have ever put off getting a passport because the process sounded like a bureaucratic scavenger hunt, this could be welcome news.

Instead of printing forms, finding an appointment, and showing up somewhere in person, the planned system would allow applicants to complete much of the process from home.

But there’s an important “not yet” here.

As of November 2026, first-time adult applicants still need to apply in person. So if you’re planning an international trip for early 2027 and don’t have a passport yet, don’t wait for the new system to magically appear. Check the current requirements and allow plenty of time.

A Passport Photo You Can Take at Home?

This may be the part that gets the biggest cheer.

The planned online system will allow applicants to submit a digital passport photo rather than having to get a traditional printed photo taken elsewhere.

And yes, you may be able to take that photo with your phone.

Before you start practicing your best passport face, however, remember that passport photos still have rules. The State Department requires a recent color photo with a plain white or off-white background, and photos cannot be digitally altered or created using AI.

So, unfortunately, your favorite Instagram filter isn’t going to make the cut.

The proposed online process would also let applicants preview how their photo looks as part of the passport before submitting it. That’s a small change, but anyone who has ever received a passport and thought, Really? That’s the photo we’re going with? may appreciate it.

Solo traveler tip: If you’re getting your first your travel documents because you’re finally ready to take that international trip you’ve been thinking about, start gathering your documents and checking the requirements now. Technology may make the application easier, but it won’t make missing paperwork any less annoying.It may also take some time for all the kinks to be worked out of the new system, which could eat into the precious turnaround time you have to receive your passport.

What About Passport Renewals?

Here’s the good news: online passport renewal isn’t new.

Eligible U.S. adults can already renew their your travel documents online for routine service. The State Department introduced the online renewal system after years of testing, and it is now an established option for qualifying travelers.

There are eligibility requirements, though, so don’t assume every renewal can be done from your sofa.

And there’s another important detail: online renewal currently cannot be expedited. If you have an international trip coming up soon, check the processing requirements before deciding how you’ll renew.

As of now, the State Department lists routine processing at approximately 4–6 weeks, with expedited service taking about 2–3 weeks, plus mailing time. The department also warns that mailing can add additional time on either end of the process.

Translation: Don’t book the plane ticket first and then discover your your travel documents expired three weeks ago.

I’ve seen enough travel-planning disasters to know that’s not the kind of adventure anyone needs.

A New Passport Design Is Coming in 2028

Now for the fun part: your passport is getting a new look.

The State Department has unveiled a redesigned passport planned for 2028. The new design features a larger, more prominent Great Seal on the cover, along with an eagle motif throughout the passport’s interior pages. As you flip through the pages, the eagle creates an animated effect.

I will admit that is a little cool, but not that cool.

The new travel document is also being presented as a more modern, secure passport. The State Department says today’s next-generation travel documents already incorporate features such as a polycarbonate data page, laser engraving, and other anti-counterfeiting measures.

Do You Need to Replace Your Current Passport?

No.

And this is probably the most important thing to remember.

If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you don’t need to replace it simply because a redesigned version is coming.

Your current passport remains valid until it expires, assuming it is otherwise usable and meets the requirements of the country you’re visiting.

So if your travel documents good for several more years, there’s no reason to panic-buy a new passport just because the 2028 version will look different.

Personally, I’d put that money toward the trip.

Don’t Forget the Six-Month Passport Rule

Here’s something much more important than whether your passport has the old cover or the new one.

Many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your planned departure date. Six months is a common requirement, although the exact rule varies by destination.

That means you shouldn’t wait until your official travel document is almost expired to start thinking about renewal.

Imagine finding an amazing airfare to Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, or another destination you’ve been dreaming about only to discover your passport doesn’t have enough validity remaining.

Not exactly the travel surprise you were hoping for.

Pro tip: Before booking international travel, check the passport requirements for your specific destination. Rules can vary by country, and they can change.

What If You Need a Passport Quickly?

This is where I would still plan ahead.

Moving applications online doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to get a passport instantly.

