summer travel season begins

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TSA is prepared for busiest summer travel season ever

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer’s travel season, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day. TSA forecasts Friday, May 24, to be the busiest travel day of the long Memorial Day weekend, anticipating nearly three million passengers. From May 23 to May 29, the agency expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew, representing a checkpoint volume increase of approximately 6.4% compared to the same period in 2023.

“In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been.”

TSA is continuing to modernize airport security checkpoints across the country with a focus on enhanced detection methods to best secure the aviation system. This summer, airline passengers can expect to encounter some of those latest checkpoint technologies and recommends several important travel tips. These include:

Tip 1: Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance. TSA is using the second generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which features the same capabilities as the CAT, confirming the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credentials with their acceptable photo identification credential along with their flight details and pre-screening status, but with an added camera feature. The passenger may voluntarily agree to have a real-time photo taken of them to verify their identity using their TSA-acceptable identification credential. The facial recognition technology TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Keep your boarding pass tucked away. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology. Passengers who do not want their photo taken may ask the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for a manual ID check without penalty and losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see TSA’s Privacy Impact Assessments , Fact Sheet and biometrics technology webpage s.

Several airports have installed Computed Tomography (CT) units. These units significantly improve scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSOs the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to physically search the contents of the bag. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Passengers are also reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.

To date, TSA has deployed 2,050 CAT units to 223 airports. Among those, 238 CAT units represent the second generation (CAT-2) technology and are located in 84 airports nationwide. Additionally, TSA has deployed more than 820 CT units to more than 240 airports nationwide.

Screening protocols may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment, so it is important for passengers to follow the TSO’s directions.

Tip 2: Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a firearm , but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter.

TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck ® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.

Tip 3: Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. If you’re heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Tip 4: Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov.

Tip 5: TSA PreCheck ® members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With nearly 20 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline reservations have the passenger’s correct KTN, full name and date of birth so they can truly “Travel with Ease.” Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA’s wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes. 

If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck and appreciate faster passenger checkpoint screening, we encourage you to enroll with one of TSA’s enrollment providers starting at $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting at $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information about enrolling or renewing in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.

Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.

Tip 7: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.

Tip 8: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device or over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7. Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something ® . Those traveling abroad for the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.

For additional information about changes to air travel please see the Department of Transportation’s recent announcement .

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CBP Encourages Travelers to Plan Ahead as Summer Travel Season Begins

DETROIT - As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, kicking-off the unofficial start to the summer travel season, US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations advises travelers to review travel requirements for entering the United States.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, CBP encourages travelers to visit CBP.gov/travel and review the latest requirements and regulations before embarking on their trips. Travelers are encouraged to keep in mind CBP's agriculture requirements when traveling to the United States. Travelers should declare all food, plants, and animal products they are bringing into the country to avoid any potential fines or penalties.

Additionally, CBP has the authority to conduct searches of travelers and their belongings upon entry into the United States. Travelers should be prepared to answer questions about their trip, including the purpose of their visit and the length of their stay. Finally, travelers should be aware of CBP's currency reporting requirements. All travelers entering or leaving the United States with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments must declare it to CBP. Travelers may now file their FinCEN Form 105 Currency/Monetary Instruments Reporting Form prior to their trip, online at fincen105.cbp.dhs.gov.

Non-U.S. travelers, if applicable, are encouraged apply for their I-94 online or via the CBP One mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play .

By taking the time to review CBP's travel requirements and regulations before their trips, travelers can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Follow us on Twitter @DFODetroit

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

What to know for booking summer travel: Expert tips on airfare, destinations and more

Where to score flight deals during the prime summer travel season.

As the surge of summer travel draws near, the race to book a great vacation is on.

"If you're looking to travel domestically within the U.S., I think you should be booking now for summer travel," Clint Henderson, travel expert and managing editor of The Points Guy, told "GMA."

Earlier this month while reporting quarterly earnings, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian projected "record advance bookings for the summer," telling CNBC that the carrier's credit card data and bookings show customers are highly interested in air travel.

An increase in budget airline routes that has created more competition, paired with an easing of the post-pandemic revenge travel surge, means travelers could see more deals.

"Overall prices are down from where they were when we just had that boom out of the pandemic," Henderson said. "So things are more reasonable."

Hopper, the flight booking app, has shown predicted fares for flights to Europe will be down 10% in price from the same time last year.

Google recently announced its top 20 trending summer destinations , which saw a few newcomers on the list and Paris rose to the No. 2 spot.

With the Olympics taking place there from July 26 through Aug. 11, an uptick in airfare and hotel pricing is expected during the Games.

But those willing to wait out the Olympics could find big savings for flights to the host nation.

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The Points Guy has featured deals from Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte to Paris for as low as $515 from August through the fall.

Amsterdam, Prague, Spain and Iceland are among the most reasonably priced European destinations, as seen on Hopper.

Tips for booking summer travel

Don't forget to stay flexible with travel dates and keep midweek in mind for possibly lower fares.

There's also a time during the post-summer rush known as "shoulder season," between September and October, when fares could drop by as much as 30%.

When it comes to airfare purchase timing, the experts at The Points Guy have found prices dip eight to four weeks before the outbound flight, but after the one-month mark, prices will creep back up.

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ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Summer Travel Season is Just Weeks Away – Here's What to Know

According to tripadvisor, 82% of americans plan to travel domestically this year, by ale zimmermann and leslie gaydos • published april 24, 2023 • updated on april 24, 2023 at 6:26 pm.

It’s the countdown to summer vacation 2023 and air travel will be soaring to new heights not seen since before the pandemic. 

“This is the first time that we're really seeing numbers exceed in a sequential amount of months through TSA,” said Katy Nastro, a travel expert with Going.com. “So, that means that we've really normalized, and people are looking to get back to their regularly scheduled summer trips.”

STAY IN THE KNOW

According to TripAdvisor, 82% of Americans plan to travel domestically this year. Cities like Orlando, New York and Las Vegas continue to dominate as summer hot spots.

“We're seeing in places like Nashville, Miami, that usually are a little bit more seasonal -- we're actually seeing them be destinations that people are taking advantage of all year-round,” said Nastro, “They [people] may be looking at taking a city escape where versus going abroad this summer, due to the fact that things feel more expensive, as well as passport wait times are up.” 

Those passport delays are no joke. Last winter, the State Department received more than half a million applications -- a record for that time of year, which exceeded official projections.

As of late March, travelers waited 10 to 13 weeks for a passport.  

And travel outside of the U.S. is spiking. Wendy Marley is a travel counselor with AAA.

“International travel is up 200% from last year. People are definitely looking to get out there and have new experiences. They want to go see the world. You know, just kind of have more authentic connections with the rest of the world,” said Marley.

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London is the most popular international destination this year -- a 350% increase over the last year according to AAA data.

Mexico remains a popular vacation spot. However, the U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for 30 of Mexico’s 32 states. At least six are listed under "Do Not Travel."

Travelers are also booking flights to Asia and the Caribbean.

“Cities are becoming more popular. Rural, still very popular. People are looking for trips where they can unpack just once,” said Marley. “River cruising, as well as ocean cruising has also increased over last year. They are just they're looking to get out there any way that they can, whether it's with a guided trip, letting the experts lead the way, but mostly just wanting to explore.” 

According to a TripAdvisor survey, nearly half of respondents are planning to travel more this season than they did last year, with two-thirds planning to take at least two trips this year. TripAdvisor is also seeing a big increase in family travel and found more than half of Americans plan to spend more on their biggest trip compared to last year. 

“I think everybody is just excited to get out and explore what's in their backyard,” said Marley. “If they don't feel comfortable going abroad or just want to stay closer to home.”

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Trends brief - surging summer travel season.

REPORT June 23, 2022

Leisure travel is expected to be off the charts this summer — surpassing 2021 and approaching pre-pandemic levels. 

Confidence in participating in travel and social activities are now at their highest point since the start of the pandemic . While COVID-19 has not disappeared, vaccinations are now widespread and health-related restrictions have largely disappeared, resulting in strong demand and desire to travel, reconnect and recharge. 

However, hurdles to a full leisure travel recovery remain. Financial concerns, rising costs, workforce and staffing issues are impacting the travel experience, travelers' behaviors and decision making this season.  

Even though the price of many goods and services is elevated, built up savings, robust wage growth, pent-up demand and the desire to transition spending away from goods to in person experiences has resulted in some of the strongest demand for summer leisure travel in years. 

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TSA Predicts Busiest Summer Travel Season in Years

At some point this summer, tsa predicts over 3 million passengers to pass through security checkpoints in a single day -- which would be a record, by alanna quillen • published may 11, 2022 • updated on may 11, 2022 at 6:44 pm.

If you plan to fly this summer, get ready. The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for a season so busy that passenger volumes will exceed even 2019 levels.

The TSA warns travelers will need to pack more patience and more planning into traveling than ever before.

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Officials predict there will be more than 3 million passengers screened in a single day at checkpoints across the country at some point this summer.

That would be an all-time summer travel record.

Get DFW local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC DFW newsletters .

David Pekoske, the TSA administrator, went over the details during a roundtable alongside other airline industry leaders at DFW Airport on Tuesday .

Leaders included Sean Donohue, Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport CEO, and top representatives from Airlines for America, Airports Council International – North America, American Association of Airport Executives, National Air Carrier Association, and the Regional Airline Association.

“Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints show that people are traveling again, and TSA is ready for their return,” said Pekoske.

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The summer travel season technically begins in late May and extends beyond Labor Day weekend, covering three months and four major holidays. This includes Juneteenth as the newest federal holiday, which will be recognized on Monday, June 20.

"As we look at the summer travel period, we have taken every step in TSA and I know my partners have taken every step to make sure that we're ready and prepared for the summer,” said Pekoske. "That's not to say that there won't be hiccups along the way. Those things will happen but we will do everything we can to recover quickly."

To help with the volumes, the TSA said it has deployed two new scanning technologies – Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners.

Both will improve identification verification, and in some airports, enabling digital identification verification at the Travel Document Checker podium and the scanning capabilities for carry-on bags, according to the TSA. Both of these technologies are supposed to enhance security and reduce physical contact within the checkpoints to keep lines moving.

The CT units provide TSA officers the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to search the bag’s contents. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their travel-size liquids bag or electronics.

Right now, the TSA is reporting staff of 47,500 agents across the country, with a team of agents designated to travel to airports where more help is needed amid the labor shortage.

“We continue to recruit, retain, train and equip a highly-skilled workforce, and we work continuously with our airport and airline partners to anticipate and prepare for higher traffic patterns,” said Pekoske.

Travel in the next few months could burn up your budget.

According to economists at booking site hopper.com , the average cost of a domestic flight will reach around $420 this summer.

Despite demand exceeding 2019, there are fewer seats in the air now compared to back then because of the labor shortage. The airlines don't have the staff to add more flights and many have already reduced their schedules to avoid delays and cancellations.

Hotel rates are also rising by more than 30%.

TSA TRAVEL TIPS

For those who choose to travel this summer, the TSA is offering simple tips to get through the checkpoints quickly and efficiently:

Tip 1: Face masks are optional, but recommended.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends face masks for passengers aged 2 and older in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs as an effective precaution for those who seek to avoid exposure to COVID in higher-risk public spaces. CDC provides health recommendations for  domestic travel during COVID-19  and international travel  on its website at CDC.gov.

