How to Spend Your Summer Vacation, Based on These 7 Throwback Flicks
Summer is here, and we're excited—mostly just to enjoy the extended daylight hours outside and finally feel the warm sun on our skin. While some of you have killer internships and travel plans lined up, others may still be figuring out what they want to do for the next three months. Don't worry—we have a solution for you.
As wonderful as the season is, we're familiar with the boredom that slowly starts to creep its way in as the days go by, when vegging out no longer feels like a good thing. To postpone this seemingly inevitable end—when you're actually craving real life again—we've curated a list of ways to make the most of your summer, as per our favorite throwback movies.
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Photo: Alamy1/8Let the stars be your guide.
Photo: Alamy2/8Movie: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
What to Do: Travel, go to camp, visit family, make a documentary
Perhaps the quintessential summer movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants offers tons of motivation for adventure. Watching (or, let's be honest, rewatching) it with a group of friends is a summer celebration in itself. The four best friends, who spend their summers apart for the first time, stay connected by sharing a pair of jeans that fit each of their body types perfectly. Whether you're Lena traveling to a new country on a whim, Bridget going to camp to pursue a hobby, Carmen visiting family, or Tibby staying home and making a documentary, there are bits and pieces of perfect ways to spend your summer everywhere.
Photo: Alamy3/8Movie: Blue Crush
What to Do: Hit up the beach, learn to surf
There's nothing quite like watching an inspiring movie to get you energized and focused again. While we all can't be surf queens like the gorgeous Ann Marie (Kate Bosworth) who casually rides life-threatening waves every day, we can certainly learn from her determination and commitment to what she loves. Curious about taking up a sport or learning a new language? Try it. Want to better your skills at something you already love, but haven't had time for? Do it. Blue Crush will give you just the kick you need to get started.
Photo: Alamy4/8Movie: Dirty Dancing
What to Do: Volunteer, explore, learn to dance
We certainly don't recommend doing everything that Baby does in Dirty Dancing (see: leading a double life to help out strangers, lying to her parents, etc.), but we love her spirit to fight for what she wants and who she loves, different as they may be from what her family wants for her. She knows how to make a hum-drum trip exciting, and we encourage you to do the same. If you're staying home this summer, reacquaint yourself with your hometown or city and see what you can get involved with—volunteer at a charity, teach, or take a class. And if you're up for it, do some dancing yourself (salsa lessons, anyone?).
Photo: Alamy5/8Movie: Almost Famous
What to Do: Start a band, get into journalism, try new things
A pretty wild summer for 15-year-old William, who suddenly gets the opportunity to join a band on tour and cover the experience for Rolling Stone. While there are lots of crazy things that go down in this movie, we love William's passion for journalism and eagerness to understand all that's happening in the music world. We don't suggest hopping on a tour bus any time soon, but we do like how he goes after what he wants so directly. The thing to copy in this one is that can-do attitude—and maybe some of the outfits.
Photo: Alamy6/8Movie: _Crossroads _
What to Do: Go on a road trip
We love a good Britney Spears-inspired throwback, and this one couldn't get any better when she road trips her way to fame in Los Angeles with young Taryn Manning and Zoe Saldana in tow. Copy these three by planning your own road trip with friends—summer playlist included for those sing-alongs you're bound to have backseat.
Photo: Alamy7/8Movie: A Walk to Remember
What to Do: Make new friends, be in two places at once
Many Moore basically taught us everything we know about being a good human in this classic plot of the good-girl-getting-the-bad-boy by just being herself. The only difference is her time is limited. Make a list of new things you want to do over the break, whether it's getting to know someone new or being in two places at once (you'll understand when you watch).
Photo: Alamy8/8Movie: Breakfast At Tiffany's
What to Do: Refresh your space (and wardrobe!)
Having this movie in your repertoire is an absolute necessity for anyone in the world, ever. Seriously. Audrey Hepburn is ravishing as the quirky (and slightly reckless) Holly Golightly, and that's just the start of it. Experience New York in the '60s and find inspiration for your wardrobe or apartment to makeover this summer. If there's one place to go to for style inspiration, it's this one.
