Top Houston Travel Tips From An Industry Expert

There’s no denying that travel is back in a big way. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, an estimated 235 million tourists traveled during the first quarter of 2023, with international travel reaching 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Long queues at the airport and more cars on the road indicate that wanderlust has returned.

Demand for travel is already high and many people have rescheduled their pandemic travel for this year, so popular destinations even busier. With the official start of summer on the horizon, we sat down with travel expert Jessica Lewis of Travel around the world JetSet to discuss hot destinations, travel tips, and places to avoid for summer 2023.

Regardless of the destination, Lewis encourages his clients to follow the following essential travel tips to make vacations less stressful. She always recommends purchasing travel insurance. If the pandemic has taught us anything, we must always be prepared for the unexpected. Sure, it may not seem necessary, but an unexpected illness or death in the family could derail travel plans and force travelers to lose a lot of money.

Lewis also advises that when traveling during peak months, choose off the beaten path destinations is better. “Save bucket-list destinations for the off-season when popular spots aren’t packed with tourists,” she said. “Prices for everything will be lower, and ultimately you’ll enjoy more.”

With travel expected to hit record levels this summer, it’s best to book extra time at the airport and invest in TSA pre-check either Clear. both services allow travelers to skip security lines or be redirected to shorter ones. The initial cost and time investment will save you a lot of hassle and stress at the airport.

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

With many airlines offering nonstop flights to Mexico, traveling to this southern country is one of the easiest ways for Houstonians to immunize at beautiful all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos either mayan riviera. Lewis warns that this summer travelers should be careful with sargassum seaweedwhich could limit recreation time on the beach and in the water.

Peru and the Galapagos Islands it also presents convenient options for Houstonians looking for compelling travel experiences. These destinations offer a great cultural richness and diverse activities. Suitable for travelers of all ages.. PeruKnown for its ancient Inca heritage and stunning landscapes, it invites visitors to explore its historic sites, such as the iconic Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The Galapagos Islands are a natural wonder teeming with wildlife and pristine ecosystems, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

While it can be appealing to fly to remote locations, the US offers many passport-free opportunities and diverse experiences. For those who want to rest in dazzling white Sandy beaches cocktail in hand, Lewis suggests resorts like Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida. She also recommends Puerto Rico due to its attractive beach opportunities and vibrant culture.

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

Lewis cautions that popular destinations like Paris, the Amalfi Coast and the Greek islands should be approached with caution due to skyrocketing costs, limited availability of accommodation and overwhelming influx of tourists.

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

Austria, Swiss, Poland and Iceland They are excellent destinations for traveling in Europe that will not have many of the same challenges that the classic places will face during the peak travel season. Each destination has an abundance of outdoor activities and a rich cultural history to explore. If touring the grand palaces of Vienna, relaxing in the tranquility of the Swiss Alps, or delving into the land of fire and ice sounds appealing, Lewis encourages people to plan now, as these places could see a surge of travelers from last minute.

According to Lewis, experience-focused travel has become increasingly popular, with travelers seeking unique and immersive cultural experiences. Private tours to cultural destinations and activities like swimming with sharks offer insightful and intimate exploration. Tastings by local chefs, whether it’s wine, food, or other specialties, can be another flavorful and distinctive way to experience a place. Lewis reminds her clients that immersive travel planning takes a long time in advance, typically nine months to a year, to ensure every detail is in place to create unforgettable memories.

Lewis is also seeing an increase in requests for package vacations. “We are booking many “Bush to Beach” experiences that combine an African safari adventure with a relaxing beach getaway. It’s a great way to explore the diverse landscapes of a continent.”

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