How to get outdoors, avoid crowds and experience the vacation of your dreams.
Planning a vacation this summer? You, me and everyone else. Those sunny dog days are the perfect time to visit that national park you’ve only seen in a science book; take that trip that has been on your wish list for a long time; or make a patch of sand your temporary home. But as exciting as it is, making travel plans for warm climates can be an especially stressful time. There’s a lot to consider during the summer travel season, from navigating crowded tourist spots to finding ways to beat the heat. Luckily, we Thrillist frequent travelers are here to share everything we learned on our adventures last summer, whether it’s the best way to save money on international flights, the sunscreen that will change your life, or the simple reminder that you You don’t need to grow up a lot to feel like you’ve escaped your normal routine. Here’s our editor-tested, staff-crafted summer travel survival guide.
“If your daylight saving time is flexible, it’s always a good idea book your vacation at the beginning of the monthbecause many cities around the world celebrate First Fridays or Saturdays, and you’re likely to attend some cool parties, art gallery visits, free museum days, and more. –Jessica Sulima, Staff Writer
“I always plan my trip based on the cheapest air tickets I can find, then book everything else from there – once I find a flight that’s within my budget (typically $350 or less), I know I can figure out how to plan the rest of my trip. This has been best for group travel, when the main goal is to just go somewhere. Trips to Mexico, Colombia, France and South Florida were successfully born out of this method.” – Opheli Garcia Lawler, Senior Writer
“My biggest summer travel tip is be absolutely sure that you do it in some form or fashion, regardless of how much available budget or slack you have. Even if it’s just a long weekend at a vacation rental a few hours’ drive from your home. Or staying with a friend across state for a few days to go to a street festival in your neighborhood, chat and watch some reality TV on the couch, and hang out with the kid you only saw on a Christmas card. It is very important to spend time away from the daily routine as a reset, during a time of year when the weather is usually pleasant. – Joe Erbentraut, Editorial Director
“Stay count and often offer the unique opportunity to simply enjoy your surroundings again. Whether it’s cosplaying as a tourist in your own city (think going to The Met on a crowded summer Sunday) or daydreaming about a different life (think walking a few blocks to enjoy a deserted Upper East Side and maybe a martini at Bemelmans ), even more exploring your own locations or surrounding areas is a fun way to remind you why you live where you do. – Becca James, senior editor
“Here’s a summer travel tip for New York City: Summer is a great time to visit because the city is empty of New Yorkers who are traveling on their own. Be nearby Hudson Valley or Hamptons or a different continent, many local residents flee the Big Apple for long periods. This is especially true on weekends and major holidays. This means getting a place for the the best restaurants in the city and attractions is much easier. And for the locals still in town, you’ll mostly find us picnicking in a city park.” – Tae Yoon, senior editor
“Get a one-way ticket. If I’m traveling domestically, I can go from one city to another and it can cost about the same as if I bought a round trip (depending on where I’m flying from). But if you have flexibility with your travel dates, it’s a good idea to make another stop before heading home – at least I like it!” – Rosin Saez, senior editor
“If you have the resistance and think it is safe to do so, driving at night for long-haul trips, especially along popular corridors. You’re much less likely to encounter debilitating traffic jams, and it’s really nice to wake up at your destination instead of spending the entire morning driving to get there. If you have kids like me, this also means they sleep through much of the tour and we can avoid the inevitable ‘Are we there yet?’ questions.” – Amanda Kludt, editor
“Try to bring light, but not at the expense of summer-specific essentials — even those that seem a little complicated on the surface. Alongside cute leather sandals that can take you from day to night, be sure to wear a pair of waterproof sandals for excursions in the sand. Sunscreen is a must, of course, but you’ll be glad you brought an extra tube of daily use for your face or even a special product for your hairline so you don’t burn yourself while drinking outside. Even an anti-chafing product is worth the extra space in your luggage when you’re navigating Porto’s steep streets or exploring the Greek cliffs – trust me.” –Liz Provencher, editor
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