The post Tips for a Last-Minute End-of-Summer Staycation appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Unplug & Set Boundaries
This one should really go without saying, but it’s not really a staycation if you’re working the whole time. For many of us, it’s hard enough to put work aside and be present when traveling somewhere new, let alone at home where the lines tend to be much less clear. Establishing solid boundaries around work and other day-to-day responsibilities and sticking to them will help you to actually enjoy your time off and feel like you’re on a real vacation. Tell your colleagues in advance that you’ll be unavailable, and set an automated reply for any work-related emails or text messages.
Create an Itinerary
If you’re the kind of person who prefers to spend your vacation sleeping in and lounging around by the pool, by all means, skip this one. In general, however, having some kind of loose plan will make your time at home feel more like an actual vacation, especially if you’ve got kids. Head to the public pool, take a drive to the beach, or make a day out of a trip to a local amusement park.
(@businessandpleasure_co)Complete Your To-Do List
There are few things that feel less “vacation-y” than paying bills or a visit to the DMV. Make a list of all of the things that you’ve been meaning to do and complete it before your staycation begins. We also suggest doing a grocery haul and deep cleaning your house in advance to create an environment you can truly relax in.
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]]>The post 3 Ways to Save Money on Summer Travel appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Choose your accommodations wisely
While staying right on the beach may sound enticing, opting for accommodations even a block or two away can save you a significant amount of money per night. Hotels and vacation rentals located slightly inland often offer lower rates while still providing easy access to the beach. You’ll also have the added benefit of a quieter space to return to at the end of the day.
Wait until the end of the season
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider waiting until the end of the summer to take your vacation. As the peak tourist season winds down, many travel destinations start offering discounted rates on accommodations, flights, and attractions. By planning your trip in late August or early September, you can take advantage of these deals and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with smaller crowds.
(@oceancitymaryland)Embrace budget-friendly activities
Instead of splurging on expensive tourist attractions, look for free or low-cost options such as hiking trails, public parks, or local festivals. For paid activities like private beaches or amusement parks, check if group deals or weekly passes are available at a discount. We also suggest trying small, local eateries or street food over high-end restaurants. These tend to be more affordable and will also give you a taste of the local culture.
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]]>The post The Best Maine Beach Towns for Your Next Summer Getaway appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a quaint town on Maine’s southern coast renowned for its gorgeous cliffside views and long, sandy beaches. Tourists can take in the scenery with a leisurely walk along the famous Marginal Way, or spend some time sunbathing next to the water. When you’re done, head to the artists’ colony Perkins Cove to check out the local shops and galleries.
Kennebunkport
Once a modest fishing village, this quintessential New England town is a popular tourist destination thanks to its pristine beaches and historic charm. Its Goose Rocks Beach is the perfect place to spend a day swimming and sunbathing before heading to the downtown area of Dock Square for a seafood dinner and some shopping. We also highly recommend taking a boat tour to see the iconic Cape Porpoise lighthouse.
Old Orchard Beach
Located just south of Portland, Old Orchard Beach is a classic New England seaside town that’s great for families and other large groups. With a seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, the town has plenty of space for spreading out by the water, and its Pier and Palace Playland amusement park offer a lively atmosphere that beach-goers of all ages are sure to enjoy.
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]]>The post Estivales: The Best Summer Weekend Event in the South of France appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The event is known as Estivales and it’s so successful that it’s been held in Montpellier for over 20 years. Locals and tourists alike gather on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle where they’ll find dozens of food and wine vendors as well as local artisans who’ve come to sell their goods. Concerts and live music are also key highlights of the festivities.
This year, Estivales has been moved to a new location known as Domaine d’O, a park and open-air theater not far from the original spot. Admission is free, and for five Euros visitors will receive two glasses of wine and an engraved glass to keep. If there’s anything we love more than a summer festival, it’s affordable wine.
Estivales runs every Friday in July and August from 6:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.
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]]>The post How to Spend Summer in Portland, Maine appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Try a Lobster Roll
If there’s one thing Maine is known for, it’s lobster. Whole lobsters are available year-round at restaurants around the state, but come summer, lobster meat served with a little mayo and some spices on a toasted bun should surely not be missed. They’re even available at some ice cream shops.
