Help take the stress out of your summer adventures

Key takeaways

• Summer travel is meant to be relaxing, and it can be — with a little preparation.
• Consider your heat tolerance, crowd tolerance and how you want to spend your time.
• Be mindful of potential challenges like weather-related flight delays, areas where the locals are on vacation and peak times for attractions.

Don’t let common travel stressors sap your summer bliss

You dream about summer all year. When it finally arrives, you want to be ready to take full advantage of those precious warm months to relax, go on an adventure or reconnect with loved ones. But without proper planning and some strategic decision-making, the result is often stress and regret.

A little forethought and groundwork can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed from planning and help you optimize your trip to be everything you envision. Here are some ways to maximize your summer travel without the stress. 

Get real with yourself before you book

Before making any major plans, start simple and calculate what kind of summer vibes you’re looking for. Choose which statement most closely describes your getaway goals:

1. “I love the heat, and I’m ready for the beach right now.” Max out your sun and surf exposure in places like Hawai’i, Florida or a more far-flung island, where life moves slow and all the action is outside.
2. “My priority is culture, give me food, art, fashion.” Focus on the cities where you can fill your days enjoying world-class museums, high-end boutiques and mouthwatering dining experiences.
3. “Can I actually cool down this summer? Is that so much to ask?” Consider northern areas for their cooler nights, or for a big adventure, head to the southern hemisphere where July means winter.
4. “I want to be outdoors and active, but I don’t want to melt.” Look for high-altitude adventure destinations like the Rockies or the Alps, or consider temperate coastal regions like the Pacific Northwest, with crisp mornings and manageably warm afternoons.
5. “I want zero decision-making and guaranteed air conditioning.” If you just want to show up and shut off, opt for an all-inclusive resort, luxury cruise or wellness retreat, where your itinerary is handled, the temperature is controlled and a cool pool is always steps away.

Limit the stress on your wallet

Resist the urge to chase price mirages. Waiting for prices to drop or deals to pop up is not the way to go. You might get lucky occasionally, but you’re more likely to pay a premium for indecision. For the best rates, book your flights and hotels as soon as you can. Do your research, decide where you want to go and commit. It’s the best way to get the best price.

If you do want to take advantage of lower rates, an easy trick is to book a trip to a destination or accommodation whose offseason corresponds with your summer travel dates. For major cities, consider looking at business hotels in financial districts, where things naturally slow down in the summer. 

Or consider destinations that don’t have the same peak summer season. In the southern hemisphere, there are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime offseason and shoulder-season adventures to be had. You could take in the sights of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires during their temperate winter weather, explore Sydney’s world-class dining scene without breaking a sweat or taste your way across Chile’s wine valleys beneath the snowcapped Andes.

Avoid the stress of crowds

Whether it’s because school is out, work is slower or the wanderlust is just unavoidable, summer is prime travel time. For everyone.

But with a few simple tricks, you can still walk through well-known sites with room to breathe and get that perfect Instagram picture that’ll have your friends asking, “Where are all the tourists?”

Know when to rush and when to wait

Soaking in the culture of a major city? Plan to be an early bird. Museums and attractions are packed by midday, so do yourself a favor and be the first in line. You’ll beat the heat on your way there and give yourself the best chance of getting a clear view of Starry Night Over the Rhône at the Musée d'Orsay.

But unless you’re rising with the sun, don’t head straight for national parks — entrance lines for popular parks can peak as early as 9 a.m. Wait until mid- to late afternoon and you can cruise past the line of departing cars on your way to a golden-hour hike.

Learn the secret of secondary cities

You don’t need to visit the travel hot spots to have an unforgettable trip. Instead of fighting for sidewalk space in New York City, enjoy the historic architecture, immersive museums and world-class dining of Chicago. If you want the romance and restaurants of Paris, look to Lyon. For Italian history without the gridlock of Rome, explore the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater in Verona or grand boulevards of Turin. Secondary cities can deliver similar experiences to the tourism heavyweights, with fewer crowds and less of a hit to your wallet.

Reduce the stress of the unknown

While the goal is to avoid travel stressors, you can’t control everything. But making strategic choices can minimize the risk of unexpected disruptions.

• Think through your connections and layovers. Summer means storm season in many parts of the world, and those high winds and showers can quickly derail a trip. When evaluating flight options, consider the location and typical weather patterns of your connection. Avoiding hubs notorious for severe summer rain reduces your risk of getting stranded or arriving late.
• Book the earliest flight possible. Even if you’re not in the path of an unfriendly Mother Nature, your afternoon flight could be part of the domino effect of summer storm delays. Booking the first flight of the day is a simple way to get in the air before afternoon thunderstorms and cascading delays have a chance to build up.
• Factor in local holiday schedules. Remember that locals take summer vacations, too. In many European cities, for example, residents take off the entire month of August. While major tourist attractions will likely stay open, many locally owned shops and restaurants may be closed. Keep this in mind if exploring the local culture is a priority.

Prevent stress on your physical well-being

No one wants to spend their vacation tracking down a pharmacy or recovering in a hotel bed. Think ahead and pack — and act — with your physical comfort in mind.

• Bring your own sunscreen. Yes, you can buy SPF in most places, but you’ll often pay a premium. Packing the brand you already trust means you can head straight to the pool or beach without worrying about how your skin might react to a new product.
• Keep it loose and natural. Beyond looking effortlessly stylish, natural fibers like linen and cotton are highly breathable. They allow for maximum airflow and keep you cooler than exposing bare skin to direct summer sun.
• Skip food that’s been out. A lavish spread looks tempting, but use your best judgment with food carts and buffets. If an item has been sitting out in the heat, politely ask how fresh it is or simply skip it. A moment of instant gratification isn’t worth losing a vacation day to a stomach bug.
• Stay hydrated. Changing your diet, walking more than usual and sweating in the summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Water alone might not cut it. Tossing a few travel-friendly electrolyte packets into your day bag is a simple, highly effective hack to keep your energy up and feel your best.

Plan your stress-free summer getaway with Citi Travel

Ready to get the relaxation started? If you’re planning your summer escape, booking with Citi Travel using an eligible Citi® credit card lets you earn points on hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions. Become a Citi^® cardmember today, or log in to your account to book a vacation that’s low-stress by design.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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