7 Summer Vacation Planning Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Summer Getaway

It’s almost summer! And that means no school, longer days, and summer vacation. No matter where you end up going, there are things everyone can do to prepare for your trip. From budgeting to booking, we’ve prepared a list of summer vacation planning tips to help you make the most of your summer.

Summer vacation planning tips

1. Start planning now

As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. And this couldn’t be truer for planning summer travel. According to The Vacationer, 85% of Americans plan to travel this summer. As a result, demand will drive up prices and limit availability.

If you have not already, start planning now to get ahead of the summer travel rush. This will help ensure you get the best deals on airfare and accommodations. It also gives you a better chance of getting the flight you want, staying where you want to stay, and visiting the locations you want to see.

2. Set a budget

Cost is a big factor when planning a summer vacation. However, a few simple tips can help you stay on budget.

• Set a limit for how much you want to spend and plan accordingly.
• Be smart about your scheduling. Look for weeks or weekends where airfare and hotel prices are lower. For example, the cost of travel for Memorial Day weekend and the Fourth of July tends to be higher.
• Look for hotel offers for additional savings. For example, Caribe Royal Orlando offers discounts for military personnel, teachers, and AAA members. Learn more here.

3. Choose a destination everyone will love

Settling on a destination that everyone in your family or group wants to visit can be a challenge. Therefore, choose a destination that caters to all age groups and preferences. And this not only includes the destination city, but where you will stay as well.

Booking the right resort is crucial to the success of your summer vacation. Look for resorts that offer an array of on-site amenities, including kid-friendly activities and lounges, spas, and events for adults. Also, look for resorts that offer a range of on-site dining cuisines, from upscale and gourmet to laid back and casual. Finally, when traveling with a group, space is a necessity. Consider staying at an all-suite resort to give you and your family more room to unwind, relax and decompress.

4. Make an itinerary

Make the most of your summer vacation by creating an itinerary. This will help you budget your finances and time. Start by doing some research into the destination. Make a list of the top attractions and select the ones you and your family want to visit. Then, consider travel time and logistics. Map out how long it will take you to get to each place and factor in the cost of travel (rental car gas, ride share, bus, etc.). But remember, things don’t always go as planned. So, be flexible with your planning and be open to just going with the flow.

Planning a summer vacation to Orlando? We have the perfect 7-day itinerary for you. View the week-long guide here.

5. Plan time to relax

Everyone has different ideas of vacations. Some like to pack it full of activities and adventures, whereas others prefer to lounge by the pool with a good book and cool drink in hand. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, it’s important to plan a little time to relax. Vacation is meant to be enjoyed and savored. It’s a time to unplug from the real world, rest, and recharge.

Here are a few tips:

• Book a massage at the resort spa.
• Chill out with a relaxing pool day.
• Disconnect from work and silence office notifications.

6. Look for free activities

Another way to stay on budget is to look for free activities. You don’t have to spend money to have a great time or experience something new. Many cities offer a ton of free things to do. For example, here are some of the top free things to do in Orlando.

• Visit Disney Springs®, a charming waterside dining, shopping, and entertainment destination at Walt Disney World Resort®. Plus, Caribe Royale Orlando includes transportation to Disney Springs® and all Disney theme parks in your stay.
• Spend time outdoors. Orlando has beautiful parks, lakes, and nature trails. In fact, the city has 148 parks, and most are free to visit.
• Go to Winter Garden or Winter Park and stroll through their shopping and dining districts.

7. Capture memories with lots of photos and videos

Taking photos and videos of your summer vacation will help you remember all the vivid details even years later. They also help to capture the joyful, carefree spirit of being on vacation, which is always a great reminder when you return to the real world.

Wherever you go, be sure to have your smartphone or camera with you. While you don’t need to record every moment of your vacation, you’ll want to be prepared if a photo opportunity arises. But at the end of the day, remember to savor your trip and appreciate the people, the places, and the experiences. Live in the moment and cherish the memories.

If you’re planning a summer vacation to Orlando, here are five ideas for getting the perfect shot and capturing the best photos.

Book your summer vacation at Caribe Royale Orlando now

Ready to have the best summer ever? Caribe Royale Orlando is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled summer vacation.

A stunning, quintessential Florida resort, Caribe Royale Orlando feels like you’ve arrived at a tropical oasis nestled amongst the excitement of Orlando. With a sprawling pool, 75-foot waterslide, catch-and-release fishing, seven on-site dining options, and spacious, newly reimagined suites and villas, Caribe Royale Orlando is the perfect combination of breezy summertime fun, delicious dining, and relaxation. Plus, when you stay at Caribe Royale Orlando—a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel—shuttle transportation to all four Disney Theme Parks and an evening shuttle to Disney Springs® is included in your stay.

Get ahead of the travel rush and plan your summer vacation now. Find the best available price here.