Your ultimate 30-day countdown to a stress-free summer vacation

People on a beach with mountains in the back

No more last-minute packing chaos. No more “Wait, did I book the hotel for the right weekend?” panic. And definitely no more turning the car around because someone forgot their passport. 

This summer, you’re not just going on vacation—you’re planning one like a pro.

We created a 30-day checklist that takes the guesswork out of getting away. From the airport to the beach and everything in between, here’s how to plan your summer vacation like it’s your full-time job (without the burnout).

How to plan your summer vacation in 30 days

Here’s your week-by-week breakdown to get vacation-ready calmly, confidently, and actually on time.

30 days out: finalize the basics

  • Pick your destination (and your reason): Beach? Mountains? City? Go with what feels right, not just what’s trending.
  • Set a travel budget: Be realistic. Add a “fun fund” for that souvenir you’ll regret not buying.
  • Book flights and accommodations: Summer travel fills up fast.
  • Check passport and visa requirements: The Faye app can help you see what’s needed based on where you’re headed after you purchase a policy.

Pro tip: Use incognito mode when searching for flights. Prices can shift based on your browsing history (we know…wild).

21–29 days out: build the bones

  • Map out must-do experiences: Think food tours, day trips, iconic sights.
  • Make reservations: For restaurants, excursions, rooftop bars—anything popular.
  • Buy travel insurance: Like sunscreen, you don’t think about it until you really need it. With Faye, you can be covered before the what-ifs become what-now? Reminder: a Faye policy must be purchased within 14 days of making your first trip deposit (like booking your flight or hotel).
  • Add flight info to the Faye app: To get real-time flight alerts like delays, cancellations, gate changes, and baggage carousel numbers.
  • Sketch out a rough itinerary: Enough to guide your days, not lock them down.

14–20 days out: get organized-ish

  • Prep travel docs: Print backups and upload digital copies to Faye’s Safekeeping feature in the app.
  • Order travel gear: Chargers, adapters, travel pillows—get what you need now.
  • Sort out transportation: Car rental? Train pass? Your own two feet? Friendly FYI: the Faye app suggests local apps to download per destination, including transit ones.

Pro tip: Download offline maps before you land—you’ll thank yourself later.

7–13 days out: lock in final touches

  • Notify your bank + credit cards: Avoid awkward declined charges abroad.
  • Set up a phone plan or download an eSIM: iPhone users can do this directly in the Faye app.
  • Confirm all bookings: Flights, hotels, tours—triple-check everything.

3–6 days out: final prep

  • Pack your bags: Roll your clothes. Use packing cubes.
  • Download books, shows, playlists: Long flight? Lazy beach day? You’re covered.
  • Place your passport somewhere visible: Seriously. Not optional.
  • Extra document check: You may need to fill out extra documentation before landing in your destination, like an ETA for the UK. Check out all visa/document requirements in the Faye app.

1–2 days out: wrap it up

  • Charge everything: Phones, tablets, headphones, backup batteries.
  • Refill meds + prescriptions: Don’t wait until you’re abroad.
  • Check the weather: Make final outfit swaps if needed. Check your destination’s weather forecast in the Faye app.
  • Lay out your airport outfit: Comfort wins.
  • Check in and download your boarding pass: One less thing to do at the gate.

Takeoff day: You made it

  • ID and/or passport check: Just check that you have it one more time.
  • Arrive early: 3 hours for international, 1–2 hours for domestic.
  • Relax: You planned like a pro. Time to enjoy it.

One last (important) step

Before you set your out-of-office reply, make sure your trip is protected. With Faye, you get more than just coverage–you get peace of mind. From flight delays to lost luggage to unexpected medical hiccups, we’re here to help your vacation stay exactly that: a vacation.

Ready to make your summer trip stress-free?

Faye is not affiliated with Google Maps. All references to Google Maps are for informational purposes only.

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