Summer's finally arrived, and you've been bitten by the "sun-bug". You're ready to feel some sand between your toes, but you just don't have the means to pack up and head to the beach (my favorite is the Whitsunday islands) - especially if it's on the other side of the country. You may be feeling there's no way to experience the joys of summer without taking a week-long vacation; but luckily, you always have the option of taking a day trip. While it may not be as long as a vacation to the Florida Keys, it can still be just as exciting and fun.

Begin planning your summer day trip by thinking about places you want to visit. This all depends on where you live, but nearly every town in the United States has an awesome local destination waiting to be discovered. If you are looking to experience some fun in the sun, look for water parks, amusement parks, or even local lakes. You may even consider taking a camping trip! This will last more than a day, but it doesn't have to take longer than that to travel. Camping is one of those summer pastimes that doesn't require a lot of money or advance preparation.

Do some research of your area and look for local events and festivals. For example, every year in North Florida there is the popular Strawberry Festival. In Georgia, you will find several festivals ranging from the intriguing Renaissance Festival to the calming Wildflowers Festival. Perhaps there is a concert coming to a local area, and this could provide an amazing summer day trip!

Other places to consider for a summer day trip include national parks and museums. If you're a fan of summer but not a fan of the heat, then museums and other indoor activities are right up your alley. If you like to shop, then look for malls that aren't available in your immediate area. Summer is an excellent time of year to scout out special bargains and discounts, so a shopping day trip is absolutely appropriate during the summer.

What to pack on a summer day trip depends solely on where you are going. However, there are few things you should definitely bring no matter where you plan to visit. Because of the extreme heat in certain areas, you should always bring water bottles and have access to water at all times. Sometimes the heat can makes us feel fatigued quickly, so bring along a couple of pocket-size snacks to help keep your energy up. Always have sunscreen on hand, even if you don't plan to be out in the sun very long. There's nothing worse than a day trip ruined by uncomfortable sunburn. And finally, be sure to dress comfortably. You'll want to wear light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes no matter where you're going.

Summer is a time enjoyed by many, and you can certainly enjoy the rest and relaxation a day trip can provide. Pre-planning is the key to an awesome.