With the summer months upon us it’s time to talk about travel. With school being out for many children and families having less activities and a lot more free time during the months of June, July and August, now is the perfect time to get away together. Before you make your travel plans there are some things you should know.
Destinations Can Be Crowded
Since many people are able to travel during the summer months many destinations are very crowded. For instance, European cities like Rome and Paris tend to draw a large number of tourists during this time. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit them during the summer months, but if you do you should expect to experience long lines at some of the more popular tourist attractions. The same goes with theme parks such as Disney and Universal Studios in Florida. If you can travel mid-week you should find the parks less crowded than on the weekends.
It Can Be Quite Hot
Whether it’s South Florida or visiting the Acropolis in Greece, in the regions experiencing summer (the US, Canada, Europe, Northern Africa and Asia,) it can get quite hot, particularly in August. If you want to visit South America, Australia, Southern Africa or Antarctica, their summer is during our winter months.
Packing Tips
Make sure and plan ahead to have lots of sunblock, bottled water to keep hydrated and hats if you are going to spend a considerable amount of time outside. You may want to wear tank tops and shorts while on vacation, but there are some museums and churches, particularly in Europe where you cannot wear either one. Capri pants are a good option and if you want to wear a tank top, pack a t-shirt, scarf to wrap around your shoulders, or short sleeve bolero jacket you can easily slip on and then take off when you get out. If you are headed to the beaches, make sure and take an umbrella or tent to provide shade from the sun. If you are traveling with children on an airplane or care trip, make sure you take plenty of things to keep them occupied such as crayons, books, puzzles and activities sheets. If you take electronics such as an I-pad, I-pod or DVD players, make sure they are fully charged before you leave the house and that you have packed the chargers in your carry on bag. Take healthy snacks with you in your carry on such as protein bars, grapes, almonds, wheat thins or pureed fruit squeeze pouches. Consider packing a spray bottle or spritzer to help keep you cool. They also have smaller battery operated fans you can purchase at CVS or Walgreens.
High Prices
Consumer confidence is up, and we have seen a lot of early bookings, so last minute airfare bargains are harder to come by. If your travel dates are flexible, with some patience you can still find a few good deals. You can also have your travel agent research the latest deals for you. If you are not traveling with school aged children and can postpone until September, then you will see less crowds and somewhat lower prices.
You Can Still Travel On A Budget
Cruises have a lot of advantages for money conscious travelers, as your accommodations, meals and entertainment are all included. If you haven’t been to Alaska, we have seen some great last minute cruise deals for as little as $600 pp for a 1 week cruise. Escorted tour packages are another great option for those on a budget. They are the best way to get the most bang for your buck with all the important things included in your price like hotels and transportation.
Don’t Overlook The Mini-vacation
Even if you can’t get away for a week or two this summer you can still go on a mini-vacation. By simply going away for 3 or 4 days you can spend time with your family and get away from it all. Mini-vacations are best taken at nearby cities that don’t require a lot of travel time.
Be Patient
No matter how much planning you do, something usually goes wrong, even if it’s just traffic delays or long lines when you arrive to your destination, but they are all part of the journey. Don’t let the small things deter you from having a great vacation.
If you haven’t done so, now is the time to make your travel plans. There are lots of great places to go during the summer. Even if you can only go away for a few days, it will be worth it.
