How to Plan a Summer Vacation at a Lake

Spending the whole summer in a lake house is something few families have the opportunity to do but that doesn't mean your family can't call a lake home during the limited family summer vacation. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, nature watching or just sleeping in to the sound of birds chirping, a summer vacation at the lake will fit the bill. Lake front real estate is at a premium on any lake fit for vacationing, so you’ll need to plan this summer vacation well in advance. January or February isn’t too early to start calling properties and making reservations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A pencil or pen and paper
• A road map or atlas
• A telephone
• A computer with Internet connection
• A credit card

1. Consider your budget to decide how much you can afford to spend for your accommodations, transportation, attractions, activities and meals.
2. Choose the week or two you’ll be vacationing. If your dates are flexible you are much more likely to find the accommodations you prefer.
3. List the state or states you’d like to visit.
4. Visit the link provided in the Resources section below to help you decide where you'd like to spend your vacation.
5. Map your road trip to the lake or lakes you choose.
6. Search online for hotels, motels and inns that meet your criteria of price, location and amenities.
7. Use a search engine to find other accommodations available on the lake. Usually, searching for the term “LAKE NAME cabin”, inserting the lake name into the appropriate spot, will yield a number of options for resting your weary head.
8. Check the weather forecast so that you can pack accordingly.
9. Pack your suitcases and remember to bring lots of sunscreen.
10. Print out your itinerary to bring along with you.

Tips & Warnings

• In 2001, the top rated lakes for summer vacations were: Lake Havasu (California/Arizona border), Lake Tahoe (Nevada/California border, Norris Lake (Florida), Lake Lanier (Georgia), Lake Mead (Nevada/Arizona border), Lake Hartwell (Georgia/South Carolina border), Lake Powell (Arizona), Mystic Lake (Michigan), Lake of the Ozarks (Missouri) and Lake Placid (New York).
• If you’re traveling with children, make sure the lake you visit has age-appropriate attractions and events. Ask about life jackets in children’s sizes as well as small skiff rentals.
• Don’t forget to stop your mail and plan for your pets to stay with friends, family or a kennel if they can’t come with you.