Pause Netflix and Take Advantage of the Summer

Summer is finally here. That means longer days and outdoor events to take advantage of. Now that classes are over and the days stretch far passed the workday, it’s time to take advantage of what summer has to offer. These free hours and days mean anything is possible. But what that normally translates into is eating way more ice cream than we should and binge-watching every show on Netflix instead of taking advantage of what summer has to offer.

So how do you make the best out of the summer and make sure to create as many memories as possible before fall comes rolling around the corner again? Go outside. Staying indoors can be refreshing, but you have the winter and colder months to do that. Summer means leavin the computer at home and making new memories alone or with friends.

Here are just a few ideas on making the most out of your time.

Seven Ways to Take Advantage of Summer

Travel abroad
If you have the money saved, this is the best option. Right now the Euro is in our favor and traveling to Europe has also become cheaper with flights as low as $300 round-trip through StudentUniverse.com and similar websites.
Try the south of Spain for beaches, parties, culture and relaxation. Salou, a city on the outskirts of Barcelona, is a destination for many English-speaking vacationers and considered the Panama City Beach of Spain.
Visit your local Farmers Markets
Farmers markets aren’t only for locally grown fruits and vegetable. Many farmers markets have hand-crafted knickknacks from bags and purses to candles and pillows.
Check out what your local farmer’s market has to offer and support small businesses. Maybe you’ll find the perfect hand-crafterd pillow for your living room.
Check out a Pool
Don’t have a backyard with a pool ready for tanning and backstrokes? No problem. Check out your university’s pool. Students are allowed access when the weather permits.
Back at home for the summer or no longer a student? Check out pools in surrounding hotels and apartments around your city. Some offer pool access for a small fee, while others are free throughout the day.
Take a road trip with Friends
Never seen the Grand Canyon? How about St. Augustine? Maybe you want to visit a city just a few hours away. Why not take a mini road trip with friends? Create a playlist, choose a destination and pack light. Give yourself enough days to steer off the track and get to see small towns and attractions along the way. The right group of friends and music can lead to some of the best memories you can create.
Visit the Park
The park isn’t just for kids. Many parks have awesome actitives over the summer. Some offer free movies and live shows throughout the entire summer. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and prepare for some entertainment under the stars. Whether you live in a smaller town or a big city, many areas offer movies and concerts in the park. Check your local listings.Feel like staying active? Other parks offer free yoga classes on weekend mornings. Also check your local park’s schedule for events and free classes.
Explore Food Trucks
Many towns and cities have seen an increase in food trucks the last couple years. Some of them have weekly days for food trucks or daily areas designated to a handful of trucks. They offer a variety of food and often tables to enjoy them in. Come with friends or even a date and prepare to eat the best food in town. Food truck days are fun and inexpensive, so arrive prepared to eat and with a wallet full of cash.
Visit your local Museums
If you live in the southern United States, summer sometimes means midday showers. Take advantage of these days and go out…to a museum. Spend the day walking through the galleries and looking at all the artwork. Often, local museums also offer free movies or events. More into books? Check out your local independent bookstore. These are the perfect places to take advantage of a rainy day, or even a day that’s too hot to be outdoors, instead of staying at home on your computer.

Remember: Take advantage of where you live and what it has to offer. Live near hiking trails? Go hiking with friends. Live close to the beach? Bring a book and spend the day by the water. Summer is full of extra hours just ready for you to enjoy and take advantage of.

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Emily Roberts MA, LPC is The Guidance Girl. Her goal is to help YOU become the most confident person you know! Emily is an award-winning author Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Becoming Who You Are, Psychotherapist, TV & Media Contributor, Educational Speaker, and parenting consultant. She travels around the country educating girls, women, and parents. Express Yourself is available at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon. To learn more about Emily click here.