Travel · Summer
Summer is practically knocking on the door, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve had at least three destinations living rent-free in your head since January. The Pinterest boards are saved. The Instagram locations are bookmarked. The only thing missing? Actually booking the trip.
Consider this your sign to book that summer getaway.
Because here’s the thing, summer doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Whether you’re dreaming of a long weekend on the California coast, a girls’ trip to Nashville, a foodie escape to Chicago, or something completely off the beaten path, the hardest part is always just committing. So let’s talk about how to make it a little easier, a little more rewarding, and honestly, a lot more fun.
First Things First: Are You a Southwest Rapid Rewards Member?
If not, we need to fix that immediately, and the best part? It’s completely free to join.
Back in 2022 I finally became a Southwest Rapid Rewards member and I genuinely wish I had done it sooner. Every flight you book earns you points. Points that add up to future flights. Flights that take you to more places. It’s honestly one of the most straightforward travel rewards programs out there, no complicated tiers to decode, no blackout date headaches, just real points toward real travel.
Here’s what I love about it:
- It’s free to join — there is literally no reason not to sign up today
- Points never expire as long as you’re earning or redeeming at least once every 24 months
- No seat fees — every seat on every flight is available for points redemption (no fighting over “award availability”)
- Same-day flight changes with no fees — because travel rarely goes exactly to plan and flexibility is everything
If you’re flying anywhere this summer, you might as well be earning toward your next adventure while you do it. Sign up for free right here and start earning from your very first flight.
So Where Should You Actually Go This Summer?
Let me give you a few of my top picks for summer getaways that Southwest flies to beautifully, especially if you’re departing from Phoenix like I am.
San Diego, CA
A quick, easy flight and you’re in one of the most effortlessly beautiful cities in the country. Beach days in La Jolla, fish tacos in Ocean Beach, rooftop drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego is the kind of place that feels like a full reset without requiring a lot of planning. Perfect for a long weekend when you just need sun, salt air, and good food.
Check out why I love this beach town!
Nashville, TN
Nashville has truly earned its status as one of the most fun cities in America and I will not be taking questions. The food scene has completely leveled up, think beyond Broadway and explore the neighborhoods. East Nashville for brunch, 12 South for shopping, The Gulch for that skyline content. Plus, summer in Nashville means rooftop season is in full swing.
Chicago, IL
I have a deep love for Chicago in the summer. The lakefront, the architecture, the restaurant scene, it’s all firing on all cylinders from June through August. The city completely transforms. Outdoor dining, rooftop pools, summer festivals. If you haven’t been, this is the summer. (And if you have been, you already know you need to go back.)
Read more about my adventures in the Windy City!
Cancún, Mexico
Yes, Southwest flies international too. Cancún is the move when you want maximum tropical energy with minimal effort. All-inclusive if you want total relaxation, or boutique hotels in the Hotel Zone if you want to explore. Either way, the water is that color in real life.
Las Vegas, NV
Hear me out, Vegas in the summer gets a bad reputation for the heat, but the pools, the shows, the restaurants, and the sheer energy of the city are unmatched. Go for a long weekend, stay somewhere with an incredible pool situation, and embrace it fully. It’s also an incredibly easy, affordable flight from Phoenix.
Check out why we love the marriage capital of the world!
The Move: Book It, Earn Points, Go Again
Here’s my actual strategy for summer travel: book your trip through Southwest, earn your Rapid Rewards points on that flight, and by the time summer is wrapping up you’re already partway to your fall or winter trip. Travel begets travel, and the Rapid Rewards program makes that cycle feel genuinely achievable.
If you haven’t joined yet, sign up for free here. It takes about two minutes and your future-traveling self will thank you every single time you redeem points for a flight.
The summer is short. The world is big. Let’s go.
This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up for Southwest Rapid Rewards through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share programs and brands I genuinely use and love — and this one I truly do.
Pin this post for later · Share with a friend who needs a summer trip · Follow along on Instagram for more travel inspo
COMMENTS