Summer is my absolute favorite time of year to travel. There is nothing like lounging in the hot sun and breathing in the warm air while you pound the pavement. If you haven’t booked your adventure yet this year, now is the time!

Before you grab your bikinis and shades, check out my top tips for summer travel!

Be Prepared

Nothing will ruin your travel plans faster than being disorganized. Think of all your essentials before you go and don’t leave anything to the last minute. If you are renewing your passport, you should plan on at least three months of waiting. Likewise, plan for any required visas long in advance.

Trust me, you don’t want to be anxiously checking your mailbox while you count down the days to your departure.

When it comes to airport security, remember to arrive at least two hours before your flight. If you need transport at your destination, book it in advance. Before you start packing, your top priority should be making sure you don’t get stranded anywhere. Always know exactly how you’re going to get to where you’re going.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs can be a total nightmare. They can travel undetected and they don’t discriminate! Even though bed bugs are often associated with dingy hostels or budget hotels, the truth is that you can get a bed bug infestation anywhere, anytime. In fact, according to the experts at Raid®, infestations of bed bugs have been increasing since the 1990s.

So, before you get settled in for the night, go on a bed bug hunt! Search pillowcases, sheets, box springs, and mattresses for little red smears and dots, which are telltale signs of an infestation.

We’re definitely getting smarter about these types of bugs. I learned that three out of four Millennial travelers check the bed or mattress for bed bugs while traveling, but only 37 percent check the headboard, according to the Raid® Bed Bug Survey.

One of my latest and greatest travel essentials is the new Raid® Bed Bug Detector & Trap.

Check these awesome traps two to three times a week and you can easily detect bed bugs before infestations get out of hand. When you are packing for your next getaway, stash one of these lightweight, travel friendly traps in your bag. They can easily be placed under hotel mattresses or on the floor next to furniture closest to your head where you sleep or rest.

Before you pack up and ship out, check the see through window for bed bugs to avoid bringing these types of bugs home as souvenirs.

Pack Light

Always stick with the essentials. Don’t waste precious luggage space on generic, consumable items. You can buy things like sunscreen at your destination—often for less! Unless you are obsessed with a particular product, buy it when you arrive. If you are going away for a couple of weeks, grab a cheap bottle of body wash and sunscreen when you get there.

You’ll probably finish it before you head home.

When I pack, I always make a list of the most important stuff and check it off as I stick it in my bag. Double check your daily essentials like cash, medications, and travel documents.

You definitely don’t want to be searching for allergy pills or practical shoes while you’re on your trip. If you can buy it at a convenience store, you’ll have no problem getting it at most any destination.

Budget Accordingly

Summer is the peak season in most destinations so expect higher prices. Focus on spending your money where it matters. You won’t remember that pricey coffee after you go home so forget about wasting your cash on it. If your traveling partner wants to go to a museum that you have no interest in, skip it! Agree to disagree sometimes.

Spending a couple of hours solo can be a great experience, so don’t feel like you have to be glued at the hip. Splurge where it counts and you’ll never feel deprived.

Book Accommodations Ahead of Time

Don’t waste your valuable time searching for accommodation. Book before you arrive and save yourself a ton of stress. During the peak season, beds will sell out quickly so you will need to come prepared—especially if you want to nab a hostel bed in a big city.

If you decide to just wing it, you might end up paying a lot more for a room you don’t really want. Search for rooms online in advance, read reviews, and know exactly what you are getting.