Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

How far is it? It’s 800 miles from campus, about 21 hours of driving, and approximately four hours on a plane.
Why should you go? The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, it’ll be warm and you’ll meet people from all over. You’ll also come back to school a few shades tanner and you’ll feel worldly without having traveled across the Atlantic.
Why shouldn’t you go? It’s the least safe place on this list, and your parents will worry.
What should you pack? Your passport, a pair of cheap sunglasses, all of the sunscreen you can find, a swimsuit, bottled water, flip-flops, a lot of Tylenol and granola bars. Don’t bring anything you’d really hate losing.

San Diego, Calif.

How far is it? It’s approximately 450 miles from campus, which is about six hours of driving.
Why should you go? You can road trip with your friends, but it’s not so far that your parents will be worried. Also munching on snacks, catching up with friends and playing driving games are bound to be a good time.
Why shouldn’t you go? It tends to be a bit expensive, and you won’t want to leave.
What should you pack? Cash, sunscreen, a swimsuit, jeans and a sweatshirt for the evening, durable water bottles, your credit card and flip-flops. You might want to bring a cooler with some food too, because California charges per-bag at most stores, which makes shopping there expensive.

Panama City Beach, Fla.

How far is it? It’s 1,700 miles from campus, which is around 24 hours driving. For this trip, you’ll probably want to take a plane to shorten the trip to four or five hours.
Why should you go? Some of the biggest Spring Break college parties are held on this beach. They hold concerts, you meet people from all around the U.S. and you’ll never see the same face twice.
Why shouldn’t you go? It’s a plane ride away, and that’s not fun. Also, it might become difficult to maneuver around the beach between all of those sweaty, intoxicated bodies.
What should you pack? Your cutest swimwear.

Las Vegas, Nev.

How far is it? It’s around 450 miles from campus, which makes for a six to seven hour drive.
Why should you go? Please see: “The Hangover”.
Why shouldn’t you go? Please see: “The Hangover”.
What should you pack? A swimsuit, cash, classy evening wear, an envelope of one dollar bills for emergency tipping, your camera and aviator sunglasses.

Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

How far is it? It’s around 300-400 miles from campus, which is about five hours of driving.
Why should you go? Lake Havasu is close to Tucson and still in Arizona, so traveling isn’t too difficult. Like San Diego, it’s perfect for a road trip with your friends. Also, it’s cheap.
Why shouldn’t you go? All Lake Havasu really has is the lake itself, so there are less activities there.
What should you pack? A swimsuit, durable water bottles, your credit card and flip-flops.

Home

How far is it? Varies.
Why should you go? Free food.
Why shouldn’t you go? Family members asking about school and your love life (or lack there of).
What should you pack? Dirty laundry.