By Carly Neil | Wealth of Geeks
Summer 2024 already feels like a record-hot season for millions of Americans. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Northeast saw an early-season heat wave with temperatures climbing abnormally high, thanks to warmer-than-average North Atlantic water temperatures. Hot temperatures spread to the Plains and Southern United States in late June.
Despite the uncomfortably hot weather patterns nationwide, many plan summer vacations. After all, families experience an easier time traveling this time of year, with kids out of school and parents finding more flexibility in their work schedules. Rather than avoid travel altogether, experts recommend a series of tips and tricks to stay comfortable and avoid the worst that summer travel brings.
As experts explain, making the most of a summer vacation requires just a few necessities, both in packing and planning vacation days. Simple, easy-to-remember tasks like staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks give travelers a lot of mileage regarding staying cool.
Pack the Essentials
Bringing items that keep everyone comfortable in the summer heat makes a significant difference when traveling. Most essentials do not occupy much room in a suitcase or even a purse or backpack while out during the day.
Experts agree that water bottles are the most crucial packing essential in the summer, as proper hydration eclipses most other needs. Alexandra Caspero, founder of Delish Knowledge, stresses the importance of staying hydrated.
She shares, “I’m never without my reusable water bottle, and as a registered dietitian, I recommend it to all my clients. Staying hydrated is incredibly important, especially when you are outside for long periods of time or active in the sun. If you don’t like plain water, add a splash of your favorite juice or a few slices of orange, lime, or lemon to flavor.”
Megan duBois, freelance journalist and theme park expert, suggests families add a portable handheld fan to their packing list. She notes, “My favorite one has three speeds, a bendable handle, and charges via USB. It’s small enough to fit into a fanny pack but powerful enough to keep me cool on hot days.”
Staying comfortable during summer vacation also means packing specific cosmetic items. Lindsay Brookshier, Content Director at Mickey Visit, says a good setting spray makes a huge difference for makeup-wearers.
She shares, “My favorite is Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray. It’s a miracle product — it’s kept my makeup intact after a 12-hour park day. This item is a must for my packing tips list. I don’t leave without it in my carry-on bag!”
Staying cool and comfortable does not necessitate sacrificing style either, says Brooksier. “Instead of going to a ponytail in the hot afternoons, consider braiding your hair so when you take it down, it’s wavy and not dented. You can always find scrunchies that don’t leave dents in your hair, so you can alternate between having it up and down.”
Know Where to Dodge Crowds
Even with the proper items packed, staying comfortable during a summer vacation involves avoiding crowds. Nothing spoils theme park fun faster than wall-to-wall people in sweltering heat. In those instances, carefully laid-out strategies provide more elbow room — an indispensable summertime tool.
Caspero recommends that families spend more time in the parks in the early morning. She recommends, “Get there right when they open and loosely plan your schedule before you arrive so you know what rides you want to head to first.”
When crowds increase closer to midday, head back to the hotel to lounge by the pool, says Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets. “For Disney and Universal trips, make dining reservations in advance so you know you’ll have the opportunity to relax and consider the skip-the-line services offered.”
Sarah Gilliland, founder of On the Road with Sarah, recommends doubling down on activities that keep everyone cool and skirt significant crowds. She shares, “We love going to Disney World in the summer and enjoying the water parks. They are a great ‘break’ from the theme parks and an even better way to beat the Florida heat.”
Heat and crowds are part of summertime travel territory. However, packing warm-weather necessities like fans and water bottles and strategically planning days at busy destinations lessens the blow. With a bit of preparation, summer travel does not need to include melting in the sun or getting trapped in a sea of tourists.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