The State Department currently has separate processes for travelers who need passports urgently. Passport agencies and centers serve people with urgent international travel, and appointments are required.

If you have an international trip coming up in a matter of weeks, don’t assume that the new online system will solve everything.

Official travel document processing still takes time.

And while I fully support spontaneous travel, “I leave for Europe on Thursday and just remembered my passport expired” is perhaps a little too spontaneous.

Should You Wait for the New Passport?

If you’re eligible for a passport now and have international travel coming up, I wouldn’t wait solely because you’re hoping to get the new design.

The redesigned passport isn’t expected until 2028, and your travel plans shouldn’t revolve around getting a particular travel document cover.

If you need a passport, get one.

If you already have valid travel documents, use it.

And if you’re planning travel for 2027, make passport validity part of your planning checklist now.

The State Department itself recommends considering the total time involved, including mailing, when planning around passport processing.

A Good November Travel-Planning Task

November is actually a great time to put your passport on your travel-planning checklist.

Maybe you’re sitting down with a cup of coffee and making your travel wish list for next year. Maybe you’re thinking about finally taking that solo international trip you’ve been putting off. Or maybe you’re simply trying to get your travel documents organized before another year disappears.

Take five minutes and check:

  • When does your passport expire?
  • Do you have enough blank pages for your upcoming travels?
  • Does your destination require additional travel document validity?
  • Are you eligible for online renewal?
  • If you don’t have a passport yet, what documents will you need?
  • How much time should you allow for processing and mailing?

You don’t have to book a flight today.

You don’t even have to decide where you’re going.

But knowing that your travel documents are ready to go can make that future trip feel a whole lot more possible.

And isn’t that what travel planning is supposed to do?

Turn “Someday I’d love to go there” into “Okay…how do I get there?”

The Bottom Line

The U.S. passport process is changing, but not all of the changes are happening at once.

First-time adult passport applications are expected to move toward an online process beginning in 2027, with the goal of making the process easier and more accessible. A redesigned passport is planned for 2028, featuring a larger Great Seal and an eagle design that appears to move as you flip through the pages.

For now, though, the old rules still matter.

If you need your first passport today, you still need to apply in person. If you’re renewing, check whether you’re eligible to renew online. And regardless of which passport design you eventually receive, give yourself plenty of time before an international trip.

Because the best passport is the one that’s safely tucked in your bag before you get to the airport.

Not the one you’re frantically waiting for in the mailbox the night before your flight.

Pro tip: Bookmark the U.S. Department of State’s passport pages rather than relying on old travel posts for application requirements. Passport procedures, fees, and processing times can change.

U.S. Department of State — U.S. Passports

The best passport is the one safely tucked in your bag before you get to the airport. Not the one you’re frantically waiting for in the mailbox the night before your flight.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth

A traveler standing with a pink suitcase and a beige bag in an airport or train station setting.

Breakup Insurance? Here’s What Travelers Need to Know About CFAR

Beth Glosner  | 

Planning a big trip with someone you love can be exciting. You start saving vacation days, comparing hotels, making restaurant lists, and sending each other approximately 47 links to places you absolutely must see.

Then life happens.

Maybe the relationship ends. Maybe the wedding you were traveling for gets called off. Maybe the friends you planned a group getaway with suddenly aren’t speaking to one another. Or maybe you simply realize that spending seven days sharing a tiny hotel room with someone you were already questioning sounds less like a vacation and more like an endurance challenge.

Believe it or not, there is now a form of travel protection being marketed as “breakup insurance.”

And while the name sounds like something invented after a particularly messy episode of a reality show, the underlying coverage isn’t entirely new. It’s closely related to something that’s been around for years: Cancel for Any Reason, or CFAR, travel insurance.

So what exactly is breakup insurance, how does CFAR work, and could either one make sense for your next big trip?

Let’s Dig.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

So, What Exactly Is Breakup Insurance?

The term “breakup insurance” is being used by The Host Co for an optional add-on available with participating vacation rentals.