Tip 2: Pack smart; start with empty bags.  Airline passengers who pack for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Technology and modifications help reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers, but those who take the time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact. Check for prohibited items by using the  “What Can I Bring?”  page on TSA.gov.

Tip 3: Know before you go.  Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges and construction delays. Plan to arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in, check bags, and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate. At the TSA checkpoint, have a  valid ID card  readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less, except for hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.

Tip 4: Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns.  Those who are preparing to travel and may have special circumstances, considerations or general questions about airport screening can get live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to  @AskTSA  or via  Facebook Messenger , weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

TSA also offers TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances. You may submit a request for assistance by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. TSA Cares are open 365 days a year. Passengers may also use the TSA Cares form available on the TSA website which can be found at  https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support .

Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to “Travel with Ease.”  By  enrolling in TSA PreCheck , airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years. In April, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes at the checkpoint.

For additional information about  security screening  or more  travel tips  before a summer trip, click here .  

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Virus Briefing

Advice for summer travel.

Our Tripped Up columnist shares tips and approaches.

By Jonathan Wolfe

This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the pandemic. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox .

The U.S. is approaching a harrowing milestone: one million American lives lost to the virus .

The coronavirus has been spreading across North Korea “explosively” since late last month, state-run media said .

Africa’s first Covid-19 vaccine factory has yet to receive a single order .

Find the latest updates here , and check out our maps and vaccine tracker .

Advice for summer travel

The summer travel season is about to start — and this year things look radically different.

Restrictions in tourist hot spots are loosening , mask rules on flights are changing , and more people are making travel plans — even as cases start to tick up again in the U.S.

For advice, I turned to Seth Kugel, who just started writing The Times’s Tripped Up column , where he answers readers’ travel questions and tries to resolve their disasters.

How should we approach travel this summer?

Many people have been revving up to travel for the first time in a few years, and their expectations for how life-changing and perfect their trip is going to be are probably way too high.

There’s an Instagram and TikTok trend in which a person is in an airport or at home, and they put their hand or foot in front of the camera , remove it , and they’re suddenly relaxing on the beach or at the Eiffel Tower. And I just want to take that trend and rip it out of that Instagram algorithm because it ignores the hard part of travel. You don’t just snap your fingers and end up on the beach.

If you’ve been traveling throughout the pandemic, you’re used to an alternate universe of travel where flights are empty, prices are cheap, and everybody is doing everything they can to get your tourist dollars. That world is definitely over.

People need to remember that vacations are tiring, weather is unpredictable, and lines can be long. During the summer, everyone is back out traveling, and there’s just no way your trip is going to be exactly as you fantasized. So be ready for that.

What specific advice do you have?

I recently got an interesting letter from a reader who said that there were literally no car rentals available in Halifax in Canada in August. We’re back to “normal” in a lot of ways, but things are still a little wacky out there. Keep in mind that the industry and supply and demand are still in flux.

It’s also always important to figure out what kind of health insurance you need when you travel. Obviously, now it’s even more important since you might get Covid . Private insurers usually provide emergency coverage, whereas Medicare usually does not. If you are covered, you should know what documentation you’ll need if you have to go to the hospital, and you should also have a credit card that you can hand over, as you’ll most likely have to pay up front.

Any other tips?

Everyone at Expedia will read this and curse, but that doesn’t stop it from being true: Book direct with the hotel and book direct with the airline — it’s potentially much easier to make changes that way, if you need to. If you find a great deal through another site and can’t replicate that directly, it’s OK to book it, but be aware that you’re adding a little bit of risk to your vacation.

People also try to fit too much into their day. If you’re planning a seven-day trip, think of it as a five-day trip, because you’re bound to experience delays. Make a list of things you’d ideally like to do, but be ready to change plans if something better comes along.

What about masking on planes?

I still recommend an N95 mask for travel. But you should also keep in mind that things are changing. I just took a flight from St. Louis to New York, and the pilot said something like, “Federal regulations no longer require you to use a mask. Please respect your fellow travelers’ choices.”

Everyone who has been pro-mask has been snidely commenting on the people who don’t wear masks for a long time, and vice versa. This pilot was saying: That’s over now.

There are fewer and fewer people who are masked on flights, and that’s just going to be the price of travel. People around you are going to be eating. They may be coughing, and you just can’t get mad at them. It’s no longer fair to do that, and it could ruin your own trip. Don’t travel if you are going to go crazy when other people don’t wear masks.

Everyone has to respect other people’s decisions for now. That’s good practice for travel anyway. When you travel, you can’t be as judgmental.

If you have travel questions that you’d like Seth to answer in his column, you can send them to [email protected] .

Your summer plans

We asked readers what travel this summer meant to them, and how they were approaching it. Thanks to everyone who wrote in.

“The building excitement toward the first day of June is the same giddiness I felt when I was a child during summer vacation. Summer 2022 to me is exploration, having fun, smiles and laughter, and it’s letting out this deep breath I’ve been holding in for the past two years.” — Julian Lak, New York, N.Y.

“I am cautiously setting the date of July 2 for my unmasking. I will be leaving for summer camp for a month that day, and I don’t want to wear a mask at camp. Since I just got Covid (two days ago), I’m confident that my immunity plus the vaccine and a booster will be enough to keep away Covid for a while, at least for camp, if not for the foreseeable unmasked future.” — Atticus Howard-Recht, age 14, Brooklyn, N.Y.

“More of the same: masking indoors, avoiding crowds, only doing small outdoor gatherings. My almost 2-year-old (born during the pandemic) still can’t be vaccinated, and given all the ups and downs of both Covid and the under-5 vaccines, I’m not holding my breath that this summer will be much different.” — Erica, Alexandria, Va.

“Last week, finally, I began to date again! I feel more alive, ready for the enjoyment of in-person, real conversations, sharing a hike or walk, a meal or movie. As a senior, I take Covid very seriously. With a positive attitude and my N95 mask, I will venture to new horizons and hope the special one comes along!” — Lori Roth, Arizona

“Covid figures are rising, not falling. Hospital figures are going up in Britain as I write. I will not be celebrating the advent of summer by having barbecues with friends, where you get relatively up close and personal. No, I shall still be donning my mask and social distancing. No garden parties on the lawn for me. The end is not yet in sight.” — Lynn Reid, Edinburgh.

“This sums it up: Beaches, barbecues, and boosters. We will keep summer activities local or regional. This is not the time of year we would seek out international travel, anyway.” — Jill Ronda, northern N.J.

“Who’s waiting for summer? I leave tomorrow for three weeks in Wales, southeastern England and Umbria. I’ve packed masks and tests, and will mask obsessively in airports and similar spaces. But, at 81, getting back to walking and hiking just has to happen.” — Katherine Mawdsley, Davis, Calif.

What else we’re following

At President Biden’s global Covid summit yesterday, countries pledged billions of dollars to bolster their pandemic response .

China said it would “strictly limit” its citizens from traveling overseas, The Financial Times reports .

The White House may have to ration the next generation of vaccines, Politico reports .

As known cases climb in southern Africa, testing on the continent is falling off .

U.S. meatpackers issued “baseless” warnings about food shortages to keep plants open early in the pandemic, according to a congressional report .

Let us know how you’re dealing with the pandemic. Send us a response here , and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

Sign up here to get the briefing by email .

Hiroko Masuike compiled photos for this briefing.

Email your thoughts to [email protected] .

Jonathan Wolfe is a reporter on the briefings team, where he writes the coronavirus newsletter . Previously, he was a producer for “The Daily” podcast and a reporter on the Metro desk. More about Jonathan Wolfe

'Expensive in every way': What travelers should expect this summer

Summer travel in 2024 will be "expensive in every way," said Katharine Nohr. And she should know.

She's planning a two-week adventure to Europe in June, which starts with a marathon flight from Honolulu to Zurich, where she'll speak at a conference. Then she's hopscotching across Europe – to Vienna, then on to the Olympics. Nohr made plans to be in Nantes, France, to watch a soccer game, in Lille for basketball, and in Paris for gymnastics, boxing and swimming.

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All told, it'll set her back five figures despite her best efforts, which include flying economy class and staying in the lowest-priced hotels. 

"The trip is pricey, even with my efforts to economize," said Nohr, an attorney from Honolulu. "But it's a once-in-my-life adventure." 

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Summer travelers are pursuing exciting, expensive vacations

Nohr is part of a wave of travelers who are making big plans for this summer. The itineraries are exciting – and expensive. 

Pretty much every barometer of travel intent is up for the summer travel season. Inflation and unemployment are low, and consumer sentiment and curiosity are high, fueling an unprecedented interest in travel. 

"Bookings are rising," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. "Unfortunately, hotel, tour and air prices are not falling. So if you plan on hitting the road this summer, make sure you are willing to splash some cash."

Travel companies say they're overwhelmed with summer reservations.

"The travel economy is booming," said Joe Ialacci, owner of Yacht Hampton Boating Club , a company that rents yachts in Sag Harbor, New York. He's seeing a 40% increase in rentals this summer compared with last year as Americans shift some of their vacation dollars to domestic destinations.

Prices aren't the only thing trending higher. People's expectations for their summer vacation are also higher than at any time since the pandemic, said Sangeeta Sadarangani, CEO of Crossing , a multinational travel agency headquartered in London. 

"They're embracing the unknown," she said.

And one of the great unknowns is travel prices. How much higher will they be?

What will prices be like this summer?

It depends on where you're going. There's good news if you're traveling within the U.S.: Flights and hotels are a little less expensive than last summer . But they're rising elsewhere. Here's the breakdown:

• Airfares are mixed. Domestic round-trip airfares for summer will peak at $315 a ticket, according to the travel platform Hopper . Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. They've fallen 10% from last year to $882. But flights to South America are up 2% and flights to Canada have risen 7%. You'll pay an average of $708 to fly south of the border and $419 to head north.
• U.S. hotel rates are down. Domestically, they're about the same as last year at an average of $206 a night.
• Car rental prices are rising. Average domestic car rental rates are up only 3% this summer to $42 a day on a four-day rental, according to Hopper. 

But you can avoid the high prices with a little strategic planning, experts say.

What to avoid this summer

American travelers are becoming more predictable in their summer vacation choices, said John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group . Immediately after the pandemic, they embarked on "revenge" vacations to far-flung locations. Now they're returning to more conventional vacations.

"We continue to see U.S. travelers heading back to the more traditional locations across Europe this year, like London, Rome, Athens and Munich," he said.

There are places that will be exceptionally busy – and exceptionally pricey – this summer.

• Paris during the Olympics. The Olympic Games are in Paris this summer. Rooms are more than double the normal rates , which is typical of the Olympics. Paris is already crowded with tourists during the summer, so you can probably imagine what it will be like with the Olympics. Zut, alors!
• Taylor Swift is touring Europe this summer. Prices will be higher and the crowds will be denser. "If you aren't planning to attend one of her concerts, I recommend planning around those European cities when she's there," said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach . (Want to know if your schedules overlap? Here's Taylor Swift's concert schedule .)
• Other big summer events. Even if you steer clear of Taylor and the Olympics, you're still not out of the woods. There's the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany in June. There's the Tour de France in July, which begins in Florence and finishes in Nice. France is also hosting the Paralympic Games in August and September in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Bordeaux.

