Break
Students on spring break enjoy drinks at a pool in Cancun, Mexico, in 2011. Reuters

For some college students, spring break is only three weeks away. Whether your brief vacation from school comes sooner or later, you’d better start planning now. First decide what you’re looking for – the beach, a party, some relaxation – and how much you’re willing to spend. Then take a look at the five popular spring break destinations listed below.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Nicknamed “the spring break capital of the world,” this Panhandle spot is perfect for anyone looking to party. More than 500,000 college students make the trip to Panama City Beach every year while on break from school, and it’s easy to see why. White sandy beaches, clear blue water and clubs open until 4 a.m. await you. Artists scheduled to play the beach over the next few months include Luke Bryan, Kaskade and T-Pain, but if concerts aren’t your thing, try a booze cruise or glow paint party. See more info here.

South Padre Island, Texas: This island, called SPI by locals, offers spring breakers wide beaches, a sparkling sea and “bars that emphasize character rather than class,” according to U.S. News and World Report. You can fish, watch dolphins, kiteboard or snorkel. Although the Coca-Cola Beach party is no more, make sure to visit famous local bar Louie’s Backyard for drinks and dancing. Tiesto, Steve Aoki, David Guetta and Snoop Dogg are among the performers due to drop by SPI in 2015, so don’t miss out. See more info here.

Daytona Beach, Florida: Yes, it’s another destination in the Sunshine State, but for good reason: The March weather in Daytona will likely stay around 80 degrees while you party. Daytona boasts several cheap motels and hotels, which means you can save your money for the important things – like a spontaneous daytrip to Universal Studios or Disney World, both of which are less than two hours away. Another amenity in Daytona is its free red party bus that runs on a loop by the beach. No need to worry about drinking and driving. See more info here.

Cancun, Mexico: If you can afford to get out of the country, StudentCity recommends going to Cancun, where the legal drinking age is 18. Need we say more? Cancun is also a good bet for students looking to party. Several hotels offer all-inclusive packages that include drinks and shuttles to nightlife, and don’t worry -- while the native language there is Spanish, almost everyone in the area speaks English. Watch bullfights, go horseback riding or take a jungle tour through the mangroves. See more info here.

Las Vegas: No beach, no problem. If you head to Las Vegas, get ready to lounge in style by hotel pools. Oyster recommends the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the Palms Casino Resort or the Hooters Casino Hotel. All of these hangouts have sweet nightclubs and bars, so when you’re tired of tanning you can cool off inside (and when you’re tired of that, you can eat 25-cent hot wings at Dixie’s Dam Bar). It’s a bit pricey but worth it for a good time. See more info here.

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