Summer's coming, go out and be adventurous

Are you planning on sitting around all summer, working your tail off or partying like a rock star? Well pardon my French, but what a lame excuse for a summer. Students should take full advantage of summer, but only a few do.

I asked students, why on earth wouldn't they be taking any vacations? It seems that the main reasons are lack of funds or unawareness of the possibilities. So, I've decided to hook you all up with some fun summer vacation ideas that won't put a dent in your wallet. Okay, maybe some of them will, but they're worth it.

For the outdoorsy types: camping is perfect for you. It is super cheap and a great way to relax with friends and or family. Camping is always a great option for college students, as you generally get a campsite that allows six people for $25 per night. That's less than $10 for a weekend getaway. Of course, food and drinks, activities and materials will cost a little extra, but you'd be spending money on food and drinks if you stayed home anyway.

The best spot anyone could recommend is Yosemite National Park. Only a four hour scenic to a place that has so much to offer. From activities like hiking to touring, backpacking to cycling, river rafting to fishing, rock climbing to swimming. With diversity like this, how could you not enjoy yourself?

For the thrill seekers among you: I've got to include the best river-rafting trip down Cache Creek River. Arrive on a Saturday morning, river raft all day, get to camp to set up your tents, party that night in the middle of the forest with live DJs, and wake up to do it all over again one more time on Sunday. All for $150 or less depending on the weekend, and did I forget to mention that lunch, breakfast, and dinner is provided?

To incorporate anyone's drinking urge, I've compiled a phenomenal list of spectacular night out spots. If you don't mind a few weirdoes, the End Up in San Francisco is perfect for all the night owls out there. From Thursday to Monday the place never closes. They stop serving alcohol after 2 a.m., but you can still dance long into the night, or the morning for that matter. This place has the best DJs in northern California. The cover charge is $20 on most days and you have the option of staying there until Sunday.

An old friend and I loved to dance there. We got up super early Sunday morning and headed straight to 101 North. Once at the End Up, we danced our little hearts away and drank cocktails out on the tree house on a warm and beautiful day. Sun shining, music blasting, people dancing - what more could anyone ask for? Admit it, you're either curious or jealous.

For an equally fantastic time minus the weirdos but similar atmosphere, I would suggest my two favorite day parties that I know will become your favorites too. Both are held only during the summertime.

You don't want to miss the Passport Day Party at B4Twelve in downtown Palo Alto, taking place on July 5 from 2-10 p.m. Entrance fee is $20, and there are guest list options as well.

Saving the best for last, I'd like to introduce you all to Second Sunday at Mission Rock. This day party is thrown on the second Sunday of every summer month, starting at noon and ending at 10 p.m. with presale tickets starting at $20.

If you love music, check out the Outside Lands Festival. It's held Aug. 28-30 in San Francisco. Three-day tickets are $225.50 at the moment, but for what you get out of the event, it's worth it. Artists ranging from Dave Mathews Band to MIA, from Pearl Jam and Incubus to Atmosphere and Zion I, and many others will all be there.

All I can say is give them a chance. I promise I won't disappoint you. Be adventurous. It can't hurt to try everything once. Well, at least most things.