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When is the best time to book a 2024 summer vacation?

Because this is going to be a busy season, the sooner you book, the better. Hopper recommends buying your plane tickets two to three months before your departure for domestic flights, and for international – well, it's probably too late to get that rock-bottom fare. If you're reading this in April, you can still find something for late August or early September, according to its airfare experts.

As always, you can save money by booking a flight for midweek instead of on the weekend – and, of course, by keeping far, far away from the big travel holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

Also, if you're going overseas, remember the holiday calendar is different there. For example, half of Europe shuts down in August for summer vacation. It's worth a look-up, otherwise, you could face some real disappointments.

Strategies for traveling better during the summer

One tactic that consistently works is splitting your getaway into two sections. Take that required summer vacation with your family somewhere less expensive during the high season. Then, wait until shoulder season for the big trip. 

That's what Ross Copas, a retired electrician from Tweed, Canada, is doing during the summer of 2024. It's a road trip across the northern U.S. by motorcycle – New York to Washington state, and then back east through Canada. 

Then he's heading to Amsterdam in September for a 23-day European river cruise. He said the late-summer getaway will be costly, but he doubts fares will fall anytime soon. "So price be damned," he said.

Actually, that's pretty smart. I took the same cruise on Viking River Cruises many years ago, and it was worth every penny.

With hotel rates rising in some places this summer, this is the right time to consider alternatives. Monica Fish, a writer from Glen Rock, New Jersey, is headed to Ireland to catch one of Taylor Swift's performances. She said hotel rooms in Dublin are overpriced, if they're even available. But Fish found an affordable vacation rental. 

"We just had to book it farther in advance than we normally would," she said. 

Go ahead, follow the crowds this summer

I think it's fine to follow the crowds this summer. I'll be doing it. I'm planning to rent an apartment for a month in Switzerland with Blueground, a long-term apartment rental company. Then I'm crashing on a friend's sofa in Spain, then heading to Sweden to see other friends and visiting my brother in Finland. Yes, travel writers know people everywhere . 

But don't follow the crowds off a cliff. There are places even I won't go. I might take the four-hour train trip from Zurich to Paris in June to check out my favorite patisseries, but I wouldn't go anywhere near the City of Lights during the Summer Games in July unless I made a reservation a long time ago.

And Taylor Swift? Puh-leeze. I'm more of a jazz guy.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Why you should be making your summer travel plans right now

The official start of spring is right around the corner, which means it's time to start planning your summer vacation — seriously.

We know it might seem a little early to start locking in plans for travel in June, July and August. But pent-up demand for travel coupled with ongoing staffing shortages, reduced air loads and limited availability could spell a perfect storm of summer sellouts.

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Americans are ready to return to travel in a big way, and as more destinations reopen and drop COVID-19 test requirements, hotels and flights are expected to be much busier, which is likely to lead to rising prices, says a Tripadvisor spokesperson.

Even if you can snag your ideal hotel room or preferred flight time, travel booking app Hopper says domestic airfare prices are expected to "increase 7% monthly through June" while "international airfare [could] increase an average of about 5% each month until June."

Plus, the average spending per trip for 2022 is beyond that of 2019 (up 29% for Americans), according to Tripadvisor, as travelers look to "level up their travel experience."

This, says Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor, means people "are more willing to splurge on trips and accept higher prices, whether it's choosing to stay at a luxury hotel or seeking out more local tours and experiential activities."

In other words: Now is the time to book if you want the most selection and the best prices for a summer getaway.

If you haven't locked in any summer trips yet, here's everything you need to know about the upcoming summer travel season — and how to start planning now.

For summer getaways, "travelers should start watching airfare now," says Adit Damodaran, an economist at Hopper.

"We forecast an average 7% increase in domestic airfare each month until June — prices typically peak in June due to summer travel demand. This amounts to a 35% increase in airfare from current prices by the end of May. We're forecasting domestic flight prices will average $315 round-trip this summer, which is up 9% from last year and up 29% from 2020."

As far as international travel, especially to Europe, Damodaran doesn't expect a full return to 2019 demand due to continued COVID-19 restrictions and the crisis in Ukraine (according to MMGY Travel Intelligence, 47% of travelers surveyed want to wait and see how the situation in Ukraine evolves before making plans to visit Europe this year).

But he does say that you can expect international airfare to increase an average of about 5% each month until June.

National parks

The awe-inspiring natural wonders of the U.S. National Park Service are perennially popular in the summer months, but the pandemic — when travelers were looking for social distancing and outdoor vacations — saw an even bigger uptick in visitors. For many of the parks, you'll need to reserve well in advance for timed-entry tickets to visit, and for camping or lodging you had better commit now or wait until 2023.

For example, for campsites at Yosemite, reservations become available five months in advance on the 15th of the month at 7 a.m. PT. That means for a reservation in August, you're going to have to book on March 15.

And, says the National Park Service, "Be aware that nearly all reservations for the months of May through September and for some other weekends are filled the first day they become available, usually within seconds or minutes after 7 a.m.!"

No pressure.

If you have your heart set on a particular destination and property, don't delay booking your trip, says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the Fora online travel agency.

"Domestically, people who have postponed weddings or big family trips — the trips that were rescheduled so many times in the last two years — are now scheduled for this summer, so availability is getting eaten up really quickly," says Vazquez. "For instance, Triple Creek Ranch is already sold out May through October."

This is a trend hotels are already watching play out.

"We're seeing an earlier booking window this year," according to Lisbeth K. Yori, the senior sales manager at Cliff House Maine. "Last year," she says, "we were almost fully committed for the summer by April/May."

Elsewhere on the East Coast, popular summer destinations are filling up fast.

"We had many new domestic visitors this year, people who normally would have traveled to farther-flung locations, but came and loved their visit, and the ease of domestic travel. Many of them booked ahead for 2022, even before leaving the resort," says Katherine Hawk of Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

And in New York City, NH Collection New York Madison Avenue general manager Ruth Abellan expects it to be a "good summer" and is already seeing an 80% occupancy rate.

So, what should you do if you get shut out of your first-choice domestic vacation spot? Try the Caribbean or Mexico for a good beach and nice weather, Vazquez advises. "After having very strict [COVID-19] protocols, we're seeing destinations like the Caymans reopening, plus they're adding airlift there as well," she said.

Home rentals

At this point, you may be thinking of leaning on a vacation rental as your backup plan. But not so fast.

Airbnb has seen a spike in global gross nights booked, increasing from 20% in the last quarter of 2021 to nearly 35% in the first quarter of this year, attributing some of the increase to "the live and work anywhere" trend, which has contributed to a decrease in availability.

You probably already know that booking early will typically give you the best selection of vacation rentals, but home rental site Vacasa says one of the leading factors in determining how far in advance you should book is the size of the home you'll need.

Larger vacation rentals tend to book up quickest, whereas smaller homes that are well suited for last-minute family getaways will more often be available closer to an arrival date. And that makes sense when you consider all the advance planning that goes into coordinating a large group trip, says Natalia Sutin, vice president of revenue management at Vacasa.

The median booking window was 35 to 40 days, according to Vacasa's Vacation Rental Search Report from 2021, so if you're looking for a larger home in particular, it's helpful to get ahead of the curve and look at least a couple of months in advance.

What's trending

"People are looking into trips in wide-open spaces to reconnect with nature," according to Liz Bates, director of adventures and custom travel for luxury rental platform ThirdHome. Specifically, Bates says, "on the domestic side, there has been an increased interest in places like Montana, Utah and Joshua Tree."

The travel experts at Vacasa are seeing a trend toward beach destinations, with Ocean City, Maryland; Destin, Florida; and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, topping the summer travel list on the East Coast. Out west, the resort community of Sunriver, Oregon, was very popular with cycling enthusiasts.

Abroad, Hopper reports that London; Cancun, Mexico; and Paris were the most popular destinations in searches for international flights.

If you're searching for those destinations too and can't find anything, try expanding your search to similar or nearby destinations — but don't give up on your summer plans .

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25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2024

From Monaco to Napa Valley, these summertime getaways have something for every type of traveler.

The term “summer vacation” conjures images of sunny afternoons at the beach and leisurely drives through the countryside. While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots, others view summer as the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, such as hiking to Machu Picchu, surfing in Nicaragua, or road-tripping through the American West.

No matter how many passport stamps you've collected or countries you've checked off your list, there's always a new corner of the globe to discover. Summertime getaways to places like Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands have recently been growing in popularity among travelers, joining the ranks of classic summer vacation destinations like Greece and Italy.

From river cruises to train adventures to African safaris, these are the best summer vacation ideas for 2024.

Enjoy la dolce vita in Italy.

When it comes to romance, few places rival the allure of Italy. You've got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the fashion-forward vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean coastline, the wineries of Tuscany, the pizza of Naples, and more. During the summer, temperatures can soar to over 85 degrees, so consider visiting a destination by the sea or a lake, where you can escape the heat. For a true Italian villeggiatura (summer vacation), book a room at Passalacqua on Lake Como or Borgo Santandrea on the Amalfi Coast .

Take a road trip from Charleston to Savannah.

While it's mighty hot in the South during the summer (we’re talking temperatures in the 80s and 90s), there's plenty of sweet tea and lemonade available to cool you down. Begin your trip in the port city of Charleston, where you can wander picturesque cobblestone streets, walk the promenade along the ocean, photograph the colorful, historical homes of Rainbow Row, and eat your weight in crab cakes, hush puppies, and other Southern classics. Stay at The Loutrel , a luxury boutique hotel just steps away from some of the best things to do in Charleston .

Then, hop in the car and make your way to Savannah, about two hours south. While the coastal Georgia city has similar architecture and Spanish moss-draped oak trees, it also boasts dozens of world-class museums and art galleries where you can escape the heat. Check into The Alida , named one of the best hotels in Savannah by T+L readers.

Explore the cities of Colombia.

Colombia continues to climb the list of must-visit countries for curious travelers, and for good reason: Medellín offers immersion into art and culture, while Cartagena pairs history with seaside allure.

Often called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its year-round warm weather, Medellín is especially pleasant in the summer when temperatures range from around 65 to 75 degrees. Days can be spent sipping gin cocktails on outdoor patios, hiking nearby mountains, exploring the surrounding rain forest, and getting a great calf workout (the town is built on hills).

While you're in the port city of Cartagena, you'll travel back in time to the 16th century through its iconic Old Town, which features colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus, the nearby white-sand beaches are never too crowded. Temperatures reach the upper 80s all summer, so prepare for sweltering days. Find some relief in a room at the Casa San Agustín . 

Pretend you're 007 in Monaco.

If you haven't been to Paris, summer is a special time to visit. But, if you've had your fill of lazy sunset picnics along the Seine, consider Monaco instead. This tiny independent city-state on the Mediterranean coastline of France oozes international spy vibes. You'll feel like an extra in a James Bond film as you gamble at upscale casinos, sample local dishes at La Condamine market, or stroll along the boardwalk, admiring Monaco's hillside beauty in the pleasant summer weather, with highs of around 75 to 80 degrees. Complete your storybook vacation by checking into the iconic Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo . 

Get lost in the Medina of Marrakesh.