According to The Host Co, its Breakup Insurance can provide reimbursement if certain relationship-related circumstances cause travelers to cancel their plans. The company says eligible travelers can cancel up to 48 hours before arrival and receive up to 75 percent of eligible nonrefundable costs, subject to the policy’s terms.

But here’s the important part:

Breakup insurance isn’t necessarily a completely new category of travel insurance.

The concept is closely related to Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

CFAR is an optional benefit available with some travel insurance policies. It provides broader cancellation flexibility than standard trip-cancellation coverage, which generally requires you to cancel for a specific reason listed in the policy.

Historically, CFAR might have appealed to someone worried that work wouldn’t give them enough vacation time, for example.

Now someone has found a way to make it particularly relevant to people wondering whether their relationship will survive until vacation.

Honestly, travel planning can be complicated enough without adding “Will we still be together by July?” to the itinerary.

Two blue hard-shell suitcases with extended handles standing on a wooden floor in an indoor setting.
Sometimes the biggest travel question isn’t where you’re going. It’s whether you’re still going together.

How Does Breakup Insurance Actually Work?

The Host Co says its Breakup Insurance is available as an optional add-on for eligible vacation-rental bookings. The company describes coverage for situations involving breakups, separations, divorces, canceled weddings and other relationship-related circumstances.

The coverage is designed to help protect travelers from losing some of the money they’ve already spent on a nonrefundable rental.

For example, imagine you and your partner book a vacation rental for $2,000. A few months later, the relationship ends and neither of you is particularly enthusiastic about spending a week together in a beach house.

Without cancellation protection, you could potentially lose that $2,000.

With eligible breakup coverage, you may be able to recover a portion of the money, depending on the policy.

The important word here is “may.”

Insurance is never quite as simple as the catchy name on the checkout screen makes it sound.

What Is Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance?

This is where the story gets a little more interesting.

Cancel for Any Reason, or CFAR, is an optional travel insurance benefit that has been around for years.

Standard trip-cancellation insurance generally covers specific situations listed in your policy. Depending on the plan, those could include certain illnesses or injuries, death of a family member or traveling companion, severe weather and other qualifying events.

A breakup generally isn’t one of those standard covered reasons.

CFAR provides broader flexibility.

For example, Faye currently offers CFAR as an optional benefit that can reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible nonrefundable trip costs, subject to its requirements. Travel Guard’s current CFAR option provides up to 50 percent reimbursement under its terms.

That doesn’t mean you can book a $5,000 vacation, decide two days before departure that you’d rather stay home, and expect a $5,000 check in the mail.

Unfortunately, insurance companies have thought of that.

CFAR comes with its own rules, purchase deadlines and cancellation requirements.

Travel documents including a passport and boarding passes with a coffee cup on a table, ready for travel.
Cancel for any reason” doesn’t mean “ignore the fine print.

How Much Money Could You Actually Get Back?

This is where it’s important to pay attention to the details.

CFAR generally does not reimburse 100 percent of your trip.

Current plans commonly reimburse a percentage of eligible nonrefundable expenses. InsureMyTrip notes that CFAR policies typically reimburse around 50 to 75 percent, depending on the plan.

Let’s say you’ve spent $4,000 on a trip and $3,000 of that is eligible and nonrefundable.

If your policy provides 75 percent CFAR reimbursement, you could potentially receive up to $2,250 of that eligible amount.

That’s a long way from getting everything back.

And you also paid for the insurance.

So CFAR isn’t necessarily a way to save money.

Think of it more as paying for flexibility and reducing your financial risk.

Pro Tip:

When comparing CFAR policies, don’t look only at the reimbursement percentage.

Look at:

  • The cost of the insurance
  • The percentage reimbursed
  • What expenses qualify
  • When you have to purchase the coverage
  • How far in advance you have to cancel

That little bit of homework could save you from a very expensive surprise later.

Person reviewing travel documents and insurance papers on a wooden table, with a credit card and pens nearby, in a cozy living room setting.
A few minutes of math before your trip can be worth it when you’re protecting a lot of money.

