How to Avoid Crowds and Heat When Traveling This Summer

When most people think about traveling for a big vacation, they automatically think about doing so in the summer. And that's logical — you have the time off, the kids are out of school, the weather is predictable, and everything is open for business.

But those same features that make summer a good bet for travel also mean you'll face two major drawbacks: heat and crowds. How can you beat both of these obstacles and have the time of your life? Here are four easy ways.

Even within the traditional summer season, there are times when crowds thin down. Late spring — late May and early June — is a good choice because some schools haven't released kids for the summer yet. Similarly, early fall sees fewer crowds because some children and teens are back in class already.

Many people avoid these so-called "shoulder seasons" because the weather can be unpredictable. But you simply need to pack an umbrella, a convertible jacket, and a positive attitude. Check with the local forecasts for the city or region you'll visit to determine when the best times for shoulder-season travel are. You might be in for a pleasant surprise that extends your summer fun for longer than you expect.

Avoid standing in lines to buy tickets whenever possible. The good news is that modern tourism offers more ways than ever to avoid ticket lines. Start by purchasing tickets for museums, gardens, tours, and transportation through the companies' online portals, apps, or websites. You can often find discount ticket outlets or even city passes good for a variety of entries.

One great way to make advance arrangements that save time and frustration is to travel as a group. If you have 8, 10, 15, or more people in your party, communicate early with the organization about group pricing and tickets. You'll skip the line and get special attention, and you may even be able to score a professional tour by museum personnel or volunteers.

Most tourist destinations are at their most crowded from mid-morning to late afternoon. If you want to avoid the worst of the crush, seek out destinations that are open before 10 a.m. and go there early. Crowds will be thin, outdoor locations will be cooler, and the light will be better.

Likewise, consider arriving later in the afternoon and staying into the early evening. Crowds — particularly group tours and families — will start clearing out around 4 p.m. at many establishments. If you arrive at non-traditional times, you'll have the place more to yourself. As an added bonus, you may even get a ticket discount for late arrival times.

If you're somewhat flexible on destinations, you can avoid crowds by getting off the beaten path a little. Sometimes, this means choosing less-known museums or smaller parks. But it may also mean simply walking a few blocks away from a tourist-heavy area to find a local eatery.

For instance, are you traveling to the nation's capital? Rather than follow the crowds to cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, head over to the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks or Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Going out for a drink? Skip hip Georgetown, opting for an authentic experience at a German brewhouse instead. Or view the city's architecture from the less-crowded National Cathedral's observation gallery.

At Jean's Bus Service, Inc., we know all the best ways to make the most of any vacation — throughout the summer and into the less-crowded months. We can help you find the right mixture between popular destinations and comfortable travel. Call today to learn more about our services.