General-Interest

June means the start of summer in a good chunk of North America—school’s out and everyone’s ready to vacate to somewhere amazing for a few weeks. But while June brings pleasant weather here, if you’re planning an international escape it’s wise to make sure where you’re going is equally as lovely. Here are five gorgeous destinations that are just right in June.

Beijing, China

June is a relatively quiet month in Beijing with fewer visitors than usual since few if any Chinese holidays or celebrations happen this month. The Great Wall and other tourist draws are less crowded which means it’s a bit cheaper to travel there. June is the start of summer in Beijing, and the weather is usually mild. Travel + Leisure lists it as a one of its best places to travel in June.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Want to stay closer to home? Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is another recommendation from T+L. Early summer brings flowering trees and shrubs, with wildlife emerging which makes this national park a must-see. In addition to backpacking, hiking, and camping, you’ll find festivals and other events nearby for summer fun of all types.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana gets little rain in June and enjoys temps averaging 89 degrees, perfect weather to enjoy the white sandy beaches. What’s even better, resort and activity rates are low in June. Don’t wait, though, since the crowds usually hit in July and August. Check out Price of Travel for more info.

Hawaii

Summer in Hawaii is crowded, no question, but if summer is your only chance to visit this tropical destination, it’s best to go early in the season, and that means June. Early June is a good option, since it’s the end of the off-season; make sure to book your travel early, no matter when you go. Frommer’s offers travel tips to help you plan.

Fiji

Fiji ranks as a favorite destination for many, and June is a great time to enjoy the beaches, resorts, and tropical vibe. Sunshine is abundant with temps typically in the 80s. Peak season is July through September, so if you can sneak in a trip in June, you’ll avoid the crowds and steep rates.

Getting to the Airport

Need a ride to Sea-Tac Airport for your getaway? Shuttle Express is here for you. As Seattle’s individual and executive transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free. Whether it’s driving you to Sea-Tac and back in a town car or private shuttle, or transporting your office team of 50 to a group event in a well-appointed chartered bus, our experienced team will make it happen. It’s easy to book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.

Looking for ways to land that coveted hotel room upgrade? Our Shuttle Express travel coordinators gave us their tips on getting a better deal than what you started with. Remember, an upgrade can be more than just a bigger room—it may be a room on a higher floor (usually quieter and nicer), a better view, more amenities, spa vouchers, and/or restaurant credits.

1. Get social about your upcoming stay, tweeting, posting, and chatting about how much you’re looking forward to the hotel. You may get noticed by the hotel and rewarded with an upgrade.
2. Don’t book the cheapest room, instead book a mid-price room and you have a better shot at an upgrade.
3. Request to see different rooms. If your reserved room is not acceptable for some reason, immediately go back to the front desk, tell them you’re disappointed with your room and want to see other options. To compensate for your disappointment, you could end up with an upgrade.
4. Returning guests are very important to hotels, so if you’re in their loyalty program, say so before making your request.
5. Consider tipping your front desk agent/manager. It’s a nice thing to do, and you may get preferential treatment. Worse thing that can happen—your generosity made someone happy.
6. Use sites like DreamCheaper, a rebooking site that monitors your reservation, scanning for a better deal. If a better room comes up at the same price you paid, you automatically get upgraded. DreamCheaper cancels your previous booking and rebooks you at the same price. Upgrade score!
7. Stay at a new hotel, since they are probably newly marketing the property and may offer lower rates on better rooms.

Most important advice: be polite, be friendly, and ask. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. Good luck!

Need a Ride?

As Seattle’s local transportation experts, our professional, friendly drivers have been getting people where they need to go for nearly 30 years, safely and on time. We’re best known for our iconic Sea-Tac Airport van service, but we do so much more—luxury cars, large and small coaches, private vans. We partner with corporations, hotels, meeting planners, or anyone who needs reliable, comfortable transportation with a friendly attitude.

If your company needs VIP black car service or group motor coach transportation, our experienced, caring team will make it happen. Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.