Tips to Prepare for Your Summer Vacation

Summer has arrived once again, which means millions of Americans are putting the finishing touches on their plans for a summer vacation or road trip. If you happen to be one of them, before you head out, take note of a few new tips and precautions for summer 2018:

Higher gas prices

Just before the weather finally felt more like spring for much of the U.S., another key figure was seen climbing along with the mercury in the thermometer: gas prices. According to national price data compiled by GasBuddy , as of June 1, the nationwide average cost of a gallon of gasoline was $2.94 per gallon. For comparison, prices on the same day in 2017 were just $2.36. Analysts expect gas prices to remain significantly higher this summer, potentially making it the most expensive time to drive in almost four years .

While this certainly could put a damper on summer travel plans, there's no need to cancel them altogether. Plan to budget more for travel with this in mind, and consider changing travel arrangements by carpooling with friends, for example. Gas prices are higher this year almost everywhere in the U.S., but certain states and counties still have much lower prices than average due to lower taxes or demand. Try to plan your pit stops around this price data to get the most bang for your road trip dollar.

Health tips

No matter where you are going this summer or how you are getting there, traveling can have several implications for our health, too. When we travel for days at a time, whether domestically or internationally, our body's normal schedule often gets disrupted. Traveling means eating and sleeping at odd hours, as well as dealing with long periods without much movement, as on long flights or drives. Combined with what may be a new and unfamiliar environment once you arrive, this all serves as a potential recipe for trouble as far as your health is concerned.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to counteract the issues that tend to appear during extended periods of travel. The New York Times listed a few common solutions  like:

• Drinking more water: The hustle of prolonged travel can make you forget to stay hydrated, which can lead to all sorts of health issues. Make a note to drink fresh water as often as possible.
• Eating more fiber: Gastrointestinal distress is a common symptom of travel, especially international trips. This can happen even when food is still prepared safely. Just make sure to stick with hot food and produce that's been washed or peeled.

Staying safe and healthy while traveling should always be a priority; and making sure you can afford a break doesn't hurt, either. To learn more about smart ways to save and enjoy those summer getaways responsibly, contact us today.