Summer Travel Tips

Looking forward to your next vacation? Already packing? To help you have the best time, we’ve gathered up useful summer travel tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

Summer travel means plenty of sunshine and outdoor events. With just a little preparation ahead of time, you can be sure to keep your cool throughout your trip. Here are a few of our favorite summer travel tips.

Summer Travel Packing Hacks

Make the most of your luggage by maximizing space and packing smart. You will want to pack light layers to keep you cool and protect you from the sun in the summer months. Keep in mind that many of the religious and cultural sites you visit will require covered knees and shoulders. Travel-sized toiletries are a great idea for shorter trips to help keep your luggage as light as possible. Some products can be more expensive in Europe, so pack a personal-sized sunscreen and insect repellent. 

5 Essential Packing Tips

Beat the Summer Heat

There’s nothing worse than getting sunburned on your first day of vacation. And we’ve all done it. Keep in mind that even if you’re not traveling to someplace sunny like southern Italy, you’re still prone to UV exposure. And, while it’s easy to forget this on cloudy days and in cooler climates, chances are you will be spending several hours a day outdoors over the course of your trip.

We recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, good sunscreen with high UV protection, a scarf for layering, and most importantly - a water bottle. Bringing a reusable water bottle is one of our top suggestions for travelers. Even better if you can find a collapsible one, they fold up when you’re not using them so you can save space in your bag! When you're on the go, sometimes it's tough to remember to stay hydrated. So, don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and refill your water bottle every chance you get. Many places in Europe have clean public water fountains to restock your bottles with (which are super fun to learn to use!). 

Use findtap.com

Download the Latest Travel Apps

Consider downloading a few travel apps before your summer trip if you have a smartphone or a tablet. An app for all of your travel needs includes tracking your flights, translating local language and currency, and mapping your way around town.

Most airlines have an app you can download right to your home screen. Keep all your tickets, times, gates, and updates in one place without worry! The easiest way to do it, visit your app store and type in travel. Have fun exploring and figuring out what works best for you! 

In our tech-savvy world, there’s probably an app for anything you might need traveling. Most apps are free to download, though some carry marginal fees.

The Best Apps for Travelers

Plan Ahead, Just in Case

Common travel annoyances such as delayed flights, missed connections, or lost luggage are far easier to handle with a little preparation.

4 Ways to Stay Safe Traveling & In Case of Emergencies

• Keep photocopies of your passport, driver’s license in a separate place
• Have hard copies of all flights and transportation itineraries
• Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed
• Keep money in multiple places and only take enough with you for the day – leave the rest in your hotel safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash, as not all vendors will accept credit cards.

Travel Safety Tips

Make the Most of a Layover

You’ve probably already started researching your destination; keep getting excited, and don’t let your research stop there. When it comes to travel, the more you know, the better. Details such as knowing your airport terminals and amenities can turn a long layover into a fun meal in a specialty restaurant or a relaxing break in an airport spa. 

Knowing the terminal layout can be a huge time-saver if you have shorter connection times between flights. Spending a little time on crowd-sourced review sites like Yelp or Trip Advisor can guide you to lesser-known cafes and shops in airports and your destinations. Simply put, try to learn as much as you can about everywhere you’ll be spending time. Because this is your vacation, after all, might as well enjoy every minute of it.

Give Your Bank a Heads-Up Before You Travel

In their efforts to best protect your account security, many financial institutions may deny charges and or put a hold or flag on your account if you attempt to make a purchase internationally without giving them a heads up that you’re out of the States.

To avoid any stress spent, set a reminder to call and inform your bank of your intended travel plans in the week leading up to your trip. Ask them to make a note on your account and let them know the countries you plan on visiting. Having something on file will deter your bank from questioning your card’s whereabouts.

Contacting Your Bank

Savor Your Destination's Cuisine

Sometimes the best way to immerse yourself in your destination is to sit back with locals and savor a meal or a glass of wine, taking in the sights and sounds all around you. Engage in conversation, listen to stories, and learn about their way of life. Alternatively, start your day by enjoying a leisurely morning coffee at a nearby café, watching the world wake up and the daily routines unfold. These simple yet meaningful experiences allow you to connect with the culture on a deeper level, making your travel experience richer and more authentic.

Top Trips for Food & Wine Lovers 

Be My Guest Experiences in Local Homes

Remember to Take a Break

During your free time, you might be inclined to try to see and do as much as you possibly can. While you want to make the most of your vacation, don’t forget to relax too! It's important to strike a balance between exploring new destinations and allowing yourself downtime to truly unwind. Embrace leisurely activities like reading a book, enjoying spa time, or simply taking a nap. Remember, the goal of a vacation is not just to see new places but also to rejuvenate your mind and body. By incorporating relaxation into your itinerary, you'll return home feeling refreshed and recharged.