Many of us are frustrated with increased gas prices, affecting our travel plans, but we can use our research skills to plan a fun vacation within our spending limits. Some of us are still not comfortable traveling internationally, so think of all the places you want to visit in your own country.
I made a list of places in the United States that I have not visited and I was a bit shocked at how many places I have not seen. For example, I always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and I always wanted to experience Nashville.
Step 1: Write down all the places on your bucket list.
It’s okay if your bucket list is long, because you will get to different hopes at different times in your life. So don’t say you can’t do it all, because you can. And don’t forget you can pique your interest in a place by an online visit or reading about people’s experiences there. Sometimes doing this is just enough to satisfy your curiosity.
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Step 2: Make a plan for this summer
Think about what is doable this summer based on your budget, vacation time and reality of your circumstances. Worst case scenario, you can go to a location, stay there and take short day trips. Do you want to be near a beach or lake? Do you want shopping? Do you want history? These are all important questions to answer as you plan your trip this summer.
Step 3: Plan to travel light
If you are planning a short weekend jaunt than plan accordingly. Look in your closet or garage and see what kind of luggage type items you have. Do you need just a backpack, an overnight bag or a big luggage if your plan is for a long trip? Will you have access to washing/laundry facilities? The answers to these questions will help you pack smart and small. Most of us will pack 15 outfits for an 8 day trip to give ourselves some variety to choose from. So if you are going away for 8 days pack 10 outfits so you feel like you have this option. There are so many adorable travel accessories to choose from.
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Step 4: Have fun
Have fun on your vacation whether it’s two days or ten. Some of us only get to go on one vacation a year so enjoy every single minute. Take in the sites, take pictures and enjoy your time away from the stress of everyday life. Get a drink, go for an expensive meal that you wouldn’t do at home, and pamper yourself.
I would love to hear about your vacation plans for the summer……
Just Me..... 
Hi, Elaine! Timely subject and good suggestions, thank you! I’m scheduled for anterior and posterior neck surgery on June 15, so a shorter, less strenuous trip is perfect for me in July and August. We’re camping the third week in August, an annual event with ten of our closest friends and relatives. I hope I’m recovered enough to enjoy the bike trails that surround our campground. We traveled to Maine for a wedding two years ago and were enchanted with the scenery, hiking trips and yum! Lobster!! Another fabulous place we visited last year was the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It was a dream of mine to visit there since I was 12, and it far exceeded my expectations. Magical! Now we just need to pick a place to visit in July! Who knows? Maybe Niagara Falls? Happy Travels! –Janet
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I haven’t been to Maine but it is on my list. Our only plans so far is North Carolina and maybe some short trips on and around New York.
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My family and I definitely need to get back to travelling because it’s been too long, but travelling far is still a hassle with young kids, so we plan on doing something close by. We are making plans for this summer already – perhaps a farm stay for the kids (not too exciting, but definitely fun for the kids!). Thanks for sharing this post!
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It’s a camping ( well, OK Glamping… I’m not at all roughing it!) kind of year for my family. We are spending a three night break in the English countryside in August and off to Holland in September. It feels good to be on the go again, and to know that we can turn ideas into actual plans.
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Enjoy !
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These are some very good suggestions. I usually do not travel during the summer months due to high flight prices and travel expenses. I mostly travel off-seasons. hotel and flight prices are cheaper, airports are less packed. In my opinion, frequent short weekend-type vacation during the year is more beneficial taking 1-2 weeks 2x/year.
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Ooh I love this! I really wanted to do a lot of travelling this summer but unfortunately it’s looking more and more unlikely. My family and I were due to be going to Greece but it’s looking like we’re going to have to cancel, but I’m really hoping I can still get a weekend away somewhere! Thank you so much for sharing.
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Defintely planning on visiting some countries on my list for this Summer and most important have fun!
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Great tips! I visited my son and grandson in Denver for the July 4 holiday weekend.
Nancy
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I love all of your ideas! I was just talking to my husband about getting away this summer. We live in North Carolina and were thinking of just going on a trip to the beach for a long weekend.
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Love the North Carolina beaches, especially Sunset Beach 🏖
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Oh, I love to travel so much, but with my kids, I rarely do lately. Love your advice, thanks!
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