How To Travel During Mercury Retrograde

“Mercury in astrology rules communication, traveling, and transportation,” astrologer Nala Ferreira says. “When appearing to be moving backward, those topics seem to go in disarray, and not function well during this time.”

Scheduling and planning travel are particular pain points in this line of thinking.

“Travel can be particularly challenging, but nothing to be scared of,” Ferreira says. “Retrogrades aren’t the end of the world and you shouldn’t put your life on hold. Just make sure that you double-check the time of your flight, your documents, and plan ahead, but be flexible in case of delays or casual technological errors.”

When is Mercury in retrograde in 2025?

Mercury typically stations retrograde three or four times a year, making it relatively common. In 2025, it’s from March 14 to April 7, July 17 to August 11, and November 9 to November 29.

Here’s how to plan your travel accordingly (which also happen to be good travel tips more broadly).

1. Double check the details

While this may seem obvious, nothing is to be overlooked during Mercury retrograde. In fact, triple-check all the facts, details, dates, times, and information on everything. If it’s possible to move the date so it doesn’t fall during the retrograde period, then it could be beneficial to take that option.

Otherwise, keep on checking those figures. Stay up to date on any changes and write important trip planning information out on paper as well as having it stored in your phone.

2. Check in with communication

You may be all up to scratch, but is everybody else you’re traveling with on the same page? Everyone will be affected by a retrograde to differing degrees depending on their natal chart placements, and so while you may not feel the effects so much, other people you’re traveling with might. Miscommunication is very possible during Mercury retrograde. This also goes for making sure you’ve understood correctly what someone is saying and that you are effectively expressing yourself in return.

3. Have a back up plan

What would happen if your flight got canceled, your car bursts a tire, or you get the wrong date, time, etc.? When traveling during Mercury in retrograde, it’s more than wise to have a backup plan, or two, in case of sudden curveballs and changes to itineraries and schedules. Think about the worst that could happen and prepare what you might do if those situations occur.

4. Be prepared for delays

Use delays to your advantage and treat them as extra time for yourself and your travel companions. Be prepared with ample snacks, drinks, books, and chargers. If travel already makes you stressed, stock up with the things that help keep you calm. Perhaps that’s packing chamomile tea and lavender essential oil, or maybe you know that a certain crystal soothes your nerves, or you love coloring books.

5. Get insurance

Travel insurance is a good idea generally, but especially during Mercury retrograde. If something is going to occur, you’ll be glad to be compensated for it. Mercury retrograde also governs technology — insuring your camera, phone, and other tech on your trip will give you extra peace of mind.

6. Use the time for reflection

If a travel delay or other issue does occur, perhaps you can use the time to meditate, listen to a podcast, do some journaling, or strike up a conversation with a stranger. Mercury, the planet of the mind, gives us a message when it goes into retrograde: slow down and pay attention to the world in and around you. You can also use the time to research your final destination, which is always useful. Or, simply catch up on that Netflix series you were proactive about and downloaded before getting to the airport

This post was originally published in 2022 and was updated with current information for 2025.