Like the rest of the world, you may be sitting down to plan a last-minute summer vacation right about now. After all, everyone keeps asking where you’re going on summer vacay. You don’t want to be the only one missing out on summer fun. Except, maybe you do.
Although people seem to prioritize vacations in the summer, summer isn’t always the best time for a trip. The following are a few reasons why you may not want to plan a vacation this summer.
Everyone is doing it
You may feel compelled to take a summer vacation because you don’t want to be stuck home while everyone else is having fun. But the “everyone is doing it” excuse goes both ways. Because everyone and their mother (sometimes literally) are taking vacations in the summer, you’ll have to deal with crowds and long lines everywhere you go.
And if you’re taking a road trip, this means more cars on the road, more traffic, and more distracted drivers. Things like traffic, lines and crowds elevate most people’s stress levels, which can completely defeat the purpose of a vacation. If you want to have a breezy, relaxed time, consider vacationing in a different season.
Summers are hot!
Unless you’re taking a vacation from Kansas to Melbourne, Australia, you’re going to deal with summer climate wherever you go. In some parts of the world, summer can be intense. This includes many vacation destinations.
Have you ever been to Disney World in July? It can be brutal to wait in those lines with the hot sun blaring down at you. Of course, there are some exceptions. If you’re planning to travel to Colorado, New Hampshire or Fiji, summer is the best time. Otherwise, you’ll probably want to hold off on any big trips until the weather cools down.
Peak season is more expensive
The travel industry knows you want to travel in the summer – because most people do. And when demand is high, so are the prices. A family of four can save hundreds on airfare and lodging by booking their vacation off-season. Remember, summer isn’t the only break your kids get from school. It’s just the longest.
You may encounter hurricanes
Hurricane seasons tend to vary, but they always overlap summer months. In 2018, the Pacific hurricane season began on May 15. The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1. Both seasons will run through November, which means hurricanes are likely in the summer months. If you’re planning a beach vacation, you may want to avoid hurricane season altogether. Those of us who have been evacuated from shoreline destinations during a hurricane will advise you not to bother.
Italy is on vacation
Did you know that August is vacation month for Italians? If you’re planning a trip to Italy, August is not the time. Ferragosto is a traditional holiday that technically runs from August 15 to September 1. Before, during and after this holiday, many businesses close.
In any given August in Italy, it’s mostly the tourist traps that remain open. And as a result, they experience high volume. It’s up to the establishment, so you may find some that stay open and others that close for two months for the holiday. But you can expect any open business to be immensely crowded with tourists from other areas of the world.
Another thing to consider about Ferragusto is that this is the busy vacation time for most of Europe. Because so many Italians are vacationing, the beaches and other vacation spots in the rest of Europe are likely to be over-crowded.
Thailand may be soaked
Your dream vacation may be on the beaches of Phuket, but your vacation would be far from dreamy in the summer. The rainy season in Thailand lasts from July to October and you’d run the risk of visiting during a monsoon. Regardless of whether you see a lot of rain, the ocean will be rougher than usual, which means boat travel may be limited. You may get a great deal by visiting Thailand during monsoon season, but it may not be worthwhile. If you end up visiting during a bad storm, your entire trip could be wasted. When you plan a big trip like this, it’s best to avoid the summer.
If you feel the bug and want to book a summer trip, consider staying somewhere close to home. This way, can plan the trip at the last minute and check the weather before you go. Road trips also help keep your schedule flexible, so you can make last minute adjustments or cancellations if there’s a hurricane brewing.
Although summer isn’t always the greatest time to vacation, it’s probably not your worst option either. Just be sure to weight the pros and cons of each destination before you book your trip.