The North African country of Morocco is diverse, with a rich history and plenty of unique experiences to engage your senses. Whether you spend your time perusing the rows of local goods that line the winding lanes of the Medina of Marrakesh or riding a camel into the sunset and losing count of the stars in the Sahara Desert sky, a summertime trip is both invigorating and enticing. It's outside of the high season, so if you can take the nearly 100-degree heat, you'll benefit from fewer crowds and a calmer getaway — well, as calm as it can get while you bargain for tiles and dodge motorbikes. Book a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech for private villas with lush gardens and open-air spa treatments. 

Laze around in Montego Bay.

A hop-and-a-skip from the East Coast, Montego Bay on Jamaica's north coast is an idyllic spot to disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we do mean hot: Temperatures can reach the high 80s in the summer, creating the perfect conditions for lazy days spent reading, dipping into the calm waters, and sipping rum cocktails. Relax at a resort or venture out to explore some of Jamaica's best beaches , such as Doctor's Cave Beach or Walter Fletcher Beach. If you're into snorkeling or scuba-certified, the protected waves of Montego Bay Marine Park are a must, too. Stay at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas to get a feel for the island's barefoot luxury. 

Summit Machu Picchu.

The dry season (June, July, and August) is one of the most popular times of year to visit Machu Picchu due to the blue skies, lush green grass, and awe-inspiring views. Whether you're up for the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail or would prefer the Inca Rail , it's wise to spend a few days sightseeing and acclimatizing to the altitude in the nearby city of Cusco. The former capital of the Inca Empire is full of charm, with a hilltop that lights up at night, bustling local markets, and countless alpaca stores to splurge on a sweater for the chilly nights. For the best views of Machu Picchu, climb the mountain in front of it, Huayna Picchu. Then, return to the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco , where the hotel’s historic trappings and oxygen-enriched rooms are the perfect way to rebound after a day in the Andes.

Eat your way around Lima.

For foodies who prefer eating to sightseeing on vacation, Lima will feel like the holy grail of culinary destinations. There are countless restaurants with Michelin stars and affordable tasting menus. During June, July, and August, the Peruvian capital boasts sunshine-filled days and little rain, with balmy temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. When you're not restaurant hopping, you can learn how to surf, snap photos of impressive graffiti art, and pet the countless cats who live in Parque Kennedy. Word to the wise: If you want to dine at top restaurants Central or Astrid & Gastón , you'll likely have to make reservations weeks or months in advance. Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel provides all the comforts of a five-star hotel alongside Peruvian cuisine, a rooftop pool with Pacific Ocean views, and a convenient location for exploring the area, including the hip Barranco neighborhood.  

Ride the swells in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is one of the top places to put your surfing skills to the test, and the waves during the wet season lend themselves to beginners and experts alike. This Central American country, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, features more than just no-filter-required sunsets — various regions mean you can experience everything from lakes to volcanoes. Before you leave, make sure you see the city of Granada, which is rich in Spanish colonial history. While there, book a room at Tribal Hotel for boho-chic interiors and icy poolside drinks to help you beat the upper-80-degree weather. 

Go wine tasting in Napa Valley.

Courtesy of Napa Valley Wine Train

For a whole season of long, tipsy summer days, the Napa Valley region outside of San Francisco offers sunshine and foodie-approved meals. If you can make it in July, sip your way through Festival Napa Valley , which highlights a range of wineries offering their best blends. For a more playful afternoon, consider booking a luxurious tasting journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train .

Wine country’s own Auberge du Soleil has residential-style accommodations and an on-site French restaurant with outdoor dining, so you can sip local pours while taking in sweeping views of the verdant countryside. 

Pretend you're not a tourist in New York City.

Ask any New Yorker and they'll agree: Summer isn't exactly the best time to visit the Big Apple. Between the unforgiving heat trapped by skyscrapers and an influx of tourists from around the world, most locals find any excuse to escape the concrete jungle in the summertime. However, there's an upside: New York City has plenty of free outdoor festivals this time of year, including Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage . Plus, with less competition from in-the-know residents in late summer, you'll have a better chance of snagging reservations at trendy restaurants. Seek out rooftop bars, munch on artisan bites in Brooklyn, or make a break for the Hamptons if you have the time — and patience (the heading-out-of-town traffic is no joke).

There’s no shortage of world-class accommodations in the city that never sleeps. Whether you prefer classic stays at places like The Plaza or The Carlyle , or hip hotels like the Arlo Hotel , Soho Grand Hotel , and the Pendry Manhattan West .

Visit Mexico during the low season.

Outside of hurricane season, which peaks in September, summer is one of the best times to visit Mexico for fewer crowds and lower prices. If you can put up with the 90-degree heat of July and August, and occasional rainy days, you'll likely find some great deals on all-inclusive resorts and flights. Check into one of the sleek all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos , explore the rich arts and culture scene in Puerto Vallarta, or go on a wellness retreat in the Caribbean beach town of Tulum.

Go on safari in South Africa.

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

For many seasoned travelers, South Africa holds a special place in their passports (and hearts). Each corner of this country presents a different climate and experience, and a getaway during the dry season can be particularly enchanting. There's plenty to see and do, from spotting animals in Kruger National Park and hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town to seeing the cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope and sipping your way through the wine region of Franschhoek.

If you can swing it, try timing your vacation in September when you're more likely to spot elephants, leopards, and many other species as they search for watering holes. June through August is technically winter in South Africa — you'll want to pack sweaters instead of swimsuits for this summer vacation — so expect mild days with chilly nights. There are several amazing safari lodges, but we recommend andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge inside Kruger National Park for an intimate, immersive Big Five wildlife experience.  

Hike the U.S. national parks.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Haleakala in Hawaii — we could go on and on about the breathtaking landscapes and adventures that await in our nation's national parks, and summer is prime time for a visit. You're likely to enjoy sunny blue skies and starlit evenings, and you'll have plenty of time to disconnect from the digital realm and tune into the rhythms of nature. Some parks are free to visit, some are underwater, and all are unique. Camp out without sacrificing comfort at Under Canvas , which has locations with access to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, and Acadia national parks, among others.

Traverse Europe by train.

From college students to retirees, many travelers place a European trip at the top of their list — and for good reason. Eating a croissant beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris, bicycling along the canals of Amsterdam, discovering historic castles in Ireland , and eating gelato while strolling past ancient Roman ruins in Italy are just a few of the incredible experiences that await in Europe. Grab a Eurail pass to hop between countries for a low price with minimal hassle.

See Florida from coast to coast.

The Sunshine State has it all — beaches, the Everglades , Key lime pie, the glamour and exclusivity of Palm Beach, the vibrant sizzle of Miami, and the tropical island vibe of the Florida Keys. Everyone should take time to explore Florida, from St. Augustine to Key West — home to the southernmost point in the continental U.S. — at least once in their lifetime. Of course, you'll want to hit the central city of Orlando for attractions like Walt Disney World, Epcot, and Universal Orlando. Plus, there are spectacular stays all across Florida, from seaside resorts to charming inns to all-inclusive idylls. 

Take a cruise.

It's hard not to have a good time on a cruise. Meals and drinks are typically included, your ship comes equipped with a wide range of activities, and you sail from port to port, hitting a multitude of new destinations while only having to unpack once. What more can you ask from a summer vacation? For an even more refined and intimate take on cruising, try a river cruise through Europe .

Travel through the Wild West.

Put on your pioneer pants and head out for an adventure in America's Wild West. With history, wide-open spaces, and cowboy lore from centuries past, you'll feel as free as it comes in places like Colorado or Nevada. And you can’t get more Western-chic than at Amangani in Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park .

Try driving an electric vehicle on the Nevada Electric Highway , which features EV charging stations, including Tesla Superchargers. The route's combination of Gold Rush ghost towns and tomorrow's technology makes it a road trip of the future and the past all at once.  

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

On the West Coast, State Route 1 — better known as the Pacific Coast Highway — runs along rugged cliffside terrain and expansive beaches, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country, if not the world. Plan your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary around the spectacular sunsets and plentiful photo ops. The summer weather will be beautiful, if toasty, with an average daily high in the upper 70s or 80s. Spend at least a couple nights in Big Sur at the Post Ranch Inn for classically California cool accommodations and sweeping Pacific views.

Not in the mood for a road trip? Tackle the Pacific Coast Highway by train on Amtrak's Coast Starlight route, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle and hits spots like Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Portland along the way.

Backpack in Southeast Asia.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

You've seen the photos — now it's time to explore Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia yourself. Take a cooking class, go temple hopping, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary , and live it up — even on a budget. Prices for food, hotels, activities, and excursions are often much lower than in many other parts of the world. Those looking for luxury can also find high-end accommodations such as Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia, the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, and Amanpuri in Thailand.  

Get Adventurous in New Zealand.

For those who prefer the snow to the shore, beat the heat and travel to New Zealand, which experiences winter from June to August. You’ll be happy for the 50- to 60-degree weather when the country’s epic hiking, climbing, and bungee jumping get your blood pumping. And make no mistake: You will be spending all of your time outside. New Zealand is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes, from beautiful beaches and the fjords of Milford Sound to the wonder of the  Waitomo Glowworm Caves and charming locations used in The Lord of the Rings . 

Sip rum swizzles in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Americans don’t need a passport to enjoy these three islands in the Caribbean. Whether you choose St. John, St. Croix, or St. Thomas (or hop between the three), you’ll find white sand, world-class snorkeling, and tropical surroundings in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each has its own vibe. Go to St. John for a luxurious, private island-like atmosphere; St. Croix for the food ; and St. Thomas for the lively atmosphere of a tourist hot spot. Stay at a beachfront all-inclusive resort for a stress-free escape.

There are several rum distillers on the islands, so you can sip a locally sourced rum swizzle while you enjoy average summertime temperatures in the low 80s.

Golf in Scotland. 

David Alexander/Getty Images

The U.K.'s northernmost nation is known for its gorgeous lochs, beautiful castles, and the windswept Highlands. From whisky distillery tours to walking the magnificent  West Highland Way to exploring the cosmopolitan centers of Glasgow and Edinburgh, there’s no shortage of things to do in Scotland . Plus, the sun doesn't set until around 10 p.m. in the Highlands in June and early July, so you'll have even more daylight for exploration.

But the real reason to take a summer vacation in Scotland is found on the green. This country is a golfer’s dream with more than 550 courses and a long legacy of seaside links. There are plenty of coastal spots for the ultimate summer game, like the Fairmont St. Andrews , where you'll have two courses to play and a chic room to return to at the end of the day. Pack your clubs, favorite golf shoes, and comfortable golf pants for great times on the green.

Snap your way through Japan. 

You might miss the spring cherry blossoms, but there are still plenty of beautiful places in Japan to photograph in the summertime. Pose in front of the country’s tallest peak in the Fuji Five Lakes area or capture Tokyo's frenetic energy at Shibuya Crossing. In Kyoto, you’ll get plenty of pictures of temples, shrines, and bamboo forests for your scrapbook. From enjoying white-sand beaches in Okinawa to seeing the wildflowers in Hokkaido's national parks, these are moments you'll want to remember.

Go island hopping in Greece.

