Sadly, at this point in time we are nearing the end of our summer season. However, we still have time to go on trips! When you go on those trips, you will have a great time, I’m sure. Still, you might need some ideas to help you have the utmost fun this summer. For that reason, I am here to give you some ideas:

1. Sing in the car at the top of your lungs

This is something my family does each time we go on a drive or road trip. By singing in unison (or attempting to), we can all do something together, enjoying each other’s taste in music (Adele, Tupac, Selena, Kenny Rodgers, Beyoncé, Tori Kelly, etc.) instead of being on our own devices. We may not sound angelic, but we have a good time.

2. Make silly music videos to a song

Choose your favorite song or any song to which you can shoot a good video and do it. If you are flying somewhere and you have a layover, use your time in the airport to walk around with someone who is willing to shoot the video with you. You could even put the video on YouTube and become an online sensation.

3. Try new foods

Whenever you travel somewhere, foreign or domestic, there are always places to eat. Don’t be afraid to try something new as long as it doesn’t harm you.

4. Meet someone

Too often we don’t talk to people around us because we are always on our phones or in our own little worlds. Take the time to make someone else’s day by having a simple conversation with them. For example, my parents went to a restaurant that they go to every once in a while, but they decided to eat with a random couple for their meal. This might seem strange, but they learned so much about the couple, and they had a wonderful time! Of course we should enjoy time with the people we are with and already know, but meeting new people is a fun thing to do while traveling.

5. Make someone’s day

Along the same lines as the previous point, when you are on a trip, make an effort to bring joy to someone else’s life. Smile, try to make them laugh, listen and show God’s love. When I went on a mission trip in high school, we performed random acts of grace (RAGs) in Lexington, KY. Here are some ideas that a friend of mine suggests: Random Acts of Kindness.

6. Go for a walk

Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking? It’s unhealthy and boring to just sit around all day. Or too often we merely drive around, and we miss a lot of things we would see if we take the time to slow down. So, get outside and walk. Look at a community through a different lens while getting exercise and being in nature.

7. Be spontaneous

I know being spontaneous is hard for many people. I have several friends like that, and I understand, but sometimes you just need to leave the house/apartment/hotel and explore. Take someone with you who is willing to not have a plan, and see what God has in store for you that day. Perhaps you’ll end up at the beach, joining someone playing Pokemon Go, playing Frisbee in a park… the possibilities are endless!

8. Look for a church to visit

While traveling, you could visit a church nearby to see what the worship style is like. You can learn something new from the sermon, and you may also learn something new by the way the people greet you and show you love.

These are only a handful of ideas you can try while traveling. While you have some time this summer, get away for the weekend, or visit family, try doing some of these things! Perhaps some of them might be a little bit out of your comfort zone, but they just might make you day and someone else’s.