By Kevin Hyzak.

Congratulations, you’ve made it through another New England winter! There’s only one way to celebrate ~ get the hell away from here. Spring break is calling. Never been? Go. You’re already missing out ~ there’re parties going on as we speak. Right now someone is lying in the sun. Some guy is drinking on the beach. Some girl is going wild. Not unless you win the lottery will you ever have the chance cut loose so gratuitously again. So cash in while you can.The options are pretty much endless, but some parties are better than others. “Spring Break: Connecticut” never really took off, so you might want to stick to one of these mainstays.

Cancun is the place your mother warned you about, thereby making all the more attractive. It’s Absolute Hedonism. Spend the day soaking up margaritas on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Packed nightclubs keep their doors open later than Denny’s. If you need a break from the action there’s Playa del Carmen ~ a more isolated beach ~ nearby, and Cozumel and is only a ferry ride away.

Acapulco has long been a popular destination for students, so you’ll definitely have company. Set up shop at an affordable hotel along the main drag, La Costera. During the day, check out Playa Pie de la Cuesta if you’re into the rave scene from “Matrix Revolutions.” La Condesa on the Sand offers a more relaxed getaway where you can rent a hammock for the day (just $5). Around 11pm, head over to Palladium, Baby ‘O, or Mandara ~ the top clubs. Thirty bucks will get you in and cover your booze for the night. Be sure to dress up.

Panama City, Florida. A tropical beach that you don’t need to get shots to visit? Not bad. And just because it’s still part of the homeland doesn’t mean it’s boring ~ it was rated the best beach world in 1998! The warm emerald water of the Gulf Coast is perfect for swimming and there are tons of opportunities for parasailing, surfing, and jet skiing The drinking age is 21, but parties still abound. PC is a great option for those of us too lazy to get a passport.

Lake Havasu, Arizona. Apparently there’s supposed to be a lake. Brochures and pamphlets sing the praises of the ‘”water sports.” I’m sure if you look hard enough you’ll probably find some water, but don’t wear yourself out. All those boats tied together with a major Mardi Gras going on? That’s why you really came. Camp out, partake in the revelry, and ponder what London Bridge is doing in the middle of Arizona (yeah, that London Bridge, the one that fell down. It’s on Lake Havasu now. God bless eBay.).

Nassua, Bahamas. Sure, the locals make the French look like friendly hosts, but Nassua’s white sand beaches and crystal waters make it worth it. Enjoy some decadent drinks in the shade, grab some great food at Smiley’s, check out the clubs, or venture over to Paradise Island if you have the gambling bug.

Daytona Beach, Florida. Can’t decide amongst all the exotic places? Do what all the other lemmings (albeit very cute and tan lemmings with a hearty sense of fun) do: Go to Daytona Beach. Every March and April this Atlantic Ocean beach in Central Florida gets overrun with Spring Breakers. If you love tons of people and mayhem, this is your milieu. If you needed to look up the word “milieu,” it’s DEFINITELY the place to go. You’ll love it.

Las Vegas. Nevada. Um, if I need to explain this one to you’re better off just hanging out in your parents’ basement for Spring Break. You could sit on a bench and people watch for hours. Vegas is proof that there is a hell and people are going there. Partying with these hedonistic animals is well worth the three-hour lecture you’ll get from mom before getting on the plane. Vegas, Baby!

South Padre Island, Texas. The Bush twins would be considered prudes on this island ~ it’s that crazy. Sure, the weather’s always warm, the beach is nice, but no one is going to Corpus Christi for the sand or heat. Lots of people, good food, and plenty of shenanigans ~ it’s hard to beat a Texas-sized party.

Negril, Jamaica. Negril, with its Carnival-like atmosphere, has been attracting Cancun-sized crowds in the last few years. Beach-side contests and concerts keep the party going all day long. The night clubs are packed from late night until early early morning. Ok, so some of the hotels don’t have warm running water, big deal; they’re cheap and on the beach. For the price it’s hard to beat Jamaica.

Colorado Ski Resorts. The beach isn’t for everyone ~ just ask my pale Irish cousin. Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, and Winter Park in Colorado all attract large crowds of students more interested in fresh powder than sandy beaches. Concerts and after hour clubs offer some great distractions for après-ski. Look for the college specials and events these resorts offer and then get your ski on.