Waves crash onto the beach and the sun beams down, while you and your friends make memories.

Although a lot of high school students travel during the summer, seniors typically put a heavier emphasis on experiencing new places. Senior Gavin LeMeir is one such senior who is looking to spend as much time as he can with friends.

“I’ll be going to Okoboji with a good group of friends the first week of summer vacation,” said LeMeir. “I’m most excited to spend a week just hanging out with some of my closest friends before summer actually starts and we have to spend all day at work saving for college.”

LeMeir will be heading to Okoboji which is only a short distance away. Whether it is taking a car to a nearby state or catching a plane down to Mexico, all summer trips provide a much needed break for students.

Trips for students also require a lot of planning and preparation. Buying a plane ticket sometimes requires months of foresight.

“There is a lot of preparation, I think, before the group and I go on the trip,” said LeMeir. “Things like getting food for everyone and making sure we all have rides there and back are at the top of the list.”

Summer trips for seniors are a great bonding experience, however they can be costly, especially when students use their own hard earned cash. Costs have to be carefully considered when cash is limited.

“I think senior trips can be really good idea just as long as you can still pay for college in the fall,” said LeMeir.

LHS students can not wait for summer. They look forward to freedom and spending time with friends, and some, if they are lucky look forward to traveling to a new place.