Basking in the rays of the sun on the white sandy beach overlooking the clear blue water. Relaxing under a blanket of stars scattered in the midnight sky. Letting your cares rollaway while lounging in a hammock on a lazy afternoon. Making memories to last a lifetime while enjoying the company of family and friends. These are the scenes that will be replayed throughout the summer by millions as they make footprints across the globe jet setting to get a break from reality. The summer travel season is upon us once again. As we prepare to drive, fly, cruise, and trek to various destinations in our world we need to be ready to get there and be ready for anything once we arrive. And like a Girl/Boy Scout is always prepared, Houston Style Magazine has tapped some expert globetrotters to help you get ready and stay ready so you can travel like a pro this summer.

Where to Go

Easily one of the hardest decisions to make whether you’re traveling alone or with a group. It goes without saying that this needs to be your first decision in making travel plans. Before zooming in on a destination thinking about the people you’re traveling with and the experience you want to have. Certain places are more family friendly. Some countries have customs in regards to women. Some places have a party atmosphere and others are bit mundane. Also consider the reason you want to go to that place, the activities you want to do while there, and, of course, your budget has to be at the forefront of your mind.

Travel agent Sherina Lawes of La’Maison Events Traveling and Tingz says some of the hottest places to travel to that she is booking for her clients have been destinations out of the country. The most popular being are Jamaica, Dubai, Costa Rica, Aruba, Greece, Morocco, Bali, Seychelles, Iceland, Cuba, Croatia, and Thailand. Inside the borders of the U.S. travelers have been booking trips to Washington, D.C., Florida, and South Carolina.

These are definitely in line with locations that my panel of travel experts like to go. Michael Polk and La’Torria Lemon are those fortunate folks who get to do a lot of traveling for their careers and pleasure. Already Polk has traveled to 33 countries so he is always in the air. His favorite place to go is Naples, Italy. “It is a place for that history buff, a beach bum, a foodie, or someone just looking for a romantic getaway,” said Polk as he boasted about Italy’s food and shopping scene. Lemon has been to 3 countries. She plans to travel to Cabo this summer but admits San Juan Puerto Rico has been her favorite places because the natives are so loving and full of joy. The island of Jamaica is the place for Bayana Sumbry-Taylor, who have been to 20 countries. “I feel at home there,” said Sumbry-Taylor. “Jamaica is very unpretentious and laid back. Its natural beauty is relaxing and good for the soul.”

Time of Year

“As a travel addict, the best month to travel is 12 months a year,” laughed Lawes. However, this is something to really consider based on your and your party’s temperament. If you don’t like the heat, Texas is not a good place for you in the summer. If cold is not your thing, places that are cold shouldn’t be on your list. Other places have a rainy season, so avoid those places if you don’t like to get wet.

Other than the weather, the time of year you travel can affect your pocketbook. In the travel industry there three seasons to travel according to Lawes.

*Peak Season (high travel season) - mid-June through August

*Shoulder Season (high and low season) - April through mid-June and September through October

*Off Season (low travel season)- November through March

Since so many general take their vacations during the summer, best believe that June, July, and August are high travel months.

Saving Money

As Lemon told and most of you know traveling is expensive and can be huge investments. But that dent in your wallet does not have to be so deep with proper planning, research, and saving. All of my experts agree that travel apps help greatly to cut cost to get deals on hotels and airfare. Hotels.com, Cheapair.com, Kayak.com, and Trip Advisor were among the ones that were most useful. Travelers noted that they were good apps and sites to not just compare rates but to also see reviews by other travelers. There is nothing better than getting the real perception of a place from someone who has actually been there. You would hate to spend all that money on a site unseen to an unfamiliar place and get there to be totally disappointed. Lawes also advised looking into apps Skyscanner, Hopper, and AirfareWatchDog for additional research.

Dos and Don’ts

My experts were ever so chatty on this subject, especially when traveling internationally. Here are just a few of the really important ones.

*Do keep a colored copy of your passport separate from the

original document. Never keep your ID in the same place as your passport.

*Don’t carry a lot of cash. Do keep cash in a separate place from your wallet. Polk suggests utilizing your front pockets versus your back pockets to deter pickpockets.

*Do know the currency exchange rate. If not you will be taken advantage of.

