Need some travel tips to plan your summer vacation? Summer travel is shaping up to be a sizzling hot one after a cold winter.
If you’re already in planning mode for summer vacation, Travel Off Path has collected some of the best travel tips from experts to make your 2023 travel plans even more special and unique.
Consider Smaller Cities For A More Immersive And Affordable Stay
Major cities are known to boast endless amounts of activities and options, but these can sometimes carry a hefty price tag.
Smaller cities offer some interesting and unique experiences that you won’t find in bigger cities while also allowing your vacation dollars to stretch a lot further.
Destinations like Lexington, Kentucky, which names itself the “Horse Capital of the World” with its bountiful horse-themed attractions, are hidden gems that offer something for everyone.
Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX, describes Lexington as “bursting with mouthwatering food, splendid arts, a stunning landscape, and a thriving spirits scene.”
Cruises Offer Great Value For The Whole Family
Cruising is back better than ever, and cruise lines are still offering some good deals despite prices skyrocketing. Cruises combine everything in one – a new destination, affordability, ease, and peace of mind that the price is all-inclusive.
Brett Keller, CEO of Priceline, offers a suggestion that “if you’re looking for more convenience, local cruises, which depart from many ports across the country, don’t require airfare and are the perfect getaway for a multigenerational experience with something for the entire family.”
He shares that one night in a 3-star hotel is equivalent to a night on a cruise where you get to enjoy world-class cuisine and entertainment while en route to a different destination.
Experience Traveling Solo
Traveling solo can be daunting to some, but it offers so many rewards.
Traveling solo allows you to take the vacation at your own pace and choose the activities best suited to your interests while meeting new people and like-minded travelers.
Octavia Marginean-Tahiroglu, General Manager of The St. Regis New York, A Marriott Bonvoy Hotel, recommends cities such as Antonio, TX, Nashville, TN, and Charleston, SC that each offer their own scene, whether it be shopping, skiing, art galleries, museums or walking tours to keep you busy.
“For the best solo travel experience, find out what your destination has to offer and purchase tickets for attractions in advance, but stay flexible and keep an open mind if things don’t go as planned,” she advises.
Traveling Close to Home Offers Fantastic Benefits
Just because a destination is a short distance from home, it doesn’t mean you won’t have the feeling of disconnecting from it.
Taking a road trip allows you to save costs on flights, and with the abundant number of lakes and oceanside destinations in the United States, there are some breathtaking locations within a short drive.
Travel expert Caroline Burns at HomeToGo says that vacationers can find great prices on vacation rentals in delightful destinations not previously considered.
She suggests “the quaint beach town of Madeira Beach on Florida’s West Coast, referred to by locals as ‘Mad Beach,’ which offers affordable median nightly price stays for budget-conscious travelers at $83.50 per person.”
If You Can’t Stand The Heat, Head South
If sweating it out during the most sizzling months is not your ideal vacation, the southern hemisphere offers some cooling relief.
If you’re not quite ready to kiss winter goodbye and you’re committed to perfecting your skills on the snow slopes, countries like Argentina that are exploding in popularity offer some fantastic ski resorts, like Cerro Catedral and Las Leñas.
Cooler temperatures also provide perfect conditions for whale watching or wine tasting in Argentina’s vineyards.
“The cooler temperatures make for a comfortable and enjoyable wine-tasting experience, and many wineries offer special events and tours during the winter season,” says David DiGregorio, On Behalf Of Visit Argentina in the USA.
Choose Accommodation That Makes The Experience
You might think accommodation just provides a comfortable place to sleep, but it can play a major role in complementing your whole experience.
Whether it be the feeling of the English countryside outside of Chicago or admiring the local art and bohemian style at a hotel lobby in Memphis, the type of accommodation can create a truly unique trip.
Matt Barba, Chief Operating Officer at Charlestowne Hotels, says that travelers want to connect to the culture and community of their destination, and accommodation can be an extension of this.
“These days, travelers crave authenticity and should look closely at the carefully developed ‘extras’ that hotels design to elevate the overall experience,” he says.
Vacation Rentals Are Affordable Options For Large Groups
If you’re planning a big family reunion this season, vacation rentals offer an affordable and flexible option to meet the different needs of your group.
You also won’t have to share spaces with strangers since common areas, kitchens, and other amenities will be only for your guests.
If you do not want to leave any family members behind, including your four-legged companions, Vacasa offers plenty of pet-friendly options using its filters.
“The ability to bring your pet makes it easier for those who work remotely to consider an extended stay, turning what was once a one-week summer vacation into a multi-week stay,” says Josh Viner, Regional Operations Director at Vacasa.
Consider Not Staying In The Center Of It All
When it comes to events, festivals, theme parks, and other attractions, the price tag can go up with proximity to the venue.
You can find some cheaper alternatives when you don’t stay right where the action is. If Walt Disney World is on your bucket list this year, consider staying off property in a location such as Caribe Royale Orlando, which is 1.5 miles from the park’s doorstep and provides shuttle bus transportation.
Amaury Piedra, Managing Director from Caribe Royale Orlando, says that the “suites and villas allow families to spread out, maximize their vacation time, and enjoy unbeatable amenities away from the parks.”
