Xplorie’s Top 5 Tips for Summer Travel in 2022
May 24, 2022
Spring has sprung and there’s less than a month left until the carefree days of summer arrive (but who’s counting!?)
We are! The official countdown to summer has begun and, according to the US Travel Association, 85% of Americans plan to travel this summer season, with domestic travel spending increasing 11% from pre-pandemic levels. Americans are vaccinated, eager to travel, and prepared to spend a little (or a lot!) extra for a bucket-list summer vacation.
Most (if not all!) US and international destinations are once again welcoming tourists and we’re looking forward to a busy summer season. The Fourth of July holiday weekend is predicted to be the busiest travel weekend of the season, followed by Memorial Day weekend (the unofficial start of the summer season) and Labor Day weekend (the unofficial end to the summer season).
Here are our top tips for navigating summer travel in 2022 to ensure a smooth, stress-free, and carefree bucket-list summer vacation.
Skip the Spontaneity this Summer & Start Planning Now
The 2021 summer season was a sell-out in many of the top national parks, beach, and mountain destinations across the US, with demand exceeding supply for vacation rentals, activities, and attractions.
Travel demand is high and waiting for the last minute will not bring unbeatable specials or deals, only disappointment that perhaps your dream vacation rental (or even destination) is sold out for the summer! Spontaneity is exciting, but the smart way to travel this summer is to start planning now, be strategic in your travel plans, and book in advance.
Travel trends show that, in the current travel landscape, pricing rises as you get closer to your travel dates. Last-minute flights are expensive, car rentals are a dime a dozen, some tours and attractions still have limited capacity and are booking up fast, and your dream vacation home is being viewed by more eyes than only yours! Skip the spontaneity this summer and start planning your 2022 summer vacation now.
Go Back to the Basics of Travel
It’s been a while since many have traveled, so don’t allow the excitement of planning a vacation overwhelm you and forget about the basics of travel. Start by picking the perfect destination, curating the ultimate travel itinerary, and creating a detailed checklist of essentials and requirements for your summer travel plans.
The travel landscape still looks a little different to pre-Covid travel times, so remember to take into account the new norm of travel – airports require extra check-in times (and an added dose of patience!), the mask mandates continue to ease, and proof of vaccinations and/or travel testing is still a requirement in many tourist destinations across the US and internationally.
- A Passport valid for at least six months from date of travel
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination
- PCR or Antigen test for unvaccinated travelers
- Hand Sanitizer & Face Masks
Coronavirus precautions are still in place in many destinations so stay up to date with current domestic and international travel safety guidelines – Covid-19 Travel Recommendations by the CDC, Travel Advisories, and Covid testing requirements for your destination.
Get the Right Travel Insurance
Travel insurance has moved from a “maybe” to a “must-do” for domestic and international travel. Travel insurance is a travel essential to not only protect the financial investment in your vacation (the average family vacation for four costs $4,580), but secure additional peace of mind before, after, and during your journey should the unexpected occur.
The right travel insurance for your vacation should cover you in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays, trip cancellation, lost or stolen baggage, and flexible cancelation for your vacation rental home. As the need for travel insurance increase, the vacation rental insurance market grows, and travelers have a wide choice of reputable and innovative travel insurance products to protect their vacation. Remember, always do your homework and read the fine print when choosing the right insurance for your travels!
Consider What You Really Want
Each family (and friend group) is unique so consider what (and where) will make you truly come alive this summer and jot down all you really want to achieve from your summer vacation. Are you seeking rest and relaxation with absolutely no agenda, action-packed adventures and unique experiences, or a destination that offers the perfect balance of it all!
Urban destinations are showing signs of a healthy rebound so perhaps it’s time to consider a vacation to explore the attractions and fast-paced lifestyle of the city or are the wide-open spaces of a quieter vacation destination lighting that summer spark.
Escape the crowds on a summer mountain getaway, treat the kids to a theme-park adventure in the mountain peaks, road trip to a film or music festival with friends, or plan a tropical escape to the islands of Hawaii (no passport required!).
Picking the right summer destination and planning activities that suit your tribe and lifestyle is the recipe for maximum enjoyment, minimum stress, and a summer vacation to remember.
Make it Memorable & Stress Free!
Browse top trending destinations for summer that include US national parks, endless white sandy beaches, and fun mountain towns. Start planning the ultimate summer vacation when you stay with an Xplorie partner that offers unforgettable, complimentary, and exclusive experiences. Xplorie partners with 100+ lodging and activity providers in 100+ of the top US vacation destinations to bring you the best professionally managed vacation homes, free entry to some of the top summer tourist attractions and activities in the US, and exceptional guest services to enhance your stay.
Here’s how it works:
- Browse our ever-expanding selection of vacation destinations for trip inspiration. The top trending destinations for summer 2022 include US national parks, the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast, Cape Cod, and the wild and scenic Oregon Coast.
- Select your dates and secure your dream vacation home with a choice of luxury amenities to enhance your guest experience, personalized guest services, and all the comforts of home.
- Explore the options for free tours, activities, and attractions in the destination of your choice. Our activity providers cater to every type of traveler – from eco-tours and nature activities to complimentary tickets to the top attractions in each destination, adventure, excitement, and relaxation is only a click away.
- Start planning the ultimate summer vacation with Xplorie! Our dedicated vacation specialists are a phone call away to customize the perfectly curated and unforgettable summer experience.