*Do learn the customs and laws of the place you are traveling.

*Don’t get arrested (this goes without saying.)

*Do research the place you are going to get the most out of your visit.

*Don’t travel at night by yourself.

*Don’t stay in your hotel room for too long. The whole point of

going somewhere is to experience the locale.

*Do scope out the US Embassy if traveling to a foreign country.

*Do try new foods. Also, pack your stomach medications to be on the safe side if you get sick.

*Do have loads upon loads of fun and adventure.

Packing

I for one try my hardest to not over pack when traveling. I don’t want to drag all that stuff nor do I want to burden someone else with the task. Plus, I want to avoid all those baggage fees. Overpacking was not suggested by our expert panel, which can be hard to do if you are someone like me who likes to have options.

Expert packers caution to only pack your essentials when traveling. Polk, who considers himself an expert packer, recommends one black suit, a dark pair of jeans, a light pair of jeans, a swimsuit, 2 collared dress shirts for going out on the town, and about 10 unique and fun T-shirts. Throw in a pair of dress shoes, sandals, and some comfy tennis shoes and you’re set. This list is easy for a guy. Ladies, on the other hand, I advise doing the best you can. Roll up your clothes when packing to get more space in your bag for clothes and those all important souvenirs. Polk said gallon size zip lock bags are a Godsend when packing because they make great vacuum sealed bags.

I will drop this nugget for all though. Pack plenty of underwear. My mom always told me to pack 2 pairs of panties for each day you are gone. You can wear clothes over again but underwear….no ma’am! So double up.

Another good tip came from Sumbry-Taylor who said she always packs medicine for those emergencies that might happen. “I pack medication for just about every ailment (headache, stomachache, toothache, gas, motion sickness, sleeping pills, sinus/cold, etc.).” I might add that you may put the above in your suitcase but your medicine that you know you need, like prescribed medicine, put in your carry-on bag to make sure it makes it with you to your destination. Better safe than sorry.

And while we are on the subject of carry-ons it is a good idea to pack at least one day’s change of clothes in there as well just in case your luggage is late or gets lost. But by all means please check the TSA guidelines when packing your carry-on. There is nothing like having things you need thrown away because you can’t take them on the plane.

Benefits

School may be out for the kiddos when traveling this summer but that does not mean that learning has to stop. Traveling can be a learning experience all on its own. Our experts agree that one of the best things about traveling within our states and other parts of the world is learning about different areas customs and cultures. So, yes they do it for the culture. If you keep an open mind, your thoughts and ideas about places and people will expand and may even make you have a greater appreciation for mankind. Take Polk’s experience for example.

In America, some of us fear Muslims and Muslim countries due to terror attacks, wars, and such. So some minds maybe really warped in their thinking of these people and places. However, traveling to Muslim countries has given Polk a different opinion. “I am blessed to visit Kuwait and Bahrain frequently, both countries are located in the Middle East.” He continued, “I find these two countries to be peaceful, beautiful (although minimal trees), and full of history and culture. Kuwaiti and Bahraini people are very passionate, loving, and open minded people as long as you respect their local customs.” Polk added, “Traveling has opened my eyes to primarily learn that not all Middle Eastern countries promote war and or hatred toward the United States and its citizens.”

Bonus Tip #1

Never underestimate the knowledge of a travel agent when planning your dream vacation. As Lawes told me, they often have insider information on destinations and vendors that can make your experience more enjoyable but cost effective too. The latter of these is what Lawes says her clients find most beneficial about her services. “Most people want to travel and feel that they cannot afford it. As a travel agent, I inquire about my client's budget and give them a suitable payment option.”

Bonus Tip #2

Travel insurance is not necessary but can be helpful. You don’t need it until you do. Most of the experts say they generally don’t get travel insurance but see the usefulness behind it. Of course, my travel agent highly suggests it, especially when traveling abroad. “Travelers are covering themselves against things you cannot foresee such as lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover and most importantly, unexpected medical costs or death abroad,” said Lawes.

Hopefully, after reading this, you are more informed and ready to explore the world. So start making plans and book that fabulous destination getaway. Send us a postcard, tweet, snap, post, pic and tell us about your trip. We’ll be waiting. Enjoy your summer Style Fam!