The Cheapest Flight Destinations and Best Travel Planning Tips for 2025 [Video]

Americans are grappling with “Wanderlost,” a phenomenon coined by the travel agency Skyscanner to describe the paralysis induced by overthinking vacation planning.

Research by the global travel marketplace reveals that 51 percent of Americans find January, the peak season for travel decision-making, to be overwhelming. With consumers spending one to three months selecting their next vacation, Skyscanner has published what it says are neuroscience-backed strategies and budget-friendly travel recommendations for 2025.

Why It Matters

January is traditionally a month of fresh starts, with travelers using this time to plan their year’s adventures. Yet for many, the pursuit of a “perfect” vacation triggers decision fatigue.

“Planning a holiday can become exhausting due to the cognitive juggling of multiple options,” said Dr. Faye Begeti, a neuroscientist working with Skyscanner, in a report featured by The Digital Travellers. “This can drain mental resources and turn excitement into exhaustion.”