Planning a summer vacation is always exciting, but the reality of orchestrating the perfect getaway can sometimes feel overwhelming. From choosing destinations to booking accommodations and ensuring your itinerary is packed with fun yet relaxing activities, there’s a lot to handle. If you’re gearing up for this summer’s adventure, here are some expert tips on how to smooth out the process, including how tools like Viator can make your planning much easier.
Choosing Your Destination
In deciding where to go this year, think about what each destination is known for and how that aligns with what your family enjoys.
Google’s recent data shows people are most excited to travel to London this year. Cancun, known for its beautiful beaches and Mayan ruins, is still a top choice, although it’s moved down a few spots on the list. New entries like San Juan, with its vibrant mix of history and tropical scenery and Madrid, a haven for art lovers and foodies, highlight a growing interest in exploring diverse cultural landscapes.
Booking Flights and Accommodations
Booking your flights and accommodations early is key to securing the best deals for your summer vacation. If you choose the right tools for bookings and reservations, you’re more likely to find a place that offers everything you want at a price that fits your budget. Platforms like TripAdvisor use sophisticated algorithms to analyze your travel preferences and past trips. This means they can recommend destinations and deals that really align with what you’re looking for.
For flights, Skyscanner takes it a step further by predicting price trends. It can advise you on the optimal time to book your flights, potentially saving you a significant amount of money. The platform also sorts through thousands of options based on location, amenities, and even reviews from past guests to find hotels or rentals that meet your specific criteria.
Planning Activities
This is where Viator shines. As a comprehensive activity-booking platform owned by Trip Advisor, Viator offers access to over 200,000 bookable activities. Whether you’re looking for a private boat charter in Croatia or a guided tour of the Colosseum in Rome, Viator makes it simple to find and book excursions. Each listing includes detailed descriptions, pricing, and traveler reviews, which can be incredibly helpful in setting expectations and ensuring the activities fit your family’s needs.
For instance, if heading to Croatia, using Viator to book a private speedboat tour can be a fantastic way to explore the coastline. You can customize the trip to include stops at secluded bays or popular islands like Hvar, all while relying on reviews and descriptions to choose the best experiences. Remember, booking these activities ahead of time can save you from the disappointment of sold-out tours and can often secure better rates.
If booking something like a boat tour, make sure to inquire about life jackets, especially child-sized ones, and confirm the type of boat to ensure it meets your comfort levels. Viator’s customer service can assist in clarifying these details with tour operators, ensuring your excursions are safe and suited to your family’s needs.
Transportation
Research how you’ll get around once you reach your destination. Rental cars are a flexible option for families looking to explore on their own schedule, but in many cities, public transport can be cheaper and part of the local experience. Apps like Google Maps and local transit apps can prove invaluable for navigating foreign transportation systems.
Even with the best-laid plans, travel can be unpredictable. Viator’s 24-hour cancellation policy is a boon for travelers who need flexibility. It allows you to make last-minute changes without penalty, which can be a lifesaver if the weather turns or if jet lag hits harder than expected.
