Now is the time. Now is the time to get involved into things that you never thought you would be a part of. It’s time to take a risk and explore the world. College students feel as if they are always so busy (and most of the time we are) but we need to remember how important it is to make the best time of these special four years. So next time you decide to sleep in until 1 p.m., I want you to think of this article and all the things you could have done if you had woken up at 8 a.m.

So you know how you and your group of friends have been planning that road trip halfway across the United States that you keep swearing will happen but it never does? Plan it! It is possible! It is the perfect time to drive until the road ends. Your favorite band isn’t coming to your state? Well, go road trip to where they are playing. You not only get to travel, but you also get to experience the music that you love in a new city that you may have never been to before. Take an extra day after the concert to walk around and just explore. You don’t have to spend money to explore, that’s why it’s called exploring! While money is usually the issue of why these things do not happen, split the costs between your friends to make it more affordable. Venmo is a great app for smart phones which allows you to transfer money to other people’s bank accounts, which makes money splitting super easy. Facebook group pages are great for organizing and can be used creatively to make sure everyone is in the loop on the event. Your friends aren’t going to be this close forever, so it’s important to take this opportunity to make memories! Never been to that state park that seems too far away. Pack your bags, tent, and a cooler full of Lunchables and drive!

These spontaneous trips have such a great meaning after the trip and bring so many nostalgic memories for the future. Then after you will hear that song that played on the radio a million times on your drive that will always remind you of that time you and your best friends went to the Grand Canyon or that music festival in a neighboring state. You will smell that smell that you remember so distinctively from when you were hiking up that huge mountain. It will give you butterflies and just make you smile. Don’t forget to bring a camera and take pictures of all the little things that will make the trip memorable. Take pictures of the inside jokes that you made, take pictures of the things you spotted out in I-Spy, take pictures in front of the state borderlines, capture anything and everything. One day you will be able to tell your future family about all the great experiences that you were able to have! So go create that Facebook page, invite your besties to join and start planning. Remember to make the most of your time and spend your money on things that you will enjoy. Lunchables, PB & Js and trail mixes aren’t that bad when you are sitting on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Best of luck to your travels, now go explore!