Traveling in the Summer

Summer time for us is most of the year, so I guess that makes us experts on the subject. The best way we've found to handle the heat is to participate in water activities. Water parks and camp grounds are great places to keep cool.


Our favorite water parks are in Orlando. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are great because they offer the thrill rides that I love and my wife can lounge in the lazy river or relax on the sand.


As a retiree with five kids and two grandkids, I can say without reservation, these parks offer something for the young and older vacationer. They are also a welcome intermission to the theme parks and traditional rides.


Our kids are crazy for the Schlitterbahn water parks in Texas. Every year we make at least one trip to this enormous wet destination. Though Texas gets really hot in the summer, if you stay cool in the water during the day, you can explore the River walk in San Antonio at night. You can also take a day at the beach at the Galveston location.


Camping is another great escape from the summertime blues. Most people think of camping as "roughing it", but that doesn't have to be the case. There's nothing wrong with sleeping in a tent and cooking over a campfire, but now a days there are a vast number of options for the modern camper including motor homes with convection ovens, LCD High Definition TV's and king size sleep number beds. It's definitely worth checking out if you've never seen one. Pull travel trailers and fifth wheels are a less expensive option, but can be just as alluring. They offer the same amenities as home, but with a different view whenever you get tired of the old one.


Oklahoma is a great state to camp in. Something about that old west feeling makes us really get into RVing


If water sports are not your cup of tea, I suggest you consider heading to Tennessee. Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Nashville, Pigeon Forge and Memphis are some of our favorite places to beat the heat.