Summer travel and can be fun and memorable, but it can also be stressful if you’re not prepared! Here are a few top tips for helping make your summer travel and smooth and stress-free as possible!
Create a Packing Checklist. Creating a packing checklist for each member of the family is a great way to organize the packing process, and to make sure nothing is forgotten.
Arrive Early. No one likes sitting around the airport for a long time, but the summer is an extremely busy time to travel. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and arrive to the airport extra early to allow for delays in parking the car, checking baggage and getting through security.
Pack Wisely. If traveling by car, there is only so much space for all of your belongings. Sticking to your checklist can help keep the luggage amount reasonable. If flying, baggage fees can really add up, so if possible, pack carry-on bags only to avoid extra fees.
If Traveling by Car, Get a Tune Up. Nothing puts a damper on your summer vacation like car maintenance problems, especially on the side of the highway. Always take your car in to a mechanic you trust a few days before leaving on your trip to ensure your car is in tip top shape. This also gives you peace of mind knowing your car is safe for travel!
Plan Itineraries and Book Accommodations in Advance. Hotels, theme parks, tours, etc all can sell out if you wait too long to book. Also, booking early can often save you money and give you a better choice of times, room types, and more.
Try Traveling on Less Popular Days. If flying, consider booking your flights on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, when flights are often less busy and therefore often less expensive!
Don’t Lost Track of your Luggage! When traveling, there is a lot to keep track of, whether at the airport or when traveling by car. Especially with all the other busy travelers, it can be easy to lose track of your luggage. Have a plan and take turns when using the restroom, ordering food, etc.
Book Your Flights ASAP. Often times, flights can sell out and get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase the ticket. Also, if you’re traveling as a family, booking your ticket early will give you a better choice of seats, and hopefully allow the family to be seated on the flight together.
Don’t Be Late. As mentioned earlier, it’s always best to arrive to the airport early. This is also critical when getting ready to board your flight. Make sure to follow your particular airline’s guidelines for boarding and make sure you are in the gate area on time! You don’t want to be late or lose track of time and get bumped from your flight.
Factor in Holiday Travel or Special Events. If traveling over a holiday weekend, or in or out of a location with a special event, consider how that might impact your travel. If possible, try leaving a day early or staying a day late, or try timing your arrival or departure around the special event.
Have a safe and fun summer trip!
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