180 days. That’s how long we sit in a classroom, waiting for summer to come. 180 days, checking the clock, waiting for that final bell to ring. School can feel mundane, tiresome, exhausting, and all the above. But summer…nothing is better than imagining sunshine peeking out of the clouds, the warmth, the relaxation, the renewal and, yes, the most anticipated break from school that everyone looks forward to when that last class ends. In celebration of summer break approaching, I’ve compiled a list of the top summer vacay spots that I can only dream of someday visiting. 

Hawaii. What’s better than sitting on the beach, a cool breeze blowing through your hair, waves crashing on the shore, the sun beaming down on your skin and a cold drink in hand. Hawaii has hundreds of beaches stretching across the eight main islands, with Waikiki Beach being one of the most famous, known for its 2 miles of sand, clear waters, breathtaking sunsets, and most of all, its view of the volcano Diamond Head. Not just the beaches, but Hawaii is home to a 14,000 foot volcano named Mauna Kea, making it a place perfect for adventure-seeking hikers. From immersing yourself in waterfalls to surfing the ocean, Hawaii is a picture-perfect vacation spot.

Known for its classical colonnaded buildings, and ancient history, from the first Olympics to Spartan soldiers conquering the world, Greece is somewhere I’ve always dreamed of going. Athens is home to the legendary Acropolis, which are thousands of years-old structures that predate Rome’s Colosseum! Athens is also known for its vibrant neighborhoods and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. And of course, the gorgeous Greek islands, which are hard to miss and definitely a must see. One island I’d like to visit in particular is Santorini. Known for its blue-capped whitewashed houses, stunning cliffside views, and its volcanic beaches; Santorini is a place where natural beauty and archaeological wonder come together.
Although I’ve visited, I still dream of Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. Bryce Canyon is one of the most incredible natural landforms in the world. Full of tall, thin, mushroom-shaped rock spires called hoodoos, Bryce is known for this extraordinary land of geological chimneys, each appearing in its own unique hues of red, orange, pink, gold, and white, depending on the time of day. Next door is Zion Canyon, known too for its vertical landscape, featuring 2000 foot cliffs in shades of pink and red. Lastly, and certainly not least, is the Grand Canyon. Stretching 277 miles, the Grand Canyon is one of the biggest canyons in the world. With red and gold valleys, and vast rocky plateaus, looking out over the Canyon is one of the best views in the world. Also, since there is little light pollution in these places, you can see and be completely immersed in the Milky Way galaxy in all of its beauty, looking like a river composed of stars and dust.

 While a little far-fetched, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s greatest underwater beauties. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, stretching over 1400 miles. With over 1425 fish, the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect place for nature lovers. I have gone scuba diving once and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Imagine, a heavy oxygen tank on your back, that is weightless underwater. 

So, as you sit in class, today, tomorrow or any day through the end of the year, try to dream of a place you’d rather be, and whether you go to one of these places this summer or not, be sure to relax, rest and have a great summer! •