What About the Breakup Insurance Offered With Vacation Rentals?

Here’s where the new “breakup insurance” idea gets particularly interesting.

The Host Co says its Breakup Insurance is offered as an optional add-on through participating vacation-rental properties it manages. Its current information says travelers can cancel up to 48 hours before arrival and receive up to 75 percent of eligible nonrefundable costs, subject to the coverage terms.

But don’t assume that protecting your vacation rental means your entire vacation is protected.

Imagine you’ve booked:

  • A vacation rental
  • Flights
  • A rental car
  • Concert tickets
  • A whale-watching tour
  • Several nonrefundable restaurant reservations

If your breakup insurance is attached to the vacation rental, that doesn’t necessarily mean your flights, activities or other expenses are covered.

This is where broader travel insurance may make more sense for some travelers.

And it’s also why reading the actual policy matters.

One vacation can involve a surprising number of nonrefundable expenses. Know which ones you’re actually protecting.

Could CFAR Make Sense for Solo Travelers?

Here’s where I think this gets particularly interesting for my fellow solo travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, you don’t need breakup insurance because you aren’t worried about a romantic travel companion suddenly becoming an ex.

But the broader idea behind CFAR can still be useful.

Maybe you’ve booked an expensive trip six months in advance.

Maybe you’ve never traveled to the destination before and you’re nervous about committing so much money.

Maybe your work situation could change.

Or maybe you’re simply someone who likes having a little more flexibility when making expensive travel plans.

CFAR may provide another layer of protection when standard trip-cancellation coverage doesn’t apply.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs it.

If your trip is inexpensive, most of your reservations are refundable, or you’re comfortable taking the financial risk, paying extra for CFAR may not make sense.

For example, if you’re planning a few days of slow travel in a small town, your financial exposure may be very different from someone booking a $7,000 international vacation six months ahead.

The point isn’t that you should buy CFAR.

It’s that you should know it exists before deciding how much financial risk you’re comfortable taking.

Solo travel gives you the freedom to change your plans. The right travel protection can help protect the money you’ve already invested.

Don’t Confuse Standard Travel Insurance With CFAR

This is probably the biggest takeaway from all of this.

Buying travel insurance doesn’t automatically mean you can cancel your vacation because you’ve changed your mind.

Standard trip-cancellation coverage generally requires a covered reason.

CFAR is different because it provides broader cancellation flexibility, subject to the policy’s rules.

Faye, for example, distinguishes between its standard trip-cancellation coverage and optional CFAR benefit. Travel Guard makes the same distinction between its standard cancellation coverage and CFAR option.

So when comparing travel insurance, look for the words:

Trip Cancellation

and

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)

They aren’t interchangeable.

And if a website uses a catchy term such as “breakup insurance,” take a minute to find out what the underlying coverage actually is.

A catchy insurance name might get your attention, but the policy details are what really matter.

A Few Things to Check Before Buying Travel Insurance

If you’re considering travel insurance for a big trip, don’t stop at the price.

Before purchasing, check:

What is covered?
Look at the actual covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption.

Is CFAR available?
Not every plan offers it.

When do I have to purchase it?
CFAR is often subject to an early-purchase window after your initial trip payment.

How much will I actually get back?
Check the reimbursement percentage and which expenses qualify.

When do I have to cancel?
Many plans require cancellation at least 48 hours before departure, although requirements vary.

What expenses are covered?
Don’t assume your flights, rental car, accommodations and activities are all protected by the same policy.

Is the coverage available where I live?
Insurance rules and availability can vary by state.

And most importantly:

Read the policy.

Yes, I know.

Nobody gets excited about reading insurance documents.

I’d rather be looking at pictures of a little European village, too.

But discovering what your policy doesn’t cover after you’ve canceled a $5,000 vacation is considerably less entertaining.

A little research before you book can save you a much bigger headache later.

So, Is Breakup Insurance Worth It?

There’s no universal answer.

