After finals week, and possibly the rainiest spring State College has ever had, you’ve probably never been more ready for a break. Once you’ve been home for a little while, the urge for freedom and letting loose will surely kick in shortly. After months of hard work and studying, it’s finally time to let your hair down, so let that sunshine soak in and the free, laid-back summer vibe take over.
It’s time for a road trip.
As college students, road trips are the absolute ideal getaway. For one, we’re broke. Road trips avoid plane costs and still allow you to see beautiful parts of the country. Besides, driving with all the windows down and blasting music with your friends is more fun anyway. Second, chances are you’ve been to State College and home, back and forth, for the majority of the year. Time to bring the PSU party vibe elsewhere and show everyone else how we celebrate. Third, what other chance will you have to do this again? Before entering the real world, there is limitless amounts of time to travel. Regardless of your summer job, you are most likely not tied down to a full-time commitment in the work force yet. Once you are, passing up opportunities like this up will have you kicking yourself in a couple years when you are at your office desk staring at Google images of Cancun, secretly crying inside.
Take a few days off, call up your friends and plan a getaway and use a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. The checklist is simple: an open mind, an eagerness for adventure, some sunscreen, and oh wait… a car. These spots are not only cheap, they are incredibly versatile and will fulfill any longing for that true vacation you’ve been waiting to have.
Destination: Sure I’ll drive, but nothing extreme-
Ocean City, MD “You get a two-for-one deal when taking this trip, surf and sun. The boardwalk alone is a awesome attraction for everyone who can drink and students who are underage.” “At night the boardwalk comes to life with rides, arcades, performers and so much more. Explore Ocean City, Maryland’s colorful history at the Life-Saving Station Museum, or take a walking tour of the historic downtown area. Ocean City restaurants serve up boardwalk fries, Maryland crab cakes, hot, fresh pizza, juicy Delmarva fried chicken, sweet saltwater taffy and some of the finest dining in the mid-Atlantic. Give your diet the day off. Sunsets are spectacular on the inlet as the sun sinks down toward the bay. And a glorious sunrise on the Ocean City beach is worth getting up early for.”
Myrtle Beach, SC “Myrtle beach is loaded with restaurants, bars and clubs. Myrtle beach is a fun college road trip destination for college kids on the East Coast because it’s less expensive than leaving the country, or flying to Florida for spring and summer breaks. Rent a cheap hotel room and stuff as many people in as the hotel will allow.” “It is much more than just a gorgeous, white sandy beach. There’s plenty of fun-filled entertainment to discover throughout the Grand Strand. Cool off at one of the area’s water parks. Enjoy one of the area amusement parks… Take in one of the award-winning live shows. When the sun goes down, the night will heat up at area nightclubs and nightlife attractions.”
Boston, MA “Boston might be a windier city than most, but it’s also a greater city as it offers the visitor tons of historical sights, world-class museums, shows and concerts, Red Sox games, ‘Haavad Yaad’ and the Freedom Trail. You can ride around in one of the Duck Boat Tours and see it all while switching from the road to the water in this amphibious contraption. Next, hit Faneuil Hall for some great shopping – or just looking. My favorite thing about Boston is its pubs. There is no city like it outside of Dublin that has so many great hangouts to choose from – you can barhop forever in Boston or just find a favorite and hang out all day. To top it off, most pubs in Boston offer fantastic pub fare, so you’re not stuck eating some dried-out burger and greasy fries.”
Destination: Schools Out, I’m Ready to Drive!-
Daytona Beach, FL aka: The World’s Most Famous Beach “Daytona Beach is one of the hottest destinations every year. There are 23 miles of white, sandy beach. From the incredible nightlife, to the crowded beaches filled with college students. Daytona Beach has everything you want out of your break, friends, sun, sand, and go-karts. It is one of the few beaches in the world that allows vehicles on it. It is due to the densely packed sand that lines the shore. This makes it perfect for anyone who loves to tailgate. The beach itself is always a party. For decades the coast has been a center of excitement.”
New Orleans, LA “Everyone talks about how New Orleans was ruined by Hurricane Katrina, but I disagree. It’s still a one-of-a-kind city with a flavor all its own. One of the oldest cities in the U.S., New Orleans is great because of its architecture… Antebellum homes that line St. Charles Avenue, its delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, its music (the birthplace of jazz), its working streetcars in a time when most cities have ceased using this method of public transportation, and its famous and wild Mardi Gras. Whether you go to New Orleans when there’s a festival like Mardi Gras or the annual jazz festival, or if you go there during a quieter time of year, you will have a great time in this city. Make sure to take one of the ghost tours – they’re the best in the U.S.”
Montreal, Canada “If your pockets are too empty to go to Europe for vacation, no sweat. Montreal is the closest thing to a European city you’re going to get in North America, and you can drive there. It’s known for its hot music scene and bountiful supply of bars. Just don’t roll into the bars labeled “danseurs neu,” unless, of course, you’re into that. It’s not just a party town, however, there’s also great French food, tons of history and all kinds of sober fun like outdoor ballroom dancing.” “There are many things you can do there for free. Watch street performers, eat at ethnic restaurants, and stay at hostels to save money. Also remember that the drinking age is 18, and not very enforced in Canada.”
Disney World, FL “In National Lampoon’s Vacation they went to WallyWorld, but let’s face it, we all know the writers weren’t allowed to use Disney World. Disney World is so great, it actually has addicts. While I’m not suggesting you should become an addict – that’s expensive and a little crazy – if you haven’t been to Disney World, stop everything and go. Now. It’s a world unto itself, so magical and pretty and perfect that it’s unreal. It’s a sprawling (Amusement? That word doesn’t start to encompass all that Disney World is) park that keeps growing and getting better every time you visit it.”
Alright, now for the music. These songs will not only lift your summer spirits through their fun, care-free beats, but they will get you absolutely ready to jam out, party and have the summer experience you’ve worked hard for and deserve.
Loona – Vamos a La Playa
Chris Brown – Beautiful People
Mohombi – Bumpy Ride
Pitbull ft. Neyo – Give Me Everything
Alors on Dance ft. Kayne West and Gilbert – Stromae
Lupe Fiasco ft. MDMA – I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now
David Guetta ft. Rico Love – Extra Hard
LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock – Party Rock Anthem
Nicki Minaj – Super Bass
Ray J – Turnin Me On
Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire – Ghosts ‘n’ stuff
Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)
Mac Miller – Live Free
The Cataracs – This is All I Do
Sky Ferreira – Obsession
Wiz Khalifa ft. Snoop Dogg – Young, Wild and Free
…And for that token, corny sing-a-long: Selena Gomez ft. The Scene – Who Says (Like I said, it may be corny, but trust me, once you get this going you’ll find yourself humming the tune, feeling a little bit giddy and loving life.)
Sources:
http://blog.stuvu.com/2008/10/college-road-trip-destinations/
http://www.discovermyrtlebeach.com/thingstodo.cfm
http://www.mademan.com/mm/college-road-trip-destinations.html
http://www.mycollegeroadtrip.com/going-daytona-beach-it’s-worth-sunburn
http://ococean.com/things-to-do
http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/road-trip-destinations.html