Squaremouth’s Top 5 Spring Travel Tips for 2024

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Spring has finally arrived, which means that warmer temperatures are here to melt away those lingering winter blues. Over the next few months, you can expect vibrant colors, warmer temperatures, and busy airports in the forecast.  

For everyone from college students to families, spring provides the perfect opportunity to take their first big trip of the year. TSA has already revealed that they are bracing for a record-breaking number of vacationers to pass through their security lines over the next few months. Squaremouth’s data also predicts that this year will surpass 2023 as the busiest spring travel season on record. 

Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise or exploring a new city, there’s a good chance that your spring trip will be impacted by recent shifts in the travel industry. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of our top five spring travel tips for 2024. 

Plan Ahead

If you’re planning on traveling this spring, there’s a good chance you may already have your flight and accommodations sorted. If not, you may want to act soon before prices increase and as availability decreases. 

Given the rise in travelers this spring, it’s fair to assume that your destination may be more overwhelmed with visitors than previous years. For that reason, we recommend planning out your vacation beyond where you will stay and how you will get there. 

What Should You Book in Advance?

• Tours/Excursions: Many tour operators will be selling out over spring break due to overwhelming demand. Make sure to secure your reservations for some of your most exciting itinerary items. 
• Airport Transfers: Skip the craziness of navigating airports and negotiating prices for transportation to your accommodations by securing your transfers in advance. 
• Dinner Reservations: For the foodies out there, we understand the importance of eating well while on a trip. Whether you’re staying in an Airbnb, hotel, on a cruise, or at a resort, making dinner reservations ahead of time can save you and your party a lot of stress when it comes to finding the perfect place to chow down. 
• Rental Cars: Rental car agencies may be facing low inventory this spring season with the increase in travelers. If you plan on renting a car, it’s best to book sooner than later. 
• Pet Boarding: The last thing you want heading into a trip is to be left without a pet sitter. If you’re traveling over the next few months, act now to secure someone to look after your pet so you can travel with peace of mind. 

Set a Budget

The cost of travel has been on a steady upward trajectory. Compared to last spring, Squaremouth data reveals that travelers are spending an average of 13% more on international trips. With higher prices, budgeting can prevent overspending and help maximize your travel experience. 

By establishing a budget, you have control over your spending and can make sure your trip doesn’t put you in a financial hole. This helps you prioritize, as you can allocate funds based on your preferences and priorities, whether it be accommodations, activities, or dining. 

If you’re still thinking about where you’d like to vacation this spring, we recommend considering budget-friendly destinations. These destinations are able to offer a much needed escape without breaking the bank. 

Top Budget-Friendly Destinations in 2024

The following popular destinations were highlighted in our recent Spring Travel Trends article. 

Research Your Destination

From the weather to country entry requirements, you don’t want to be surprised by what’s in store once you step off that plane. Researching your destination allows you to plan your itinerary more effectively, helps you make the most of your time, and ensures you don’t miss out on any must-see activities. 

Understanding the culture and customs of your destination can also help you become a more respectful and responsible traveler. Research can also help determine which areas of your destination are not safe to tourists. 

Things to Consider Before You Depart

There’s no shortage of things to research before you leave for your trip. However, here a few things you should definitely know before you arrive. 

• Entry Requirements: Knowing what documents you need to make it past border control is obviously a critical first step when traveling abroad this spring. Check out our Destination Center to see if there are specific requirements for your upcoming trip. 
• Language: It’s not required to speak the local language when traveling abroad, but it is helpful to know a few phrases. This is especially important for destinations that aren’t frequented much by English speakers. 
• Currency: While most countries accept credit cards, it might be worth exchanging some dollar bills for the local currency in the event you run into a place that’s cash-only. Most of the time, you can get the best rate by exchanging money through ATMs at your destination. 
• Weather: Knowing the weather can help you pack more efficiently and plan accordingly. In addition, some destinations may experience natural disasters such as tornadoes and flooding in the spring season. 
• Current Events: From civil unrest to acts of war, knowing what the political and cultural climate is at your destination can keep you out of dangerous situations. For this, we recommend checking the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories for all the countries on your itinerary. 
• Crime: Spring travel is about relaxation and enjoyment. Make sure you know which areas of your destination are ones to avoid, as well as basic safety tips for tourists in the area. 

Expect the Unexpected 

No matter how well you plan, unforeseen circumstances can arise at any time. Whether it’s a flight delay, sudden weather changes, lost luggage, or unexpected health issues, being prepared for the unexpected can help you navigate challenges more effectively and minimize their impact on your trip.

Being mentally prepared for the unexpected can reduce stress and anxiety during travel. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or frustrated when things don’t go as planned, you can remain calm and focused, knowing that setbacks are a natural part of the journey.

Many travelers purchase travel insurance for peace of mind and to minimize further out-of-pocket expenses if things don’t go according to plan. For a small cost, usually 5-10% of your trip expenses, you can be financially covered for a multitude of common travel disruptions.

Is Travel Insurance Right for You?

Whether travel insurance is right for you depends on various factors, including your individual circumstances, the nature of your trip, and your risk tolerance. Travel insurance is not for everyone, but is typically recommended to both international and domestic travelers. 

Travel insurance can be beneficial if you’re seeking financial protection, medical coverage, personal belonging coverage, and peace of mind during your trip, especially if you have significant prepaid expenses, are traveling to a high-risk destination, or engaging in adventurous activities. 

A comprehensive single-trip travel insurance policy will provide you with well-rounded coverage against some of the most common travel disruptions. For a relatively small fee, roughly 5-10% of your prepaid trip expenses, your policy can save you thousands in the event you get sick, injured, or experience other unforeseen events at any point during your trip. 

Stay Organized 

When planning a spring trip, there will be a lot of moving parts. Hotel reservations, airfare confirmation, tour company correspondence, and other communications can get easily mixed up or lost in the ether. 

In the event that things go wrong, or you need to file a travel insurance claim, you’ll likely need to access documentation that you may have received months ago. Staying organized leading up to a trip can save you valuable time and gray hairs down the road. 

Documents to Keep Handy

Examples of documents you should keep in a separate, easily accessible place include: 

• Booking confirmations
• Copy of your itinerary
• Receipts 
• Credit card & bank statements
• Airline correspondence
• Medical bills 
• Police reports
• Doctors notes

If you are filing a claim, it’s not unusual for travel insurance providers to be thorough in their investigation. They may request more supporting documents than expected, as well as take 4-6 weeks to make a judgment on your claim. 

Spring travel can be an exciting adventure, but with a little extra preparation, you can navigate the crowds and potential hiccups with ease. By following these tips and staying organized, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and stress-free spring getaway.