The summer season brings many wonderful things: warm weather, no school, and time to do almost anything you want. But after years of summer vacations, the three or so months off can get a little bland and routine. Here’s seven ways to make sure every day of your much-needed summer break is well spent.
1. Take a road trip
Whether it’s for a weekend or two weeks, taking time to leave your hometown where you’ve spent all your previous summer vacations to explore new places is a definite must. Road trips are also relatively inexpensive (if you’re willing to spend your nights camping!) Check out this ultimate road trip map that marks destinations in 48 of the 50 states:
2. Go to a music festival or outdoor concert
Live music is arguably one of the best experiences a person can have. Nothing beats feeling the energy of the band and crowd radiate through you. That experience is amplified when the venue is outdoors. If you get the rad opportunity to attend an outdoor concert, DO IT.
3. Read three new books
Think about it: three months to read three books. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. With time off from school, keep your mind active by diving into the sci-fi thrillers or romance novels you’ve been meaning to read all semester but haven’t gotten around to.
4. Find a job or internship relating to your major
So, yeah, ideally summer break during your college career would be exactly how it was when you were eight years old: going to the pool every day, biking around your neighborhood and ding-dong ditching your neighbors once the sun went down. Unfortunately, we have to grow up sometime (although that doesn’t mean you have to refrain from participating in such activities). By finding a job or internship that you enjoy and that relates to your major, you won’t mind spending the larger part of your day working. Plus, you’ll get a leg up professionally.
5. Make a paint slip-n-slide
This is something I’ve always wanted to do! All you need is a long sheet of plastic, some colorful paints, and white clothes. Lay out the tarp, squirt on as much paint as you want, spray on some water, and start slipping and sliding! Your clothes will have a cool paint splattered, tie dye-like effect to them afterwards.
6. Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day
Waking up before the sun is up may not be how you want to spend a day of your summer, but having some time to yourself to be totally calm and at ease it worth it. Pack a nice breakfast, a cup of coffee, and watch the sunrise. Then, go about your day, and watch it set later than evening!
7. Have an ‘End Of The Summer’ barbecue with friends
Sadly, summer can’t last forever. Before you and all your friends part ways yet again and head back to college, have a cookout! Have everyone bring a different food and basically have a giant picnic. If you’re really feeling it, turn the cookout into an all night event with a bonfire and campout! It’s definitely a great way to have one last hoorah with all your closest friends.