Pick the Right Crew:

Ideally, your car should be a few friends of both sexes. Take it from an all-girls school alum- too much estrogen in a tight space can end in bitch-outs, tears and way too many bathroom breaks. That being said, be careful not to pick people you think might turn the trip sour. Vacation hookups turn especially awkward if you have to drive six hours home with the dude.

Keep it Cheap:

Unless you’re group is the cast of The Hills, you don’t have the luxury of 5-star hotels and room service. En route accommodation can be as easy as pitching a tent. You’re bound to pass by a few campgrounds along the way. If sleeping outdoors isn’t your thing, make use of your friends. Tons of my friends stayed in their apartments/students’ homes during the summer while taking an extra course and have couches to spare. Just remember to ask before just dropping by.

Take Lots of Stops:

You’ll be amazed at how much there is to explore in your province/state once you drive through it. Pull over every so often and snap some shots. Apart from spectacular views, there are plenty of fun little towns to discover. It’s especially fun to do as the locals do. One town we stopped in had more bars than gas stations and, well, when in Rome…

Mix a Sick Playlist:

Hours on the road can get a little dull without some tunes. Let everyone put their iPod on at least once. Even if you don’t know/can’t stand the selections, you’re probably getting a kick out of everyone’s taste. We went from blasting Britney’s “Oops I did it Again” (guys included), to “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy” in the span of a few miles. Trust me, the hours fly by when you’re attempting a buckled up version of the “Single Ladies” dance.

Most importantly, be safe! Excuse the maternal instinct but be smart behind the wheel. Remember to sober up, buckle up and wake up before turning the key. As one of my fellow road-trippers warned before we left: one accident is too many.

Remember Freshman year when every upper-classman you knew s aid “ treasure the next four years, they go by so fast . “  Well not to sound li ke a broken record…but they kind of do.

I’m barreling through my last semester of college and this huge list of things I had planned on doing before graduating has kind of, well, not been tackled at all. Instead it’s been sitting in my documents, staring me down every time I go to write an essay.

It might seem a little too late to tackle this long list, but after a night of some Franzia and mounds of Oreos (the classy best friends on a night in) I’ve decided why wait any longer! Plus could I really get away with doing any of these after college?

Take yourself out to a fancy dinner (by yourself…no books/laptops/turn the cell phone off!): Remember that scene in Sex in the City when Carrie finally goes out to lunch by herself? She made a point of having no distractions so she could enjoy her own company. I’ve always felt so empowered by how she didn’t care what anyone thought.

Start a food fight: You stand up from the table with your fistful of spaghetti raised and just as you are about to throw it at your roommate from freshman year, you scream “FOOD FIGHT.” And the entire cafeteria breaks into the most epic battle of food flinging ever seen.

Go on a road trip: I always start planning one, but then change my mind and decide it’s too unrealistic. I would love to  live on the road and just worry about where I’m getting my next meal..not bills, three meals from now, a job. Just me and the open road. Well, and the best friends.

Take a picture every day(I’m a little late to start, and I had good intentions back in September…but maybe I’ll be able to keep up with it now): So originally I was going to start this Freshman year, then after not doing it for four years I figured I would start in September…but that didn’t work out too well. So here’s to hoping I’ll be able to stick with it this semester!

Run through the campus fountains (as soon as they are turned on): I see people every September (when it’s still hot enough) running through them. And I’ve always wanted to be them…but then I worry about walking all the way back to my dorms soaking wet…or will it ruin my shoes/shirt/pants? It’s all about throwing care to the wind.

Watch every episode of Sex and the City without stopping: I started watching Sex in the City a few seasons too late. So now I’m in the awkward stage where I’ve watched some episodes from some seasons. So I’d like to watch the full show from season 1 to whatever the last season was.

Play man-hunt in the library: Yes please! Think of all the good hiding spots! Plus after close all of those people who live in the library and hate “trouble makers” will be gone! So the real fun can begin.

Learn how to make one dinner meal: Breakfast and lunch I have covered …Special K and a sandwich. But dinner…I feel like maybe I should have something that isn’t cereal/toast/or a piece of chocolate I found at the bottom of my purse.

