By Alia El Saady
Summer is a great time for us to recharge and most of the time we consider it to have officially begun only when we’re travelling on vacation. But for the most part, we’re just lounging at home trying to find something to take up our time. Well, I’m sorry to tell you this, but that is no way to spend your summer! There are a lot of things you can do, whether at home or outside which could really give you that unforgettable summer experience, even if you don’t end up traveling. We want to prove to you that the only way to have a vacation is to create one. There are a lot of ways you can do that apart from travelling; we’re here to show you all the different ways you can make the most out of your summer!
Gather Supplies!
The first thing you need to do is: prepare! You need to always have your necessary supplies handy so that you’re ready to head to the beach at any given moment. This way you’re equipped to spend an awesome day at the beach without actually having to worry about the hassle of getting ready. We suggest always placing the following two items in the trunk of your car: a small empty Coleman icebox, and a small beach bag full of necessary beach supplies. The icebox can be pretty useful when you want to have beverages at the beach. You can purchase the beverages and ice at a super market minutes before you hit the waves and have them nice and cool all through the day! The beach bag will basically have all the things you usually take to the beach: Swimsuit, towel, swimsuit cover, sunscreen, tanning oil and a nice pair of sturdy flip-flops. The bag sure takes away all the trouble of packing beach items; now you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything because it’s all already in there! These two items don’t necessarily have to be in your car but anywhere where they are accessible and don’t take up space.
Have a Barbeque
Here’s another thing we wish there was more of in the summer. Having a barbeque in the summer is pretty easy, and doesn’t require a lot of supplies. This can easily be done in your home, at a friend’s or family member’s home. Barbeques are awesome because they allow you to have a great meal, as well as provide you with a chance to reconnect with people and enjoy your time without having to break the bank.
Road-tripping!
If you’re a big fan of the Red Sea region, this is definitely the thing for you! The road along the Red Sea coast is pretty interesting and full of different stops; there’s a lot to explore. Make an adventure out of it and make it a point to really enjoy what this country has to offer from its beaches, to its winding roads to its rickety old ghost towns across your way. End the trip in an area you favour like Gouna, Hurghada or Dahab and then head back whenever you feel ready.
Take up a hobby.
Since the summer is long drawn out and although you might be travelling for a good portion of it, chances are you won’t spend all of it outside, especially with the searing heat of an Egyptian summer. This is why we suggest you take up a hobby; find something that you’d really like to learn and go for it. Set goals for yourself, so that you don’t grow tired of this hobby too! Pick your passion. If you’re interested in music, take up an instrument. If you’re light on your feet, learn a new dance! Whatever you pick, make sure that it’s enjoyable and fills your free time.
Shop till You Drop!
Sometimes, we forget that summer is a whole other season altogether, especially in Egypt where we only have two modes for the weather: either hot or cold. So with that new season, we obviously need new clothes! That’s why in the summer you should make a point to treat yourself to all the things you need, not just when you travel abroad or before preparing for a trip. If you think a swimsuit looks good, buy it! If you like the way these shorts look on you, get them! Think of it this way, your summer has started and whether you’re travelling or not, you’re still on vacation. Why not treat yourself to the simple pleasures?
Tan Where You Can!
In the days when summer gets mundane, and everyone is sporting a tan and I’m not, I like to remind myself that tanning is not a beach exclusive endeavor. It can be done by the pool at a hotel, or by your local club’s pool. It can also be done in the comfort of your own garden even when you don’t have a pool! Don’t limit yourself when vacationing to certain areas or spots. And remember to wear sunscreen!
Whatever you decide to do this summer, you should definitely grant yourself the opportunity to enjoy the entirety of it and not just the days when you’re travelling.
