Is summer vacation still the best time to travel? Experts weigh in | New Orleans CityBusiness

A recent survey by Bank of America, finds more than 70% of respondents have plans to travel during the summer. With school out and parents more capable of taking time off from work, families find traveling far easier this time of year.

Historically, families travel during the summer season. Despite the season’s popularity, several drawbacks exist when traveling in summer, namely crowds and hot weather.

This summer already feels exceptionally warmer, as early-season heat waves hit from the Midwest to the Northeast. The National Weather Service also predicts above-average summer temperatures for much of the country. No one wants to deal with scorching weather, especially on vacation.

These factors raise questions about whether families will find a more enjoyable vacation experience traveling in a different season. Travel experts point out that, while drawbacks exist during the summer, so do numerous benefits. Families must consider the risks associated with weather, but summer travel means more to see and do at most popular destinations.

Higher Risk for Inclement Weather

Summer brings warm temperatures, but it also brings frequent thunderstorms and, depending on the region, hurricanes. Families must weigh the pros and cons of weather during summertime travel, especially if vacation plans bring them somewhere prone to severe storms. Spring and autumn offer more temperate weather and fewer crowds at many popular destinations.

In Orlando, Florida, many travelers equate summer with hot and humid weather at best and disruptive conditions at worst. Freelance journalist and theme park expert Megan duBois warns potential summertime travelers of “near-daily thunderstorms at Orlando’s popular theme parks.”

If cruising, duBois urges, “Be sure to get trip insurance,” if traveling in the summer. She continues, “You never know when something is going to happen, and in general, travel insurance is not super expensive.”

More To Do in High Season

Most American beach towns’ summertime activities differ starkly from those of fall or winter, thanks to warmer weather and popularity among families. Many destinations offer more activities in the summer than in the off-season. As Danny Newman, travel writer and founder of What’s Danny Doing, explains, “If you’re looking for the best weather and access to a destination’s star attractions, which may be shut in the off-season, then yes, summer is a great time to travel.”

Alexandra Caspero, founder of Delish Knowledge, agrees that off-season travel can heighten the risks of encountering boarded-up shops and restaurants or shorter business hours. Caspero notes, “More people at a location, especially a summer tourist destination like Bar Harbor or the Outer Banks, means more restaurants are open for business, and there are more local events. Visiting those same locations during the off-season creates a completely different experience. I’d take a packed summer holiday in Maine over a ghost town in November any day.”

Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and best-selling author of Disneyland Secrets, agrees. Despite seeing “more vacationers around with kids out of school,” Doyle says, “guests benefit from enhanced entertainment, longer operating hours, and more restaurants open.” For example, Walt Disney World debuted a new nighttime drone show in May exclusively for the summer.

If a family wishes to experience the best of both worlds — idyllic summer weather with fewer crowds — Doyle suggests travel in mid-to-late August. Then, he says, travelers will find “many families already have kids back at school with lower travel crowds, and summer travel is winding down.”

In addition to a quieter vacation experience, families stand a greater chance of saving on their vacation when choosing early or late summer dates. Doyle continues, “When looking at Disney Cruise prices, for instance, trips in May, August, and September are generally less expensive than those in June and July.”

Another workaround to find a travel destination with plenty to do in the summer months without the worst crowds comes from Newman. For example, Newman suggests “going somewhere in Eastern Europe instead of Italy or France” when considering a European vacation. “Countries there are full of history, culture, natural beauty, and fantastic summer weather, but they’re less well-known. They’re cheaper and less crowded as a result,” Newman says.

Thinking outside the box and choosing to travel when and where fewer families consider taking a vacation makes a world of difference, especially for those highly sought-after destinations.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.