How Your Summer Vacation Can Inspire Your Website Design
Summer is here, which means you’re likely dreaming of taking a little time away – whether it’s a beach escape, a mountain cabin, or some quiet afternoons in the backyard.
After spending a fun-filled week at the beach with my family, I got to thinking about how planning a summer vacation is a lot like designing a great website. Both require clarity, intentional choices, and a focus on creating an experience that feels just right.
Here’s how your summer getaway can inspire your website design:
1. Choose Your Destination (Your Website Goals)
We’ve been visiting Ocean City, NJ every year since our kids were babies. From favorite restaurants that are safe for our family members with celiac, to the traditions we’ve built over the years, OC carries a deep sense of nostalgia for us. When you plan a vacation, you start by asking yourself: Where do I want to go? Is it relaxation you’re after, adventure, or time to reconnect with loved ones?
The same is true for your website. Ask yourself: What is the main purpose of my website right now? Maybe you want to:
Showcase your services more clearly
Share your creative portfolio
Knowing your destination ensures you design with purpose.
2. Map Your Journey (User Experience & Navigation)
Before you leave, you plan your route, book accommodations, and organize activities to avoid stress. I try to book our summer trip sometime in late fall before all the beach rentals fill up.
In web design, you plan the (customer) journey by being strategic with your site navigation. Visitors should easily find what they need, whether it’s your contact info, service offerings, or inspiring blog posts.
A clear journey keeps users engaged and encourages them to reach out.
3. Pack Smart (Content & Visuals)
When packing, you bring what you need without overloading your luggage. For our Jersey Shore trip, each family member has one suitcase that they can fill with whatever they’d like to bring. If it can’t fit, it doesn’t go.
Your website should work the same way. Choose images that feel authentic to your brand and write copy that’s clear and concise. No extra fluff – just meaningful content that resonates with your ideal clients.
4. Make It Comfortable (Design & Accessibility)
Most people choose vacation spots that feel welcoming, safe, fun, and relaxing. Each summer, we rent a small house for the week. Our needs are simple – it just has to be clean and close to the beach.
Your website should create that same sense of ease for visitors. A clean layout, accessible design, and intentional colors and fonts help people feel at home – and more likely to reach out.
5. Capture the Memories (Calls-to-Action & Lead Magnets)
Finally, you take pictures to remember your trip. I love getting photos at the same spot each year so we can look back and see how the kids have grown.
On your website, calls-to-action serve a similar purpose. Whether it’s “Book a Free Consultation,” “Contact Me,” or “Read More,” they guide visitors to connect with you now, while lead magnets help you capture contact info so you can continue the conversation and build the relationship over time.
Ready to Refresh Your Website This Summer?
As you unwind this summer, think about how your website can feel just as refreshing and intentional as your summer vacation. And be sure to scroll through the summer-inspired color palettes in my Instagram post below.
If your website could use a thoughtful refresh, new visuals, or improved copy – I’d love to help! I work with therapists, health and wellness professionals, creatives, and community-based businesses in Philadelphia, PA and beyond to design websites that feel as good as they look.
Book your free consultation here and let’s create a website that supports your journey.
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