The clouds are thinning, the gamma rays are hitting my skin and CVS is jacking up their sunscreen prices. Yup, summer’s here.

And Ohmelgee has been waiting since October to swap that gray cardigan for a turquoise 2-piece.

To celebrate summer, this is the first post of a 5-part series all about the great season. I’ll be sure to hit you with the best summer job hunting advice, music-loving goodness, big screen blockbuster previews and travel trips to boot.

For those who are splurging to visit those fanny pack-clad, mosquito-loving ambiances, here’s the lowdown on these lovely yet super-crowded hot spots:

1. Orlando, FL:

Why it’s hot:  Harry Potter lovers already know why O-town will be the hot spot this summer: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens June 18th. Immerse in the wizard world with the Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, etc. Yes, it will be the shit.

Why it’s not: HURRICANE SEASON starts June 1st. Which means rain… every single day.

Remember: To stay away from Killer whales. They are a downgrade this year and always.

2. Las Vegas, NV

Why it’s hot:  You’re young, you’re over 21, and you’ve got a secret want to make The Hangover  a reality. Gambling, clubs, raves, buffets, broadway shows, concerts, free booze and magicians. It’s the IT place to go crazy. My fav. casinos are: Bellagio, Mirage, Mandalay Bay and the Palazzo.

Why it’s not: If you’re a lazy bum like me, your feet will hate you. There’s no free shuttle/train/etc. to travel around LV, so either pay a cabby or walk everywhere.

Remember:  To not slip on the stripper/prostitute advertisements that are normally scattered all over the ground – watch where you step. And do yourself a favor and don’t visit if you’re not 21. It’ll just be torture otherwise.

3. New York, NY

Why it’s hot: Because it’s NY, duh. All of the above and more.

Why it’s not: Don’t come here broke, expecting to fly by. You’ll starve because about everything, including cart stands, costs twice as much. And not only will you starve, you can’t travel anywhere because they’re already increased the subway fare by a dollar and cab rides aren’t cheap.

Remember: Take a map with you, or have someone with an i-phone at ready. Because you will get lost at least once.

4. The Bahamas

Why it’s hot: Twenty-nine islands to explore: scuba, swimming with dolphins and… pony riding? And the drinking age here is 18, so bottoms up!

Why it’s not: HURRICANE SEASON. Again… sigh.

Remember: I know you’ll be in a tropical setting and that seems to be an excuse to get cornrows and beaded hair. Do not get cornrows/beaded hair because 99% of the time they will not look good on you. Jus’ saying.

5. Los Angeles

Why it’s hot: Celebs abuzzing everywhere, and creative minds will basically trample you on the sidewalk. You know you want to go here to catch a peek of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Things I’d check out: The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre (one of the best improv groups in the U.S.), Grauma’n’s Chinese Theatre, and The Hotel Cafe (Where huge stars performed before their huge break.. i.e. Sara Bareilles, Meiko, Katy Perry).

Why it’s not: Check out that dom pic. Would you want to breathing that air?

Remember: To be super aware of your surroundings and pretty much stay away from southeast and east L.A., according to a virtualtourist:

“To the south you have Inglewood, Compton, Long Beach etc. To the east you have…..well…. east LA. All of those areas are mainly working class areas where of course there are gangs. But if you stay clear of those areas and stay in the north or north west such as, hollywood, brentwood, santa monica, venice etc. you will be perfectly fine.