In the United States, students are required to attend a minimum of 180 school days in a given year. Thank God for the summers when you can let loose and relax. However, if you don’t know how to chill during a summer vacation, you will be bored to insanity.
If you use the summer wisely, it can change your life. That means you can get back into work or the school year with many adventurous stories to tell. With that in mind, here are ten exciting ways to spend summer vacation.
1. Las Vegas Road Trip
Your first summer travel should involve the phrase “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Witness the Mojave Desert and Death Valley as you travel to Las Vegas. The city comes to life at night, so get some bottle service at Embassy, Zouk, or XS Night Club.
If you are hungry, Mandalay Bay and Wynn have the best buffets. There are also famous casinos for gamblers, like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Mirage. For people who love nature, try hiking in Calico Trails and Lone Mountain.
2. Cooling Down at the Beach
If you love the party scene, head over to South Beach in Miami or Bondi Beach in Sydney. Try Honolulu in Hawaii or San Sebastian in Spain for a more relaxed vibe. If you want to escape the summer heat, go north to Vancouver or Seattle.
Get a fashionable cover-up to wear over your bikini. Don’t forget these items:
- Beach umbrellas and sun shades
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
- Beach towels
- Chairs or bean bags
- Cooler with drinks and snacks
- First Aid kit
- Portable speakers
If you want to stay active, try surfing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Build sandcastles, read a book, or take a nap for a more relaxing day. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
3. Bucket List Worthy Hikes
One of the best ways to see amazing views is by hiking up the mountains. If you are in North America, some bucket list hikes include:
- The Narrows in Zion National Park
- Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
- Angels Landing in Zion National Park
- Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park
- Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
Check out Havasu Falls, Nevada Falls, and Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite National Park for those who love waterfalls. For beginners, start with shorter trails and work your way up. Don’t forget to pack snacks, water, and a map.
4. Weekend Getaway
Consider a weekend getaway if you don’t have the time or money to travel far. There are many charming small towns located within driving distance of most major cities.
For example, visit Annapolis in Maryland, Portsmouth in New Hampshire, or Asheville in North Carolina. When packing for a weekend trip, only bring the essentials, like:
- Toiletries
- One outfit per day
- Pajamas
- Undergarments
- Extra phone charger
- Camera
Bringing too many clothes will weigh you down. Plus, shopping for new outfits is always fun when you are on vacation.
5. Summer Festivals
There is nothing like listening to live music outdoors during the summer. Check out festivals in your area, like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Electric Daisy Carnival. For a more low-key experience, try Jazz Fest, Austin City Limits, or Burning Man.
At Lollapalooza, there are eight stages with different genres of music playing simultaneously. Bonnaroo is one of the most intimate festivals, as it only has a capacity for 70,000 people. The Electric Daisy Carnival is an electronic music festival in Las Vegas.
6. Visit National Parks
In the summer, the most popular parks are Yellowstone, Glacier, and Zion. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen as temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some other popular activities in national parks include camping, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation, consider visiting one of the following national parks:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
These parks offer beautiful scenery without crowds. You can also do yoga and meditation peacefully within nature.
7. Explore a New City
If you are tired of your usual surroundings, it’s time to explore a new city. There are many great cities to visit in the summer, like:
- New York City
- Boston
- Washington, D.C.
- Chicago
- San Francisco
You can visit the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square in New York City. Boston is known for its historical sites, like the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park. Washington, D.C., is home to many museums, like the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and skyline. San Francisco is a beautiful city with many hills and the Golden Gate Bridge.
8. Visit a Historical Site
If you are interested in history, then make sure to visit a historic site this summer. There are many to choose from, like:
- Jamestown Settlement
- Williamsburg
- Yorktown
- Monticello
- Mount Vernon
- The Pentagon
These sites offer a glimpse into America’s past. You can learn about the founding of Jamestown, the American Revolution, and the Civil War.
You can also explore the homes of famous Americans like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. The Pentagon is a unique site that offers tours of one of the most famous buildings in the world.
9. Fly to Europe
If you have the money and time, consider flying to Europe for your summer vacation. There are many great countries to visit, like:
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Greece
- Germany
In Italy, you can visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. France is home to Paris, the world’s most romantic city. Spain is a beautiful country with many beaches.
Greece is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. Germany is a perfect destination for beer lovers.
10. Fly to Asia
If you want to experience a different culture, travel to Asia for your summer destination. There are many great countries to visit, like:
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Thailand
- India
You can visit Beijing, the Great Wall, and Shanghai in China. Japan is home to Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Hiroshima. South Korea is a beautiful country with many beaches.
Thailand is a great place to relax and enjoy the tropical lifestyle. India is an exotic country with a rich history and culture.
Summer Vacation and Endless Fun
There are many great places to visit during the summer. Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore a new city, there is a destination for you. Choose one of these ten great ideas and have the best summer vacation.
Don’t forget to pack the essentials, be spontaneous, and travel with your friends. When summer ends, you are back to work or in the classroom, so make use of this time. For more adventures and endless fun, contact us today.