The 2025 government shutdown has travelers asking questions: Will my flight be delayed? Are the parks closed? Should I cancel my trip?
Here’s the short answer: Some things are disrupted. Most aren’t. And panic doesn’t help.
Just like traveling during hurricane season, government shutdowns require preparation, not cancellation.
What’s Happening at Airports
Air travel is still running. TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay AP News. That creates problems: longer security lines, staffing gaps, delays at busy airports. The FAA paused some training programs Reuters, which could slow things down if this drags on.
What this means for you:
• Add 30-45 minutes to your normal airport arrival time
• Book morning flights when possible (delays compound as the day goes on)
• If you’re connecting internationally, give yourself extra time between flights
We check route updates daily. If your flight path starts showing problems, we’ll help you adjust before it becomes a headache.
National Parks and Federal Sites
Most national parks are technically open, but barely staffed. Visitor centers are closed. Maintenance crews aren’t working. Bathrooms may not be serviced Condé Nast Traveler.
In 2019, this led to overcrowding and trash piling up in parks. Some local authorities learned from that and are closing certain access points now rather than later. All Smithsonian museums are closed until funding comes back.
If parks or museums are on your itinerary:
• Check nps.gov before you leave (status changes quickly)
• Consider state parks, local tours, or private experiences that aren’t affected by federal funding
• Ask us for backup options that keep your trip intact even if federal sites close
Administrative Slowdowns — Passports, Visas, and Travel Programs
Passport processing and visa services are running, barely. Reduced staffing means growing backlogs. Global Entry appointments are being rescheduled. New visa applications are taking longer, Travel Market Report.
For international travelers, understanding current documentation requirements is even more important during administrative delays.
If you need documents processed:
• Apply 4-6 months before you travel (not 4-6 weeks)
• Keep digital copies of everything on your phone
• Tell us if your trip depends on a pending approval so we can track timelines
How We Help You Stay Calm
Government shutdowns are messy. Travel doesn’t have to be.
At A Balanced Life Travel, we do more than book trips. (This is why working with a travel advisor makes a difference when travel gets complicated.) We track changes, talk to airlines and tour operators, and build backup plans before you need them.
When things shift, we focus on three things:
• Getting you current information about your specific routes and destinations
• Having alternatives ready if Plan A falls apart
• Keeping you calm (because travel is stressful enough without the news cycle adding to it)
We’ve always believed travel should restore you, not exhaust you. That doesn’t change just because Washington is stuck.
Here’s What You Should Do
Shutdowns are unpredictable. Travelers don’t have to be.
If you have a trip coming up, talk to us. We’ll help you build a plan that accounts for what might go wrong and keeps you moving forward anyway.
No matter what’s happening in Washington, your trip can still happen. You just need someone paying attention to the details so you don’t have to.
For more smart travel preparation tips, check out our planning resources.
Ready to plan with confidence? Contact A Balanced Life Travel. We’ll make sure your next trip goes smoothly, shutdown or not.
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