9 Tips for Summer Travel

Book Airfare Early

If you plan to fly this summer, lock in your fare early. Experts recommend booking about 60 to 90 days in advance (which means now for most destinations). After that, airlines will still offer sales, but ticket prices will be at a premium. So if you see a decent airfare, snag it and don't look back. Unlike at other times, fares may not drop as your departure date draws near, and the longer you wait, the higher the prices will climb. Read our 10 New Tricks for Saving on Summer Airfare for more booking tips.

Buy Attractions Tickets and Passes in Advance

Summer usually means bigger crowds (and higher prices), so don't stand in line when you don't have to: Book admission tickets, beach and park passes, and campsite entrance fees in advance online and print your reservations whenever possible. You may even save money, as some retailers offer discounts for early ticketing. For example, Six Flags and Cedar Point have varying online discounts for in-advance admission purchases.

Download Road-Trip Apps

Technology is your friend when it comes to smart summer travel. Enhance your road trip with apps that will save you money and cut down on travel time (and prevent you from wrestling with folded paper maps). Waze is indispensable for its community-based navigation and real-time traffic data, saving you from searching the radio dial for local traffic info. GasBuddy shows you the cheapest gas stations on your road-trip route so that you can save money when topping up your tank. And the Roadtrippers and Field Trip apps (both of which are free) will direct you to fun attractions and lodging along the way, in case you need to make a pit stop.

Stay Healthy

The surest way to ruin a summer vacation isn't weather—it's getting sick or sunburnt. Guard yourself against the harmful rays with frequent applications of broad-spectrum sunscreen (experts recommend at least one ounce of SPF 30 or above). In direct sunlight, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and face from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Stay hydrated in hot weather by carrying a refillable water bottle at all times. Use DEET-free insect repellant, such as Cutter's lemon-eucalyptus spray, to keep the bugs at bay. And when at the beach, always heed jellyfish, shark, rip-current, and shore-break warnings from lifeguards or signage. The water may seem fine, but dangers deep below could ruin your trip if you don't take them seriously.

Have Bad-Weather Backups

A weeklong beachside or lakeside stay can be ruined by inclement weather—but only if you let it. Avoid the inevitable complaints of boredom and plan alternate activities in advance for if your day gets washed out by summertime thunderstorms. If you're staying in a vacation home, pack board games or plan a fun "film festival" with your favorite summery movies (The Sandlot, anyone?). Before you leave for your trip, research indoor activities in your destination, such as arcades, go-kart tracks, museums, and so forth. This roundup from Real Simple offers even more rainy-day diversions.

Know that in some destinations, summer is the rainy season (often called "green season") or, worse yet, hurricane season. Read up on your destination's weather patterns and plan appropriately. You also may want to purchase travel insurance, especially if you're heading to hurricane-prone parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, or the southeastern United States.

Look for Free Entertainment

Theme parks, crab shacks, mini golf … summertime spending can quickly add up. Knowing that they'll be overrun by the maddening crowds, owners charge a premium for entertainment in vacation hot spots during peak months. But you can save money by researching local deals and free events. Check local listings for concerts, sporting events, food festivals, and public beaches, and look for discount booklets on tourism websites. Even popular destinations like Ocean City and Orlando offer two-for-one deals and coupons in summer.

Choose a Vacation Rental Wisely

Not all vacation rentals are created equal. When booking, look for added extras that will boost your getaway (and save you money). Some vacation-home owners include lengthy lists of amenities to set themselves apart from other properties, including complimentary beach-access passes, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, barbecue areas, pool inflatables, coolers, and even bicycles.

Thoroughly researching your vacation rental's policies and inclusions before you book can save you a headache later. Find out exactly what's included and what isn't in your nightly or weekly rate. Also look out for astronomical security deposits, additional parking or amenities fees, and strict cancellation policies; we've rounded up some additional vacation-rental tips for you.

Plan Around Traffic

Anyone in the Northeast who has experienced the singular Sagamore Bridge gridlock knows that you never leave on Friday night for the Cape. If your destination is similarly popular with weekend warriors, plan around the inevitable traffic. Stock up those vacation days and leave Thursday evening or in the wee hours of Friday morning, and plan to return midday Monday or Tuesday. Driving at non-peak hours means you'll save gas money—and endless hours of frustration. Check for detours, closures, alternate routes, and local traffic before you hop in the car; it's also worthwhile to check weather conditions for your destination, as rain or storms could slow down your drive.

Pack Smart

Packing for summer travel should be easier than for winter getaways. After all, gauzy sundresses, khaki shorts, and flip-flops are lighter and more foldable than your average puffer coat. But you'll still want to pack smart for summer to avoid astronomical overweight-bag fees. First, footwear: Stick to a few pairs of lightweight sandals, flats, and loafers. Foldable sun hats (like this option from J.Crew) save space in your suitcase. Pack in a single color palette of light shades (such as ivory, cream, and pastels) and simple summery prints (nautical stripes and such) so that you can mix and match at will. And know the unofficial dress code of your destination, whether it's Nantucket reds or hiking boots. Our Guide to Packing for Every Season is a good place to get some inspiration.

As far as your toiletries go, the 3-1-1 rule still applies. Unless you want to pay to check full-sized bottles of sunscreen, you may want to wait until you reach your destination to buy them. Avoid pricey boardwalk convenience stores or hotel gift shops and make sure there's a supermarket in your destination for stocking up on inexpensive toiletries.

You Might Also Like:

• How to Get the Best Deals for Summer Travel
• 10 Essential Clothing Items for Every Type of Summer Vacation
• 10 Essential Apps for Summer Travel

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