Planning a summer vacation? Whether you’re hitting the road in your daily driver, flying to a beach town, or cruising in a vintage convertible, a little foresight can go a long way. Everyone knows to bring sunscreen and book hotels in advance—but what about the smart stuff people don’t think about?

Here are 15 clever summer vacation tips to help you stay cool, safe, and stress-free—plus a few gear links and app recommendations to make your planning even easier.

Car-Specific Tips for Summer Travelers

1. Check Your Spare (and the Jack)
Most drivers check their tires but forget the spare. Before you leave, make sure it’s inflated and that your jack and lug wrench are easily accessible.

2. Use a Windshield Sunshade—even for Short Stops
Even 10–15 minutes in the sun can turn your car into a sauna. A reflective windshield sunshade keeps the cabin cooler and protects your dash from cracking or fading.

3. Don’t Forget Wiper Blades
Summer sun degrades rubber fast, and when a sudden thunderstorm hits, bad blades can make driving dangerous. Replace them now and avoid the panic.

4. Bring a Tire Pressure Gauge (and Know How to Use It)
Tire pressure increases with heat. Use a digital pressure gauge when tires are cold to avoid over- or under-inflation—both of which are dangerous at high speeds.

Packing & Planning Smarts

5. Pack a “Car Comfort Kit”
Stash items like electrolyte powder, motion sickness tablets, baby wipes, a phone mount, a mini fan, and a USB power bank. Long drives and heat can take a toll quickly.

6. Roll Your Clothes
Rolling instead of folding not only saves space in your bag, but also helps prevent wrinkles—ideal if you’re avoiding checked luggage.

7. Plan Fuel Stops Ahead
Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest fuel a few exits before you actually need it. Tourist traps and remote areas tend to charge more.

8. Download Offline Maps
Google Maps allows you to download entire regions for offline use—a lifesaver if you hit a signal dead zone. Bonus: bring a paper map as backup. Old school still works.

On-the-Go Travel Tips

9. Visit Attractions in Reverse Order
Most tourists follow the same path. Start at the back and work your way forward to avoid crowds at big attractions.

10. Don’t Overplan Every Hour
Leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best local spots and photo-worthy moments aren’t on the itinerary. Ask locals for suggestions and follow your curiosity.

11. Take Photos of Important Documents
Snap photos of your license, insurance, health cards, and passport. Email them to yourself or store them securely in the cloud for backup.

12. Put ID in Your Sunglasses Case
It’s easy to leave a $200 pair of sunglasses behind. Tuck a card with your contact info into the case in case a good Samaritan finds them.

Clean & Cool Hacks for Summer Comfort

13. Bring a Microfiber Towel
These quick-dry towels are useful for beach days, roadside breaks, or drying off after a summer storm.

14. Pack Wet Swimwear in Ziplocks
Seal wet clothes in large plastic bags so they don’t soak everything else in your luggage—especially on travel days.

15. Freeze a Water Bottle Overnight
A simple hack: use it as a cold pack to keep snacks chilled, then drink it as it melts. Works well in a soft cooler or backpack.

Travel Smart, Travel Happy

Your summer vacation doesn’t have to be full of avoidable mishaps or sweaty frustration. A little creative prep can turn a good trip into a great one—and save you money, time, and a few headaches along the way.

Got your own summer travel hacks or road trip rituals? We’d love to hear about them. Share them with The Thing About Cars and keep the adventure rolling!