Go home with a freshman: I know what you are thinking…freshman guys are gross. Well college guys are kind of gross in general. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to go back and visit your Freshman dorm?

Have a rooftop party on one of the dorms  (maybe without alcohol…safety reasons people!): You’ve seen them in all of the romantic comedies; the ones you watch with a bowl of Ben and Jerry’s. They always have the outdoor lights perfectly placed — and the cute guy from down the hall who sweeps you off into the quiet corner and tells you how much he loves you. Is there a more perfect way to end your four years of writing essays and doing keg stands? I don’t think so.

Learn how to make a fancy cocktail…and make it: I’m mainly a beer girl, or margarita in a bucket (best invention ever?) girl, but that is only because I’ve never taken the time to learn how to make a Lemon Drop or A Bitter Canadian. So why not learn how to make at least one before entering the real world…where you should know what’s in a drink and/or at least how to order it.

Win the mega millions: One way to make sure all debts are taken care of and I would have enough money to move out.

Have a drink with your cute professor: You know your young Sociology professor who is the only guy that can pull of a sweater vest (except for Ryan Reynolds…he can pull off anything). Why not try? I mean, you do see him at the bar every so often. Throw some back, and talk about the study and classification of human societies.

Participate in Karaoke: No surprise here, but I’m usually the one in the corner mocking the herds of people who drunkenly sing along to “Don’t Stop Believing” (I still don’t understand why that seems to be the Massachusetts anthem!) But I would love to have the guts and get up there (with my girls in tow) and belt something out.

Graduate: And say goodbye to all my friends, and find a job, and start all of that other post-graduation horror. Maybe I could just stay another semester?

College is a time to experiment and really find yourself.  And sometimes making a bucket list of all the things that make you uncomfortable is the best way to find out what you’re really made of. So let’s do it. What’s on your Senioritis Bucket List?

If you’ve got today off from class, then good for you.  I’m glad you’re taking this opportunity to watch reality TV marathons and binge eat 100 Calorie Packs.  There’s no shame in that.  But next time you’ve got an extended weekend, perhaps you should round up your besties and hit the road.

Austin is oh-so trendy (in a good way) and boasts delicious culinary treats.  How can you say no to a making s’mores right in a restaurant?  Hit up Boston if you’re in the Northeast.  From potential celeb sightings to swank clubs, Beantown’s got it all.  If you’re feeling stuck in the Midwest, head to Minneapolis to take in some cosmopolitan activities.  And Savannah is great for all you Southern students.  Steeped in history and boasting the most attractive locals this side of the Mississippi, it is not to be missed.

Or maybe you want to take your long weekend in another country?  Toronto could be the city for you.  Oh, and the legal drinking age is 19…bonus!

Fall semester is in full swing and it’s starting to feel like you’re doing the same thing every week. Class. Study. Drink. Hangover. Poor Theme Party Costume Choice. Homework. Switch things up by taking advantage of a long weekend or your fall break (if you’re that lucky) by checking out our Weekend Getaway guides. First up is America’s college town, Boston. Keep on the lookout for the other 4 must-visit cities.

Beantown. The Walking City. The Cradle of Liberty. Boston is not only one of the oldest cities in America, but it’s also one of the most memorable. Looking for a getaway unlike any other? Come spend a few days trying to see everything this city has to offer. We say trying, because seeing this amazing city in one weekend is close to impossible — but here are my recommendations on all the things you gotta see. And the best part, all of these attractions are accessible by Boston’s super affordable subway system, the T.

Must-Sees

The best way to absorb all of the history of Boston in a few brief hours is to take a promenade down the Freedom Trail. See Paul Revere’s house and the site of the Boston Massacre among many other attractions. Tours start in the Boston Common. You can get a guide for a few dollars, or just follow the red line throughout the city and improvise.

Don’t feel like walking? Take a Duck Tour and cruise the city in style. You’ll even drive into the Charles River. There is no more perfect afternoon than driving around Beantown and screaming “Quack!” to pedestrians. Trust me.

