Hi Reader,

Here's the thing about summer travel: the problems that impact trips almost never happen on the trip itself.

They happen in the weeks before, like when you realize your passport expires in 4 months, when you forget to download the airline app, when you roll up to the gas station the Friday before a road trip and pay the highest price of the week.

Summer is almost here. Let's make sure you're ready.

THE CHECKLIST THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS

The Points Guy put out a solid summer travel checklist this year, and I want to walk through the highlights with you — plus add a few things that matter specifically if you're driving, not flying.

For air travelers, the non-negotiables right now:

**Book flights and select your seats today.** Prices don't get better as summer approaches, and seat availability gets worse.
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**Check your passport.** Most countries require 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates. If you're cutting it close, expedited renewal is currently running 2-3 weeks.
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**REAL ID is now required** to fly domestically (as of May 7th). Look for the star in the upper right corner of your driver's license. No star? Bring your passport.
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**TSA PreCheck and Global Entry** are worth having before you hit a peak summer security line. Many credit cards cover the fee.
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**Book high-demand activities now.** National parks like Yosemite, Arches, and Glacier require advance reservations. Tours, cabanas, and Disney dining fill up fast.
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**Know your rights if a flight is delayed or canceled.** You are entitled to a full cash refund if the airline cancels. Don't just accept a voucher.
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​My personal tip I want to add based on what I have experienced and seen from others - book your flights for a morning departure. If there are delays, you have more time to find a remedy.

For road trippers, here's what I've been doing myself:​
(ahead of a drive to Poverty Point in Louisiana)

**Fill up your gas tank Tuesday through Thursday.** Gas prices follow weekly patterns, and weekends (especially around holidays) are consistently the most expensive time to fill up.
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Mid-week is reliably cheaper. I plan to use the Costco app to locate the nearest Costco Gas on my route and plan my fill-up stops accordingly. The savings add up on a long drive.

**Check your tire pressure before you go.** This is the one I see most travelers skip, and it affects both fuel efficiency and safety.
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I plan to stop at Discount Tire. They check your pressure for free, no appointment needed. Takes 10 minutes and gives you real peace of mind before a long stretch of highway.

THIS WEEK'S READ

The full Points Guy summer checklist covers 12 items, including a deep dive on lounge access changes and travel insurance.
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Worth a read if you're flying this summer: thepointsguy.com/airline/summer-travel-checklist/​

ONE QUESTION FOR YOU

Are you doing a road trip this summer or flying to your destination? I'm genuinely curious!
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And if you're driving somewhere historically interesting, I want to know where. Hit reply and tell me. I read every response.

Yours in nerdy history and travel!

Audra

​The Nerd Traveler​