So it's summer and that internship that you were hoping for didn't work out. Neither did that job back home. And that lucrative job baby-sitting for your next door neighbors - well, forget about it! But fear not, there really is a solution to the summer doldrums. Instead of spending the summer moaning about the lack of foresight on the parts of those inept managers who turned your application down (but don't worry, you'll show them one day), take this opportunity to turn your summer into a cultural experience that is fun at the same time.
Traveling during the summer allows college students almost four months of freedom to explore new territory without the nagging thought of papers, midterms and finals, oh my! So let's say that you were planning a getaway for yourself and some friends who were also unlucky in the job search. What would be some interesting and, more importantly, affordable, places to visit this summer?
Aaron Marks knows a thing or two about world travel: This is one freshman who never gets lost in the airport. This lad has been known to pedal through the jungle that is New York City (bonus points must be awarded to him for not running over innocent pedestrians, an all too frequent occurrence in the city), ski in the Alps and sail past the slowpokes on the Audobon in Germany. According to Marks, the fact that he has traversed through many exotic, worldly locales has made him something of a "connoisseur" in the area of travel. There are several places that stand out in his mind as being prime locations for college students looking for an unforgettable experience.
He begins his long list of places with Kyoto, Japan. Marks assures that "Japan is more than enjoying the traditional sites of kimonos and geishas." He points out unique opportunities ranging from learning how to make paper in courses taught by local artisans to taking mineral baths in one of the many sentos (public baths) that populate the city. With the airline industry in a semi-recession nowa ys, it is possible to find incredible deals to this and other locales. Check out the Hopkins Bookstore's Council Travel for special student discounts on airline tickets that can drastically reduce the price of a ticket. Two Hopkins' students were able to get round-trip tickets to London for less than $300 during this year's spring break.
As Marks continues to rattle off the long list of destinations which he has graced, it becomes all too apparent that he is adequately knowledgeable about hot spots for college students. His eyes instantly take on a glisten upon reminiscing about his trip to Bermuda. The pinkish sand that fit perfectly with the island's pastel ambiance is a far cry from some beaches that many Hopkins students from New York and New Jersey have seen at home. He adds that, "College guys should feel at ease in Bermuda, because they are already used to wearing Bermuda shorts."
An avid sportsman himself, Marks was especially keen on watching the celebrated Newport-Bermuda Yacht Race in person. Plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving (definitely check out the Bermuda Snorkel Park) among Bermuda's colorful tropical fish and coral reefs provide fun ways to exercise and learn about the Bermuda's attractions.
Betwixt a trip to Liechtenstein and Austria, Marks recommends that any college students who do the "backpack through Europe" bonanza definitely take time to visit Liechtenstein, a tiny country of approximately 63 square miles. Situated between Switzerland and Austria, Marks and peer Dayna Austin both tout Liechtenstein as "the coolest country in Europe." They both exclaim that "The signs actually tell drivers to slow down for children!" This small country is divided into four towns.
Austin exuberantly adds that the people are uber-friendly, especially to tourists. In case you fall in love with the country and decide to permanently live there, you can rest assured that Switzerland's military provides adequate protection for its tiny neighbor and that there is no income tax in Liechtenstein
When pressed for the ultimate destination, Marks is not hesitant to boldly declare that France tops his list. While many may contend that this is a spot to be reserved for the honeymooners, Marks insists that young 20-somethings will have just as memorable an experience. He cites the typical tourist attractions, such as the Louvre and Versailles as "breathtaking." The outdoor cafs that line the cobbled streets add charm to Paris, and yes, people frequently do wear berets. To tune a trip to France to the whim of adventurous college students, Marks recommends the Parc Nationale des Pyrnes, which is located near the France-Spain border. Hiking or cycling through this park can provide for a sublime experience, with bubbling brooks and streams and the occasional visit by the endangered bearded vulture. He is quick to warn of the propensity of Parisianers to not clean up after their dogs; approximately 300 people land in the hospital every year after falling on messes of this variety and consequently twisting their ankles or breaking their feet.
Take advantage of the freedom of summer vacation and the current rock bottom air fares to book a vacation to some outlandish locale.
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