Time to Travel!

I'm Stacey Hartmann, owner and travel planner at Enjoy Vacationing. I have traveled extensively in North America and to more than 46 countries across Europe, the Caribbean, South & Central America, Asia and the Middle East. My personal goal is to visit 50 countries before my 50^th birthday and I’m well on my way!

What’s your favorite place for spring and summer travel?

I get asked this all the time! And I do have favorites for myself. But I don’t just have one favorite. For spring and summer I have three favorites that I share with my travel agency clients and will now share with you!

Europe

My favorite time to travel to Europe is in the spring and fall. Summer is great, but the off season can be more economical and less crowded. Rome in July can be warm and crowded, but Rome in spring and fall can have beautiful weather. It’s also less crowded, which makes it a little easier to access and photograph your favorite sites. That being said, Europe is also great in the summer. While it’s the busiest time to travel, the weather is more dependable and everything is open for business.

Europe is not just for adults – many families are loving Europe these days and there are so many ways to explore. Popular options include cruises along the Mediterranean or Baltic coasts as well as river cruises – especially on the Rhine and Danube. We are also sending many families on custom European trips with a focus on family heritage, cultural or educational opportunities. This is most popular for families with kiddos 10 and up but we’ve even booked toddlers on trips this year. Families are really trying to make the trips fun with overnights in castles and activities like gladiator training or family-friendly cooking classes. There really is something for everyone!

Caribbean

I know I’d like to be back there now but believe it or not, we have a number of clients who love Mexico and the Caribbean in the summer. It’s less crowded and the pricing can be amazing – especially at all-inclusive resorts. Keep in mind it is hurricane season in this area during this time, so you’ll want to be aware of your options so you’re well prepared if there’s storm activity.

For families, all-inclusive resorts can be so relaxing as nobody has to think about what dinner is costing or who grabbed a soda out of the mini bar. You don’t have to think about activities for the kids either, as often the resort’s kids program has done that for you. And besides, who doesn’t love the pool and ocean! You’d be amazed at the options to keep you busy in Mexico and the Caribbean – resorts that offer water parks, wave pools, Spanish lessons, arts and crafts, dance classes, snorkeling in the ocean or in natural cenotes and so much more. And these are just options at some of the resorts – there is so much to offer in the area that you’ll never be bored.

Hawaii & Alaska

For clients not wanting to leave the US, we are also seeing a lot of Hawaii and Alaska vacations. Spring break in Hawaii has been huge this year for families looking for outdoor adventure. We have a number of clients with teenagers doing ziplining, helicopter tours, kayaking, surfing and more over the next few weeks. What a great vacation! There is no off season in Hawaii, so the time to plan is for when you want to go! With four major islands, there are many different reasons to visit the islands now.

For Alaska, we’re sending so many adults and families on Alaska cruises but land adventures are also a great option. There is nothing like seeing a major glacier from the water – like those in Glacier Bay National Park - but it’s just as amazing to see many of the other national parks by land or air. We love Alaska for the scenery, wildlife and food. It’s an amazing experience for all ages. The best time to visit Alaska is between May and September.

Who Is Enjoy Vacationing?

We are a full-service travel agency in Waunakee, Wisconsin dedicated to serving leisure travelers. We believe you should have an experienced traveler with real-world experience help you plan your travel, not a computer. Our goal is to ensure you Enjoy Vacationing. We do this by cutting through the clutter and helping you focus on planning the best vacation for you, your family, your friends or your group.

If I can help you, your family or group of friends plan an amazing vacation, please do not hesitate to reach out. Stacey@EnjoyVacationing.com or 608-347-8574.

Enjoy Vacationing!