Here are 4 ideas to get you off to a great start this summer!
Summer break is upon us, and after the grueling torture of finals, you are probably aching for a vacation. Now is the perfect time to set off on a vacation! You might want to do and see it all, but your checking account is laughing at that notion. Fortunately, there are vacations you can take that won’t break the bank, and ways to save money while you travel.
Here are some budget-friendly vacation ideas for you and your fellow students
1. Take a Road Trip
Road trips are a classic American pastime that has survived throughout the decades. If you pack a bunch of friends in the car, you can get in some quality time while splitting all the costs. The trip can be a couple of days, or it can be all summer long depending on your budget and ambition. The greatest thing about America is that each state has it’s own unique sites, activities, and charms. You can visit any city or state, and you will have a different experience in each place!
With a little planning, you can find cheap and free things to do wherever you go! For example, San Diego has a whole host of things to do that are absolutely free. This is likely the case for most destinations in America, so the possibilities are only limited by your resolve!
2. Camping 
Camping is another summer staple for people across America, and a great way to decompress after a stressful semester. With schoolwork and classes being increasingly accessed online and thus constantly being connected to technology, camping during your summer vacation is the perfect excuse to take a break. According to Washington State University, it’s important to unplug from technology from time to time and get some distance from being continuously connected.
So, get some friends, pack up your camping gear, and head for the mountains. Leave all your devices at home; Facebook and texting can wait until you get back. Don’t forget to set up your voicemail to make sure you don’t miss any important calls while you’re off-grid. With your contact methods all set up and ready to inform you when you get back, you can spend the next few days communing with nature and your buddies.
3. Summer Study Abroad
It may be too late for this season, but summer study abroad programs are definitely something to keep in mind for the future. There are a number short-term study abroad opportunities that are a great way to visit a new country while also earning some credit for school. A productive vacation, if you will.
Short-term study abroad during the summer is also a perfect solution for those who would love a study abroad experience, but can’t afford the traditional semester or yearlong study abroad programs. They tend to run around three weeks long, and since many are eligible for credit at school, you can even apply for financial aid to help pay for them. Experiencing a new country and culture is such a wonderful experience that will be invaluable to you in your future.
4. Summer Work or Volunteering
If you’re one of those people who likes keeping busy during your break, but stills want to get out of town, there are a couple of options you can look into. First, you can look into a contract or short-term work. You can find jobs with companies like xanterra that have seasonal work for national parks and resorts. It’s perfect for those who want to do something fun while making some extra money.
Another option is to look into volunteering. Volunteering is not only a chance to help others in need, but it’s also good for you; you become more aware of issues in your community, you understand more about the plights of others, and you grow as a person. As a bonus, it looks good on your resume; businesses that care about their communities are going to love that you feel the same way. So choose a cause or organization you want to help, and donate your time and energy.
Whatever you do this summer break, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest. Before you know it, you will graduate and enter the working world, where there are no longer summer breaks. Take advantage of it now!
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By Mila Sanchez – Mila is a guest writer for NextStepU. She holds a BA in English Linguistics and was born and raised in Idaho. Her ambitions in life include traveling, studying languages, and taking pictures of her dog, Baymax.