If you’re over history and just want to do something really cool (and cute), the New England Aquarium is perfect. The whole first floor is nothing but a huge penguin exhibit, with 80 different little cuties just tottering around. It will make your heart melt. Continue spiraling through the levels of the aquarium though, and you’ll eventually find a man-eating shark or two. Just to even things out.

Food

There is something for absolutely everyone in this city. Hop on the T for a short subway ride to Cambridge if you’re looking for something truly unique. For the pickiest eater among you, I recommend Veggie Planet for its vegetarian and vegan options. Even if you love your red meat, the one-of-a-kind items and their descriptions that pack their menu will send even the fussiest girl’s mouth watering. Henry’s Dinner, for the record, is out of this world.

Looking for a total change from pizza and sloppy joes? Try something exotic at Tantric, an Indian bistro in the Theater District with a reputation for great portions at incredible prices. Stop in their lounge for a few drinks — whether you want a hot chai or a cold beer after a hard day of shopping on Newbury Street, it will be the perfect place to relax.

End up wanting pizza after all? No worries. Via Matta is the place for Italian food with an urban twist. Whether you want your S.O. to take you for a nice seafood dinner of your group just wants to sit at the bar with a few pizzas, Via Matta can accommodate you. Their inventive recipes made with only the best and freshest ingredients from all of New England will have you coming back again and again.

Nightlife

Want to spend an evening with Kim Kardashian? The Gypsy Bar is notorious for having all sorts of celebrity guests dropping in from time to time. Check the website ahead of time to see who plans to bar hop in Beantown. No matter who the guest is, you’re bound to love the atmosphere of this place.

For as unique as Boston restaurants are, the club scene is no less diverse. Check out the Royale for an amazing mix of classic architecture and design with some amazing contemporary music. Just want to let it all out? Check out the Havana Club for the most fun and intense salsa dancing to be had amongst Yankee bluebloods.

For something a little tamer, swing by the Boston Opera House. Contrary to its name, it hosts some of the hottest Broadway shows touring and some incredible ballet shows, depending on when you plan on visiting. Stop by the box office an hour and a half before any show, and enter a ticket lottery. 20 orchestra seats for $25 each are raffled off before every show. Be forewarned, the raffle is cash only!

Hotels

Finally ready to crash for the evening? Your best bet is to check the Chinatown/Theatre District area, which, luckily for you, is where most of these attractions are located. There’s a beautiful Hilton DoubleTree, a Courtyard Mariott, and a Best Western within several blocks of each other. If you really want to live the high life, the higher you go up Boylston Street, the ritzier the hotels. At the end, you’ll find The Mandarin Oriental. Hey, we can charge it dream, right?

If you can cram all of this into a few days, you are some extraordinary ladies. Chances are, once you’ll visit Boston, you’ll want to keep coming back. Because chances are on the way to these attractions, a million other ones will grab your eye.

Put down that back-to-school shopping list; don’t even think about buying textbooks just yet.  I’ve got your final pre-fall moments all planned out in this ultimate bucket list:

Snag Some Pool Time
Preferably all weekend long.  Pretty soon the temperatures will drop and your bikini will just look out of place amongst all those North Face fleeces.  Worship the sun while you still can, and while it’s still appropriate.

Indulge in the Fashions
White.  Linen.  Sundresses.  Seersucker.  Flip flops.  Okay, maybe not flip flops, but there are definitely a few items in your closet that have an expiration date.  As much as I’d love to see snowsuits made of madras, it’s probably never going to happen (and would also probably fit into that “too much of a good thing” category).  Throw ‘em all on now before the fashion police beat down your door and force you into cashmere.

Chow Down and Drink Up
While no one says you can’t enjoy a frozen beverage or a good hot dog after the summer season, for some reason it’s just not as fun.  Go to the grocery store with your friends and insist on last barbecue – kabobs, margaritas, corn on the cob, watermelon…go all out!

