Planning Your Next Summer Vacation

Are you already planning out your next summer vacation? After the ice and cold have melted away, you’re going to want to get out with your friends and family and hit the outdoors, right?

Why not start planning now? There’s so much to do and so little time so you need to get your plans straight long in advance.

But what should you do? There are so many summer vacation ideas that it can be hard to know what’s right and you don’t want to miss out on something good. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for some of our favorite vacation planning tips and ideas to make sure that you have your next summer vacation is the best one.

Get Out on the Water

Some of us wait all year for the water to be warm enough for our favorite lake and ocean sports and activities. Whether you love to swim or you’re happier in some form of watercraft, there are aquatic activities for everyone. 

This is a great time to learn about some popular water sports, like water skiing, surfing, body boarding, and boating. 

Those who don’t quite have their sea legs or swimming skills up to snuff can stay safe with water wings or lifejackets so they’re able to join in on the fun. 

There’s nothing better for beating the heat than a dip in the water, right?

Lounge (or Play!) on the Beach

When you think of your next summer vacation, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

If you’re like us, it’s a warm day on the beach, lounging on a towel under an umbrella and listening to the waves crash against the shore. 

Does that sound nice to you? 

If lounging doesn’t seem like an exciting way to spend a day, the beach has activities for everyone. You can find sand crabs and other local creatures along the shoreline, play games like beach volleyball, go swimming in the water, and so much more. Just make sure to bring your sunscreen!

It’s great to find a beach with nearby camping locations and boat docks so you can get the most out of your trip. There’s nothing better than waking up to the sound of the ocean. Make sure that you have all of your boat and RV accessories before you head out for your land and sea vacation.   

Consider a Nature Tour

So what do you do when you’re all “beached out?”

Summer is the perfect time to get in touch with nature, even if it isn’t on the sand. When you visit a new place you have access to all kinds of new animals and plants in a brand new ecosystem. 

Many vacation destinations have nature tours that take you through the best animal-spotting areas around. In Florida, this might look like a boat tour through alligator territory, while in Washington it may be a trip through a mountain or a vast forest. 

It’s normal to want to take a trip to amusement parks or nonstop nights out, but take a day to get to know the world around you. You never know what you’ll find!

Explore New Places

Vacationing isn’t all about the outdoors. Wherever your destination is, it’s probably a new place to you, right?

People live and work here, and it’s more than just an offering for summer travelers. Check out the town or city itself and get to know it.

We love finding new foods and hole-in-the-wall restaurants when we’re traveling. It’s way better than just grabbing fast food on the way to and from the beach and it supports the locals.

Are there any museums or historic landmarks in the area? Take some time to cool off indoors while checking out some cultural epicenters of the area. You’re only in this city for a brief moment; make sure you absorb it. 

Tips for Vacation Success

So now that you have a few ideas for your next vacation, how can you make sure that it’s successful? Summer vacation planning isn’t always smooth, and you should anticipate that at least one thing isn’t going to go the way that you intended.

We have a few bonus ideas for how to make your vacation as seamless as possible so you can get the most out of it. 

Utilize Phone Apps

Smartphones are so useful when it comes to vacation planning. It’s common to want to put the phones away when you’re on a trip, but don’t neglect the most useful tool that you have.

Use your phone for planning and organizing flights, finding public transit schedules, find the best hotels, and get you where you need to go when you get lost.

Modern smartphones also have incredible cameras, so while you may want to keep the phones pocketed, don’t forget to bring them out once in a while to capture the moment. 

Make a Packing Checklist

Before you go on your trip you need to pack. Depending on where you’re going, you may have limited packing space. 

Take note of the things that you need, the things that you want, and the space that you have. It’s easy to overpack, but consider where you’re going. Do you need a warm coat if you’re going to the beach? Do you need extra toiletries when you’re staying in a hotel that supplies them? 

Making a checklist helps you stay organized.

Make an Itinerary 

What do you want to do on your vacation? Scheduling everything out is a great way to make sure that you get everything done that is a “must-see”.

That said, you don’t have to stick to your itinerary relentlessly. Sometimes things come up and plans have to change. In short, make an itinerary but make sure that you stay flexible with it. You don’t want over-planning to get in the way of fun. 

Time to Plan Your Summer Vacation!

It’s never too early to start planning your next summer vacation. You don’t have to stress, you have plenty of time. 

Whether you’re hitting the sands of Hawaii, the Great Lakes, or your favorite camping spot, using our tips and ideas will help you get your plans started. 

For more on travel, lifestyle, and more, visit the rest of our articles on Tasteful Space.