Travel tips for Summer 2021 FWP Favorite Travel Spots!
With COVID infections dropping and pandemic restrictions easing, that summer trip you’ve been wanting to take is now a real possibility.
While businesses that serve travelers—like restaurants, hotels, and airlines—are once again able to ramp up their operations, most are not running at full capacity. Combine this with the fact that many other people intend to travel this summer, and you’ll find that a travel vacation this year is going to require a little more planning.
A Majority Want To Get Away
According to a January, 2021 survey conducted by American Express, 78% of people said they want to get away this year to relieve the stress of the pandemic. (1) Seniors are doing more than just wishing they can go. A T-Mobile survey found that 68% of grandparents plan to travel in 2021, often because they’ve missed seeing their grandkids. (2)
In response to this pent-up demand, American Airlines announced they are planning to fly more than 90% of their domestic and 80% of their international seat capacity. This is a dramatic reversal from the lows of 2020. (3)
But it also means that for many destinations you’ll need to have everything reserved ahead of time.
78% of people said they want to get away this year to relieve the stress of the pandemic.
Don’t Leave It To Chance
In the past, you could travel to a destination and enjoy the flexibility of finding your hotel and rental car when you get there. Not this year. The Wall Street Journal advises you to have these reserved well in advance of your trip, especially if you’re traveling to a sunny location like Florida or Hawaii.
Know What’s Open
While more attractions are opening up, some with limited capacity, chances are not everything will be available for your visit. For example, if you’re planning to go to Washington D.C., you need to know which sites are open, which are closed, and which have restricted hours. As of this writing, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is open. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is temporarily closed. And venues like the National Gallery of Art require you to reserve a timed entry pass.
Additionally, COVID restrictions on things like indoor dining vary by locality. So it’s highly recommended that you know what the official policy is anywhere you go.
Consider Going Off The Beaten Path
While the number of coronavirus cases has been decreasing and the number of vaccinated people increasing, public health officials are still suggesting that you’re better off away from densely packed crowds.
Dr. Summer Johnson McGee, dean of the University of New Haven’s School of Health Sciences, says, “For both public-health and affordability reasons, I recommend seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, smaller cities and towns, like touring the Texas Hill Country’s wineries, exploring Boise, Idaho, or bicycling on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Plan Early
Whatever you decide to do, you should book your trip as far in advance as possible. Increasing demand will make it more difficult to get your first choice for dates and locations.
We hope you’re able to get out and enjoy a summer trip as things continue to open up. If you are looking for a great vacation spot, here are a few of our favorite places at FWP!
FWP Favorite Vacation Spots
Oak Island, NC – Madison Moseley
Oak Island, NC sunrise
Oak Island is a beach town in North Carolina, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. The Atlantic coast is lined with beaches, and fishermen gather at the long Ocean Crest Pier. (4) The neighboring city of Southport is infamous for being the location of multiple movies. You can find peace and enjoy a low speed at either of these wonderful North Carolina places.
Savannah, GA – Jennifer Addesso
Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA
Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. (5) Go for a fun weekend trip to shop on Broughton Street, a walk through Forsyth Park, and get the peanut butter ice cream at Leopold’s!
Holden Beach, NC – Samuel Dye
Holden Beach Pier
Situated along the southeastern coast of North Carolina about 15 miles from the closest main highway (US Highway 17), Holden Beach is a quiet and safe beach community. There are no stoplights on the beach, and most of the traffic on the beach is comprised of our residents and visitors. When you visit, make sure to stop by the Provisions Company and order a lunch full of fresh seafood to enjoy on the water! (6)
Sunset Beach, NC – Tom Dundorf
Kindred Spirit mailbox, Sunset Beach, NC
The southern-most Brunswick Islands beach, Sunset Beach, was recently included on National Geographic's list of 21 Best Beaches In The World, and rightfully so. If it's sweeping views of seemingly endless sand and peaceful serenity you're longing for, put this beach at the top of your list. (7)
Ponte Vedra, FL – Blake Hedrick
Ponte Verda Beach, FL
A sophisticated city on Florida’s northeast coast, Ponte Vedra is synonymous with luxury. You can indulge at upscale resorts, perfect your tan on picturesque beaches or hit the links at world-class golf courses. But look closer and you’ll discover that this seaside community holds even more allure – including a rich, little-known history and diverse activities that will take you beyond its coastline. (8)
Myrtle Beach, SC – Cindy Gentry
Myrtle Beach, SC sunset
Myrtle Beach, a city and vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, is the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches. It’s also known for its celebrity-designed golf courses. Along its beachfront boardwalk are arcades, souvenir stands and restaurants, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. (9)
Sources:
1. https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/fine-hotels-resorts/get-inspired/global-travel-trends
2. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/8-travel-tips-for-vaccinated-seniors-in-2021-11619821228
4. https://www.oakislandnc.com/
5. https://www.visitsavannah.com/
7. https://www.ncbrunswick.com/islands-towns/sunset-beach/
8. https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/blog/ponte-vedra-beach-secrets-and-things-do/
9. https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/
Disclosure:
The views expressed herein are exclusively those of Efficient Advisors, LLC (‘EA’), and are not meant as investment advice and are subject to change. All charts and graphs are presented for informational and analytical purposes only. No chart or graph is intended to be used as a guide to investing. EA portfolios may contain specific securities that have been mentioned herein. EA makes no claim as to the suitability of these securities. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Information contained herein is derived from sources we believe to be reliable, however, we do not represent that this information is complete or accurate and it should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. This information is prepared for general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. You should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any security or investment strategy discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. You should note that security values may fluctuate and that each security’s price or value may rise or fall. Accordingly, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Investing in any security involves certain systematic risks including, but not limited to, market risk, interest-rate risk, inflation risk, and event risk. These risks are in addition to any unsystematic risks associated with particular investment styles or strategies. Efficient Advisors and LPL Financial are separate entities.