As more and more colleges are letting out and friends are coming home, everyone is trying to make the most out of their summer. For me personally, I automatically assume lavish vacations and travel plans are the only way to maximize my summer. I spend many summers looking forward to the weeks I spend on vacations whether just at the beach or in another country. However, this summer, as I eagerly await upcoming travels, I have found that conquering new explorations does not necessarily have to involve a passport or a flight. Exploration can happen right in our backyard. So, whether you’re bummed about not traveling this summer or impatient for your upcoming adventures, here are five things you can explore without a lavish vacation.

1. Explore the outdoors.

At school, I feel like we often end up inside a lot. Whether in class, in the library, or in our dorms, we often miss out on a lot of outdoor activities. However, as the sun comes out this summer and our schedules settle down, we have so much more time to spend outside in nature. In fact, some of my best summer memories are spent at the lake or hiking a local mountain, both outdoor activities. This summer, before you complain about not being in the BVI’s or in another country, I challenge you to explore nature right around you: Go fishing in a local pond, play a round of golf, go for a walk, watch the sunrise, lie by the pool, anything you can do to get outside and make up those many lost hours spent in the confines of the library.

2. Explore the unknown.

Some of the best memories I have involve getting together with a group of friends with no pre-set plans. Living in the moment truly allows for moments you’ll never forget. This summer, instead of constantly planning and sticking to schedules, practice spontaneity. Being spontaneous will benefit you in ways you would have never guessed— who knows? Maybe the local band you bought a last minute ticket for could become a new favorite. In addition to practicing spontaneity, I challenge you to explore your town. It’s so easy to assume our local town is boring and bland. However, by taking a chance, you could find a new festival you enjoy or even a local café you never knew existed. Exploring the unknown will help you gain an appreciation for your town, as well as create unforgettable memories with those you cherish most.

3. Explore new friendships.

Many times, as we return from college we only reach out to a few best friends and no one else. It is so easy to come back and only invest in those closest to us. Although those old friendships are crucial and should never be ignored, it is important to reach out to others as well. Catching up with those you may not have been as close with in high school really allows you to expand your horizons and gain new friendships. Personally, by reaching out to people outside my immediate circle, I have been able to bond with such amazing people that I normally would have glanced over. In addition to reaching out to those outside our immediate circles, it is also important that we do not hesitate to make new friendships as well. I feel like we often come home and believe what is set is set. However, meeting new people is such a gift. Who knows? You could meet a new best friend. This summer, I challenge you to reach out to forgotten friends and explore new friendships; you will never know who you can meet.

4. Explore new hobbies.

During the school year, life is so busy. We are constantly moving from one thing to the next with no time to explore new hobbies or even practice old ones. While at home, life moves at a much slower pace, giving us time to slow down and invest in old interests and test new ones. So, maybe it’s time to dust off your old running shoes, or take up cooking or photography. Adding new hobbies to your life will really diversify you as a person and could even teach you things about yourself that you never knew.

5. Explore becoming a better you.

I know it sounds cliché, but summer truly is a perfect time to focus on ourselves. Coming home from my first year in college, I quickly learned that in college we all sacrifice a lot of “me” time. Summer gives us a chance to regroup and meditate on who we are, and who we want to be. In order to do so, I often ask myself if my 7-year-old self would be proud of who I am today. In addition to detoxing ourselves, summer also is the perfect time to do a health detox. Health is often sacrificed in college; however, while at home, we have much more time to hit the gym, explore new health trends, and practice healthier eating. This summer, take advantage of “me time” and take some time to detox from the endless cafeteria food we all consumed at school.