Visit the Portland Headlight
The Portland headlight is actually in Cape Elizabeth, not Portland, but we’ll give it a pass since it’s such a beautiful spot. It was built in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in the state.
Take a Ferry to an Island
You can take an extended stay and book a hotel room or just venture out for one day. Whatever you prefer, we highly recommend taking a ferry out to one of the islands in Casco Bay off of Portland. We love Peaks, where you can rent bikes and ride around the island, relax on the beach, and enjoy an ice cream at Down Front.
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]]>The post The Best Ways To Protect Your Skin On a Beach Vacation appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Wear Sunscreen
You know how the famous song goes, right? So, it’s not only that “everybody’s free to wear sunscreen”, everybody has to wear sunscreen. Choose a reliable brand with at least 30 SPF and make sure to reapply every two hours.
Wear a Hat
Protecting your face and scalp from the sun is extremely important, and with bucket hats back in fashion, it shouldn’t be too hard to do. But if you’re not into that trend, a plain-old cap or a stylish wide brim will do just fine.
Drink Plenty of Water
Not orange juice, not diet coke, and not piña colada—water. The recommended amount of water you should consume when you spend a few straight hours in the sun is one glass of water every 20 minutes or so. You got this!
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]]>The post Why September is the Best Time to Go Camping appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Cooling Down
During September, especially the middle and end of the month, summer is finally coming to an end. At the height of summer, especially in more humid climates, it’s hot even at night. There are also a lot of bugs, especially mosquitos and gnats that come out in large numbers in summer. So as things cool down in September, you’ll still get the lasting warmth of August without feeling sticky or getting quite as bitten up.
Early in the School Year
If you work in a field that functions according to the academic calendar or has some kind of summer break, then you’ll either be just starting work or about to start in September. That means you have a little more free time than when the year is in full swing. Camping is usually a weekend or one-night activity, so it’s a good way to get away from work during the year. In September you might be feeling a little sick of work after getting used to vacation, so camping is a perfect way to wean yourself off of all the free time!
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]]>The post Avoid These Common Mistakes When Packing for Your Summer Trip appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Too Many Shoes
This rule applies for all seasons, not just the summer—never bring too many shoes along. Wear your bulkiest pair as you travel, and stick to an extra pair or two in your suitcase, but make sure it’s easy to pair them with all of your clothes.
No Warmer Clothes
Even if you’re traveling in the summer, you should use a piece or two of warmer clothing. They’ll come in handy just in case if evenings get cold and the weather changes.
Missing Swimwear
If there’s one piece of clothing that will be taking barely any space in your suitcase, it’s swimwear. Feel free to bring at least two different swimsuits to give them enough time to dry if you want to switch during the day.
Big Suitcase
There’s no need to pay for expensive luggage fees when traveling during warmer seasons. Summer clothes are pretty light, take barely any space, and it’s easy to wash them on the go, so you can easily fit them inside a carry-on.
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]]>Taking Days Off
Most people plan their travel vacation when they can get time off work, and that’s why it’s best to travel with someone on the same schedule. Check in to see if you and your friend can take days off at the same time before making any concrete plans for the rest of your trip.
Money Talk
Talking about money is often an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s necessary when it comes to traveling with your friends. If your budget is limited, you should let them know so you could book accommodation, flights, and plan other activities that fit into everyone’s budget.
Travel Style
You don’t really know someone until you travel with them, but it’s worth discussing your personal travel styles and expectations for this trip. Talk about places and experiences you want to explore and you’ll know if you’re compatible enough to embark on this trip.
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]]>The post Top Beach Reads for Summer Vacation 2021 appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
What else would you expect by the author of a book called Beach Read then another perfect beach read? People We Meet on Vacation is about two best friends, Alex and Poppy, who go on a joint summer vacation, the same way they have for a decade, and try to fix their problematic relationship.
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
Another summer read set in the summer, The Summer Job tells the story of Birdy, a girl who ends up somewhat taking over her best friend Heather’s job and life for the summer while falling in love for the first time.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
A feel-good book guaranteed to put a smile on your face, The Guncle is about gay uncle Patrick who becomes the primary guardian of his niece and nephew, learning to take on responsibility in a way he has never had to before.
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