5 WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOUR SUMMER DOESN'T TOTALLY SUCK BEFORE IT'S OVER

If you're like us and you've spent the last few months working your ass off, then you know that it's easy to lose track of time and feel like summer is just… gone. We get it. It feels like it happens every year: summer comes, you blink and it's... gone. WTF?

There is nothing worse than realizing it’s Labor Day and you haven’t done sh!t. If you’re not a planner, the likelihood of pulling off a last-minute vacation might seem impossible, too expensive—or both.

So what can we do? We've got some ideas for how to make sure your summer doesn't totally suck even while working a full-time job:

Go off-grid for a weekend getaway

If you're anything like us, you spend way too much time on your phone. And we don't mean just doomscrolling through TikTok and IG, either. We mean doing stuff like checking email, reading the news, and even working—yes, working—from your phone.

Turn off your phone, ditch the laptops, and go on a getaway with friends for a weekend. We're not talking about just disconnecting from your devices for one day—we're talking about going off the grid for a whole 48-72 hours.

Go camping in the woods, or rent an Airbnb together. If you don't have any friends willing to go with you, that's fine—go by yourself. The important thing is that you're making yourself unavailable to be distracted by your phone or laptop for a few days.

Pro-tip: Bring bug spray, sunscreen, (maybe some gummies 😉) and go hiking.

While TLC encourages you to unwind and have fun, we want you do it safely. If you indulge in gummies before a hike, make sure you’re prepared and have enough water with you.

2. Plan a chill weekend in

If the thought of spending money makes you want to start crying in the fetal position, then consider spending the weekend at a friend’s house or inviting a friend to stay over at your place.

There are lots of things you can do at home that don't cost anything. You could play board games, host an at-home spa day, or just hang out in your pajamas all day binge-watching your favorite shows. And if you really want to go out, there are plenty of places where you can go for cheap, like a restaurant that offers happy hour or all-you-can-eat specials, or check out some local food trucks.

Pro-tip: Being broke doesn’t have to be boring, share each other’s astrology, horoscope, or tarot card readings over a glass of fine $5 wine.

3. Treat yourself to a staycation

If you're feeling a little cabin fever, it's time to get yourself out of the house and away from your computer screen.

You don't have to fly across the world to get away from it all or give your friends some major FOMO—why not go on vacation in your own hometown? With ResortPass, you can spend the day by the pool with all the amenities and comfort of a 5-star resort near you.

What's more luxurious than staying at a boujee hotel for an entire weekend with some good friends? Or going solo and reading your favorite book while sipping on some rosé by the pool?

Pro-tip: Check out sites like hoteltonight.com or resortpass.com, for the best deals, and last-minute bookings.

4. Party like Cardi

If you’ve always wanted to host or party like Cardi B, this one is for you.

What if you could plan a party and rent out a venue, but didn’t have to break the bank to do it? There's a workaround to be had here and it’s bringing back the best house party memories.

Charge everyone an entry price and be upfront that it's just to split the bill. Stock up on snacks and drinks or make it a BYOB event so it’s an even more budget-friendly night to remember.

Wanna make it extra? Make it a theme party. The possibilities are endless.

Pro-tip: Check out Splacer or Peerspace for some inspo and unique event ideas.

5. Enjoy a picture-perfect picnic

Picnics are having a major comeback, and we're not talking about the kind you have sitting around on itchy grass. No, these picnics aren't your typical basket and ziplock bag experience. They're a luxury, bohemian, instagramable dream.

You can reach out to a local picnic business (trust us, there’s a lot to choose from) for help creating the perfect event for you and your friends or you can host your own picnic. First, pick a scenic park, garden, or beach. Then ask your besties to bring beverages and snacks and pack the day with everything you could want—from wine glasses to flower crowns.

Pro-tip: Check out TikTok and IG for ideas—picnics are having a moment and we’re here for it!

And there you have it. We've given you our top 5 tips for making the most of your summer before it's gone. If you haven't planned anything yet, don't worry—there's still time!

BTW, if you’ve got your own ideas to contribute, send them our way in the comments section below—we'd love to hear from you!

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