Here are two words you haven’t heard for a few weeks: summer vacation!
Nonetheless, memories from the summer of 2023 are not likely to fade anytime soon. In fact, it’s often the case that students remember their summer vacations better than the rest of their long break from school.
Europe is certainly an appealing destination to some NA families. With countries that offer a variety of climates, vacationing in Europe opens up a wide range of activities to fit the needs of everyone. Of course, cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and London attract the most tourists. However, vacationing elsewhere on the continent can be just as fun.
Senior Claire Stewart took her summer travels overseas to one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
“This summer, I went to Greece,” she said. “I was there for three weeks in a small little beach town. It was absolutely gorgeous. The food was absolutely delicious, too. The water is also so blue you can see all the way to the bottom of it. I would catch a plane there tomorrow if I could.”
A lot of students prefer hanging out and tanning at the beach. Of course, the Caribbean has some of the best beaches in the world and is a popular destination for American on the east coast.
Senior Camryn Erhart ventured to the Caribbean over the summer.
“I went to the Cayman Islands at the beginning of June, which is pretty much just one giant beach,” she said. “The water was so clear compared to the water in the States and the sand is super white. I also got to hold and pet stingrays, which was a really cool experience.”
But if visiting a different country was off the summer to-do list, there were more than enough options here at home. Whether it’s a short drive, a lengthy road trip, or a plane ride away, the U.S. has a diverse selection of vacation places. It’s also much more affordable than traveling internationally, and some would say it’s just as fun.
Senior Sarah Klosky kept her travels local, well somewhat.
“I went to Florida and I got to go to the beach and the Everglades. I definitely preferred the beach because I’m terrified of snakes, I absolutely hate them,” Klosky said. “It was super hot there, so I came back with a really nice tan, though I don’t think I’ll ever go to Florida mid July again.”
Senior Faith Boring did not have to travel far to enjoy her summer.
“I drove two hours to Erie with my entire family, including my grandparents. We went camping, so we didn’t have any cell service,” Boring said. “But I honestly liked the break from my phone. I loved being outside, but after the week, I was really ready to go home”
With the summer of 2023 now in retreat and the school year in full swing, it may be too soon to begin planning for the summer of 2024, as tempting as it sounds.