Planning a vacation this summer? You, me and everyone. These sunny dog days are the perfect time to I hit this national park you've only seen it in a science textbook; take this road trip it’s been on your to-do list for too long; Or make a piece of sand your temporary home. But as exciting as it is, planning these warm-weather trips can be an especially stressful time. There are so many things to consider during the summer season, from navigating busy tourist spots to finding ways to beat the heat. Luckily, us frequent flyers here at Thrillist are here to share everything we've gleaned from our past summer adventures, from the best way to save money on international flights to cream solar that will change your life or the simple reminder that you don't. You don't need to do much to feel like you're escaping your usual routine. Here's our staff-written, editor-tested summer travel survival guide.
“If your summer schedule is flexible, it's always a good idea to book your vacation at the beginning of the monthbecause many cities around the world celebrate the first Fridays or Saturdaysand you're likely to attend cool block parties, art gallery tours, free museum days, and much more. –Jessica Sulima, editor
“I always plan my trip based on the cheapest plane tickets I can find, then book everything else from there: Once I find a flight that fits my budget (usually $350 or less), I know I can figure out how to plan the rest of my trip. This is best for group travel, when the main goal is just to get somewhere. Travel to Mexico, Colombia, FranceAnd South Florida are all successfully born from this method. – Opheli Garcia Lawler, senior editor
“My biggest summer travel tip is to make absolutely sure that you do it in one form or another, whatever the available budget or free time you have. Even if it's just one long weekend in a vacation rental a few hours' drive from home. Or stay with a friend across state for a few days to go to a street festival in their neighborhood, catch up and watch some reality show on their couch and spend time with their child that you've only seen on a greeting card. It's very important to take a break from your daily routine to reset, at a time of year when the weather is generally quite pleasant. – Joe Erbentraut, editorial director
“Stays count and often offer the unique chance 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 dreaming of a different life (think walking a few blocks to enjoy a Upper East Side desert and maybe a martini at Bemelman), exploring more of your own or adjacent playgrounds is a fun way to remind yourself why you live where you live. – Becca James, editor-in-chief
“Here’s a summer travel tip for New York City: Summer is a great time to visit because the city is empty of traveling New Yorkers. Whether nearby Hudson Valley Or Hamptons or another continent, many local residents flee the Big Apple for extended periods. This is especially true for weekends and major holidays. This means holding a place at the the best restaurants in town and attractions are much easier. And for the locals still hanging around town, you'll mostly find us picnicking in a city park. – Tae Yoon, editor-in-chief
“Get the one-way ticket. If I travel within the country, I may go from one city to another and that can be expensive. about the same as if I bought a round trip (depending on where I'm flying from). But if you have flexibility in your travel dates, it’s nice to make another stop before heading home – at least I like it! – Rosin Saez, editor-in-chief
“If you have the stamina and you feel you can do it safely, driving at night for long-haul trips, especially along popular corridors. You're much less likely to get stuck in debilitating traffic jams, and it's so nice to wake up at your destination rather than spending all morning driving to get there. If you have kids like me, this also means they sleep for much of the journey and we can avoid the inevitable “Are we there yet?” ” questions.” – Amanda Kludt, editor
“Try to travel light, but not at the expense of summer-specific essentials, even those that seem a little difficult on the surface. Alongside cute leather sandals that can take you from day to night, be sure to add a pair of hearty waterproof sandals for sand excursions. Sunscreen is of course essential, but you'll be glad you brought extra. everyday tube for your face or even a special product for your hair so you don't get burned while drinking outdoors. Even a anti-chafing product worth the extra space for luggage when you are hiking the steep streets of Porto Or explore the Greek cliffs-trust.” –Liz Provencher, editor