Play Those Dumb Games
If you’ve been to the beach, chances are you’ve seen the idiots three feet in front of you playing that game with the paddles and ball that looks like tennis except for the fact that there’s no net.  Yeah?  Know what I’m talking about?  Or other games like bocce ball and badminton.  You know they’re not going to be fun, but it’s in the spirit of summer to give it a try anyway. And you can drink while you do it, so there’s that…

Escape Town One Last Time
Plan a fun escape with your favorite friends.  It doesn’t need to be far or expensive, maybe just an overnight to the shore or a day trip to that fabulous outlet mall.  Before your weekends become devoted to football (and, you know, studying), throw everyone in the car and insist on one last jaunt.

Sleep In
If you’re going to have a class before noon, I really don’t need to say any more.

TV: All. Day. Long.
Pick a show you want to get into this fall and rent the previous seasons on DVD.  Then fix up a bowl of popcorn, put on your comfiest clothes, and settle in.  Is it possible to do nothing and still feel as though you’ve achieved so much?  Time to find out!

Run Through a Sprinkler
Because if you do it in October, you’ll just look like an idiot.

Read a Book Not for School
Pretty soon it’s going to be all French philosophers and wars no one remembers.  Gross.  Even if you insist on keeping it a little higher-brow that Twilight, still read something you want to read…while there’s still enough free time in your day.

Shop those Summer Sales
As much as we’d like these great deals to stick around, it’s just impossible.  Buy cute camis to layer in chillier weather and maybe some bikinis for next year.  It won’t help the weather stay warm, but it’ll definitely keep your wallet full and your wardrobe stylin’.

Relive Summer All Year Long
And just becuase the summer is over and we’re sipping on pumpkin lattes doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the summer spirit.

However, amidst all that excitement, there’s one gray cloud looming: you’ll be leaving your best friends from home behind.

No matter how much fun we have with our school best friends, it always sucks to leave behind your home BFFs – the girls and guys you grew up with, who know all about the times you made a fool of yourself in 9^th grade homeroom, and whom you can still go out with and have a good time. It especially sucks after a summer spent with them, when you’ve gotten used to seeing them on a daily basis, and you know that when school starts things will be different. Because let’s be honest: despite all of our best intentions to stay in touch with our BFFs during the academic year, it’s usually pretty tough. Between the parties and the actual work, it’s easy to start speaking only once a week or learning about one another’s lives through Newsfeed.

For those of you who are bummed about leaving behind your best girlfriends, don’t worry – you still have a few more weeks of summertime fun left, which means plenty of time to stock up on some serious BFF bonding sessions. So here is a list of things you should make time to do with your girls before you’re all back in school, back in the grind, and back to intermittent IMs.

1. Make dinner together.
Whether you’re a cook or not, I guarantee you and your girlfriends will have a good time making dinner together. Choose a yummy meal that is also pretty easy to make (no reason to get in over your head), and let the fun begin. Me and my friends do it every few months that we can all get together, and we absolutely love how cute and kitchsy we feel making our own dinner. Go food shopping together, get a bottle of wine, and give each other cooking jobs. Just please, trust me on this one, try to have at least one person who knows what they’re doing.

2. Have a sleepover.
Remember when you were 13 and you begged your parents every weekend to let your best friends sleep over? Well, now that we’re in college, we have sleepovers on the reg – but they’re  usually of the drunken variety, when one of us is too hammered to get ourselves home in one piece. These are always fun, no doubt about that, but try doing it with your friends when you’re all sober. Watch funny movies, eat popcorn and ice cream, play your favorite childhood board games, talk about that cute guy you hooked up with last week, and get through the night without someone throwing up in the bathroom. You’ll feel like you’re in middle school all over again. Only with bigger boobs and better stories.

3. Go out – ALL of you.
Pick a date, make sure all of your girls have off of work, and go somewhere fun (instead of just the local bar you’ve been frequenting all summer). Get dressed up in cute dresses, heels, do your hair… and get wasted. Everyone, no excuses allowed. Have that one last night of drunken debauchery to have something fun to talk about with your roommates on the first day back.

4. Road Trip to the Outlets.
Since you obv have to show up at school wearing something cute and new, a shopping trip before the semester starts is a must. And a shopping trip that involves tons of cheap threads and a mini-roadtrip is a BFF bonding mega-must. You’ve got girl time, fashion shows, Auntie Anne’s pretzels and a ton of new duds to show off during Welcome Week.

