Summer is quickly approaching, and students are starting to make plans with their friends.

But eventually, going to the beach, visiting parks, and going out to dinner will become boring, and can result in teenagers sitting around for half the summer.

Road trips have become a popular idea in society, invoking an adventurous mindset for those involved.

Mr. Randy Olson, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, took the time to create what he considers the ultimate Pure Michigan experience.

Olson has created a round-trip that takes the traveler through 43 different stops within Michigan borders. A few of the stops are The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire, Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, and Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek.

Olson calls his 43 locations “Pure Michigan ‘hot spots.’ His map and each of the cities are listed on his blog that he titled “Pure Michigan road trip, optimized.”

A road trip can be fun, but it can be expensive depending on the distance of the trip, what is necessary for the ride, and the activities planned for the stops.

This road trip is a total of 2,098 miles. In order to take on the full-length road trip, a lot of gas will be needed — at least $200.

Of course, if you do not have the time or money to complete the circle, you can pick several places to visit, making your getaway a smaller road trip.

Some food items can be brought along from home, while other food may need to be bought while on the road. 

Although some of the stops require money, the cities can still be fun to visit. The point of the trip is to be adventurous. Take the time to research other activities to do once you reach each location.

This road trip has the potential to be a fun and memorable experience if the time is taken to plan the trip.

The purpose of the trip is being together with the people you care about.

Spend quality time with family and friends, instead of spending each day in bed or in front of the TV.