A way to get outdoors, avoid crowds and experience the vacation of your dreams.
Published on May 8, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Alexander Spatali/Moment/Getty Images
Are you planning a vacation this summer? You, me, everyone. The hot, sun-drenched days are the perfect time to visit a national park you’ve only seen in science textbooks, take that road trip you’ve always had on your bucket list, or make a sandy beach your temporary residence. But while it’s exciting, it can also be a particularly stressful time to make travel plans for the warmer months. The summer travel season comes with a lot to consider, from getting around crowded tourist spots to finding ways to beat the heat. Luckily, we frequent travelers at Thrillist are here to share everything we’ve learned from past summer adventures. It could be the best way to save money on international flights, a life-changing sunscreen, or a simple reminder that you don’t have to go to the trouble of overstaying your welcome to feel like you’ve broken out of your everyday routine. Here’s our summer travel survival guide, collected by our staff and tested by our editors.
This summer’s most popular travel destinations – and where to go instead
Want to vacation in trendy spots? Want to avoid the crowds? We’ve got you covered.
“If your summer schedule allows, it’s a good idea to book your vacation early in the month, when many cities around the world celebrate their First Friday or First Saturday, and you’re more likely to encounter cool block parties, art gallery crawls, and free museum days.” –Jessica Sulimah, Staff Writer
“I always plan my trip around the cheapest flight I can find and book everything else from there. Once I find flights within my budget (usually under $350), I can figure out how to plan the rest of the trip. This works great for group trips where the main goal is just to get somewhere. Our trips to Mexico, Colombia, France, and South Florida have all been successful using this method.” — Ofeli Garcia-Rola, Senior Staff Writer
“My biggest advice for summer travel is to do some kind of travel, no matter your budget or how much time you have left. Even if it’s just a long weekend getaway in a vacation rental a few hours drive from home. Or stay with a friend in the next state for a few days, go to a local street festival, catch up, watch reality TV on the couch, and hang out with the kids of friends you’ve only seen in their holiday cards. When the weather is so nice, it’s so important to take time to step away from your daily routine and reset.” — Joe Elbentraut, Editor in Chief
“Staycations are important and often offer a unique opportunity to simply enjoy your surroundings anew. Whether it’s cosplaying as a tourist in your town (think: going to the Met on a crowded summer Sunday) or dreaming of a different life (think: enjoying the deserted Upper East Side a few blocks away and sipping martinis at Bemelmans), exploring more of your go-to spots and neighborhoods is a fun way to remind yourself why you live where you do.” – Becca James, Senior Editor
“Summer travel tips for New York City: Summer is the best time to visit, because the city is free of traveling New Yorkers. Many locals escape the Big Apple for extended periods of time, whether to the nearby Hudson Valley or the Hamptons, or even to other continents. This is especially true on weekends and major holidays, which means it’s much easier to secure a seat at the city’s best eateries and attractions. And the locals who are still in town are almost always picnicking in city parks.” — Tae Yoon, Senior Editor
“Buy a one-way ticket. If you’re traveling domestically, you can travel between cities, so it might cost about the same as buying a round-trip ticket (depending on where you’re departing from or arriving at). But if your travel dates are flexible, it’s nice to add in one more stop before heading home. At least that’s what I like to do!” – Rosin Saez, Senior Editor
“If you’re energetic and feel it’s safe, plan long drives at night, especially on popular roads. You’re much less likely to get stuck in exhausting traffic, plus it feels so much better to wake up at your destination than having to drive all morning to get there. If you have kids, like me, it also means they’ll sleep the whole way through the car, avoiding the inevitable ‘Are we there yet?’ question.” — Amanda Kurto, Publisher
“Pack light, but don’t skimp on summer essentials, even if they seem a bit tedious on the surface. In addition to a cute pair of leather sandals you can wear from day to night, make sure to also have a sturdy pair of waterproof sandals to slip on when you hit the sand. Sunscreen is a must, but if you bring extra sunscreen for your face, you’ll be glad you brought a special product for your hairline to keep you from burning while you’re drinking outdoors. Even anti-chafing products are worth the extra luggage space when you’re climbing Porto’s steep streets or exploring the cliffs of Greece. Trust us.” — Liz Provencher, Editor
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Jessica Slyma is a staff writer on Thrillist’s travel team. twitter And Instagram.
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