5. Make legit plans to visit each other.
At the end of the summer when you’re with all of your friends, you’re all inevitably going to talk about how much you’re all going to visit each other. And 85% of the time, it doesn’t happe. Take out your calendars and set a date for a reunion. It can be at one of your schools, back at home, or at some fun and fabulous destination (Vegas, anyone?!), just as long as it happens.

I don’t know about you guys, but I feel like the longer our relationship goes on, the greater the pressure there is to give him a seriously kick ass gift. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s “the thought that counts” and yes, David would be equally happy with an iPod or a 3 day cruise (speaking from experience…unless he was just faking his excitement to make me feel better). I just love the process of finding the perfect gift for my perfect boyfriend. (I feel the same way about gift giving in general. It takes me a solid 2 months to Christmas shop.) And after 2 and a half years, I’ve built a pretty impressive record for gift giving.

Of course there are the times when I get it totally wrong (I thought getting him a sex toy for graduation was both hilarious and practical- he did not agree), and those are the gifts that haunt my memory while I try to find his 23^rd birthday present.

It can be hard shopping for your boyfriend. You know him so well, you should be able to spot from a mile away the thing or experience he’d love most. But, unfortunately it’s not always that easy. So whether you’ve got a boyfriend with a summer birthday, your anniversary is coming up, or you just want to surprise him with a little something, I’ve compiled a go-to boyfriend gift guide. Happy shopping!

Hobby Gifts

Does your man have a passion or pastime that he absolutely loves? What about getting him an upscale accessory? David is chess obsessed, so I’ve been trolling the internets to find a nice chess set for him. Does your boyfriend love poker? Check out this Texas Hold ‘Em chip set with a table (and it’s only $99!) For bonus points, tell him to invite the boys over for a poker night, complete with man-food and his favorite beer provided by you.

Dating an athlete?

Well, even if you’re not, chances are the guy you’re dating loves a certain sport (or all of them). If he’s baseball obsessed check out this cool score ticker. David’s been obsessed with it since he saw it at the mall, so it’s definitely on my list of possibilities for him. If your man is more the kind of guy who likes to get in on the action, think about signing him up for a sports league. Depending on where you live and what sport you register him for, prices range from around $50- $75 for seasons that last for a few months. A lot of leagues have happy hour specials and post-game sponsor bars with drink specials included in the registration fee.

Road Trip!

Take advantage of summer time, gas up your tank and pack him a weekend bag without him noticing. Tell him you guys have to go run errands, and hit the open road. Blind folds are optional (and awesome) and so is telling him where you’re headed. Check out what deals are around where you’re living. Hit an amusement park for the weekend (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is calling my name), see if you can rent a beachfront condo (or better yet, ask a friend or relative if you can stay there for two nights), check out last minute hotel deals near the beach. Even if you stay in or near your hometown, staying in a sweet hotel will make it feel like a vacay. And the weather is gorgeous (but the mosquitoes haven’t noticed yet) so why not go camping for the weekend? Use your imagination and get excited to totally sweep your boyfriend off his feet.

If all else fails…turn to video games.

No matter how old he’s turning, he probably still loves video games. Here are the hottest video games out right now, ranked by sales. Just make sure you get a game that’s compatible with his system, and when in doubt, call his best friend to ask what they’ve been playing lately.

What’s the next gift you’re thinking of giving your boyfriend? Do you have a tried and true method for picking the perfect present? If so, let’s hear it!

[We're following one post-grad as she grabs that diploma, packs up her college life and heads on out to the big, bad world. There's a lot of change comin' her way and with a cross-country drive, she's got a lot of time to think about it....]

If you told me three months ago that I would drive across the United States to California, I would have never believed you – especially if you told me I would do it alone. Yes, I am making the journey from Georgia to Southern California alone, just me and my packed up Toyota Camry.  As I write this, I’m on day 2 of my four day trek – currently camped out in a hotel room in the middle of Texas.

