From Guidebooks to Custom Planners: How Americans Are Rethinking Travel in 2025

April 15, 2025 Rachel Howze

The Travel Reboot: Why Guidebooks Aren't Cutting It Anymore

A new era of travel is here and it’s anything but one-size-fits-all. With over 63% of U.S. travelers now planning trips without traditional guidebooks (Skift, 2024), the shift is clear: Americans want tools that are both functional and personal.

Today’s traveler isn’t flipping through encyclopedic pages, they’re craving a modern trip planner that meets their needs before, during, and after their adventure.

That’s where custom travel planners come in.

Old-School Guidebook vs. Modern Trip Planner

What Americans Are Prioritizing Now

Forget rigid itineraries, travelers in 2025 are booking with flexibility, personalization, and peace of mind in mind. Here’s what’s changing:

More DIY Planning: Travelers are using Pinterest, TikTok, and personal blogs over tour companies.
Desire for Travel Essentials: Search terms like travel must haves and travel essentials inspo have skyrocketed.
U.S. Safety Mindset: People want more control over where they stay, what they eat, and how they spend their time.

That’s why trip planners for Americans are surging in popularity: they bridge the gap between aesthetic inspiration and practical planning.

Why Custom Planners Just Work

Your time off is precious. Spending it thumbing through pages of museum hours and generic restaurant lists isn’t how you want to start your vacation.

Instead:

Organize your budget, bookings, and bucket lists in one place
Add your own notes and reflections so your trip becomes a story, not just a checklist
Use it as a gift or travel keepsake that reminds you where you’ve been (and where you’re headed next)

Unlike most travel books, Travwell planners are made specifically for U.S. travelers, so the shipping is easy, the references are relevant, and the vibe is yours.