If you’re booking a pricey vacation with a partner, wedding guests, friends or anyone else and a significant amount of your money is nonrefundable, you may want to investigate CFAR or another flexible cancellation option.

If your trip is inexpensive and most of your reservations can be canceled without a penalty, you may decide the additional cost isn’t necessary.

And if you’re booking a romantic getaway while quietly wondering whether the relationship will still exist by departure day…

Well.

Maybe read the insurance policy before ordering the matching luggage.

The bigger lesson here isn’t really about breakups.

It’s about understanding what you’re buying when you protect a trip.

Travel insurance can cover some very real risks, but policies aren’t interchangeable, and “travel insurance” doesn’t automatically mean “cancel whenever I want.”

CFAR can provide broader flexibility—but it comes at an additional cost and with its own rules.

So before you spend your hard-earned vacation money, take a few minutes to compare the coverage, understand the deadlines and decide how much financial risk you’re comfortable taking.

And if you’re planning a cruise, don’t forget to consider travel protection as part of the overall planning process. My guide to planning a cruise during Wave Season covers some of the other things worth thinking about before you book.

Because the goal of travel insurance isn’t to assume your trip is going to go wrong.

It’s to make sure that if life decides to throw a curveball, you’re not left holding a very expensive, nonrefundable plane ticket.

And if the curveball happens to be a breakup?

At least now you know there may be an insurance option for that, too.

Helpful Travel Insurance Resources

If you want to dig deeper before purchasing coverage, these are good places to start:

  • The Host Co: Information about its specifically marketed Breakup Insurance for participating vacation rentals.
  • Faye Travel Insurance: Current information about travel insurance and optional CFAR coverage.
  • Travel Guard: Information about its current CFAR option and standard trip-cancellation coverage.
  • InsureMyTrip: A useful starting point for learning about and comparing travel insurance options.

And if you’re still in the “I’m planning a trip but I’m not quite ready to book everything” stage, you might also enjoy my post about little travel habits that make a big difference. A little preparation before a trip can go a surprisingly long way.

Insurance coverage, availability, reimbursement amounts and eligibility requirements can change. Always read the actual policy documents applicable to your state and trip before purchasing coverage.

A few more bite-sized adventures

Travel doesn’t always go exactly according to plan. Sometimes that’s part of the adventure. Other times, it’s just a headache we’d rather avoid.

And when you can’t travel at all, there are still plenty of ways to scratch that travel itch. Check out What to Do When You Can’t Travel Right Now for a few ideas for bringing a little adventure home.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


—Beth
Smiling hotel receptionist at the front desk with a computer, welcoming guests in a modern hotel lobby with wooden decor.

Hotel Checkout Courtesy: Why It Matters

Beth Glosner  | 

There are certain things I consider basic travel etiquette: saying please and thank you, treating hospitality workers with respect, cleaning up after yourself, and remembering that the people serving you are people—not your personal assistants.

That’s really the idea behind my post Be a Thoughtful Traveler: Why Courtesy Matters Wherever You Go. Being a thoughtful traveler doesn’t necessarily require grand gestures. Often, it’s about the little things we do—or don’t do—that make someone else’s job, or another traveler’s experience, a little easier.

So when I recently read an article in Travel + Leisure about why hotel guests should let the front desk know when they’re checking out, I had a surprisingly strong reaction.

My first thought was, Wait. People don’t do this?

Apparently, plenty of travelers simply leave their hotel room, drop their keycard where instructed, and head out without ever telling anyone they’re gone.

I understand that hotels have made checkout easier. Many now offer mobile checkout, express checkout, or a simple key-drop box. And if that’s the procedure your hotel provides, there’s nothing inherently wrong with using it.

But if you’re leaving early or if you have the opportunity to speak with the front desk, I still think taking that extra minute to say, “I’m checking out,” is a small but meaningful courtesy.

And there’s a reason for it.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

An Empty Hotel Room Doesn’t Necessarily Mean It’s Ready to Clean

One of the things that stood out to me in the Travel + Leisure article was something most guests probably don’t think about: an empty room isn’t necessarily considered an available room.

