Tips for easing summer travel anxiety

Ever since the pandemic, summer travel has become this heightened, intense time to fly. Flight prices skyrocket, luggage gets lost, and delays happen frequently. But honestly—it’s all about how you plan and your frame of mind. In other words, let’s not feed into this narrative of crazy summer travel and instead be cool, calm, and collected about it.

Last summer was really when things hit the wall. The pandemic was feeling much more over than ever before, and the term “revenge travel” was coined. Everyone was making up for lost time, but the airlines had not recovered yet from the setbacks of the lockdowns. Meaning staff shortages, cancelled flights, and lost baggage.

As we head into summer 2023, things haven’t changed as much as I would have hoped since 2022. Flights continue to be expensive and problems still abound. However, I think going into any travel experience with an open mind and a go-with-the-flow attitude can really truly help. Plus, knowing your passenger rights means that even if you do face problems, you get compensated appropriately for them.

Since I’ve traveled quite a bit the last few summers to and in Europe, and will be again this summer, I thought I’d share some tips and what I’ve learned to have the best experience traveling in this busy time. Because let’s be real, summer travel is truly some of the best travel I do all year! And I think it should obviously be enjoyed by all.

Tips for beautiful summer travel

1. Place AirTags in any luggage you’re checking (or that might end up checked, like your carry-on roller)
2. Book as much as you can in advance—museums, trains, dinner reservations, etc. The term “high season” exists for a reason!
3. Visualize yourself having smooth travel (I love to script out how my travel day will go, writing as if it already happened, and visualize it going well)
4. Arrive early to the airport to give yourself plenty of time
5. Stay updated on your flights—typically the airline’s app is the best way
6. Watch out for strikes, especially if you’re traveling in Europe (country-wide strikes are pretty common, for taxis, trains, public transport, and airlines)
7. Book your trips with flexibility, in case of delays
8. Research transportation before you go, so you know how to get around
9. Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the weather, with comfortable shoes—more tips in my surviving summer in Italy guide
10. Keep in mind that it will be hot in cities, try to spend more time along the coast or near water
11. Pack light, for easier mobility especially if you’re going to multiple destinations
12. Know your rights if your flight gets delayed or luggage gets lost—best practice is always to file a report with the airline, even if you’re not sure you’ll get anything from it (Erika has great videos on being compensated from airlines)
13. Use your miles credit card to book travel so you have extra protection if something goes wrong, or buy travel insurance
14. Plan indoor activities during the heat of the day, like museums or church visits
15. Eat seasonally

And of course, it’s always a good idea to work with people who know your destination well so you can have the best time. If you’re headed to Italy, check out my Italy travel planning options and let me know how I can help you!

I hope that wherever you travel this summer, everything goes smoothly and most importantly, you get to spend time with people you love. xx