Nothing says summer vacation like the Greek Islands. From sipping ouzo by the Aegean to snapping a few windmill pics for Instagram, this is the perfect Mediterranean getaway. Of course, you’ll have to deal with more crowds and hotter temperatures in July and August, but it’s a popular time to visit for a reason. More restaurants and bars are open and you’ll find more available ferry routes, opening up the entire archipelago for your summer vacation. Start in the Cyclades (where you'll find the famous islands of Mykonos and Santorini) before moving on to lesser-known Greek Islands like Antiparos, Symi, or Syros.

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When Do the Seasons Start and End in 2024?

2024 Seasons Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

When do the year’s four seasons start—winter, spring, summer, and fall? It depends on who you ask! Also, the dates of the equinoxes and solstices can change from year to year. Learn more about the four seasons (and guess which of the four seasons is the shortest!).

When Do the Seasons Start?

The dates when the seasons begin and end vary depending on whom you ask. Each season has both an astronomical start and a meteorological start. It sounds complicated, but trust us, it’s not!

• The astronomical start date is based on the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth.
• The meteorological start date is based on our 12-month civil calendar and the annual temperature cycle. 

The First Days of the Seasons

Note: The dates above correspond to the start of the listed seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Times are based on Eastern time ( ET ). Subtract 3 hours for Pacific time, 2 hours for Mountain time, 1 hour for Central time, and so on.

Read Next

The first day of winter: winter solstice 2024, first day of spring 2024: the spring equinox, when is the first day of fall autumnal equinox 2024.

What is a Season?

Here is a basic explanation of how astronomers and meteorologists define seasons differently:

• The astronomical start of a season depends on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun. More specifically, either a solstice (for winter and summer) or an equinox (for spring and autumn) marks the start of each season.  
• In contrast, the meteorological start of a season relies on the annual temperature cycle and the 12-month calendar. Each season starts on the first day of a specific month and goes on for three months. Spring starts on March 1, summer on June 1, autumn on September 1, and winter on December 1. 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is an astronomical “calendar of the heavens,” so our book has long followed the astronomical definition of the seasons based on the Sun and Earth!

What Causes the Seasons?

It’s commonly assumed that the warmer seasons happen because Earth is nearer the Sun (and the colder seasons happen when Earth is farther from the Sun). Nope. 

It’s the Earth’s tilted axis that causes the seasons. The axis is always tilted in the same direction. So, as the Earth orbits the Sun over the 12 months of the year, different parts of Earth get the Sun’s direct rays.  Learn more about the reason for the seasons.

Why Has the Date Changed for the Start of Seasons?

You may have noticed that the first day of spring is on a different date than when you were younger. The dates actually shift over time. Why? There are several reasons, but the one that’s easy to understand is that the Sun doesn’t follow a human calendar!

While our Gregorian calendar was designed to match the time it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun, it’s not exact. Specifically, it eliminates leap days in century years not evenly divisible by 400, such as 1700, 1800, and 2100, and millennium years by 4,000, such as 8000 and 12000.

Therefore, the dates of the equinoxes and solstices can shift by a day or two over time, which causes the start dates of the seasons to shift over time, too.

Which Season is the Shortest?

It can sometimes feel like winter is dragging on forever, but did you know that winter is the shortest season of the year? (In the Northern Hemisphere, that is.)

Yes, the seasons are different lengths! Thanks to the elliptical shape of Earth’s orbit around the Sun, Earth doesn’t stay the same distance from the Sun year-round. In January, we get closest to the Sun ( perihelion ), and in July, we get farthest away ( aphelion ). Read more about perihelion and aphelion .

When Earth is nearer to the Sun, its gravity is stronger, so our planet moves a little faster in its orbit. In the Northern Hemisphere, fall and winter are shorter because we move faster through space during that time of year. Conversely, Earth travels more slowly when it is farthest from the Sun, resulting in a longer spring and summer. (The opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere.)

This is all to say that the seasons range in length from about 89 days to about 94 days . 

The Four Seasons

What defines each season? Below is a brief explanation of the four seasons in order of calendar year. For more information, refer to the link of the equinoxes and solstices pages.

On the first day of spring, the length of day and night is about the same, lasting around 12 hours each. This happens a few days before the official start of spring ( vernal equinox ) in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun crosses the celestial equator going northward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west.

On the summer solstice , we enjoy the most daylight of the calendar year. The Sun reaches its most northern point in the sky (in the Northern Hemisphere) at local noon. After this date, the days start getting “shorter,” i.e., the length of daylight starts to decrease.

Autumn (Fall)

During the autumnal equinox , day and night are approximately equal in length, lasting around 12 hours each. In the Northern Hemisphere, the exact time of equal day and night occurs a few days after the autumnal equinox. The Sun crosses the celestial equator going southward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west.

The winter solstice is the “shortest day” of the year, meaning the least amount of sunlight. The Sun reaches its most southern point in the sky (in the Northern Hemisphere) at local noon. After this date, the days start getting “longer,” i.e., the amount of daylight increases.

What’s your favorite season—and why? Let us know in the comments below!

Catherine Boeckmann

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Summer Solstice 2024: When Is The First Day of Summer?

The Reason for the Seasons

The Misunderstood Equinox: Separating Fact from Fiction

My favorite season is fall. After a long, hot, humid summer in the Deep South, I’m ready for a break.

I love all but winter. I don't like less sun and more cold! Let's just get rid of winter entirely!

Catherine Boeckmann, Why aren't you guys on FaceBook?

We are! Follow us on Facebook.

My favorite season is spring, it also happens to be when my birthday is and when the flowers start to bloom! This makes me feel happy, the newness of life and color. Although I enjoy summer and fall because of color and temperature, spring is my favorite ❤️. Thanks for the pics of the seasons, beautiful

Spring is my favorite season because it is the re-birth of almost everything that has gone dormant for three months. It's beautiful to see the process of life continuing and that God hasn't forgotten about us.

I have wondered when is Mid-summer. I have read Midsummer is June 21. This is confusing since June 21 is also known as first day of summer. How can it be both mid and first? Then I read about a different way to read the seasons from pagan use of cross-quarter days and how they are marked along with equinoxes and solstices. Our calendar has 52 weeks. divide this into four and it is 13 weeks, the approximate time between solstice and equinox. Half way between these are the cross quarter days. May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1, Feb 1. Each of these days have been also named as holidays and most still recognized today. This naming of the cross quarter days also gives marking to seasonal changes. Summer is marked as being from May 1 to Aug 1 putting June 21 as Midsummer. Autumn is marked as Aug 1 to Nov 1 with the eve of Nov 1 being all hallows eve and the beginning of the dead season aka winter. Spring is from Feb 1 which is still recognized by the groundhog trick, and finishes with the May 1 Maypole day. Can you explain where Midsummer is? It suddenly makes so much more sense to me. It also explains why August becomes the beginning of Halloween season as we who love it will have noticed. Happy seasonings.

Modern astronomical summer begins at the summer solstice (longest day) which is around 21st June and meteorological summer begins on 1st June. However, a much older calendar had summer starting on 1st May, in which case midsummer is around the summer solstice. It can be confusing but you might ask how can May be in both spring and summer. It depends which calendar you use. On the old calendar it was the first month of summer; now it is regarded as the last month of spring.

I love all the seasons except early spring. It so often disappoints. I expect warmer weather and watch the buds on the trees and early flowers bloom with joy. Then, I am horrified when winter returns again to destroy all the newness and hope.

Slight typo:

"What Causes the Seasons?

It’s the Earth’s tilted axis causes the seasons."

Should be either "It's the Earth's tilted axis [that] causes the seasons." or "[The] Earth's tilted axis causes the seasons."

• More Comments

Solstices & Equinoxes for Moscow (Surrounding 10 Years)

Search for a city's astronomical seasons, solstices, equinoxes, and much more...

Current Season

Spring 2024, next season, summer 2024, autumn 2024, winter 2024-2025.

Countries define seasons differently . This calculator refers to astronomical seasons , not meteorological seasons. All times are local time for Moscow.

Solstices & Equinoxes for Moscow

The Seasons Calculator shows the times and dates of Vernal (Spring) & Autumnal (Fall) equinoxes and Summer and Winter solstices all over the world.

Learn more about equinoxes and solstices

When Does Spring Start?

The first day of spring is at the vernal equinox, when day and night are equal. Find out the exact time and date.

When Does Summer Start?

When is the summer solstice 2023 in the southern and northern hemispheres?

When Does Fall Start?

North of the equator, fall begins in September. Find out the exact dates for both hemispheres.

When Does Winter Start?

The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is in December; south of the equator, it is in June. Find out exactly when the winter season starts.

March Equinox

At the March equinox, the Sun crosses the equator from south to north. Explanation and 2024 equinox date.

June Solstice

The June solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere.

September Equinox

The Sun shines directly on the Equator on the September equinox and the length of day and night is nearly equal, but not quite.

December Solstice

December solstice marks the shortest day north of the equator and the longest day in the south.

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What you need to know about European travel this summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals has already risen by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Commission , with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant there were 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has had to cancel over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after the delivery of several of its new Boeing aircraft was delayed. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

( What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? )

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville , a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague , a daily train between Vilnius and Riga , a relaunched night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites . Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass last year, France has also introduced its own nationwide rail pass for the same price. However, this is only valid for those under 27 and excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France.

( 6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys .)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots last summer, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures have already been put in place that aim to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

( What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling. )

4. How big events could disrupt your travel  

From Taylor Swift’s tour across Europe to the UEFA European Championship in Germany, Europe is limbering up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual . This is likely to mean a greater demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and even increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holiday does coincide with an event, try to explore beyond the city itself, visit nearby tourist attractions that could be quieter than normal, or just enjoy the inevitable citywide buzz surrounding the main event.

( How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics. )

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona , tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while thousands attended an anti-tourism protest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

6. How to deal with heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures in Europe above average for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April, for example, and will be enforced on selected dates until July. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash. Other new rules in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban drinking on the street and prevent shops selling alcohol at night, though you will still be able to buy drinks in bars and restaurants.

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Travelling Without a Passport

Your Ultimate Off-Season Travel Calendar

Everybody loves a summer holiday, but more often than not, traveling during the peak tourist season can be a bit of a drag. Here’s our guide to your off-season gems to discover.

Summer may be the best time to travel when it comes to the weather, especially in Europe. However… the flights you want to book are overpriced, the places you want to stay at are more expensive, and the attractions you want to visit are flooded with tourists. In the off-season, you don’t have to worry about dealing with any of those downsides. Sure, you won’t get the best weather, but booking your trip in the low season comes with a bevy of benefits: cheaper airfare, wallet-friendly hotel rates, and fewer crowds.

If you’re ready to jump on the off-peak travel bandwagon, the only question left to answer is: where should I go in the off-season? That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve curated a list of some of the most popular travel destinations and their corresponding low-season periods so you can start planning your off-peak adventure for 2023 and beyond!

• North America
• South America

See Also: Iceland Off-Season: Your Complete Guide

For the most part, Europe’s off-season runs between November and March .

Of course, temperatures and weather conditions will vary by region; if you visit in, say, December, you may have to contend with freezing temperatures and snow flurries in Northern Europe, while Mediterranean countries like Greece offer a fair amount of sunshine and relatively mild temperatures. 

No matter what destinations you choose to visit (aside from ski resorts), you’re guaranteed to find fewer crowds and bargain-worthy prices when traveling to Europe during the winter months.

