Travel Channel's Samantha Brown Sends Us Packing

Now that we've made it to spring, we can daydream about summer vacation without feeling too guilty. But planning your dream vacation can be a little tricky with so many options and so much advice to keep in mind. Luckily, we got the chance to ask trip guru and Travel Channel host Samantha Brown a few essential questions that might make planning for your next little getaway, a lot easier.

Q: What is a cool United States summer vacation destination that often gets overlooked?
A: Austin, Texas is a great city, and is the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world. It's also great for its proximity to Texas Hill country, which isn't a far drive from Austin. Along with boasting lakes, great swimming holes and hikes, Texas Hill country is also becoming the fastest growing wine country in the United States.


Q: Do you have special advice for planning a trip this summer?
A: Everyone is trying extra-hard to be budget conscious these days. However, everyone still desperately needs a vacation. A great tip is to check an aggregate Web site like Kayak.com. It will give you a good idea of what is currently hot in the travel world, along with offering some ideas of where to go at an affordable price. A Web site like Kayak will let you get excited about all the possibilities there are and destinations you weren't considering.

Q: How can you squeeze the most out of your time if you can only afford to take a weekend trip?
A: My best advice would be to head to a city. Cities make great weekend trips since most of the urbanites have left for their weekend summer getaways, so the best restaurants usually have reservation openings and hotel rates are cheaper to account for the population shift. Cities also have public transportation allowing you to get places fast, as well as loads of free summertime entertainment.

Q: You've called Latin America the "New Europe" because of its great attractions and affordability. What are some practical tips to keep in mind if planning a summer trip to this region?
A: First remember that South America is in their winter when we have summer, so that could certainly be a shocker if you were expecting nicer weather. Now, North American summer is the most popular time to go to Europe, which makes it extremely expensive. So if you can't swing Europe this year (and who can), head to Buenos Aires which looks like Paris and feels like Italy.


Q: Your childhood was spent in New Hampshire. Do you have a favorite summer vacation destination on the East Coast?
A: I grew up on the seacoast of New Hampshire. Many people don't realize it has a coast but we do--a full 21 miles of it. It's a beautiful destination year round, but especially in the summer. New Castle is a lovely Island (a COSWAY connects it to the mainland). I recommend a stay at the Victorian gem Wentworth by the Sea. I also recommend heading into the seaport city of Portsmouth, which was founded in the 1600s. It's a small hip city with a real down to earth vibe--Philadelphians would love it!

Q: What is your one essential packing tip?
A: First make a list of what you want to pack. As you pack, lay everything on the bed before putting it in the suitcase and checking it off as you go. You won't forget a thing.

Q: What are things you should always have when traveling?
A: First, a warm sweater, even in the summer months. In warmer weather, air conditioning can make you feel like it's January all over again. Next, I have to have something healthy to eat like nutritional bars or nut mix to snack on during a flight or road trip. Most travel food is greasy, heavy and will give you indigestion during your long plane or car ride.

Q: Do you have any tips for travelers on a budget?
A: Don't cut out traveling! You and your family need it. Travel is never about how much money you spend. To cut costs, take shorter trips or stay closer to home. Get out a map and see what is a three-hour drive. There are definitely places and destinations worth going to. Jim Thorpe, PA is one of my favorites!

Q: What are your tips for planning a "green" summer vacation?
A: Keep the car on cruise control when you can--you'll save gas that way. At the hotel, turn the thermostat off when you are not in your room. Leave a note for housekeeping saying you would rather they change the sheets every other day and of course, reuse your towels.

Q: What has been your most memorable fashion purchase while traveling?
A: A beautiful tailored shirt with a large fabric flower (as big as my head!) on the side. It's very dramatic and unlike anything I have ever seen. It gets a lot of looks and people wanting to know where I purchased it. "PARIS!" I say with pure pleasure.

Extra: What is your ideal way to spend a hot, summer day?
A: Hiking on a shady mountain.

*From Samantha: Happy vacationing! And don't forget to tune in on June 12 for my newest series "Samantha Brown: Passport to great weekends" at 10 p.m. on the Travel Channel!