8 Simple Summer Travel Tips to Make Your Vacation a Breeze

Road trips offer a great alternative for vacationers who want to avoid long flights and explore a variety of unique destinations, though careful planning is essential. If you're thinking about heading onto the open road, map out your pit stops in advance to ensure you don't run out of gas, snacks or patience. Balancing driving time with physical activity is also a great way to keep your batteries charged and your passengers excited. Vacationers who are concerned about their personal vehicles often book rental cars to give themselves peace of mind during their cross-country road trips.

While many family vacations and day trips are centered around visiting the beach, there are a variety of alternative summer travel experiences you can enjoy. One of the best ways to find local activities is to check Groupon's "Things To Do" page, which is filled with affordable indoor and outdoor excursions. Beach-weary travelers can visit museums, attend state fairs and special events, explore national parks or spend a day walking around a nearby city.

Whether you're at the beach or on the road, keeping yourself hydrated is crucial for maximizing your summer vacation and staying healthy in the hot weather. In an interview with HuffPost, registered dietitian and nutritionist Lauren Minchen pointed out that the amount of water you need is largely dependent on your body weight, though active adults should consume around 2 to 4 liters per day. However, if you're planning to spend a lot of time in the sun or engage in outdoor physical activities, it's a good idea to bring along a few extra liters just in case.

Sunburns are one of the most common summer travel injuries, and while they may not be immediately life threatening, overexposure to UV rays can lead to serious health problems down the line, per the National Cancer Institute. Vacationers should reapply their sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if they have sensitive skin, and keep a close eye on the UV index by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency's website or downloading its handy mobile app.

Overbooking your summer vacation can force you to rush from place to place without any time to relax, so be sure to capitalize on opportunities to rest and recuperate. This is particularly important for family travel, as a day full of activities can over-stimulate young children and leave them exhausted and irritable. Spending an hour sitting in the shade or reclining by the pool can give everyone a much needed break and keep them energized for all the fun activities you have in store.