While winter might be more than halfway over, it’s not unusual to be more than a little bummed out by the coldest months of the year. The weather keeps you indoors more often, the days are shorter, and it feels like there’s less to do once the holidays are over. If winter’s got you down, and you’re like the 92% of employees who say vacation time is important, a great way to cheer yourself up is to start planning your future summer vacation. Here are just a few exciting summer vacation ideas to help you plan for some fun in the sun after a long winter.
Tropical Getaway
After a rough winter, you deserve a great vacation that allows you to do all the summer activities you’ve been dreaming of. Most people think they have to update their passport to have a tropical traveling adventure, but that’s not always necessarily the case. For a classic island getaway, look no further than the Hawaiian islands. While it’s a bit of a long flight from the mainland, each island has its own types of adventure to offer. Most people think of the Big Island when they think of Hawai’i, but don’t forget about some of the smaller islands when you’re making your plans. Known as “The Gathering Place,” the island of O’ahu is the third largest and most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. Because of its population, this island has plenty to offer for just about every vacationer.
Overseas Adventure
For those who are looking for something more unique or unusual, not all summer vacations have to include suntanning on the beach. Instead, look for overseas adventures that cater to your specific hobbies and interests. You’ll be able to fit in several bucket-list items in a single trip this way; you can visit new places while also taking on new activities. For example, if you’re something of a history buff, why not visit the UK or Ireland? The region has perfectly pleasant weather during the summer, allowing you to enjoy the gorgeous landscape. Additionally, the region is known for its historic landmarks. How many medieval Irish Castles are there? Too many to count. Apparently, over 30,000 castles and castle ruins are dotted all over the Irish landscape. For the family who wants to incorporate a bit of education into a trip for the kids, this is the perfect opportunity. Just make sure you’ve got your passports ready before you book the flight.
Hitting The Road
Not a fan of flying? No problem. There are plenty of travel options available closer to home that can still give you the summer or even springtime adventure you’ve been missing. These types of vacations also tend to be more affordable, which is good news for the one-third of Americans who have poor credit. By avoiding the need to use your credit card, you can continue to improve your credit score while satisfying your travel bug.
If you’re traveling with a group of friends or with the rest of the family, a road trip can be a great way to fit in a bunch of destinations into a single trip. Try picking a single destination and mapping out the drive first, and then finding other activities and attractions to stop at along the way. Just remember to take all your pictures of your stops before you get back on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 481,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. While it might be great to share that perfect shot on Instagram, it’s not worth the risks of distracted driving.
A whopping 37% of families say that vacations make them happy, making a family vacation the activity that makes families most happy. If you and your family or friends have been dreaming of summer, take some time to plan out one of these ideas. Whether you can’t wait for sunny and 65-degree weather to break out your baseball bat or you just want to spend days lounging on the beach, it’s all about the planning. Soon enough, winter will be over, and it’ll be time to travel again.
