Summer Travel Guide for Vacationers Seeking Relaxation

Flight delays can happen more often in the summer due to storms, packed schedules, and overcrowded airports. Booking flights more strategically can help you avoid frustration on your travel days. Opt for nonstop flights if you can, and aim for early-morning departures since they’re typically less likely to be delayed than afternoon or evening flights.

Sign up for flight alerts through your airline’s mobile app or website so that you are aware of any changes to your flight the moment they are posted. Most carriers will send notifications by email, text, or app push if your flight status changes. These notifications can allow you to adjust your arrival time at the airport, take immediate action to rebook flights or car services, or even just be mentally prepared for a delay.

If something does go wrong, travel insurance with trip delay or interruption coverage can help cover the cost of re-booking, meals, or an unexpected hotel stay.

It’s tempting to pack your summer with back-to-back destinations, but sometimes less really is more. Instead of rushing through three cities in seven days, consider staying in one spot longer. You’ll avoid the stress and added expense of constant transit and give yourself a chance to actually settle in, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

When you stay put, you get to dig a little deeper into your destination – maybe catch a local festival, discover a new favorite neighborhood café, or just enjoy a slower pace. It also means less time in airports or on trains, and more time actually relaxing. Isn’t that what summer travel is all about?

If you’re traveling this summer, especially internationally, long airport security lines are practically a given. But there’s a smart way to skip some of the chaos: sign up for programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear.

These programs might feel like a hassle to apply for, but they’re a game changer once you’re approved. TSA PreCheck gets you through domestic security faster, no need to remove shoes or laptops, while Global Entry helps you breeze through customs when you return to the United States. Clear lets you skip ahead in the ID check line by using biometric screening.

The time savings associated with avoiding long lines can really add up, especially if you’re juggling kids, connecting flights, or just hate the stress of rushing. Many credit cards even reimburse the application fees (like Amex Platinum), so it’s worth checking if yours does before paying full price for a service.

A little effort now = a smoother airport experience later.

When it comes to summer travel (or traveling in general), it’s easy to plan for the fun stuff and forget about the not-so-fun possibilities, like food poisoning, sunburns, or even a surprise cold that knocks you off your feet mid-trip. The truth is, staying healthy on vacation takes a little prep, but it can go a long way in keeping your plans on track.

Start with a mini travel health kit. Toss in the basics: pain relievers, motion sickness medications, allergy pills, bandages, a small thermometer, and any prescription medications you might need (plus extras, just in case). If you’re going somewhere hot or tropical, sunscreen and bug spray are key.

Do a little destination research too. For example, are you heading somewhere where the tap water isn’t safe to drink? Is food safety a concern? Are there specific health risks in the region, like mosquito-borne illnesses? The CDC’s Traveler’s Health site is a great resource for checking region-specific requirements and warnings before you go.

Finally, travel medical coverage can be an essential purchase for a summer vacation. Medical expenses add up alarmingly quickly if you aren’t covered (which is highly likely if you travel out-of-network this summer), so make sure you have travel medical coverage to help defray the costs of any emergency medical expenses.

Summer is peak season just about everywhere, which means top destinations can get crowded fast. Whether you’re heading to a national park, a European capital, or a tropical beach town, chances are you’re not the only one with that idea.

If there’s something you really want to do, book it early. Popular activities like guided tours, museum tickets, and restaurant reservations often sell out weeks (sometimes months) in advance during summer. Don’t wait until you get there, especially if the activity is only available on certain days or at limited time slots.

The same goes for lodging. Hotels and even vacation rental homes in high-demand areas can book up quickly, and prices rise the longer you wait. Planning ahead not only guarantees your spot but can save you money, too.

Think about timing as well. Some popular attractions are best visited early in the morning or later in the day to avoid long lines, heat, and crowds.

Planning ahead doesn’t mean you have to schedule every minute. But locking in a few key reservations can make your trip smoother, less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable once you’re on the ground.

Not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of peak season hot-spots, and that’s okay. If you’d rather not have to wait in lines, avoid packed beaches, and breathe a little easier, there are still plenty of great destinations that shine in summer without the crowds.

Patagonia, for example, flips the script. It’s winter there while it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s off-season, but that can mean crisp air, dramatic landscapes, and a more peaceful pace. You’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices, and a different kind of magic than the high-season summer rush.

Other quiet summer gems include:

• The Faroe Islands – Rugged, wild, and beautifully remote.

• Slovenia – Lake Bled and the Julian Alps are stunning but less chaotic than neighboring Italy or Austria.

• Southern Chile – Great for nature lovers looking to unplug.

• Canadian Maritimes – If you want something closer to home, these offer small-town charm and cooler temps.

Even in popular countries, skipping the biggest cities or beach towns in favor of second-tier cities or inland regions can provide a much more relaxed experience.

While many popular summer destinations don’t require a visa for short visits, there are some exceptions that can catch travelers off guard. For example, U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit China, even for short stays, and the application process typically involves an in-person appointment and a fee of around $140. India also requires a visa, but fortunately offers a convenient e-visa system that travelers can apply for online. On the other hand, places like Thailand, Japan, and Singapore allow U.S. tourists to enter visa-free for up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the country.

In short, it’s a good idea to check entry requirements early in your planning process since they can change and may affect your travel timeline.

Even with the best planning, travel upsets can happen. Flight cancellations or delays, last-minute sickness, or lost luggage can quickly throw off your vacation vibe, and even your budget. A comprehensive travel insurance plan can help cover those unexpected costs and give you one less thing to stress about.

TravelInsurance.com makes it easy by allowing you to input basic information about your trip and quickly compare travel insurance policies from top insurers.

Summer travel doesn’t have to be a chaotic, stressful blur. With a little upfront planning, like choosing the right flights, preparing for any health accommodations, and booking experiences early, you can spend less time dealing with problems and more time actually enjoying your trip. And if things don’t go exactly as planned? That’s where travel insurance can help pick up the slack.

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