Our favorite time of the year is almost here: summer time. For every warm weather loving person, the summer season is paradise due to the blanket of warmth, sunny skies and long hours of daylight, outdoor activities, farmers’ markets and other outdoor bazaars, extra time to spend with friends (it’s backyard barbeque season), and naturally, vacations! Not everyone gets the summer off work, but it’s pretty standard that people take their yearly vacations during the summer months when it’s sunny and warm outside, and all of the aforementioned activities occur. Work flow generally slows down in the summer as well, which puts one thing in particular on your mind: planning for your upcoming vacation!
We love to enjoy summer vacations as a time to kick back and relax, but maybe your ideal vacation is packed full of fun adventures and exploration of new places. Depending on what your upcoming summer vacation plans entail, you will want to dress accordingly. You’ll want to keep your plans in mind to yes, pack accordingly, but also plan for your vacation scenario. So that you don’t forget anything when making your summer vacation plans, we’ve compiled a list of some tips and tricks that will help you best prepare! We know planning requires lots of detail, so this way you won’t forget anything important.
Summer Vacations = Swimming
Whether your summer vacation plan is the go-go-go scenario packed full of fun or the sit back and relax kind, you will definitely want to carve out time for swimming. Maybe your whole vacation plan is relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Just think of all the amazing locations to take a dip in the summer, when it’s finally warm enough: the ocean, clear blue lakes, lazy natural streams, backyard-style swimming holes, natural rock pools, and of course, blissful pools or lazy rivers.
No matter what kind of swimming (or floating) you’re planning on doing, don’t forget to pack your swimsuits. Keep in mind that one piece swimsuits can be great for high movement plans (like if you’ll be hiking to a swimming spot) but two piece swimsuits are great for getting an even tan.
Don’t Forget Quality Sunscreen
No matter what your summer vacation plans are, it’s imperative that you stay well protected with sunscreen. Being out in the sun is one of the best parts of summer, but unfortunately, sun damage is no joke. It’s easy to underestimate the power of the sun’s UV rays, but they are always at work (even on cloudy days) and more powerful than ever during summer. It is recommended by doctors and dermatologists that everyone wear at least SPF 30, but depending on your skin tone and past experiences with sun exposure, you may need to go much higher. Of course, it’s never a bad idea to buy a sunscreen with as much UV protection as possible.
Remember also to choose sunscreen products that are sweat and water resistant so they don’t rub off after you go for that swim. But you should always reapply every ninety or so minutes regardless.
Assess Your Destination and Your Timeline for Big Events
Assuming you have already chosen where you want to go on your summer vacation, be sure to look into the local events happening there before officially booking your trip. Even if you don’t yet know for sure where you’ll be heading, this consideration can help inform your choices. Many destinations take advantage of the summer season by hosting festivals, concerts, or sporting events. If one of these events is scheduled to occur during the time you want to visit, it might encourage you to go ahead and book for those days. For instance, a local wine and cheese or art festival occurring during your trip sounds delightful. But maybe it will make you want to reconsider your dates, like if there’s a big sporting event scheduled that will fill up hotels and make the city more crowded.
Book Your Trip Now
As soon as you examine your chosen dates for any potential conflicts, settle on your vacation destination, and approve your time off from work, it’s time to get to booking your trip! You don’t want to wait too long or you risk the prices going up and local lodging, restaurants, and activities getting filled. This is also now the time to get pumped for your upcoming summer vacation! It’s already springtime, which means your vacation isn’t far off, whether it’s happening at the beginning or end of the summer. One of the most fun elements of preparing for a vacation is thinking about what you’ll wear and beginning to pack, or at least making a list of the items you want to bring.
Before you know it, you’ll be leaving for your summer vacation. In order to make the preparation and packing stages beforehand go as smoothly as possible, consider these tips and tricks. The best way to ensure you are ready for your vacation is to diligently plan your details and pack your supplies. But then, the best way to enjoy your vacation is to go out and live it to the fullest!
