Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation: 7 Essential Travel Tips for 2023
Issue #18-23 features a look at my essential advice for this Summer travel season
Summer is a great time to travel. The weather is warm, the days are long, and there are so many things to see and do. But Summer travel can also be expensive, crowded and stressful.
Here are my seven essential tips to help you travel better, travel smarter and optimize for value this Summer season:
Plan ahead (when possible)
The earlier you start planning your trip, the more likely you are to find good deals on flights and accommodations. And if you're traveling during peak season, it's important to book your travel plans as early as possible.
Be flexible with your travel dates
If you can, try to be flexible with your travel dates. Traveling during the week instead of on weekends can often save you money on flights and accommodations. And if you're willing to travel during the shoulder seasons (the months that fall between peak and off-peak seasons), you can often find even better deals.
Leave a day or two early.
If you have anything scheduled at your destination you can’t afford to miss or are embarking on a cruise, build in at least a day of buffer time in case flights are canceled or delayed.
Make use of essential travel technology
Use Apple AirTags (or similar devices) to track your luggage
If you remember last Summer 2022, it seemed like there were stories of lost luggage in the news every day. If the airlines lose your luggage you can at least track it and no where it is with an AirTag. I place on in every piece of checked luggage and in our backpacks (in case someone tries to take it)
Download offline maps to save on data
You can save an area from Google Maps to your phone and use it to navigate, even when you're offline and don’t have a data connection.
Pack a portable charger for your devices.
You don't want to be stuck with a dead phone when you're out exploring a new destination.
Pre-schedule and book your tours and transfers
Avoid the crowds and long lines by booking a tour for popular museums and destinations. Some of my favorite tour partners for Europe include Context Travel, Family Twist, Walks and Meet the Locals for Families.
Book airport transfers with Blacklane: There is nothing more I hate than arriving to an airport or destination I’ve never been to and having to search around for the Uber pickup option (usually not in a convenient place) or get in an extremely long taxi line. For our recent Europe trip, I pre-booked all of our airport transfers with Blacklane, which offered easy and seamless chauffer service and transfers in/out of the airports in Amsterdam, Rome and Madrid, that helped us save so much time.
Always pay in the local currency
If you’re traveling internationally, I recommend always paying in the local currency when using your credit card. Let your credit card get you the best exchange rate and avoid being duped into paying markup fees.
If you need to access an ATM while traveling internationally, do not select the option where they offer to do the currency conversion (often with a huge 15%-20% markup) and always use a bank that refunds any ATM fees
Keep electronic copies of all important documents
Have electronic copies (stored securely) of passports, travel itineraries and other important documents you may need
A picture of your passport comes in handy for VAT tax refunds when shopping in Europe.
If you haven’t booked any of your Summer 2023 trips yet, you may be too late in terms of finding the best pricing and availability, as the the best time to book Summer travel is as early as possible (or when first available), but the next best time is NOW!
Depending on your destination, you may be able to find flight deals (discounts or miles savings), hotel savings or at a minimum, optimize for the best value you can get.
And in case you missed any of these past newsletters, be sure to see below for more tips on optimizing your flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more to help you travel better, travel smarter and optimize value for your money
Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun. -Brian Wilson
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Recent posts from The Family Travel Guy
I haven’t had a chance to post hotel reviews, travel guides and more from our recent travels over on The Family Travel Guy, but do have a lot of content headed to the blog in the coming weeks - stay tuned!
And if you don’t already, be sure to follow our adventures over on Instagram!
FAMILY TRAVEL NEWS
Round-up of travel tips, insights and news you can use for your next trip
Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? What the Experts Think
U.S. to End Vaccine Requirement for Inbound International Travelers
FAMILY TRAVEL OFFERS & INSIGHTS
Featured Special Offers of the Week
The Estate at Yountville: Save 50% When You Stay For The Weekend
Save 50% when you book the “Sun-Soaked Summer” using offer code SUN50 now through May 7, 2023.
Third Night Free at Cavallo Point - the Lodge at Golden Gate
Stay three nights for the price of two. This exceptional offer is good on all room types. This offer is available in addition to Virtuoso Amenities and is valid for travel now through the end of the year when booked by October 31, 2023.
Virtuoso Amenities here include: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability; Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom; $100 Hotel credit; Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
THE FAMILY TRAVEL GUY
I hope this email helped spark some travel inspiration!
Learn More Here: Randy | The Family Travel Guy
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If you ever have a question or are looking to book a hotel where I can offer extra value and amenities, please reach out to me at Randy@thefamilytravelguy.com
The Family Travel Bulletin is a once weekly newsletter by Randy Singh featuring a curated summary of family travel news, special offers, travel advisor insights and recent blog posts from The Family Travel Guy to help you travel better, travel smarter and optimize value along the way.
The Family Travel Guy is an independent affiliate of 1000 Mile Travel Group, a Virtuoso Member, CST# California: 2129700-40
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