(Statepoint) Summer travel is heating up despite packed airports, crowded destinations and rising prices. In fact, 80% of Americans are planning to travel as much or more than they did last summer, according to a new Harris Poll survey from T-Mobile.

No matter where you’re going, here’s how to watch your wallet while making the most of your adventures.

Plan Ahead: With international travel restrictions lifted, global bookings have surged by over 200% compared to last year, according to AAA. And some of the most popular destinations searched for on Google Flights for this summer are London, Cancun, Paris and Rome. If you’re planning to travel internationally and need a passport, estimated processing times are 11 to 13 weeks instead of the usual 8 to 10 due to an uptick in applications and demand. So, get going!

Be Flexible: If you can avoid traveling during peak summer travel season from mid-June through August, try booking during the “shoulder season,” which is the time just before and after. For this summer, travel experts recommend booking travel in September to reduce cost.

Stay Connected: Reliable wireless when traveling is no longer a luxury, but an absolute necessity, with 95% of American travelers in the T-Mobile survey saying it’s a travel essential. Some phone plans — like the new Go5G Plus from T-Mobile — give customers built-in travel benefits and coverage that works the minute you arrive. With free in-flight Wi-Fi and free high-speed data in more than 215 countries – the journey is seamless from start to finish and all included in the price of your monthly plan. To learn more about T-Mobile's travel benefits and their new Go5G plans, visit t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans.

Pack Smart: An estimated 2.2 million bags were lost or mishandled on U.S. airlines in 2022, an increase from 1.4 million in 2021, according to the 2022 Air Travel Consumer Report. If you’re nervous about checking your luggage, place an Apple AirTag in your bag or luggage to know where it is at all times. Some bags, like T-Mobile's limited edition Un-carrier On, even come packed with the tech you need to ensure a smooth trip, including a power bank and smart tag device.

Use Points: According to T-Mobile’s Harris Poll survey, nearly half (47%) of summer travelers used miles, points or rewards to book their summer travel this year and nearly two-thirds of all travelers (66%) rely on discounts and deals when booking travel accommodations. Certain credit cards give you points or miles to use for future travel when you sign up. If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you can save up to 40% on select hotels and car rentals by booking through T-Mobile TRAVEL from Priceline. Most bookings come with free, flexible cancellations so you can plan with peace of mind.

Americans are eager to travel this summer, and with a little planning, nothing should get in the way of some much-deserved R&R.

*****

Photo Credit: (c) frantic00 / iStock via Getty Images Plus