Here are a few great cities, countries, and regions to choose from for off-season travel — those places where you’ll get the most bang for your buck and have a fantastic overall experience:

• All of the continent’s most popular and iconic cities (e.g., Venice, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, or Amsterdam)
• Finnish Lapland

See Also: What to do in Greece in December (Updated 2022)

Southeast Asia – June to October

As you can imagine, Southeast Asia plays host to several climates to match its incredibly diverse landscapes. Many travelers avoid the off-season in this region completely, but — with a little extra planning and preparation — it can actually be a fantastic time to travel here.

Just remember: the off-season months typically coincide with the rainy season. Monsoon rains usually occur between June and October in most parts of Southeast Asia, but weather patterns can vary drastically depending on the destination. 

During this time, your trip can be disrupted by torrential downpours, or you might get lucky with sunshine and short-lived periods of rain — it’s a chance you take traveling during the low season!

Here are the off-season months for some of Southeast Asia’s top hotspots:

• Bali – April to June
• Bangkok and Northern Thailand – May to October
• Thai Islands (Gulf of Thailand) – Gulf of Thailand October to December and the Andaman Sea June to October
• Vietnam – May to September
• Cambodia – July to September

Japan / China / Taiwan – November to March

The best time to escape the crowds in China , Japan , and Taiwan is during the winter months, as long as you’re not traveling to wintry destinations or ski towns like Harbin and Hokkaido. As these destinations are pretty far north, it can get quite cold, however, so for trips to Tokyo, Seoul, or Beijing, your best bet is to dress for the occasion and check the weather reports thoroughly.

India & Sri Lanka – May to August/September

India and Sri Lanka experience varied weather conditions, with certain regions (such as Goa, for example) being dominated by rainfall at any given time of the year. 

With the exception of tropical states like Florida and Hawaii, the low season in Canada and the USA falls between the winter months of November and March/April. 

Los Angeles, Vancouver, and other West Coast destinations offer milder temperatures throughout this season, while cities in the northeast (New York, Toronto, Boston) transform into real-life winter wonderlands.

Prices skyrocket during winter holidays and school holiday periods, so it’s best to avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Spring Break if you don’t want to deal with inflated hotel rates and crowded attractions.

In Mexico and the Caribbean , the off-season period begins shortly after Easter and lasts until the middle of December, just before the holiday season is in full swing.

• United States – November to March
• Hawaii – April to early June and September to mid-December
• Canada – November to April
• Mexico – May to mid-December
• The Caribbean – May to mid-December

See Also: Low Season USA Travel: 11 Adventures in Your Backyard

Given its gargantuan size, it should come as no surprise that there’s a whole host of varying climates and microclimates occurring on this vast continent throughout the year.

Generally speaking, South America can be divided into two regions, the first being Chile , Argentina , Uruguay , and southern Brazil, where the low season falls during the chilly winter months. Please be aware that here, it’s winter from May to August! The other region is Colombia , Peru , Ecuador , and Bolivia , where the weather patterns are dictated by wet and dry seasons rather than significant temperature changes. In Brazil, for example, there may be temperatures as low as ° C 15.8 / ° F 60.4 in Foz do Iguaçu, in the south in July, while Salvador, Bahia up north will still have approx. ° C 23.7 / ° F 74.7 degrees.

If you don’t mind packing a few extra layers and waterproof gear, you’ll love traveling outside of peak season here.

• Colombia / Peru / Ecuador / Bolivia – December to March
• Mach u Picchu – October to February (The Inca Trail closes every February for essential maintenance.)
• The Galapagos Islands – May to June and September and October
• Brazil – May to September
• Chile and Argentina (excluding Patagonia) – June to August

In many African destinations (especially safari hotspots), low-season travel comes with loads of perks: the Kalahari Desert offers fantastic game viewing during the off-season; the low season in Kenya means better deals and cheaper international airfare; and Tanzania’s birthing period falls during the off-peak months, so you’re more likely to see lion cubs and other baby animals.

Plus, you’ll get great value for money, you won’t have to compete for space at wildlife sightings, and the rainy season brings lush landscapes — which makes for excellent photo opportunities. 

It may be wetter during the low season, but if you can bear a bit of rain, there are a number of fantastic benefits that come with off-peak travel on this continent.

North Africa

• Morocco – November to February
• Egypt – June to August

Central/East Africa

• Kenya & Tanzania – March to June and October to December
• Ugand a – April and May
• Rwanda – April, May, and November

Southern Africa

• South Africa – April to September
• Namibia & Botswana – December to April 
• Moz ambique – March to June

Australia – June to August

Most people want to experience summer Down Under, but visiting during Australia’s winter (June to August) will save you cash on everything from your airfare to tours and bucket list activities.

And, since the weather is still pleasant and warm in many places around the country, choosing to travel during the off-season comes with some serious advantages.

New Zealand – June to August

The off-peak winter season is similar in New Zealand : you’ll find far fewer crowds at all the popular tourist spots (besides the ski resorts dotted around the country, of course).

Prices go down; hotel rates drop, and, in some destinations, you might feel as though you have the whole place to yourself.

Things to consider when booking an off-season holiday

Not every destination is suited to off-season travel; you definitely don’t want to be trekking in the Himalayas in a foot of snow or sweltering in Northern Australia in 45-degree heat. 

You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and do some additional research before you travel to any particular destination during the low season. Weather, seasonal closures, and safety are three of the main things to keep in mind while you’re planning your trip.

Ashley Nitransky

Ashley is a Content Editor at TourRadar. When she’s not writing, travelling, or obsessively checking flight prices on Skyscanner, you can find her attempting to fine-tune her photography skills or watching a shark documentary.

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Where Lonely Planet staffers are traveling this summer

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is one of the places Lonely Planet staffers plan to visit this summer © Paul Zizka Photography / Banff Tourism Board

Summer is around the corner in the northern hemisphere, and the team at Lonely Planet is already making (or has made) their travel plans.

If you're wondering where to go and what to do this summer, why not follow one of our leads and discover a new destination or rediscover an old favorite? I, unlike my colleagues, have yet to make plans, so finding out where everyone else is going has lit a fire under me. Likewise, I hope these trip plans inspire you to make some of your own – and that you'll turn to Lonely Planet for help when plotting your next getaway.

Here are just some of the places the staff at Lonely Planet traveling this summer.

"I'm going to a backcountry lodge in Banff . It's only accessible by hiking in. I’ve wanted to do one of these for ages, so this is how I’m celebrating my 40th!" – Jessica Lockhart, Senior Editor, Oceania

Banff and Jasper National Parks have several rustic backcountry lodges surrounded by unparalleled scenery. Each lodge has its own unique setting, hosts and history, but all have simple amenities, minimal (or no) electricity and running water, and welcoming common spaces where travelers can gather to read, play cards or recount the day’s adventures. Advance bookings are key – prices may seem steep, but factor in the included home-cooked meals and freedom from setting up camp or worrying about weather and wildlife, and the cost suddenly becomes worth it. 

Keen to go hiking in Canada? Here's our guide to the best trekking routes

"I will be visiting Makarska Riviera , including Brela , Makarska, Tucepi and the island of Korčula . The trip is all about promoting Croatia ’s great outdoors , so the itinerary includes kayaking, rafting, buggying and lots of hiking !" – Aoife Breslin, Publicity and Marketing Coordinator

Croatia’s tourism peaks between June and August, when the Adriatic’s warm waters charm countless visitors. It’s great fun, though afternoons are roasting hot, the lines at attractions are at their longest, and accommodation costs rise. Inland, temperatures are higher, but crowds are less noticeable. June is the quietest month of high season, but with clear skies, music festivals and the promise of early summer, it's a strong contender for Croatia’s best month. 

Ready to plan your trip to Croatia? Choose the right time for your visit with our seasonal guide

"I'm going island hopping  in Greece for four weeks in June. I'll be spending most of my time on Serifos (to start) as it's where the local Greeks holiday  – doing a pottery class, vineyard tour, taking boats to secluded coves, going to cooking school and generally trying to be as fabulous as possible – with additional stays on Santorini and Paros . – Chris Zeiher, Senior Director of Trade Sales and Marketing

Greece is ancient sun-bleached ruins piercing blue skies, the balmy Aegean lapping an endless coastline and a culture alive with passionate music, wonderful cuisine and thrill-seeking activities. Summer is when most travelers choose to explore its countless islands, and June affords the longest days of sunshine, peaking in the second fortnight. It’s also an opportune time for your first, refreshing dip of the summer. 

Going to Greece for the first time? Here our our top tips on things to know before you go

"I'm heading to Tuscany and the island of Elba ." – Annie Greenberg, Creative Director  "We are doing a girls' trip to Tuscany." – Aly Yee, Senior Director

Tuscany escapes easy definition. The Apennines – Italy ’s mountainous spine – slope into vineyard-covered rolling hills, which in turn fade into the Mediterranean coast. Late spring to early autumn is when most people visit Tuscany. It’s easy to understand why – days get longer and warmer, the countryside comes to life, outdoor dining opportunities abound, and festivals happen all around.  The island of Elba comes to life during summer, and it’s worth booking accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit in the high season. Elba offers both great beaches and hiking opportunities along its Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE, Elba’s Great Crossing) trail.

Ready to plan a trip to Tuscany?  Check out our regional guide  

"I'm off to car-free Isla Holbox , Mexico for a relaxing beach getaway. I'm planning on horseback riding and wataflow therapy, which I've never done, but should be interesting."  – Serina Patel, Marketing Manager

Isla Holbox (hol-bosh), meaning "black hole" in Mayan, lives up to its name – it's like a portal to one of Mexico’s last unspoiled tropical islands. Golf carts and bicycles serve as the main forms of transportation, and visitors will discover sandy streets, colorful Caribbean buildings, lazing, sun-drunk dogs, and sand so fine its texture is nearly clay. The greenish waters are a unique color from the mixing of ocean currents, and on land there's a mixing too: of locals and tourists, the latter hoping to escape the hubbub of Cancún .

Using Cancún as a base? Here are the best day trips into the wider area

"I'm heading to Granada , Spain for a week or so, maybe getting in Málaga too. This will be my second visit, so I'm hoping to take a more relaxed approach this time and also catch up with friends." – Alison Killilea, Production Support Editor

With serene Islamic architecture, monumental churches, old-school tapas bars and counterculture graffiti art, Granada is Spain’s cultured, creative southern city; a place with a storied past centering on the Alhambra , one of the world’s great human-made wonders. While Granada can be scorching in summer, the city of Málaga is deemed to have the best climate in the country, with about 3000 hours of sun a year – the most in all of Spain. 

Seen the Alhambra? Here are Granada's other top experiences

Switzerland

"I'm also going to Zürich , Lucerne , Grindelwald  and Zermatt . I will mostly be hiking and doing lots of outdoorsy activities. My number one priority while I am in Switzerland is to do the highest hiking trail in Europe , the Barrhorn."  – Aoife Breslin, Publicity and Marketing Coordinator

Nowhere is perfect, but let’s face it, Switzerland gets pretty darned close. With its supermodel looks, fine weather, easy-peasy public transport , multilingual mindset and penchant for cheese and wine, this is a country where it’s easy to get comfortable – even if it is a bit on the pricey side.  Peak summer in Switzerland is  tip-top , to borrow the Swiss German phrase. Barring the odd storm, it’s nearly always hot and sunny – oppressively so, sometimes, meaning the best place to be is in the cooler air of the high mountains.

