Vacations are a reward after you have spent a whole year working hard and dedicating your time to others. This summer, take some time off and go traveling with your friends and family. There are so many beautiful sights to see in this world. It was hard to narrow it down to just ten destinations, but these aren’t just 10 random placesa��they are the top ten places to go on vacation this summer ranked by your very own Battle High school students.

1. The most commonly visited place by our students is Gulf Shores, Alabama. The nearly fourteen hour drive (or 3 hour flight) away from Columbia is worth it. The beaches consist of white sand, clear waters and as many starfish and sand dollars as you can imagine. I would recommend going to The Hangout, a classic hot spot to chill, eat and listen to live bands.

2. New York City, New York. This sprawling city is known for its amazing food and jam-packed sidewalks. But unlike Missouri, good food can be found in places other than fancy restaurants. Tasty treats can also be found on the sidewalks by visiting one of the many food trucks. And don’t forget to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or MET, where you can admire one of Jackson Pollock’s paintings along with other famous paintings made throughout history.

3. Washington D.C. This is a great place to go to educate yourself on our nation’s history. We all know it’s a no-brainer to stop by The White House, but do not forget to stop by The Vietnam Veterans Memorial to pay some well-earned respect to our fallen soldiers.

4. The Florida Keys is known for its clean beaches and ritzy atmosphere. With the clearest waters around, snorkeling is the activity for the Keys! You would be missing out if you didn’t take the chance to adventure under the sea and see the things you can’t here in Missouri.

5. We can’t leave Hawaii out of the mix, since it’s the most desired place to go in America. Hawaii has an unlimited number of places to go. Whether you want to visit Hawaia��i Volcanoes National Park or the beautiful Hanalei Bay Beach, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time.

6. Wanting to avoid the crowded beaches? Check out Colorado Springs, Colorado, home of the famous Pikes Peak. You don’t even have to hike the 14,114 feet, Pikes Peak has easy access to drive up the mountain. If you do decide to hike, keep an eye out for mountain lions! They love to be out during the summer time.

7. Los Angeles, California is where you can stop in at Hollywood, try to find your favorite actor, or visit the movie sets and see how your favorite flick is made. I recommend taking a step back from the fame by driving up to Hollywood Hills to see the breathtaking scenery and the iconic Hollywood sign.

8. Looking to add some spice to your life? Visit New Orleans, Louisiana. This historic town is known for its spicy seafood platters like shrimp poa��boys, gumbo, and crab cakes. Enjoy authentic brass band music on the French Quarter to get the real experience.

9. Within reasonable driving distance is Bloomington, Minnesota, home of the Mall of America. Not only are there unlimited places to shop, there is also an ice rink, Legoland, a rollercoaster, the Barbie dream house, a theatre, a comedy club, and mini-golf. America’s largest mall has something for everyone in the family.

1. A more realistic vacation for students is just an hour away at the Lake of the Ozarks. There you can walk the strip and go skee balling, take an old time photo, go on a day cruise or go to one of the local restaurants for some fresh caught fish.

Wherever you go this summer, make sure to have fun in the sun and soak it up while you can!