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7 Things To Do Over Summer
If You Have No Plans

Summer is here. The days are longer, the sun shines brighter, the air feels a lot warmer and you have zero plans this summer.

Having a wide-open summer can be a bit of a bummer, but it can also be a blessing. Don’t fret about not having a booked and busy few months because there are tons of ways to spend your free time. Here are 7 things you can do over the summer when you have nothing to do.

1. Travel

If you’ve had traveling on your mind, a plan-free summer is the perfect time to go through with it. Take advantage of your free time and book that hotel, buy those flights or pack up the car for the trip of a lifetime.

But you don’t have to travel far to have fun either. Spend a day at the beach, sleep under the stars or try a walking tour of your city. Can you confidently say that you know your city in and out? Be a tourist in your own city and you may be surprised to discover many hidden gems and historical landmarks you hadn't noticed before.

Whether you plan a long, faraway journey or a simple, spontaneous trip, summer can be the perfect time to set out and explore.

2. Learn Something New

Whether you take a class at your local community college, sign up for wheel throwing with your friends, or just stay in and learn to build a mechanical keyboard, that chunk of free time this summer can be a great opportunity to learn something new. So if you’ve always wanted to learn about a certain subject or specific skill, take advantage of these next few months to do so.

3. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to meet other people and help give back to the community. You'll feel good about helping, and you'll have fun as well. Volunteering will also look good on your resume, and you may find that you really enjoy whatever organization you choose to volunteer with.

If you’re thinking about volunteering but don’t know where to start, consider using a resource like VolunteerMatch. You can plug in where you are and what interests you, and the site will generate opportunities near you.

4. Try Something You’ve Always Wanted To

Summer is a time to be spontaneous, so why not try something you’ve always wanted to? If you’ve been longing to try something out or cross something off your bucket list, maybe now is your chance.

If you’ve always wanted to get into photography, buy a camera. Always wanted to get your first aid certification? Take a class. It’s never too late so take advantage of this time and do something you’ve been considering for a while.

5. Catch Up On Reading

Many of us wish we had the time for some pleasure reading, but let’s be honest—we’d rather spend it on Netflix. If you’ve got a few free months this summer, consider spending some of it catching up on your reading list.

From science fiction to fantasy novels, setting a solid reading goal for yourself will keep you feeling like your life is still on track. And at the same time, reading expands your horizons and opens you up to new places, ideas and perspectives.

Whether it’s for fun or for work, think about spending your extra time catching up on the reading you’ve let build up over the past year or so. We’re all guilty of putting it off, so summer is the perfect time to play catch up.

6. Get A Summer Job or Internship

If you’re a student and have absolutely nothing to do, getting a job or an internship will help keep you busy.

Take what you learned in the classroom and apply your knowledge. Even if it doesn't offer a stipend or salary, a summer internship is a great way to learn more about a business or industry and gain practical work experience to add to your resume. Working a summer job can also help you acquire transferable skills, such as communication, organization, time management and administrative skills.

So if you lack the time for a job or internship during the semester, consider using your summer to take one on to learn something new about your field, make some money and gain some experience.

7. Just Relax

This might be an unpopular opinion, but relaxing and recharging can be just as productive as anything. After an action-packed year of learning or working, it’s time to destress. So if you’re finally met face-to-face with a summer that is demanding nothing from you, take it as a sign and a chance to recharge while you can. You deserve it!

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