Ready to experience the best of Switzerland? Here's our guide to the top things to do

The Bahamas

"I'm heading to Eleuthera  in the  Bahamas for our annual family trip – there are 16 of us so it's always an exciting week! With age ranges of 7–70, I can report that we are all excited to do a beach bonfire and barbecue, and go sailing to swim with some piggies." – Amy Nichols, Senior Marketing Manager

The sapphire waters and  sun-soaked sands  of the Bahamas beckon travelers with warm weather that never fades. Just a short flight from the east coast of the US, this island nation is a magnet for repeat visitors and last-minute bookers alike. Eleuthera, however, is a bit tougher to get to, but is well worth the expense and effort if you're looking for vacation bliss. With its pink-sand beaches, Atlantic-battered reefs, weather-warped rock and dense subtropical scrub, this incredibly narrow 109-mile (175km-long) crescent also offers boutique hotels, revered surf breaks and some fabulous restaurants. 

Can't decide where to go in the Bahamas? We can help with this guide to the best places to visit 

"I'm heading to Naples , Florida  on a family vacation for 2 weeks. I'm planning to relax mostly, with lots of trips to the beach and eating good food! But I'm hoping to take a trip to the Everglades , too." – Aoife Breslin, Publicity and Marketing Coordinator

For upscale romance and the prettiest, most serene city beach in southwest Florida, come to Naples, the Gulf Coast's answer to Palm Beach. The soft white sand is backed only by narrow dunes and half-hidden mansions. More than that, though, Naples is a cultured, sophisticated town, unabashedly stylish and privileged but also welcoming and fun-loving. With spectacular year-round sunshine, there's certainly no bad time to visit Florida . Summers can be pretty hot, but you'll probably spend less on lodging than the winter or summer months.

Traveling to Florida on a budget? We've got some money-saving tips for you

Massachusetts

"My friends and I are going to Martha’s Vineyard , Massachusetts in July. We’re planning a Midsommar -esque garden dinner one night and will spend the rest of our time beach hopping and strolling through Edgartown." – Ann Douglas Lott, Associate Editor

Martha's Vineyard remains untouched by the kind of rampant commercialism found on the mainland – there's not a single chain restaurant or cookie-cutter motel in sight. Sunny skies and consistently hot weather make July and August the best time for a traditional beach holiday with sunning, swimming and sand-digging. The tradeoff, of course, is that July and August are the months everyone goes to the Vineyard and it's likely to be jam-packed, so plan ahead.

Want to see more of Massachusetts? Here are the best road-trip routes

"My family is headed to Northern Michigan this summer. We're excited to paddleboard to a shipwreck, relax on the beach and sail on Lake Michigan. We'll hike and run down all the sand dunes, explore cute artsy towns full of galleries and good eats." – Sarah Stocking, Digital Editor

Summertime buzzes with travelers when draws like the  Great Lakes , charming islands and unspoiled wilderness are at their most accessible. Michigan’s high season kicks off on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). Ferries start to depart more regularly to popular spots and while summer-only establishments lift their shutters. The weather is mostly sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 76°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C). This means lots of summer-only outdoor activities begin.

There are loads of great beaches in Michigan. Here's our guide to the very best

North Carolina

"My wife and I are going to Kure Beach, North Carolina for the 4th of July for five days — my favorite things to do there are take a yoga class on the beach with Kure Beach Yoga (no need to bring a mat, bring a towel!), watch the sunrise from our hotel (The Lighthouse Inn, a very laid-back and recently revamped spot right by the water so you don’t have to stress about parking, which is awful every summer), and see if we can find the boardwalk cat, Bibi." – Rachel Lewis, Senior Social Media Manager

The height of summer in North Carolina is beach time, and with 322 miles (518km) of ocean shoreline reaching from the  Outer Banks  in the north to the  South Carolina  border in the south (and 12,000 miles/19,000km of estuarine coastline along the way),  North Carolina has plenty of beaches to choose from . Kure Beach has 6 miles (10km) of protected shoreline as well as lagoons teeming with wildlife that you can explore by renting a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard.

Explore some of North Carolina's epic landscapes by foot with our guide to the best hiking routes

Rhode Island

"I'm off to Newport , Rhode Island for Memorial Day Weekend and planning on going to restaurants, wineries, mansion tours, walking and hiking." – Serina Patel, Marketing Manager

It may be the yachting capital of the world, but you don’t need nautical stripes – or a summer cottage – to enjoy the seaside retreat of Newport, Rhode Island. With its fresh briny air, expansive sea views and stunning bays, it's obvious why cityfolk continue to follow in the footsteps of the American industrialists here. Enjoy a taste of the good life by touring Newport's Gilded Age mansions built in the late 1800s, taking sailing lessons, or going wine tasting.

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Unofficial start to summer travel season begins, XNA expects busy summer

This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer travel season.

Some are choosing to get away for the Memorial Day holiday weekend while others are staying closer to home.

"Well, I'm going to visit my friend who lives outside of Fayetteville," Springdale resident Therese Moreno said. "It's about a 20-minute drive."

At XNA, the summer travel season is already shifting into high gear.

"We're starting to see a little bit more buzz throughout the terminal, and we only imagine it will grow as the summer continues," XNA public affairs manager Olivia Tyler said.

XNA says it saw its largest number of air travelers ever in 2023.

"Now, every month of 2024, we have been exceeding those 2023 levels and even pre-pandemic levels," Tyler said.

For those not traveling far over the holiday weekend, it doesn't mean they won't be traveling far later on in the summer.

"Yes, I'm going to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and there's a layover in Dallas," Moreno said.

With busy airports expected, don't forget to pack your patience.

"The travel seems to be getting worse," Moreno said. "You know, there's tons of people, and the layovers are just, you know, too long."

XNA says travelers should allow for the possibility of longer than usual lines at the security checkpoint this summer.

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When Do Summer Vacation Start? The Ultimate Guide

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

For many students, summer vacation is one of the most exciting times of the year. It’s a time for relaxation, exploration, and adventure. But when does summer vacation actually start? Depending on where you live in the United States, summer vacation start dates can vary greatly. Understanding when your summer vacation begins can help you plan accordingly and make the most of your time off.

The Ultimate Guide to Summer Vacation Start Dates in the U.S.

When it comes to summer vacation start dates in the U.S., there are regional differences to keep in mind. Generally speaking, summer vacation begins in June, with some states starting earlier and others starting later. For example, in California, most schools begin summer vacation in late May or early June, while in Texas, summer vacation typically begins in mid-June.

If you’re unsure when your local school district begins their summer vacation, there are a few different ways to find out. First, you can check your school district’s website, which should have all the information you need. You can also contact your school directly, as they should be able to provide you with an exact date. Finally, you can search online for summer vacation start dates in your area.

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation: Tips for Planning Ahead

Once you know when your summer vacation will start, the next step is to start planning. Developing a budget for your summer vacation is key, as this will help you determine how much money you’ll need and what activities you can afford. You’ll also want to explore different travel options, such as flying, driving, or taking the train. And finally, it’s important to maximize your time off by planning ahead and scheduling activities in advance.

Exploring the Benefits of Starting Summer Vacation Early

Starting your summer vacation early has its advantages. For one, you’ll have more time to enjoy the warm weather and take advantage of outdoor activities like camping, swimming, and hiking. Additionally, an early start date means that you’ll have more time to travel and explore new places. And finally, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and unwind before the start of the next school year.

What Parents Need to Know About When Summer Vacation Starts

For parents, knowing when summer vacation starts is especially important. Before summer vacation begins, it’s important to make sure that your children are prepared. This includes stocking up on school supplies and making sure that your children have all the necessary materials for their classes. Additionally, it’s important to ensure your children’s safety during summer vacation, especially if they’ll be traveling or participating in activities outside of the home.

The Pros and Cons of Different Summer Vacation Start Dates

When it comes to summer vacation start dates, there are both pros and cons to consider. An early start date gives you more time to travel and enjoy the warm weather, but it also means that you’ll have less time to prepare for the upcoming school year. A late start date, on the other hand, gives you more time to get ready for the new school year, but it also means that you’ll have less time to take advantage of the summer months. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different start dates and decide which one is best for you.

Knowing when your summer vacation starts is essential for making the most of your time off. By understanding the regional differences in summer vacation start dates and exploring different travel options, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your summer break. And for parents, it’s important to remember to prepare your children for summer vacation and ensure their safety. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your summer vacation.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Summer Travel 2024 Could a Record-Breaking Summer Travel Season Lead to Losses for Businesses?

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• Summer Travel 2024

In a Nutshell

Summer is almost here, and families are gearing up for vacations, meaning a potential surge in business for travel companies. This year could break travel records, with US travel likely to meet or exceed pre-pandemic levels. However, if travel agencies don't prepare for the spike in both legitimate and fraudulent transactions, they could face disgruntled customers and chargebacks.

Travel Companies Need to Start Preparing for Their Busiest Season Since the Pandemic

It’s almost summer… and you know what that means.

Families are about to start traveling and going on vacation. Companies in the travel space — we’re talking airlines, OTAs, rental car companies, hotels, and more — may see a surge in business. In fact, indicators suggest that summer 2024 could be a record-setting travel season.

Data from Tripadvisor's new Summer Travel Index shows that US travel is likely to exceed pre-pandemic levels. But, as we’ll see, this could lead to disgruntled customers and scam victims if travel companies don't anticipate the surge in both legitimate and fraudulent transactions. In turn, this may mean chargebacks all around.

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Summer 2024 May Set New Records for Travel

2023 was an incredibly busy year for travel. Despite challenges like international unrest, frequent flight delays, and rising prices, Americans still managed to prioritize their vacations. This trend is set to continue  in 2024, with the Transportation Security Administration saying they’re prepared for the “busiest travel season ever.”

According to Forbes , 52% of consumers that were asked about their travel plans for 2024 said they plan to travel as much as they did last year. Another 40% expect to travel even more.

This enthusiasm is reflected in their budgets: 72% of survey respondents plan to spend upwards of $2,000 on travel in 2024, and nearly half (48%) will spend at least $4,000 throughout the year. A previous study from Forbes Advisor found that the average cost of travel for a family of four, including airfare and a three-night stay, is about $3,600. So, it’s not surprising that many Americans are budgeting high amounts for their trips next year.

How Travel Merchants can Fast-Track Recovery in a Post-Covid Market. We surveyed over 100 high-level professionals in the travel sector about post-pandemic fraud and chargeback activity.

Interestingly, the groups most willing to spend $4,000 or more are Millennials (62%) and Gen Z (61%). This trend could be due to several factors.

Millennials and Gen Z tend to value experiences over material goods, often choosing to invest in memorable trips rather than material items. The influence of social media plays a significant role, too, as travel is frequently showcased as part of an aspirational lifestyle. Seeing peers post about their exotic vacations can motivate others to plan and budget for similar experiences. Plus, younger generations often seek a work-life balance that allows them to explore new places and cultures.

Why This Could Be a Problem

Overall, the eagerness to travel and the willingness to invest significant amounts into these experiences suggest a robust travel outlook for 2024. But, while the travel boom is exciting, it brings some big challenges for the industry .