“You can’t drive alone!”, “It’s not safe to drive across the country by yourself!”, and “Why would you want to drive two thousand miles alone?” were the usual responses upon telling anyone my plans.  My parents were even freaked out about me doing it. Even my dad offered to fly out to Atlanta and drive with me – and he does just about everything to avoid getting on an airplane. But to me it’s not such a big deal. This is really no different than living in New York City for the summer by myself as an intern or traveling around Europe last summer.

I’m 22, why can’t I do it by myself? Is it because I’m a woman that people are freaked out about this? Or is it because of the distance, which seems like nothing when it’s split up into nine or ten hours in a car per day? I don’t know what it is, but I’m glad to be proving everyone wrong. I’m doing it – and so far, I’m doing just fine (this is where I knock on wood).

Even though my ass is tired of driving (I will admit, it would have been nice to have someone split the time behind the wheel with me), I don’t think I would have planned this trip any other way. I picked the driving hours per day. I decided on the location to stop for the night. I am deciding when to make pit stops and where to eat. I am listening to what I want (every Backstreet Boys album in existence) and singing as loud as I want. I don’t have to worry about sharing a hotel room with anyone or becoming a Chatty Charlsie in the car (I am guilty of this, so it’s nice to just sit in my own silence for a change).  I am doing everything by myself, entirely, for the first time in a very long time. Isn’t this what my life should be like post-grad?

This is the first time since graduating college that I have actually had time for myself – to think, sit alone, and just be with me – the one person who I need to rely on most in the coming months. Who knew I was even capable of thinking after completing four years of studies? Not me, but now I have all the time in the world to think about what I want to do, where I want to go, and how I want to get there. Months prior to graduation, all I heard was that I should take time to think about all those things, but I didn’t have time to actually let anything sink in – I barely had time to get through all the motions of senior year. But when you’re driving through on a humid highway in Louisiana, there really isn’t much to think about except the things that lie ahead … such as my final destination: California and preparations for getting into law school.

Maybe people are too afraid to drive anywhere over an hour by themselves because of the silence they need to fill, but I know that this experience of road-trippin’ by myself truly has been an awakening experience that I can do things alone – something I think I forgot in college. Think about it. We all have friends, boyfriends, families, jobs, and a thousand little things to worry about – and the majority of the time, we have people around us. It’s rare to just sit in a car and drive for hours and hours to think and just do what you want. It’s kind of thrilling, even if it’s a little scary.

If I can take this trip and make it out okay (even after all the endless hours of thinking about the future and a little bit about the past) – I think I can make it out okay in California.

Or at least, I hope so.

I like traveling.  It’s pretty sweet.  Not only do you get the experience of having been in another country and surrounded by customs and traditions completely different (sometimes) from your own, but you also get bragging rights (ex: Oh last summer? I was in Malaysia. No big deal.).  Traveling also means you get to “cut loose” as it were.

When else can you justify a massive shopping trip (I can’t find those clothes at home!) followed by a 14-hour bender at the local watering hole?  I mean, I’ve tried it at home before (“staycation” my foot), but my mom ends up getting pretty peeved.

Possibly the most exciting part of traveling is the foreign men…or, at least, men who aren’t from your home state and didn’t live across campus from you sophomore year.  Flirting, tippling some drinks, getting introduced to a new bar scene (oh, the wonders of a bar that I haven’t vommed in yet) are all reasons to gas up and head out.

But sex while traveling? Now that’s a whole other adventure.

The Trojan Condom’s Pleasure Survey (oh, you clever condom people) made a list of the most sexually active and most sexually satisfied cities in the US (among other sex-related things, of course).  Top of the list?  Houston and Atlanta for most sexually active.  I guess I can see that…when it gets super hot, I like to take my clothes off (especially ’cause I don’t have AC).  And all bets are off when the clothes come off.

However, I was slightly confused/disappointed by the numbers posted by Trojan.  The national average for the US is 79 times per year. Seventy nine! Uhh…is it me, or does that seem low? I mean, everyone has a dry spell now and then (Editor’s Note: Or always… I don’t wanna talk about it), but don’t we make up for it when we get a ready and willing partner? (Especially during the honeymoon stage when we’re bumpin’ uglies multiple times a day??)  I mean even #1 Houston is only rocking out at 101 times per year, which still seems a bit low.

