Summer Travel Tips 2021
With everything that’s happened this year, we know you’re itching to escape to that relaxing summer vacation in paradise you’ve been daydreaming about. But how can you make sure your hard-earned holiday is stress-free? We’ve compiled some tips you can use so that instead of worrying about your problems, you can focus on the sun overhead and the sand between your toes.
Palolem Beach, Goa
Make A Game Plan
Before you jet set, you’ve got to have an idea of where you want to go. If you’re traveling with family or friends, make sure you agree on a destination. Then work on a timeline. Communicate with each other to find the best days that work for all of you. While it may be tempting, do your best not to argue over the little things. Come up with at least a general idea of what you will be doing each day. Look to see what events are popping up in the area you’re traveling to, so you don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And if one of those events involve the beach, you might want to bring our Playa beach towels!
Don’t Book the Busy Season
Find out the busy season of your chosen destination. If possible, do your best to steer clear of it when you book your dates. That way, you won’t have to bump into huge groups of people all vying to visit the same sites.
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA
Use Travel Websites
Don’t forget to take advantage of online travel sites – they streamline the booking process and offer big deals you might not find anywhere else. Also, booking for yourself can be so much easier than dealing with all the back and forth of a pushy travel agent.
Conrad Rangali Islands, the Maldives
Are You Driving or Flying?
If you plan on driving, go online and check out the best route to take to your destination. Look for fun landmarks or interesting places you can take the family. Make sure you have some spare cash just in case! If you’re flying, you may want to change your travel day to the middle of the week. Not only are the flights ridiculously cheaper, but the airport is also much calmer with more room to breathe. Don’t forget to bring your passport if you’re traveling abroad! If you don’t have one or need to renew it, make sure to apply for one at least 6 months before the trip to allow for processing time.
Find the Right Accommodation
If you have a large family, it can be tough to find the right accommodation that fits everyone’s needs yet still within your budget. Gather up a list of features that your family wants, but it’s important to be willing to give up a few of the wants to satisfy needs, or just for general lack of availability. Want more of a secluded stay? Consider renting a condo or an apartment. Look for options that offer a kitchen. That way you can eat meals or pack lunches without having to pay for expensive food at restaurants or theme parks. With a larger budget, you could spring for an all-inclusive resort and fill your bellies and drink to your heart’s content at restaurants and bars right on the property. All without worrying about a surprise bill at the end of your stay.
Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk helps save money for large families. You can invest in multi-packs of items like travel toothbrushes or mini shampoos. Our Sunset Bay beach towels come in a 4-pack, that way you’ll have enough towels for everyone without breaking the bank!
Go On an Adventure
Now that you picked the destination and booked your flights and your stay, it’s time to take off on your adventure! Try something that you normally wouldn’t. Chase that adrenaline rush. Ride the rollercoasters, catch the waves, hike the hills and mountains. Reel in an exotic fish or go parasailing. Check off your bucket list and see the sites you’ve always said you wanted to see but never had the time to. Take lots of pictures - memories will be made that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
Headed Somewhere Sunny?
It’s important to pack UV-blocking sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Invest in some sunglasses. And don’t forget to bring a beach towel or two, or three! At Great Bay Home we have an amazing selection of beach towels. Our Maui and Venice collections come in a variety of fun prints in a pop of bold colors that will look stylish and sophisticated in any travel destination. The Venice collection large beach towels are made of sand-repelling microfiber material. They’re perfect for picnics on the beaches of Antigua or the occasional lunch on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
After the Fun
Heading home after a breathtaking vacation can be tough. Try to enjoy the family time you have left for the remainder of the journey. Read a good book on the plane or watch a pre-downloaded movie on your phone. When you get back home, compile all the photos your family took into a single online album. Set aside some room for souvenirs to remind you of your amazing time. Lastly, remember that it’s never too early to start planning your next big adventure!
So, now that you’ve read our list of travel tips, you’re ready to go. Make sure to plan everything out ahead of time. Research your destination and don’t book your stay during the busy season. Take advantage of the deals that travel websites have to offer. If you’re driving, pick a fun route. If you’re flying, try to book mid-week. Pick an accommodation that works for everyone. Have lots of fun and don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t forget to pack! We hope you have a stress-free vacation and make lots of amazing memories.
As always…
We’ve Got You Covered,
-- GBH