If I had a pound for every time someone said they wished they were going away this summer, well, I’d probably be able to buy an extra pint of milk a week.

I think it’s safe to assume that most people enjoy a good old fashioned summer holiday, but with prices rocketing in the warmer months and other commitments getting in the way, how can you get yourself some prime exploration time this summer?

Easy. Okay, it’s not that easy, but if you really want to squish more travel into your summer then there are few key things you should consider.

Firstly, let me say that travelling in summer is not always the best option. People immediately think of the sun and the sea and think that it’s only possible to travel between May and September.

Not true at all.

In fact, travelling off-season is not only cheaper, but it’s less crowded, too, giving you more opportunity to really get to know a place.

But this isn’t a post about when you should travel, is it?

This is a post covering ways to travel more this summer, regardless of high prices, regardless of, well, anything.

1. Travel to Off-Beat Destinations

I know, I know, Ibiza is just the most amazing place ever, right? (I actually don’t know as I’ve never been, but I assume it is the way people go on about it).

But with popularity comes crowds, and with crowds comes sky-high prices. You see, the tourism industry operates in a supply to demand capacity. If people are clamouring to go somewhere, the prices soar.

The irony is, the more expensive a place is, the more luxurious and coveted it becomes, because if it’s expensive then it must be good, right?

Wrong.

My number one tip for travelling more this summer is to do a little research. Just an hour or two of pootling around the internet, having a look at some of the cheaper destinations. Yes, the Italian Riviera is beautiful, but the Dalmatia coast is just as stunning and costs a fraction of the price to visit.

So many people aren’t aware that there are great, off-beat holiday destinations out there because they simply don’t take the time to look. But seriously, it can save you a whole load of cash, which means you can travel more – two trips for the price of one, you see?

2. Work With Public Holidays

Okay, I’m writing this a bit late for the British market because the much-loved May bank holidays are almost over. There are still a couple in August, though, so use them to your advantage. Take a long weekend trip or take off a few days either side so you can go further afield.

The only downside to this is flight and accommodation prices tend to rocket over bank holiday weekends. A bummer, but you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.

3. Travel at the Start and Finish

Yes, this is also a little late for the start of summer, too. The official summer holiday season begins in May, but travelling in June is also a helluva lot cheaper than travelling in July and August. Why? Because travel companies hike up the prices when the kiddies are off school.
This is why it’s often better to travel out of season (plus there’s less kids around).

Just have a look now at flight prices in July compared to September and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

4. Travel Nearer to Home

Travel doesn’t necessarily mean hopping on a long haul flight to the other side of the world. It can also mean just popping to the town next door for a night or two, or heading to the nearest beach for a few days.

Take a look at the great destinations that are near your home and see what you have to work with. More often than not you’ll be surprised at the amazing range of places and attractions close by (something I always take for granted).

5. Explore Your Home Town

Bleurgh, I know. This one always gets thrown around, but it never really seems to stick. Exploring your hometown isn’t really travelling, per se, but it can make you feel like you’re exploring a new place if you do it the right way.

Loads of destinations hold summer festivals, fairs, and other events so see what’s around, sign up to a few things, and really get stuck into your local culture.

Sure, it’s not the Bahamas or the Greek Islands (unless it is, in which case I’m very jealous), but it’s better than sitting inside all day, right?

6. Take a Roadtrip

For many people, travelling involves flights which, let’s face it, can be expensive during the summer months.

One way to combat this? Take a road trip. Grab a few of your favourite friends, load up the car, and just drive! There’s something so exciting about taking a road trip (not least because you can make a specially curated playlist), and it’ll feel like you’re really getting away for a while.

7. Make Travel a Priority

This is my number one tip for injecting more travel into your summer. You have to make it a priority.

Yes, you might want a whole new summer wardrobe or to go for that really expensive fake tan, but here’s my advice – don’t. Save that money for trips! Prioritise your goal of travelling more and you will make it happen, I promise.

If it’s time that you don’t have enough of, then look at what’s eating away at that. If it’s work, well, there’s not really a lot you can do about that, but you might want to have a word with your boss about moving a few things around so you can take some time off. If it’s friend’s birthdays and parties, ask them if they’d really mind if you didn’t go. Hopefully they’ll be understanding and you won’t lose any friends in the process.

8. Bonus: Travel Even When You’re Not

Even when you’re not travelling this summer you can add a little spice into your everyday life. You could try cooking food from another part of the world, or having a culture-specific party. You could read a book from your favourite place, listen to some world music, or even try learning a new language.

So hopefully you’re feeling slightly more optimistic about your travel prospects this summer (are you?!). Summer is a great time to travel, for the weather and the general good-time vibes, but it can also weigh heavy on your bank balance and social calendar (because, let’s face it, everyone and his wife comes out of the woodwork in summer).

Do you have any tried and tested ways for travelling more in summer? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below!