How to Plan a Summer Vacation in Seattle
When you plan a vacation in Seattle, you will find many fun things to do during the summer months. Popular landmarks coupled with the natural beauty of the area make this city a great destination for travelers. Read on to learn how to plan a summer vacation in Seattle.
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Instructions
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Determine the best way to get to Seattle. For most, flying will be the best option. Plane tickets range from $140 to $345 round trip, depending where you are flying out of and when. Driving is a less expensive option, although from most places in the United States it is a timely one. Buses and train service are also available to and from Seattle.
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Arrange for the care of your home while you are gone. Determine what needs to be done with pets, plants and mail. You may want to board your pets while you are gone, or there may be a family member or neighbor that can look after your home. Make arrangements for your mail to be held at the post office or picked up while you travel. Be sure that someone you know has emergency numbers to contact you should a problem arise in your absence.
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Plan for the weather. Average summer high temperatures in Seattle range in the mid-60s in May to the mid-70s in August, with lows ranging about 20 degrees below the high. Pack for mild temperatures. Most activities in Seattle don't require formal wear, so you may not want to waste suitcase space with it.
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Choose where you will stay for your trip. Research your best options. Hotel prices in Seattle range from $40 for discount hotels and motels to upwards of $200 for luxury accommodations. Reserve your room in advance and keep receipts handy.
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Get maps of the city and determine what you will see and how you will get there. There is a bus system and with fares priced at $1.00 it is a great way to get around. Renting a car in not necessarily advised if your trip only allows you to stay in the city. There are many one-way streets and a lot of traffic that can be confusing and frustrating. If you plan to venture outside the city, a car would be great. The monorail that links Seattle Center with the Westlake Mall is convenient and cheap--it costs only 50 cents to ride and a train leaves every 15 minutes. Walking is always a clean and healthy alternative and great way to get around.
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Decide what you would like to do while in Seattle. Seattle is home to the Pike Place Market with its many shops, the Space Needle, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame and a Boeing factory. The natural wonders of the area can also be explored in its parks and through ferry trips. In addition, the city's international district offers the flavors of the large Asian population.
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Explore the available tours in Seattle. The city boasts many tours ranging from the scientific with a tour of the Boeing factory to the unusual underground tour.
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Tips & Warnings
Seattle offers many opportunities to save money on the attractions you may want to see. The Go Seattle Card offers unlimited admission into more than 30 of the city's most popular locations including the Space Needle and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame for one low price. There is also the Seattle CityPass, which is a ticket book that allows entrance into some locations such as the Seattle Aquarium and the Pacific Science Center and has helpful visitor tips. These can be found online and through the Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau.
While Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are known for their large amounts of rain, the summer months aren't nearly as wet as the winter and spring. Average rainfall amounts range from as little as .75 inches in July to about 1.70 inches in May. You may want to carry an umbrella to be safe, but it wouldn't necessarily be a requirement.
Plan for extra expenses. While hotel, flight and meal expenses are easy to foresee, don't forget about the incidental things such as tours, souvenirs and transportation costs.
