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"With school finally winding down, you're probably dreaming of all the fun plans you have in store\u2014not to mention some seriously sunny weather. (Is it just us, or was this winter never-ending?!) But before you look forward, take a look back: How did you spend your absolute best summer vacation? Check out readers' fondest memories below, and share your own in the comments!\n\nJennifer W., 23, from New Jersey\n\n \"A few summers ago, I had been feeling fairly disconnected\u2014and I know it sounds clich\u00E9!\u2014but I really needed to 'find myself' again. I decided to go backpacking through Europe, by myself and on my own dime. It was the best decision I've ever made! Being able to stand on my own two feet and rediscover the confidence I had lost by relying on only me was absolutely priceless.\"\n\nLeslie G., 20, from Utah\n\n \"I worked on a cruise ship for a summer, and it was absolutely wild. I didn't know a soul at first, but I think that really helped me come out of my shell. I met so many amazing people from all different walks of life\u2014it was a truly eye-opening experience, and I would give anything to relive it!\"\n\nCarrie R., 21, from Virginia\n\n \"My best summer was spent at camp. Nowadays we're so addicted to our smartphones, constantly trying to stay connected to what's happening, that we forget how important it is to recharge our batteries in the great outdoors. When was the last time you went on a hike for pleasure or canoed? Camp is a place where you feel completely disconnected from the world, but also make incredible, long-lasting friendships.\"\n\nNancy M., 22, from Tennessee\n\n \"My best summer vacation was the one before I headed off to college. It wasn't outrageously over-the-top or glamorous or anything like that, but I savored every moment I had with my best friends. Sometimes the warmest memories are the simplest ones!\"\n\nGina M., 18, from Georgia\n\n \"I spent my last summer with a guy I met through a family friend. It sounds like a movie, but we had an instant connection and did nearly everything together. We went on long bike rides, watched the stars at night, planned weekend road trips\u2014the works. Even though things didn't pan out in the end, our summer romance was one worth remembering.\"\n\nSamantha B., 19, from Nebraska\n\n \"My parents are divorced, so I hardly get to see my dad. My best summer was spent taking the time to learn more about him. I think children of divorce assume one parent may have tried harder, or one parent was more to blame in the separation process. I realized that my dad and I are more similar than I had originally thought! It may sound like a boring way to spend break, but I'm so glad I was able to establish a relationship with him.\"\n\nMelissa C., 20, from Maryland\n\n \"My craziest summer was all about pushing my limits. For whatever reason, I decided I had been playing my life too safe, so I made a bucket list of extreme tasks I had to complete before turning 21. I cut my own bangs, got a tattoo, and went skydiving and bungee jumping. It may have been a bit much, but I think it's important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone every once in a while!\""^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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