Spring break is fast approaching.  By now, most everyone has their plans all lined up.  However, if you are not in the mood to spend another spring break at home, here is a list of the top five spring break destinations.

1.         Cancun – This is the spring break capital of the world.  There is no other place on the planet that does spring break better than Cancun.  Cancun is located in what is known as the "Mexican Rivera."  There is 14 miles of beautiful coastline, but who cares?  Everyone is concerned about the nightlife.  Rest assured that there will be plenty of clubs, and they will be open until the wee hours of the morning.  Cancun is one place that MTV likes to visit frequently for its spring break coverage, so you can be sure that the party will be nonstop.

2.         Panama City, Fla. – Looking for the Cancun experience without leaving the country?  Panama City provides a similar experience right here on home soil. Again, the parties will be nonstop, and MTV will be on hand to provide endless entertainment.  Alcohol might not be as easy to get hold of if you are underage, but college students surely have ways around that.

3.         Las Vegas – Want to party without having to go to the beach?  Spend your spring break in Las Vegas.  This trip will certainly be more enjoyable for the over-21 crowd (or those with a good fake ID).  Gamble the night away.  Check out some of the amazing shows.  Hit up the countless clubs or whatever you are looking for, Vegas offers it in spades.

4.         South Padre Island, Texas – A lesser known but equally exciting spring break party destination, South Padre Island offers everything that the big boys do.  Mexico is only 30 miles away, and a quick trek across the border will offer a lowered drinking age.  Just do not make your way back across the border intoxicated, because spring break would not be too much fun if it ended in arrest.  South Padre Island offers a lot more than just close proximity to Mexico.  The island is beautiful, and the nightclubs are many.  So, if you are tired of the same old spring break destinations, why not give Texas a shot?

5.         Sightseeing tour – For a different spring break trip all together, consider a sightseeing tour.  The Great Smoky Mountains are very close to campus. For anyone who has never been, that would be a nice change of pace.  If you are looking for something further away from home, head out West and see the Grand Canyon.  Spend a week in Yellowstone National Park, and enjoy some of the most beautiful land this country has to offer.  The country is full of beautiful locations, so pick one, or several, and head out on a roadtrip.

The sole reason of this break is to provide some breathing room after mid-terms and before you're slammed with finals.  Spend your spring break doing what relaxes you, whether it's a keg-stand or just a night in with a movie.  Spring break does not have to be all excessive drinking and days on a beach.  Just get out and do something exciting.  Come on, we deserve it.