This summer, while friends of mine are galavanting across the world I will be working at home in Phoenix, Arizona (or the surface of the sun, whichever one is cooler). Interning and working will certainly not leave me with much time to road trip across the country so I will be living for the weekends (not that I don't already). I am going to have to jam pack my weekends with things that will not drain my bank account, and things that won't have me driving across the country in a lame attempt at a road trip. For those of us on a budget I have compiled a list of things that will leave you with fantastic summer memories, no matter where you are this summer:
Go Exploring.
This one is simple, whether you find yourself in the desert or near a beach, there will always be a part of your home town or home state that you haven't seen. Go hike that mountain you never got to or go take a day-trip to a different part of your state. Flagstaff is a great escape from the heat for those on a tight budget who are staying in Arizona this summer, it has an amazing atmosphere and the weather is great (and it's only two hours from Phoenix). For those suffering from a blistering summer, find a source of water, whether that be a river or lake, enjoy the outdoors and being away from home for a little bit.
Get Nosebleeds.
It's baseball season, it is also playoffs for the NHL and NBA. Most people are bound to have some sort of team in their hometown (heck, even a minor league team will do). Get some cheap seats and spend your money on the beers. Games are an exceptionally fun way to pass your time, especially when you are too drunk to notice how hot it is outside.
Try Something New.
I'm not going to lie, you can find me in a water aerobics class bright and early during the summer with a bunch of 80 year old women. Why? Because it is so much fun; laugh all you want, but taking a friend and having someone to laugh and work out with makes for a great time. Summer is the perfect time to figure out if you want to try out some new kind of workout, especially if you were too scared to try pilates at school amidst girls who look like they make a salary off of attending fitness classes. Summer is also the perfect time to try out some wild and crazy workout class you've always wanted to try, like aerial yoga.
Drive In.
The summer was made for movies, just look at all the movies waiting to come out this summer! Use your Student ID and soak up all the discounts you can get. But if you are looking for something different, go to a drive-in movie. The drive-in has always been one of my favorite ways to go see a movie, mostly because you have so many options, you can practically set up a BBQ right in the middle of the drive-in (and you get to see two movies for the price of one). Make sure you have a designated driver and bring a cooler, you'll be parked at the movies all night.
With finals drawing the school year to a close it is time to say goodbye to the college bars and sweaty frat parties until August, but let's not think about that for now.
