Your travel guide: 18 ways to get the most out of this summer

PHILADELPHIA — A 130-mile route in South Jersey that guides travelers from the Shore to Batsto and through quintessential Pinelands waterways has been designated as a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration.

The designation announced Tuesday recognizes certain U.S. roads for their scenic, archeological, cultural, historic, natural or recreational aspects. States and regions use the designation as a marketing term to raise awareness for certain areas — and lure tourists.

LOS ANGELES — The Channel Islands are home to one of the least frequented national parks in the U.S., but one of its visitor centers is in Ventura, California, just 70 miles north of Los Angeles.

Of course, the logistics of taking a trip to the islands is a big reason outdoors enthusiasts might opt instead for an easy afternoon in Malibu. But with long stretches of isolated coastline and 2,000 species of flora and fauna — 145 of which can’t be found anywhere else — the national park is a gem hiding in plain sight.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jurassic World VelociCoaster is not open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But the theme park is open to folks getting a closer look. More construction walls have been removed from the site of the roller coaster, and there are a few fresh — and up-close — angles for visitors to explore.

The themed paddocks — numbered 1 through 5 — that run along the side of the attraction now offer views for possible future riders through sturdy bars and metal plates with round cutouts. Roller-coaster enthusiasts and theme-park bloggers gathered there recently, cameras ready.

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, is developing a digital "Travel Pass" data system that it hopes will serve as the standard "health pass" for international air travelers.

The basic idea is simple: a computer system collects your personal ID information, the results of your most recent vaccinations and tests, current information on how well those vaccinations and tests are performing, and current entry requirements for most countries. Then, when you want to travel, the computer's algorithm will combine all the inputs and display whether or not you're "good to go" on any individual trip.

With vaccines available, and lots more available testing, it looks like you'll be able to get back on some airplanes and go somewhere this year. And if so, now is a good time to consider whether you want to buy into a system that lets you bypass or at least speed up some airport lines.

"Clear" entry screening

When people ask me that question, my snarky response is, "Beats me." When I check my crystal ball for the straight info on the future of COVID-19 restrictions, it doesn't even show one bar. At best, I can highlight some of the guideposts that can help your planning.

Guidepost 1: Vaccination

As you start to plan some trips again, you need to think about travel insurance early. The reason is simple: Some important coverages require that you buy it within a week or two of the time you make your first payment of any kind.

So you need to decide, from the get-go, whether you need insurance and, if so, what kind and how much you need to cover your risks.

Right now, given the limits on foreign travel, domestic road trips are more popular than ever. If you plan to rent your road trip car, however, be on the lookout for the several perennial gotchas the rental companies throw at you to extract a few more of your dollars than necessary.

Fortunately, you can avoid them knowing the gotchas before you put down your credit card.

Everywhere you look, you see signs of a reopening of the travel world. Airlines are ramping up schedules and destinations are actively seeking customers.

Unfortunately, however, the combined major stakeholders — airlines, destinations, and governments — have not put together coherent and unified policies and procedures for reopening. If you want to start thinking about spring or summer travel, you still have to navigate a minefield of confusion and uncertainty.

Cedar Point plans to unveil a new ride and kick off its delayed 150th anniversary celebration this year, officials for the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park said.

"Cedar Point will continue to provide safe family fun in 2021, just as it has since its beginning," Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, said in a statement. "The entire team is eager to celebrate the park's postponed 150th anniversary with new entertainment, new dining options, commemorative merchandise, a great new family ride and more."

DETROIT — As segments of society reopen and the world rushes to get vaccinated, more Americans may lose their fear of flying and once again crowd airports and airplanes.

But those still wary of catching COVID-19 may wonder: Is taking a train safer?

If your summer vacation plans involve a road trip, you have some work to do. Just hopping in the car and going? That’s so 2019. Today’s car traveler must be a road warrior, never caught unawares by this strange new travel world.

Here is what to know before you pile the kids in the back and head off.

According to a new survey by HealthCareInsider.com, which focused on Americans’ perceptions of the pandemic's end, Millennials are 50 percent more likely than Gen-Xers and 15 percent more likely than Baby Boomers to feel comfortable traveling by at least Fall 2021.

When participants of varying ages were asked to choose which, out of 10 specific activities, they most look forward to resuming, “not having to wear a mask” topped the list with 26 percent of the overall vote, followed by family gatherings at 18 percent and travel at 17 percent.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World has announced the first details for its 50th-anniversary celebration, which will last 18 months and include lighting enhancements to all four of its theme parks’ icons, including Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.

The event — dubbed “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” — will begin Oct. 1, the resort announced recently. Disney World opened to the public Oct. 1, 1971.

Golf is steeped in tradition and etiquette, so it’s not surprising that there’s a unique dress code to follow. Each course has its own requirements, but most follow a standard set of regulations when it comes to clothes. Upscale courses, for example, tend to have stricter requirements than low-cost, casual alternatives.

If you’re looking to take up golf or if you’re heading to a new course, it helps to be prepared. Before you head out to the green, check out this guide on what to wear golfing.

Some summer camps are for unwinding, getting outdoors, playing sports or music, or doing crafts. And then there are those that offer kids — most of them heading into junior or senior year of high school — intensive study sessions focused on upping SAT scores, working on college applications and essays, getting help navigating the admissions process and, in some cases, experiencing a taste of college life.

"Our goal is to give them tools for success, and access to high-level instruction and materials that they may not otherwise have access to," says Nermin Fraser, director of admissions at the Berkeley, California-based Education Unlimited.

Summer camp memories don't come cheap. With camp costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars a week, credit cards can seem like a good way to quickly rack up points or spread out the financial impact. But charging camp tuition can come with its own costs.

According to averages from the American Camp Association, day camp tuition in 2018 ranged from $199 to $800 or more a week. Overnight camp was even pricier, from $630 to upward of $2,000 per week.

If your luggage is too heavy or cumbersome to tote around an airport, it's time to invest in spinner luggage. Spinner luggage features 360-degree swivel wheels for effortless navigation around busy airport terminals — you can drag it behind you, roll it by your side, or push it in front of you. With adaptability like that, spinner luggage is a smart purchase, no matter your destination.

To start comparing different styles, take a look at our buying guide on spinner luggage, which includes reviews of a few of our favorites at the end. Our top choice is Samsonite's Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage. Its attractive glossy shell is available in more than a dozen colors.