The best Houston travel tips from an industry expert

Summer 2023 travel tips

Purchase travel insurance

No matter the destination, Lewis encourages her clients to adhere to the following essential travel tips to make vacations less stressful. She always recommends purchasing travel insurance. If the pandemic taught us anything, we should always be prepared for the unexpected. Sure, it might not seem necessary, but an illness or unexpected death in the family could derail travel plans and force travelers to lose a lot of money. 

Go off the beaten path

Lewis also advises that when traveling during the peak months, choosing off-the-beaten-path destinations is best. “Save bucket list destinations for the low season when popular places aren’t teeming with tourists,” she said. “The prices for everything will be lower, and ultimately you will have a more enjoyable time.” 

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare

With travel expected to be at record highs this summer, it is best to allow for extra time at the airport and invest in TSA PreCheck or Clear. Both services enable travelers to skip the security lines or be rerouted to shorter ones. The upfront cost and time investment will save a lot of hassle and stress at the airport.

Pack your patience

It’s a cliche, but this summer in particular, Lewis said everyone should pack their patience. “People haven’t traveled in a long time and may have forgotten the rules of the road or travel etiquette. Giving yourself extra time and a lot of patience will make things easier on everyone.”

Convenient travel destinations for Houstonians

With many airlines offering nonstop flights to Mexico, traveling to this southern country is one of the easiest ways for Houstonians to vacation at beautiful all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos or Riviera Maya. Lewis cautions that this summer travelers should beware of sargassum seaweed, which could limit recreation time on the beach and in the water. 

Peru and the Galápagos Islands also present convenient options for Houstonians seeking appealing travel experiences. These destinations offer a wealth of cultural richness and various activities suitable for travelers of all ages. Peru, known for its ancient Inca heritage and stunning landscapes, invites visitors to explore its historical sites, such as iconic Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The Galápagos Islands are a natural wonder brimming with wildlife and pristine ecosystems, providing an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

No passport required destinations

Although it might be appealing to jet off to far-flung locations, the U.S. offers many passport-free opportunities and diverse experiences. For those who want to lounge on stunning white sand beaches with a cocktail in hand, Lewis suggests resorts like Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida. She also recommends Puerto Rico because of its attractive beach opportunities and vibrant culture. 

According to Lewis, National Parks are always a winner. From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone or the Great Smoky Mountains, there are incredible experiences from coast to coast. For travelers looking for an urban retreat with beautiful vistas, Lewis suggests starting in Los Angeles for a Pacific Coast Highway experience. 

Alternatives to overly popular destinations (places to avoid and where to go instead)

Lewis warns that popular destinations such as Paris, the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands should be approached with caution due to sky-high costs, limited lodging availability and the overwhelming influx of tourists. 

However, there is no need to fret for those who have already secured tickets to these coveted locations. Prepare to spend more money and anticipate larger crowds. There might also be longer lines at attractions, restaurants and for transportation within the destinations, causing higher than average wait times.

Austria, Switzerland, Poland and Iceland are excellent destinations for European travel that won’t have many of the same challenges classic locales will face during the peak travel season. Each destination has abundant outdoor activities and rich cultural history to explore. If touring Vienna’s grand palaces, relaxing in the tranquility of the Swiss Alps, or delving into the land of Fire and Ice sounds appealing, Lewis encourages people to make plans now, as these locations could see a surge of last-minute travelers. 

Summer 2023 travel trends

According to Lewis, experience-focused travel has become increasingly popular, with travelers seeking unique and immersive cultural experiences. Private tours to cultural destinations and activities like swimming with sharks offer an intimate and insightful exploration. Local chef tastings, whether wine, food, or other specialties, can be another tasty and distinctive way to experience a location. Lewis reminds her clients that planning immersive trips requires a lot of lead time, typically nine months to a year, to ensure every detail is in place to create unforgettable memories. 

Lewis is also seeing an increase in requests for combination vacations. “We are booking a lot of “Bush to Beach” experiences that combine a safari adventure in Africa with a relaxing beach getaway. It is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes in one continent.”

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.