Hotel housekeeping works from schedules based on expected departures and arrivals. If you’re scheduled to check out at 11 a.m. but quietly leave at 8 a.m., the hotel may not know that your room is actually vacant.

That can mean housekeeping doesn’t immediately prioritize it for cleaning.

And that matters because another traveler might be waiting for a room. That other traveler could one day be you.

Imagine you’ve been driving for six hours. You’re tired, you’ve got luggage in the car, and you arrive at the hotel an hour before official check-in.

Your room may not be ready, and that’s completely understandable.

But if another guest left their room hours earlier and the hotel doesn’t know it, that room might still be sitting on the schedule as occupied.

Simply telling the front desk that you’ve left gives the hotel accurate information.

It doesn’t guarantee early check-in.

It doesn’t magically make housekeeping finish faster.

But it gives the people doing the work the information they need.

Why the Hotel Front Desk Matters at Checkout

Maybe my perspective is influenced by my own years working in the service industry.

But I have always viewed the front desk as exactly what the name suggests: the place where you go when you need help with your hotel stay.

Checking in?

The front desk.

Checking out?

The front desk.

Need to know what time breakfast starts?

The front desk.

Looking for a restaurant recommendation?

Ask the front desk.

Need directions or suggestions for things to see and do?

They may be able to help.

Have a problem with your room?

Let them know.

That’s their job.

And while technology has made many hotel transactions faster, I don’t think convenience has made the people at the front desk unnecessary.

In fact, sometimes a 30-second conversation can prevent confusion later.

“I Told Someone” Doesn’t Always Mean the Message Gets Through

This is another reason I prefer communicating directly with the front desk.

Let’s say you mention to a housekeeper in the hallway that you’re leaving early.

Maybe they remember.

Maybe they tell someone.

But they also have a lot going on.

They’re cleaning rooms, changing linens, restocking supplies, responding to requests, and trying to stay on schedule.

The same is true of other hotel employees.

Just because you told an employee something doesn’t mean that employee has the ability or the bandwidth to make sure everyone else knows about it.

I’ve worked in service environments long enough to know how quickly one conversation can be interrupted by another request.

You can have every intention of passing along a message and then suddenly find yourself dealing with five other things.

That’s why I think there’s value in telling the right person.

If you’re checking out, tell the front desk.

Hotel Employees Have 100 Other Things to Do

There’s another part of this that I think travelers sometimes forget.

The employee standing in front of you may have a dozen things happening at the same time.

The front desk agent might be checking in a family, answering a phone call, responding to a maintenance request, helping someone with their room key, dealing with a billing question, and trying to answer your question about the nearest restaurant—all within a few minutes.

Housekeeping has its own list of responsibilities.

Maintenance has another.

Restaurant staff has another.

These employees aren’t sitting around waiting for you to need something.

So when you tell one employee something that really needs to be communicated to someone else, you’re adding another link to the chain.

Whenever possible, go directly to the person or department responsible.

It isn’t about following rules for the sake of following rules.

It’s about making everyone’s job a little easier.

And that’s really what being a thoughtful traveler is about.

A Little Courtesy Can Help the Next Guest

The Travel + Leisure article describes early checkout notification as a way travelers can help the person arriving after them.

I like that idea.

Travel can sometimes feel very individual.

We book our room.

We pack our bags.

We arrive.

We explore.

We leave.

But we’re constantly sharing the travel experience with other people.

Someone stayed in the room before you.

Someone will stay there after you.

Someone cleaned it.

Someone will clean it again.

Someone at the front desk will answer the next guest’s questions.

And that next guest might be the person hoping for an early check-in.

You don’t know them.

You’ll probably never meet them.

But letting the hotel know you’ve departed is one tiny way of making their experience potentially easier.

This is exactly why I believe courtesy matters wherever you go. Thoughtful travel isn’t just about being respectful in big, obvious ways. It’s also about recognizing the small opportunities to make things easier for the people around you.

