Summer Travel Tips

I love July, mostly because it means summer is in full swing, the weather is warm and delightful, and traveling in earnest can begin! A lot of people wait to have their vacation during the temperate summer months, so you might feel a little rusty after the long winter at home. But this doesn't mean you have to make all the mistakes to remember the best ways to travel this summer, you can just refresh your memory with some travel tips from J&P Voelkel, renowned adventure travel authors, and myself.

One of the first tips on a comprehensive list you can find in our article archive is ”Bring more bug spray, itch soother and sunscreen than you think you'll need - it can be hard to find and expensive.” This is especially important for summer trips – a fun getaway can turn ugly from simply a nasty sunburn or mosquito attack! One of my favorite home remedies for mosquitoes is using the original amber Listerine (no mint or orange – the sweetener in these will attract bites!). Putting it in a little squirt bottle will work perfectly as an emergency back up on your summer getaway.

Along the same vein, J&P caution to “Never, never underestimate the power of the tropical sun. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day, bring hats and rash guards and extra t-shirts for swimming.” What wonderful advice for the summer heat we've been enjoying! Whether you actually get to take a tropical sojourn this summer (lucky you!) or will perhaps be enjoying the beaches of local destinations like California or Florida, being really careful of the sun will definitely add to the enjoyment of your summer getaway. I personally love this time of year, when I can break out my floppy hats and sun dresses to fully enjoy the sunshine!

If you are taking your kids along for a family vacation this summer, J&P give the practical advice - “Set yourself a low bar. Expect to cover a lot less ground when you travel with children. Pick out your must-sees ahead of time and regard everything else as a bonus.”

Prioritizing is a must when traveling with kids, but I also believe this can be immensely helpful on any trip. Discussing beforehand the importance of each destination and attraction will make the days spent on vacation relaxing and worry free, allowing for total enjoyment during your summer vacation.
Finally, J&P Voelkel leave us with one last tip for the summer - “Don't stand under a tree with howler monkeys in it.” No argument from me!