Summer is coming and you have no idea what you're going to do? Check out ISIC's tips for summer vacation activities!

Things to do during summer break

Finally, summer break! Long days of doing absolutely nothing, no stress… Until you get very bored. Maybe you didn’t make plans, or maybe there are circumstances that prevented your plans (like a worldwide pandemic maybe). We've got your back! In this article we present to you ten things to do during the summer holidays.

Learn something new

Take this opportunity to pick up a new skill! It has to be something you enjoy doing, because you don't want it to feel like homework. You can learn a language, a new sport (or TikTok dances, those also count), learn how to code (you get Jetbrains for free with your ISIC), teach yourself how to paint, knit or sew, or try something out of the box like slacklining! Learning something new is a good way to stay active but still have fun. Experiment!

Go for a long hike

Discover what your neighborhood, city or country has to offer by taking a nice long hike. Walking is good for both the body and the soul and you never know what you might discover. Want to spice up your hikes a little bit? Try Geocaching! Geocaching is an activity where you use coordinates people leave only to find caches (often boxes, tubes, that sort of stuff). Sometimes there’s something in the cache, but the true reward is finding it in the first place.

Volunteer

Want to do something for your local community? Look into volunteering over the summer. There are always kids who need help catching up on schoolwork or language skills, or elderly neighbors who would love some help keeping their house clean, garden taken care of or groceries carried. 

Do nothing

Enjoy this time to do nothing, absolutely guilt free. You can have a multiple-day movie marathon without feeling like you wasted your time (so yes, time to get out Lord of the Rings, the entire Star Wars franchise, Harry Potter or any other favorite series). Take it to the next level with themed snacks and outfits, or just snuggle up on the couch with an endless stream of popcorn and call it a day. Also, taking a blanket and going out to your nearest park or field or beach and just lie down and enjoy the fresh air is a perfect do nothing day activity. 

Start a garden

If you have the time, money and space, you can use this time off to start a garden! It's the perfect way to spend some time outside, and you can literally reap the rewards over time. You can plant flowers, veggies and fruits and watch your garden grow. It's highly satisfying work. If you don't have a garden or a balcony where to plant your green friends, having an indoor garden on your windowsill is also a great option, and having plants around is proven to lift your spirits. 

Perfect your picnic basket

Why not have tons of picnics and totally perfect your picnic-basket-skills? Try different snacks, drinks and layouts to come up with the ultimate picnic. You can experiment with cozy blankets and pillows, string lights and fun plates and napkins. Or just buy one of those single-use barbecues and a case of beer and you're set.

Start a big project

Use this opportunity to start a really big project, like buying and tuning a really old, crappy car with your family or friends. Or starting that big plant-wall-built-in shelving system you've dreamt of for so long. There is no better time to do an ambitious project than the summer, when you can work on it every day and see your progress.

Camp in the backyard (or on a campsite near your house)

If you're not able to go on holiday this year for whatever reason (like lock-down), have a camping trip in your own yard! Get out the tent, air mattress, cooking supplies and make yourself at home. A campsite near your house also works. You really don't have to go far from home to get that summer vacation feeling.

Plan a future trip

Just because you can't travel right now, doesn't mean you'll never travel again. Why not start planning for your dream trip? Make a budget, dream about all the places you want to visit, make a fantasy itinerary. Making a plan is half the fun!

Be a tourist in your own city or country

Like said with camping in your backyard, you don't have to go far to have fun or feel that vacation vibe. You can totally explore new places in your own city or country on your bicycle and play tourist there! Visit a park you've never been to, try out a new coffee spot and take some cliche pictures at the most touristy places in town. You'll see your home base through fresh eyes for sure!