What is the best and quickest way to get over a summer cold?

Lots of fluids -- juices with vitamin C; try taking airborne or other herbal remedies, which tend to have zinc and/or echinacea in them. If you'll be flying, do not hesitate to go to your doctors for a prescription of antibiotics... I normally don't advise taking them unless you truly need them, but since you have a trip planned it is a precautionary measure and your doctor will likely understand. Also use decongestants if you are typically bothered by the pressure changes in your ears, because having upper respiratory inflammation can make it even worse.

I hope you have a speedy recovery and a wonderful trip!

in addition to fluids and much above, make tea and add chopped ginger, garlic, lemon, cayenne, and honey, or any combination of these that you can handle. (i prefer to eat the garlic with other foods.)

water, fruit/juice, exercise, sun, sleep, and laughter -- that's what gets me better quickly. so do stretches and jumping jacks, drink two cups of water, sit in the direct sun and breath in the fresh air, eat an orange, then rent a comedy and snuggle up in bed. tell us how you feel tomorrow! you've got plenty of time between now and wednesday.

All of the answers above are great. However, one word; Zicam!

Seriously...I swear by it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_gluconate

Some concerns about Zicam and loss of smell. Don't know how accurate Wikipedia article is but caveat emptor. Zina's advice, as usual, sounds sensible and safe. Congrats on anniversary celebration...you did mention an earlier bump in the road.

Above suggestions are great.

Also throw in the humidifier in the bedroom where you sleep overnight. if you don't have one (now they are cheap at Target, I saw one for 20 bucks) It makes a huge difference in getting better quickly both for colds also allergies.

Hot liquids too are great other than cold liquids. Chicken Noodle soups are great. Safeway have a homemade version, it is in the deli area. Its all jazzed up compared to the canned soup.

One note - colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics are completely ineffective against them, and their overuse leads to resistance, which means that when someone needs them in the future for a bacterial infection they may not be as effective. Hope some of the other things help you feel better!

@theabk: Yes, the common cold is viral in origin; however, it often contributes to other upper respiratory infections, in the sinuses ear or throat. As noted in my post, I normally wouldn't recommend requesting antibiotics; but having seen several blown eardrums following airplane flights while the ear is infected, I suggested it as a precaution.

Rest and fluids.

No shotgun remedies. Its a virus nothing works but your immune system