This could be a really nice image because it shifts the story from the person leaving to the person arriving.

The visual message becomes:

Someone else gets to experience this room after you.

Do You Have to Stand at the Front Desk Every Time?

No.

I don’t think this needs to become another travel rule that makes people feel guilty.

If your hotel offers mobile checkout, use it if that’s what works for you.

If the hotel has a key-drop box and tells you to leave your key there, that’s perfectly reasonable.

If you’ve already checked out through the hotel’s app and received confirmation, you’ve communicated your departure.

The important thing is making sure the hotel knows you’ve left, particularly if you’re departing earlier than your scheduled checkout time.

Technology isn’t the problem.

Inconsideration is.

There’s a difference.

And Please Don’t Forget the People Who Clean Your Room

While we’re talking about hotel checkout, let’s talk about housekeeping.

Housekeepers are often the people guests interact with the least and rely on the most.

They’re responsible for turning a room from “someone just stayed here” into “someone new can stay here.”

That’s a lot of work.

You don’t need to leave your room spotless. You’re a guest, not an unpaid member of the housekeeping staff.

But basic consideration goes a long way.

Don’t leave trash scattered everywhere.

Don’t intentionally make an enormous mess because “someone gets paid to clean it.”

If you spill something significant, let the hotel know.

And if you encounter a housekeeper during your stay, a simple hello or thank you costs nothing.

These small gestures acknowledge the person behind the job.

Being a Guest Doesn’t Mean Everyone Else Is Your Assistant

This is perhaps the biggest takeaway I had while thinking about hotel checkout.

When we’re traveling, we’re guests.

That’s important.

But being a guest doesn’t mean everyone around us becomes our personal assistant.

Hotel employees are there to help us. That’s part of hospitality.

But hospitality works best as a two-way interaction: they provide a service, and we treat them with respect.

Ask for recommendations.

Ask questions.

Let someone know when there’s a problem.

Thank them when they help you.

Follow the hotel’s procedures.

And communicate information to the appropriate person.

You don’t need to be overly formal about any of it.

You just need to be considerate.

The One-Minute Habit I’ll Keep

I know this may sound old-fashioned, but I’ll probably continue walking up to the front desk when I check out.

I’ll hand over my key.

I’ll say I’m leaving.

And I’ll say thank you.

It’s probably going to take less than a minute.

Maybe the employee will simply mark the room vacant.

Maybe they’ll thank me and move on to the next guest.

Maybe I’ll ask one last question about where to grab coffee before I get on the road.

Nothing dramatic is going to happen.

And that’s okay.

Courtesy doesn’t need a dramatic result to be worthwhile.

Sometimes it’s simply about recognizing that other people are doing their jobs and making an effort not to make those jobs harder than they need to be.

Picture a woman walking out of a charming hotel with her suitcase, looking relaxed and ready for the next part of her journey.

The Bottom Line

I don’t think you’re a bad traveler if you’ve ever slipped your keycard into a box and walked out of a hotel without stopping at the front desk.

Hotels have created express checkout and mobile checkout systems specifically to make leaving easier.

But if you’re leaving early, taking a moment to notify the hotel can help housekeeping know that the room is actually vacant and potentially give the hotel more time to prepare it for the next guest.

And even when there’s no practical benefit beyond that, I still believe there’s something to be said for courtesy.

Look someone in the eye.

Say thank you.

Let them know you’re leaving.

It’s a small thing.

But travel is full of small things.

And if we’re going to be thoughtful travelers, those small things are worth paying attention to.

As I wrote in Be a Thoughtful Traveler: Why Courtesy Matters Wherever You Go, courtesy isn’t about being perfect or following a long list of rules. It’s about remembering that our travels happen alongside other people.

The hotel employee checking you out.

The housekeeper preparing your room.

The traveler waiting for the room you’re leaving.

The server bringing your breakfast.

The local business owner welcoming you into their community.

They’re all part of your travel experience.

Being a thoughtful traveler means treating them that way.

And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as saying, “I’m checking out.”

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth