It's that time of year again when we pack our bags, slather on sunscreen, and
embark on epic summer adventures. Since summer is also one of the most popular times to travel for most of the world I thought it would be a great topic to cover for this months episode!
Of course if you are still debating where you want to go or are thinking of
taking off last minute then this is a great episode for you as well because
I'm going to touch on where to go around the world, in the USA, and both
luxury destinations as well as ways that you can save money, as well as some amusing mishaps so stay to the end - lets dive in!
If you are in North America and you are looking for something a little different for the summer vacation why not places such as:
- Ketchikan, Alaska - Known as the Salmon Capital of the world and home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show you will find this unique destination is packed with quirky charm, outdoor activity, and wildlife.
- MacKinac Island, Michigan - this car free paradise is known for its world-famous fudge, streets of horse-drawn carriages, non-chain hotels, amazing sunsets and rises, and a lively nightlife. Travel and Leisure also named it one of the best islands in the continental US.
- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin - aka the waterpark capital of the world with America's largest outdoor water park, their largest indoor/outdoor combination waterpark, and Wisconsins largest indoor waterpark so if you are a fan of waterparks or the kids are then Wisconsin Dells is a must.
- Saint-Pierre and Miquelon - did you know that you could visit France on a day
trip from Canada? Just off the coast of Newfoundland are the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Here you'll find french cuisine and culture mixed in with North Atlantic buildings with a variety of summer festivals and outdoor activities.
- Okanagan, BC - I have a bit of a bias towards this area of BC as I spend a lot
of time exploring it while growing up but from craft breweries to wineries,
ghost towns to camp sites, hiking to fishing, theater to museums, swimable lakes to lakefront pools, there really is something for everyone in this spot.
If you are of the more discerning travelers wanting an exquisite journey of
indulgence and opulence then a more bespoke experience that is tailored to
Perfection will be right up your alley.
- Turtle Island Fiji has always caught my eye since I came across it 10 years ago. This private island features a family owned resort that features 14 private villas and kids are only allowed to visit the island a couple times per year on select dates. With everything grown from scratch on the island, ranked a top resort by conde nast in 2022, and a personal concierge for your villa this is the place to go.
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Como, Italy has its unique 1910's charm, views over Lake Como, the Bellagio, and surrounding mountain range. It is cozy, private, and attends to all of your needs while regularily making top ten lists year are year.
- The three tierra hotels in Chile are well worth a visit with stunning properties
that are built to fit in with their surroundings while being extremely eco-friendly and sustainable. It is also recommended that you can even stay at all three properties on your trip so you get a feel for the entire country. The properties include daily guided tours and excursions during your stay that can help you experience the location and with on-site spa's you can easily relax once you are back.
- there are a few hotel chains that are a must for the more luxurious vacations and one that is always at the top of my list is Aman who has really spread out
since I first came across them, but they do Asia extremely well. They also are
very selective with their properties, so you know you are getting the best. For For example, they had the first resort in Bhutan, which is made up of five lodges, one of the Cambodian properties used to be the King's residence, Indonesia gives you jungle and beach paradise options, the Philippines property is on a private island, and there are many other special properties that must be seen to be believed.
Luxury travel is a lot more wide spread than this with a ton of other options and if you are interested in learning more about it or more options then let me know in the comments below or drop us a line but let's continue on!
Now not everyone can afford these amazing vacations so what about some ways to save on your summer adventures? With a sprinkle of creativity and a pinch of frugality, you can have an amazing time without breaking the bank.
- you could become a couch crusader or a house-swapping maven by swapping places with a fellow globetrotter. As a bonus, you might even make some new friends along the way but make sure that you use a trust platform to do any swaps.
- skip the restaurants and either cook at your accommodation or have picnic's with items you grab along your day
- explore hidden gems instead of tourist traps. Think secret waterfalls, charming villages, weird / niche museums, or even look for free things to do. While these places don't make the glossy travel magazines, you'll experience more culture and in a less populated way than most tourists
- check out hostels, dormitories, bed and breakfasts, and local boutique hotels. you might even be able to find places that will swap some volunteer help around a farm for free room and board. If you have the ability you could even camp.
When it comes to summer vacation there is a good chance you will be travelling with kids and that can be an adventure within itself so here are my top five travel tips.
- plan ahead - research and plan an itinerary that includes your kids interest
as well as stops that will allow them to be entertained and make sure that anything you are booking will be the best option for your family.
- pack wisely - create a checklist to make sure that you have all the essentials like clothes, medications, snacks, comfort items, entertainment, travel documents, and anything you might need for unexpected situations like spills.
- stay flexible - kids get overwhelmed, hungry, and hotter than adults so it is
easy to overload them plus there could be delays or detours so make sure you are flexible to work within your families needs while still embracing opportunities to be spontaneous.
- Engage the kids - ask them to help do research or to pick an activity. Having them involved in the planning (even if you are just making them think they are) is a great bonding experience, keeps them entertained, and makes wonderful memories. While in destination or en route, make sure to provide them with age-appropriate activities and entertainment. Having them draw what they see or take photos can be a fun activity.
- prioritize safety - children can get lost in crowds so teach them what to do if they get separated. boo boo's and ouchies happen so have a mini first aid kit with the essentials. make sure to have travel insurance to cover illnesses and any surprise allergic reactions. Pools, lakes, and other bodies of water are usually involved so make sure they know how to swim and to not go near them without an adult.
Now lets end this episode let's explore the lighter side of summer travel with
some amusing anecdotes from listeners and friendly advice.
- The Great Beach Bloopers:
Picture this: You've finally found the perfect spot on the beach to lay your
towel, and you're determined to make a splash, both figuratively and literally.
As you confidently strut towards the ocean, a sneaky wave comes out of nowhere, knocking you off your feet. You emerge from the water, hair wild, sunglasses askew, and a seaweed mustache that even Poseidon would envy. Congratulations, you've just become the star of the beach blooper reel which might make you go viral.
- Road Trip Shenanigans:
Road trips are a breeding ground for the unexpected and hilarious. From getting lost due to a "slightly outdated" GPS system to attempting to set up a tent with the grace of a baby giraffe, these moments have a way of bonding friends and families through laughter. Remember, it's not about the destination; it's about the crazy memories you make along the way.
- Lost in Translation:
Venturing to foreign lands can be thrilling, but it also opens the door to some
seriously amusing language mishaps. You might ask for directions to the restroom but end up ordering an elephant instead. Or, if you're lucky, you'll master the art of accidentally complimenting someone's pet instead of their fashion sense. Embrace these linguistic mix-ups and let them serve as a reminder to always keep a translation app handy!
- Fashion Faux Pas:
Ah, summer fashion—where comfort meets questionable choices. Who hasn't accidentally worn a shirt backward or paired socks that look more like distant cousins than a matching set? And let's not forget the classic battle with sunscreen. We've all faced the challenge of trying to evenly apply it while
contorting ourselves into awkward positions. Remember, it's not about being a fashion icon; it's about embracing your unique sense of style and having a good laugh at yourself.
- Hotel Room Chronicles:
Whether you're staying in a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly motel, hotel
rooms have a way of surprising us. From suspiciously noisy air conditioners to
shower curtains that seem determined to wrap themselves around us like clingy exes, these encounters never fail to entertain. Just remember to pack a sense of humor along with your toothbrush!
Summer travel is all about embracing the unexpected, the comical, and the
downright silly. So, the next time you find yourself fumbling through sandy
mishaps or trying to order food using hand gestures, remember that these moments are what make your adventures truly memorable. Enjoy every laugh, cherish every embarrassing memory, and let the spirit of adventure guide you through a summer filled with hilarious travel tales. Bon voyage and safe travels!
