Travel industry experts predict a busy summer season, with families looking to spend more than in previous years. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) projects a 7% bump in consumer spending this year, totaling $32 billion. This rise in travel includes an estimated 2% increase in attendance at theme parks across North America.
This summer marks a busy one for American theme parks, with the grand opening of Universal Orlando's new theme park, Epic Universe, and the kickoff of Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration. Families will not struggle to find new and exciting things to enjoy. As with any summer travel season, however, experts warn of the common pitfalls experienced this time of year.
Delays, crowds, and uncomfortable temperatures represent the most frequent plights of summer travel. Rather than avoid vacations altogether, experts offer tips and tricks to offset the headaches and enjoy a family summer trip.
Avoid Crowds And Delays While Traveling
A stress-free travel experience will set the rest of the vacation up for success. To improve those odds, experts advise families to consider one of several strategies to avoid the worst of summer travel, which includes heavy crowds. While traveling, choosing off-peak times and less popular days results in a smoother flying or driving experience.
Alexandra Caspero, travel writer and owner of the website Delish Knowledge, suggests that travelers "look into late-night or early-morning flights that can often be half the price of the same flight a few hours earlier or later. If you plan on driving, roads are usually less crowded in the early morning."
In addition to hitting the road or skies early, experts recommend a flexible travel calendar. For example, if the schedule allows, traveling on an actual holiday, such as the Fourth of July, often means less expensive flights and lower crowds. As an alternative option, avoiding the most popular travel days surrounding a holiday makes a big difference in dodging busy airports and roadways.
"Always opt for nonstop flights when possible," says Marjolein Dilven, founder of the site Spark Nomad. "To avoid waiting at the airport, check-in online and use TSA PreCheck to breeze through security. Summer travel can be chaotic, but smart planning makes all the difference."
When selecting a summer vacation destination, Senior Theme Park Editor at Family Vacationist Megan duBois recommends what she describes as B-list destinations. She adds, "If you want to travel to Orlando for its theme parks, try Dollywood instead. The swap will almost always guarantee you a better price on hotels and park tickets, but the destination will also be more enjoyable because there will be fewer people."
Stay Cool And Comfortable
Once on vacation, making the most of a summer trip includes ensuring everyone in the family remains comfortable and knowing how to cool off matters, especially at popular outdoor destinations like theme parks.
As Kimberly Fidler, Vice President of Marketing for Get Away Today, explains, one strategy that allows for more relaxation involves a longer vacation. She says, "Extending your stay is so worth it during busier travel times and summer heat. Having an afternoon by the pool or back in the hotel room for a rest can make all the difference."
Dilven agrees with the importance of rest and reminds travelers why this strategy matters. Regarding a Disney World vacation, she adds, "If you're staying close to the park, take a midday break at your hotel to recharge. Returning in the evening when temps drop and Disney World crowds go home can be a game-changer."
Dilven says families must prioritize arriving at the parks first thing in the morning to find enough time to take an extended midday break. "In my experience, gates often open before posted times, and you'll beat the worst crowds and heat," she says. "Most importantly, prioritize must-do rides first."
While in the parks, Fiddler recommends purchasing Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, a service that allows users to bypass the standby queue. "You are not spending as much time waiting in lines and can spend more time relaxing at leisurely meals or indoor attractions," she notes.
Packing summer essentials also helps to keep everyone comfortable. A well-packed park bag this time of year includes portable fans, cooling towels, and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated. Embracing the realities of summer travel and planning accordingly will stave off the headaches experienced and make the most of a family vacation.
