School can obviously be a stressful time for many of us. Although, what many people don't realize is that the summer can be a stressful time too! Many of us are faced with endless days working retail, camps, internships etc. I know that for me at least, the summer is a time of productivity and exercise. Sometimes there is very little time for adventure but that is why it's important to make time. Knowing that our summers would be stressful as well, my bestie and I decided to plan a road trip and here are some reasons why I think you and yours should too!
1. Give yourself a break!
It’s been an incredible year full of stress and surprises, but now since the semester is over, it’s time to let go and relax! Giving yourself a break from work and other responsibilities is a treat that you owe to yourself after finals. Your mind, body and spirit is in serious need for some TLC.
2. Strengthen your friendship!
Odds are, the last week of school left you and your bestie in stressful places and you were not able to bond about the year being over. Instead, you stressed about everything under the sun for a week. This bestie vacation can be the best thing to help the two of you (or group of you) bond over some magical destination.
3. They are not that expensive!
If the idea of pricing is holding you back, consider those days to be over! If you’re worried about booking a big vacation, search for travel discounts through Groupon, or look for discounts through groups like AAA. My bestie and I scored a 2 night stay in Niagara falls for just $20 a person per night! It was a magical experience- we spent most of our money on food and souvenirs, and of course gas.
4. Get time together before time apart!
For many of us, it is important to squeeze time in with our bestie before summer comes because we don’t necessarily live close to our bestie. During the school year, sometimes they can drive you nuts, but during the summer, your heart begins to ache for those moments you spent together. The best part about a road trip is that you can spend countless hours in the car jamming to tunes, doing brain puzzles, and talking about life before your vacation even begins. These are conversations that will help you hold on during the summer.
5. Adventure is good for you!
Getting out of your comfort zone alone can be terrifying, but there is something about doing it with a friend that makes it all worth while. Not only will the trip itself be an adventure, but there will be little side adventures that you can do in a new place, like exploring a new part of the venue, going to do something touristy like a museum, or just doing something different from your normal routine can give your brain something new to focus on after the tremendous amount of stress you experienced during finals. Consider going abroad if you already have your passport/passcard, or somewhere that you AND your best friend have never been to before.
6. Find a new magical place together!
Find a place that you can remember as your happy place for the coming summer! My bestie and I found "Margaritaville" and fell in love!
7. Talk about future travel plans!
One of my favorite parts about travel is it brings out tons of future ideas for more trips. When you realize how unforgettable your road trip was, you and your bestie will probably want to plan more! It reminds me a little bit of a "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" experience. You can't just have one!
8. Meet new people!
Meeting new people while traveling is probably one of the coolest things ever. When we went to Canada, we continued to learn things about Canada (even law stuff) from our waitresses, and other people we ran into along the way. Everyone was so incredibly kind and helpful- this is a plus if you are going to a touristy location.
9. Take some great new pictures!
Who doesn't love a new profile picture every now and then and new vacation pictures with your bestie should always make the cut! Vacations offer TONS of great photo opportunities so make sure you take full advantage of them!
10. Eat yummy food!
Finally, a break from campus food and whatever you scrap together in your apartment! When you go on a road trip, food splurging is a necessity! Since it doesn't happen often, it's okay to treat yourself to a wonderful meal every now and then. We went to Skylon Tower's Revolving Dining Room and it was magically. Expensive, but magical!
11. Learn about each other!
Your bestie is a wonderful person, obviously. Sometimes, though, we forget their little quirks and miss their one liners when we aren't around them 24/7 for a few days. It's amazing how much love and appreciation you have for someone when you spend a few straight days with them. It makes you realize that that person is there for not only those few days, but a lifetime of sass and friendship.
My experience on my Bestie Road Trip was unforgettable and I hope yours is the same. Safe travels!