Many businesses might be unready for the influx of travelers. This can lead to overbooked flights, hotel shortages, and poor customer service due to understaffing or logistical problems. If these issues crop up, they could create many unhappy customers.

Unhappy customers are likely to voice their complaints on social media, leading to negative publicity for travel companies. Even worse, unresolved issues could result in an increase in chargebacks.

Chargebacks happen when customers dispute charges on their credit cards. This could happen because they didn't get the service they paid for, or were unhappy with the quality of what was delivered. A high number of chargebacks can hurt your business and strain your relationships with credit card companies.

Fraudsters Taking Notice, Too

In addition to chargeback resulting from unsatisfactory service, the travel surge also opens the door to more fraudulent charges as well.

Scammers often take advantage of busy travel seasons. They know that the high volume of transactions makes it easier for fraudulent activity to go unnoticed. This further feeds into the dispute and chargeback problem mentioned above.

Travelers are at risk for scams like fake travel deals, or phishing emails sent by scammers posing as airlines or hotels. They could even create problems down the road, like unauthorized charges resulting from compromised payment systems or data breaches.

All the issues outlined above highlight why this year may be particularly challenging. If travel companies want to take advantage of the 2024 travel boom without cannibalizing their own revenue, they need to verify that they’re optimizing their customer service, security, and infrastructure right now .

What Can Travel Companies Do?

As we head into the peak travel season, operators need to gear up to meet the increased demand and tackle potential challenges. After all, your business will absorb the losses from any lax customer service or security issues, so you will need to be ready to combat issues proactively. 

Here’s a look at some key areas that need attention to tackle these issues from a business perspective:

Shoring Up Customer Support

Merchants should be sure their customer support teams are fully staffed and well-trained to handle the higher volume of inquiries and complaints. Comprehensive training can help staff manage problems from booking issues to travel disruptions. Using advanced customer service technologies, like AI-driven chatbots and automated response systems, can also streamline support and provide quick solutions to common problems.

Refining Fraud Filters

Refining fraud detection systems is pretty important with the expected rise in travel-related transactions. Companies should invest in advanced technologies that use machine learning to identify and block suspicious activities in real-time. Regularly updating these systems to adapt to new types of fraud will further protect both the company and its customers. Educating travelers on how to recognize and avoid common travel scams can also help reduce fraudulent charges.

Investing in Chargeback Management

Effective chargeback management is necessary to prevent financial losses and maintain good relationships with credit card companies. Travel companies need to have chargeback prevention best practices in place. For example, clear communication about terms and conditions, transparent pricing, and prompt customer service. Having a dedicated team to handle disputes quickly and efficiently can help resolve issues before they escalate.

Boosting Digital Infrastructure

Travel companies need to invest in their digital infrastructure to handle increased demand. This includes upgrading booking platforms to manage higher traffic volumes, ensuring website and app reliability, and optimizing payment processing systems to prevent downtime and errors. A smooth digital experience is essential for keeping customers happy during peak travel times.

Improving Communication

Proactive communication is key to managing customer expectations and reducing frustration. Travel companies should keep customers informed about potential delays, changes in policies, and other relevant updates. Using multiple communication channels like email, SMS, and social media can ensure that customers receive timely information.

Based on a survey of over 400 merchants, the report presents a comprehensive, cross-vertical look at the current state of chargebacks and chargeback management.

How Should the Industry Prepare?

The onus to meet and exceed customer travel demands shouldn’t just be left to individual businesses in the travel space alone.

As we established, 2024 is  projected to be a landmark year for travel. So, the broader industry should be working together to help streamline operations and improve customer service across the board. After all, when companies work together toward a mutual goal, the industry, as a whole, is better for it. 

Here are just a few ideas travel industry stakeholders might consider: 

Sharing Best Practices

Creating and following standardized security protocols can help everyone stay on the same page when it comes to fighting fraud. Industry organizations can set guidelines for secure payment processing, customer verification, and transaction monitoring. These standards make sure all companies, big or small, are ready to handle the surge in transactions securely.

Enhancing Data Sharing

Better data sharing among companies can help identify and stop fraudulent activities faster. Travel businesses can join industry-wide initiatives to share information about known fraudsters and suspicious activities. Pooling data lets companies detect patterns and prevent fraud more effectively than working alone.

Collaborating With Financial Institutions

Strengthening partnerships with banks and credit card companies can make a big difference. Close cooperation with financial institutions can help develop and improve fraud detection tools, as well as streamline the chargeback dispute process. Financial institutions provide valuable insights and support in identifying and combating fraudulent activities.

Educating Consumers

An informed traveler is less likely to fall victim to fraud. The industry can launch coordinated campaigns to educate consumers about common travel scams and how to protect themselves. Sharing tips on recognizing phishing emails, avoiding “too-good-to-be-true” deals, and securely handling travel bookings can empower travelers to guard their own information.

Lobbying for Stronger Regulations

The travel industry can advocate for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect both consumers and businesses from fraud. Policies that enhance data security impose stricter penalties for fraudsters, and which improve the transparency of online transactions, can help create a safer environment for everyone.

Investing in Technology

Pooling resources to invest in advanced technologies can have a big impact. The travel industry can develop cutting-edge fraud detection systems that use artificial intelligence and machine learning. Joint investments in technology can lead to more effective solutions that benefit the entire industry.

Harlan Hutson

Harlan Hutson is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Brands at Chargebacks911. He has spent the past 12 years focused on solving real world problems in payments and security; first as an eCommerce merchant, then as co-founder of an authentication company. In his role at Chargebacks911, he is focused on resolving chargeback problems for some of the largest companies in the world

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NFL key dates for 2024 offseason: OTAs, mandatory minicamps, start of training camps, regular season kickoff

Your one-stop shop for key nfl offseason dates.

The 2023 NFL season came to a close after the  Kansas City Chiefs  won their second consecutive Super Bowl . Free agency is in the rearview mirror, as is the 2024 NFL Draft . Now, teams are well into offseason preparations for the next season.

They'll try their best to end Kansas City's two-year reign atop the league, while the champs will undoubtedly look to do what they can this year to attempt a three-peat. In the space below, we're highlighting all the key dates and events to watch out for as the league prepares for the 2024 season.

Lead-up to 2024 NFL season

• Late May to early June:  Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps

The mandatory minicamp and OTA schedule for each team is as follows:

• July 17: Franchise tag deadline (4 p.m. ET)
• Mid-to-late July: Training camps open
• August: Preseason games

The rest of the offseason, with the exception of the franchise tag deadline (which is the deadline for tagged players to sign a long-term deal with that franchise) is more up in the air at the moment. Typically, teams announce their training camp schedules in June. So, when the official dates dates become available, we'll fill them in here.

Start of 2024 season

The preseason will begin Thursday, Aug. 1 , with the Chicago Bears taking on the Houston Texans. The regular season will officially kick off Thursday, Sept. 5 , with the defending champion Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens.

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What to look for in mosquito repellents

Mosquito season is starting to rev up across much of the United States. And that means bug bites. So it’s time to consider what to look for in insecticides and repellents. (AP Video: Brittany Peterson)

Mosquitoes cling to the inside of a jar loaded with repellent during a test as part of a tour of the Center for Disease Control laboratory, Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Nicole Foley checks a bottle to see the condition of mosquitoes exposed to a particular insecticide as part of a test during a tour of the Center for Disease Control laboratory, Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A mosquito sits in the bottom of a bottle containing a particular insecticide as part of a test during a tour of the Center for Disease Control laboratory Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — There’s an old joke that mosquitoes are like family: They are annoying, but they carry your blood.

Mosquito season is starting to rev up across much of the United States. And that means bug bites.

When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a mouthpart called a proboscis to suck up blood. As it feeds, it injects saliva into your skin that can cause a reaction — a bump and itching. But the pests can also spread parasites like malaria and viruses like dengue, West Nile and Zika.

So you might want to pause summer vacation planning and consider what to look for in repellents, which keep bugs away from you, and insecticides, which kill them.

WHAT MOSQUITO REPELLENTS WORK BEST?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that for protection that lasts hours, people should look for ones with these active ingredients: DEET, IR3535, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Those ingredients are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

A note about oil of lemon eucalyptus: Lemon eucalyptus essential oil has a similar name, but the agency does not recommend it because it hasn’t been tested for safety and is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent.

Likewise, the CDC doesn’t endorse other “natural” products that haven’t been evaluated.

WHAT OTHER STEPS CAN YOU TAKE TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES?

Repellents are one line of defense against bugs, but there are others: Wear long sleeves and long pants. Avoid going out at dusk and dawn, when some types of mosquito tend to be most active.

Silvie Huijben, an evolutionary biologist at Arizona State University, helped develop an online game to help children understand how to protect against mosquitoes, which emphasizes another prevention strategy:

“Mosquitoes need water to breed in,” so it’s important to make sure to get rid of standing water — including buckets of water or kiddie pools left undisturbed in the yard for a week or more, she said. “Make sure you’re not the one contributing the local mosquito problem, that you’re not breeding mosquitoes on your property.”

Summer Living: Your guide to a better summer

• In theaters: Virtually all the movies coming to theaters and streaming from May to Labor Day
• Outdoors: What to look for in mosquito repellents and how to protect yourself from ticks
• At home: What to do when facing extended summer power outages
• On the grill: To cook like a championship pitmaster, try this recipe for smoky chicken wings

You can also treat clothes and outdoor gear with a pesticide called permethrin to ward off mosquitoes and other unwelcome pests.

HOW INSECTICIDES ARE TESTED

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates a mosquito lab in Fort Collins, Colorado, where it evaluates insecticides, but not repellents.

To test these kinds of products, the researchers coat the inside of a bottle with a given dose of an insecticide ingredient, then put mosquitoes in the bottle — usually about 25. They see what percentage of the bugs die within two hours and compare that with a nearby uncoated bottle containing the same number of mosquitoes.

The test is widely used in the U.S. and also is increasingly used around the world. It is considered simpler and less expensive than some more complicated alternatives, including a test in which insecticide drops are applied directly to mosquitoes.

Scientists typically repeat the experiments each season to document changes in how the mosquitoes respond to insecticides, CDC officials say.

Huijben said repeating the test is important because it has limitations: Results can be thrown off by factors such as whether each bottle was coated with exactly the same amount of chemical.

“I think we’re seeing a lot of noise in the data” which may lead to false initial conclusions, said Huijben, who has compared resistance testing approaches.

ARE MOSQUITOES BECOMING RESISTANT TO SOME CHEMICALS?

Just like bacteria can gradually develop the ability to shrug off antibiotics, bugs can develop resistance to some of the chemicals developed to kill and repel them.

Permethrin belongs to a class of insecticides called pyrethroids, which have shown this kind of resistance.

Pyrethroids grew popular in the 1990s as replacements to older pesticides and are commonly used to control adult bugs. Community mosquito-control programs and farmers use the chemicals, but homeowners can also find them on hardware store shelves.

In lab experiments, resistance varies by product and dose, but in some tests ”none of them (mosquitoes) will die,” said Roxanne Connelly, a CDC insect scientist.

CDC officials are working with state and local officials to do more real-world field testing, including experiments in which mosquitoes placed in cages outdoors are checked after an insecticide fogging truck passes by.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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