Squint and you can almost see it: Summer is on the horizon, promising lazy days and warm nights and, almost certainly, higher prices than you’d like to pay for vacation.
Airfare is up. Gas prices, too. Checked bag fees on U.S. airlines are up across the board as carriers try to cope with higher jet fuel prices amid conflict in the Middle East. Still, expect packed planes and prepare for some of the world’s most-visited summer spots to be bustling as usual.
If high prices, busy airports and crowded destinations are threatening to put a damper on your summer plans, read on. We’ve scoured our volumes of advice to offer a handbook for choosing a vacation spot, booking hotels and plane tickets, packing to save money and navigating summer conundrums.
Where to go for cheap(er)
Prices might be up across the board. But you may still be able to swing something affordable this summer. No, not the Amalfi Coast in July. How about a beautiful beach in Panama, the southern coast of Portugal or San Juan, Puerto Rico? We asked travel planners to share their picks for cheaper destinations for summer travel, and they delivered ideas as close as Northwest Arkansas and as far as Estonia. If domestic shores are more your style, consider Ventura, California, or other less-expensive U.S. beaches such as Hollywood, Florida, or the Wildwoods in New Jersey.
Where to go for smaller crowds
Travel planners have told us that some clients are prioritizing peace and quiet to escape all the background noise. If you’re seeking serenity, perhaps a less-traveled destination — think Slovenian wine country, cork forests and castles in Portugal, and whale watching in the Caribbean — will fill the need.
Where to escape summer heat
Don’t want to spend your summer break sweating? You might head to cooler European spots such as Vienna, English wine country or the Dolomites in Italy. If you’re heading for a steamy locale, brush up on safety tips for traveling in hot places (light clothes and hydration are key). Stock up on supplies such as portable fans, cooling towels and protective hats. And plan to embrace the night for activities.
Know when to book flights
If you haven’t locked down plane tickets for summer yet, that’s probably fine. But it’s definitely time to start looking. According to our primer on the best time to book flights at a decent price, April is a good window to lock down flights for the summer. After you book, keep checking in case the price goes down; if your ticket allows, you can cancel and rebook.
Red flags to look for when booking your stay
Found a deal on a place to stay that seems too good to be true? Consider that your first sign that something could be wrong. Learn from our mistakes to avoid lousy vacation rentals: Remember to look for windows, actual beds and private toilets. When choosing a hotel, seek out specific complaints in reviews and be on the watch for fake photos so you don’t end up with a dud.
Stick to your travel budget
Don’t add more stress to your life by overspending on a trip, no matter how bad you need one this year. Instead, plan a trip that works for your wallet. Our Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary has tips for you to do just that. Skip the souvenirs and be selective about what sights you see, she says.
Vow to pack light
Summer travel coincides with wacky weather and flight delays, not to mention constant crowds in airports, train stations and hotel lobbies. Simplify your life by opting for a small roller or duffel bag over hulking checked luggage (which could get stuck on a delayed plane and miss a tight connection). If you need help downsizing, we asked crew members and frequent fliers to share their essential rules for packing a carry-on. Ditch nonessentials, do laundry on your trip and go minimalist with the toiletries, they said. (If you want to get ruthless, try to fit everything in a personal item only.) As airlines raise bag fees, a smart packing plan will pay off.
Little luxuries to elevate your trip
When you’re facing the draining prospect of red-eye flights or multiple layovers, even the smallest acts of self-care take on new importance. We put together a list of items (and actions!) that aren’t elaborate or expensive — some, such as essential oils, face mist and fancy salt, are small enough to fit into your carry-on bag or coat pocket — to provide a dash of comfort on the road.
Plan for pain-free flying
The hours-long lines that plagued airport security checkpoints last month appear to be in the rearview for now. But the warnings from some airports to arrive more than four hours early are hard to forget. To give yourself the best chance of breezing through lines, sign up for the expedited service (such as TSA PreCheck or Clear) that makes the most sense for you. If you have PreCheck already, enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID before checking in for your flight if you want to speed up the process even more at participating airports (facial scan required).
Make sure you’re prepared to sail through the TSA line by emptying your pockets, avoiding clothes that set off alarms and checking your bags in advance for potential red flags. And brush up on all the flying etiquette you need to know, like whom to tip, how to best use the overhead bin and when to let your neighbor chill in peace.
Hit the road like a boss
Don’t wait too long to start planning a summer road trip. Decide where you want to go, research the routes, make reservations, order gear and prep the car with plenty of time before heading out. For inspiration, check our roundup of scenic road trips, including the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys, the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in California and Oregon.
On the trip, tap online resources to find the best gas prices. And don’t forget etiquette on the open road: Let the driver focus, pay attention if you’re navigating, and pack with an understanding that the trunk is a finite space.
Don’t ignore the train
If you’re hoping to live that slow-travel life but don’t want to drive, remember you can see much of the country via Amtrak. Just don’t expect a cross-country trip to be cheap — or comfy, if you spend time in coach.
For Northeast Corridor trips, there are new Acela trains to check out. And with half-price tickets for kids, train trips can be surprisingly good deals for families. Remember the rules of good train travel: Don’t give your bag its own seat, respect the quiet car, and abide by the seat assignment if you have one.
Plot a better camping trip
Whether you’re going bare-bones backpacking, car camping with an arsenal of amenities or full-on glamping — camping can help us unplug, unwind and appreciate nature. But when done poorly, it can also be a disaster. We compiled our best advice for planning your adventure, from how to book a campsite to what to pack. If you’re a beginner, think about car camping for your first outing. Brush up on essentials you might not know you need, such as scissors, and decide whether buying gear or renting it is the way to go.
Navigate National Park crowds
Millions of Americans flock to our spectacular National Parks every summer to hike, camp, picnic — and suffer through traffic.
This year, visitors should brace for lines and gridlock, now that several major parks are rolling back their reservation systems. To deal with this, visit at off-peak times and opt for alternative entrances when lines build. You can also swap lesser-known alternatives for the bigger parks.
Whatever you do, don’t add to the parks’ problems with your own bad behavior (we’re looking at you, people who can’t stop messing with wild animals).
Don’t be a jerk at the beach …
We collected pet peeves from regular beachgoers and came up with a list of beach commandments. No need to set up your towel inches away from a neighbor’s. Don’t kick sand onto sunbathers. Keep your volume low. Littering is a no-no. So is smoking. And whatever you do, don’t feed the seagulls.
… or the hotel pool
The rules here are similar to those at the beach, with the added complication of pool chair hogging. Don’t hog the pool chairs! Or if you must, be aware of how long you’re allowed to save seats at your particular pool. Also, keep any food out of the water. No one wants to see your club sandwich floating by.
The post How to save money, avoid crowds and escape the heat on your summer vacation appeared first on Washington Post.
