When the thermometer starts to rise we all yearn to be on the road with family and friends. We dream of the beach, the pool, BBQs, picnics and all that summer fun. Before you hit the road, check out our summer travel and tips to make your summer adventures as good as they can be!
Summer Travel Tips
Plan ahead
Make your reservations early especially if you’re flying. Check on the hotels you want to stay with and check again for anything nearby that might be more economical. Optimizing your credit card miles and points will also make your dollar go a bit further. No surprise but everyone travels during the summer so make sure you leave plenty of time for airport security, lines for rental cars and unexpected weather delays. Booking the earliest flight of the day will help ensure you get to your destination that day. If you’re traveling by car be sure to check all your fluids and tires for a safe trip.
Visit the good old USA
Many of us have fond memories of summer vacations spend in the backseat of a station wagon with our siblings. Why not create memories for your kids with a road trip? Whether it’s just a few hours away or you make the trek to a Disney hot spot at least you’ll have something to talk about for years and years to come. We love visiting the National Parks many of them like Yosemite have phenomenal accommodations. For travelers visiting from abroad, the United States has as many different cultures within it as anywhere on Earth. Choose a city, state or region and explore it fully. There’s huge variety from food to habitat, so pick something that appeals to you and discover it’s depths. Whether you’re living in America or somewhere else, a road trip in the USA is an awesome way to dive into summer.
Pack light
Keep it simple. You’re going on a summer vacation. Leave all the fancy jewelry, clothes and shoes at home. Almost every destination expects summer travelers to be casual. Packing black jeans and solid color shirts will help you blend in with the locals rather than stick out like a tourist. Comfortable shoes should be at the top of your list. Walk everywhere and go ahead and have that house-made dessert. If you’re going on a long trip be sure to keep a few essentials in your carry-on. Your bathing suit, a spare pair of shorts and t-shirt will let you start your vacation as soon as you get off the plane!
Protect Yourself
We’re not talking the usual warnings of travel hazards like pickpockets, scams and other treacherous rip-offs that abound. We’re thinking sun and bugs. It can’t be said enough that protection from the sun rays is no longer a choice, it’s a must. Be sure to re-apply liberally if you’re in the water or working up a sweat. Summer also brings out our flying little insect friends. Not only are they pesty but some are known to carry diseases. Whether you’re using natural methods or bug spray- if you’re outdoors, especially in the dawn or dusk, be sure to use them and keep those buggers away.
Summer foods and festivals
Many places, small and large, love to celebrate the warm weather with festivities outside. A simple picnic basket might be the best meal of the week paired with a free outdoor concert with friends. Do some quick investigating and you’ll be surprised at how many events are going on and how many are free or very low cost. Setting up a chair on the Avenue of Michigan’s Woodward Dream Cruise is a dream for car lovers. Even setting up a quick simple on your deck or in your backyard will create a vacation-like atmosphere easily & fast.
Wherever you live and wherever you want to travel, summertime is a great time to explore the great outdoors. Train, boat, plane, hike, bike, swim, or just have a picnic at a nearby park. Celebrate summer and keep these tips in mind to make the most out of whatever your plans.
THE QUICK BITE: Summer Trips and Tips will have you planning, packing, eating, and hitting the road in style.
5 Comments
Thanks! Have a great summer.
Great tips! Especially about protecting yourself from sun and bugs! We’re often having so much fun that we forget, and then suffer for it later.
Agreed. I didn’t appreciate it as much as a kid, but looking back my parents gave us a phenomenal expereince by taking us on so many driving vacations across the U.S.
Thanks Ronak! GM used to run an ad, see the USA in a Chevrolet. Driving’s still the best way to get around and really experience all there is to see in this beautiful country. Every city and state has it’s own culture, foods and ideas it’s quite an education.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I especially like the one about exploring the USA, doesn’t sound exotic, but it truly is in it own way. So much too see and so many different cultures to learn about.