With the massive amounts of snowfall and brisk winter winds, it’s hard to believe that spring will be here in two weeks and that a greatly needed spring break is right around the corner. Just a few more days of class and then we’re scot-free.

Because it seemed to arrive so quickly and without any warning, many students are still deciding their spring break plans. Thankfully, that’s what I’m here for, to guide you in your last-minute decision-making process.

Below are some popular spring break locations, some of which are close enough to visit on a whim:

1. $ St. Louis, Missouri: Being so close to Decatur, it’s very easy to find friends who are from this area. With so many attractions that are free (such as the zoo and the science center) and numerous more that are very inexpensive (such as the City Museum and the Arch) the Gateway to the West is a promising spring break location for frugal Millikin students, but few others.
2. $ Chicago, Illinois: Again, being relatively close to Decatur and somewhat cheap for containing numerous sights (such as the Shedd Aquarium, multiple museums, the ‘Bean’ and more), Chicago is a promising location for those simply looking to get off campus.
3. $$ Florida (Panama City Beach, Ft. Meyers, Daytona Beach, etc.): While travel can be expensive, this state is one that highly caters to college students. If you’re okay with cramming into a car and a slightly smelly hotel room with friends, this trip can be very inexpensive. More pricey than staying at home, but more memorable as well.
4. $$ New Orleans, Louisiana: Thankfully, Amtrak directs all traffic directly into the city, making travel relatively inexpensive. If you can endure a ridiculously long train ride, then finding lodging and excitement in a city of mystique could prove affordable.
5. $$-$$$ California: With fewer well-known spring break destinations, this could be a great idea for the student who desires the warmth but also desires smaller crowds. However, flights are often more expensive to this state than they are to Florida, and since it is less frequented by students, lodging is likely to be more expensive as well. Yet a bargain hunter can always take a chance on it.
6. $$$ Las Vegas, Nevada: While this destination is an incredible opportunity, it is also incredibly difficult to find cheap methods of transportation or lodging. Due to the nature of the city, lodging is either terribly expensive and beautiful or affordable and sketchy. Take your pick.
7. $$$$$ Assorted international locations such as the Bahamas, Cancun and Cabo. While these locations are warm, tropical and beautiful, unless you are traveling with frequent flyer miles or managed to find a really great deal, traveling overseas is typically too expensive for your average college students.