But not low enough that I don’t plan on visiting…

So it seems a summer road trip (in a car with a big backseat) is in order.  I’ll be making stops at Houston, Atlanta, Washington D.C. (I KNEW politicians liked the sexy time!), and any other city that my car will make it to without imploding.  Who’s in?

The weather is getting warmer, and I don’t know about you, but my feet are itching to get into some flip flops.  Is it summer yet?

Personally, I just survived one of the harshest winters in years (if you live in a warm climate, I hate you), combined with a crapload of work and stress.  Once summer hits, I’m going to call Benjamin Linus and ask him to freeze time so I can stay in July forever (pardon the Lost reference- I’m kind of obsessed).  I am currently making a To-Do list to make sure I enjoy every possible moment during the upcoming summer months.

1.  Music Festivals!

Once, I almost passed out due to the sweltering heat at the Warped Tour.  So worth it.  Music fests are a great way to hang out all day with thousands of strangers and listen to live music from not one, but several of your fave bands… or to discover new groups that you simply NEED to download on i-Tunes, like now.  If the festival spans a few days, make a road-trip-slash-camping-trip out of the ordeal with your favorites, and leave all of your worries behind.

A friend from England invited me to the Exit Fest in Serbia, featuring Moby, among others.  And to be honest, Serbia sounds fan-f**king-tastic right now.  But, let’s be honest.  What college student can afford Serbia in this economy?  Check out Starpulse for a rundown on festivals that might be coming to a city near you!

2.  Drive-in Movies!

When the air changes and I know it’s officially summer, I immediately crave a silver screen feature under the stars, complete with lawn chairs, blankets, and soccer-mom-vans that are oh-so-convenient on carload night.  Way more fun that being cooped up at home with a stack of Netflix orders, and cheaper than going to the cinema (you get two movies for less than the price of one!), the drive-in is a longstanding summertime tradition.

It’s too bad that many drive-in movie locations have buckled in recent years, but Driveinmovie.com has a listing of current locations across the country.

3.  Keg Parties!

Whether it’s a high school reunion in your hometown or the dudes across the hall just got their own duplex, summer is the prime time to party.  Pool parties, hot tub parties, bonfire parties… the possibilities are endless.  Plus, since so many people are on break or taking vacations, you’ll never run into the same crowd twice.  You might meet someone new who’s visiting a friend at the party, or run into someone from school you haven’t Facebooked in forever.  Besides, you can finally wear halter tops without freezing your buns off on the walk home.

4.  W-A-T-E-R!

I’m just going to lump all aquatic activities into one category.

Swimming Pools. Beaches. Lakes. Hot Tubs. Slip N’ Slides.

Jetskiing. Tubing. White Water Rafting. Chicken Tournaments.

I can’t wait to alternate my vintage style Juicy Couture one-piece (with a little ruffle to hide the thighs I wish were more toned) with the bikini that makes my cleavage take the focus off of said thighs.  As much as I’m looking forward to weekend beach trips, I’m also excited to work up a sweat at the gym and come home to dive straight into my parents’ in-ground pool.  My skin is going to get so prune-y it’s ridiculous.

5.  Road Trips!

This can apply to any of the above.  But road trips are pretty much the best part of summer.  The driving part is sometimes even better than reaching the final destination when you factor in the windows-down-sing-alongs, pumping your fists feverishly to make truck drivers blow the horn, and bonding with your pals because you’ve been couped up in a car for hours on end and will talk about anything to make the time pass.

Organize a road trip to a music festival, a crazy party, or a beach town.  Invite a group of low-maintenance, fun-loving friends, and set out on an adventure.  (Note: I say low-maintenance because you don’t want a princess who complains about rest area bathrooms, lack of electrical outlets for her hair straightener, or the fact that you keep driving through dead zones and she can’t call her shnookums and tell him how much she misses him already).

With the possible exception of the music festivals, all of these totally fun events can happen pretty much spur-of-the-moment.  I plan to live totally spontaneously this summer in order to make the most of every sunshine-filled day that passes.  What’s everyone else looking forward to this summer? I want to add to my list….