From dream vacations to nightmarish getaways, most trips are set up to succeed or fail in the planning stages. Before your summer break ends up as a travel horror story, check out these pointers for how to make the most out of your summer vacay.
Do: Book ASAP
Do: Set intentions
Travel with intention by knowing why you want to visit a particular destination this summer. Plan on trying out a new activity, like surfing for the first time or trying a homemade regional delicacy. Why not check out the local theater scene, or visit a historical landmark? Setting summer vacation goals gives you specific things to look forward to and prioritizes how you’ll spend your time while away. Creating a loose itinerary also gives you time to make the proper reservations, or purchase equipment and attire you may need to participate in certain activities or occasions.
Don’t: Overplan
Leave room in your plans for the unexpected. You can never predict delays, cancellations, and other unknowns, but even without obstacles, you’ll want time to explore your surroundings. You may want to get lost in a conversation with a new friend, or have a bit more alone time. Even if it’s just enough time to catch an extra nap after a long journey, planning to have spare moments can ultimately lead to a better summer vacation.
Do: Invite others
Shared memories are some of the most prized parts of traveling with family and friends. Another bonus of group travel: discounts for the entire squad! Large groups traveling together, especially with 10 or more people, are often offered special rates on tours and certain admission prices. Now’s the time to decide on the kinds of activities the group is interested in and ask about group discounts. Remember, the earlier you book, the better chance you have at reserving spots for everybody coming along this summer.
Don’t: Limit yourself
Be fearless this summer. Venture out of your comfort zone and consider forms of travel and accommodation you’ve never tried before. Go on a luxury train ride, book a quirky Airbnb, or even try a new watersport. Affordable international airfares make global travel as accessible as domestic trips, so why not hop on a flight to a country with new sights, smells, and adventures? Before booking a summer vacation like the ones you’ve been on in the past, make this the year you won’t forget by trying something new.
Do: Rack up rewards points
With several months before summer arrives, you still have the opportunity to build up your travel rewards points through participating credit cards. Find out if your credit cards offer travel points for everyday purchases, including at grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, and start racking up those rewards now! Look for sign-up bonuses on cards you might not have yet, including upgrades with your current banks, and lean toward cards that offer transferable points.
Don’t: Rule out multiple vacations
Instead of spending your entire summer vacation budget on a grand getaway, think about parceling your trip out over the season. Breaking a big vacation down into a few weekends away means more destinations and more to look forward to throughout the summer. If you decide to forgo flying altogether and map out multiple road trips, there’s opportunity to save major money, and possibly spare a few vacation days to be used later in the year.
