Maybe the idea of wet T-shirt contests just doesn't sound that great to you. Maybe you're more a fan of fine red wine than cheap light beer. Maybe you're a shop-a-holic or a museum freak, or maybe you're just the kind of person to go against the rest when it comes to the conventional (and let's face it, a little boring) things that college kids do these days.
If this sounds like you, it might behoove you to consider doing something different this Spring Break, instead of the pre-packaged, all-inclusive tropical drunk fests that your friends will embark upon in the next week or so.
Granted, those tropical drunk fests seem irreplaceable, but if you're tired of them, try thinking less south and more west: European spring breaks can be just as invigorating.
Consider your endless options -- Europe has everything. If you're hung up on winter ending, hit the Alps for some skiing. If you need that sun, the Mediterranean is just warming up, and its beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world.
If you're more into hitting the museums or the boutiques for spring's latest trends, Europe has more cultural meccas than any continent on the planet. And all it takes is a little research, because knowing where to go can really spare you from spending an arm and a leg.
Keep in mind, those of you who simply can't imagine spring break in any place other than Cancun or Cabo -- Europe is the home of the nonexistent drinking age, the best wine in the world, the best beer in the world and countless other excuses to get your drink on.
Spain
One of the most relaxed and colorful places on earth, Spain is home of the bullfight, sangria and Picasso. Barcelona is one of this country's most popular tourist destinations and a booming cultural center of music, food, art and fashion.
Like nearly all Spanish cities, Barcelona is perfect for visiting in the spring; in the summer the combination of heat and masses of tourists makes the city unbearable. Also check out Madrid for the Museo del Prado, a wide range of theatres and some all-night partying at candlelit jazz or samba venues. The sun-soaked and breezy islands of Mallorca and Ibiza are also popular.
U.K. and Ireland
News flash: JHU's Spring Break this year begins on Friday, March 17 -- St. Patrick's Day. Celebrate all week long with the Irish and their many shades of green and types of beer.
Dublin has turned into one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe due to its people being so down-to-earth and its location being accessible. Scotland is a mere hop away and offers the same type of relaxed atmosphere. Trendsetters and those of you with a few extra bucks to spend, go to London. It is, and always has been, the modest of mod, but it will leave your wallet empty.
Italy
Epicureans should look no farther than that boot-shaped country in the Mediterranean that offers the best olive oil and grapes around. But beware -- as with many tourist traps in Europe, Italy will drain you of your last euro if you aren't careful. Florence, Venice and Rome are the obvious first choices for places to see, and they can be seen on a budget -- all it requires is a good map and a few words of Italian.
Also, check out the Cinque Terre on the northwest coast of the country -- the Italian Riviera. Five tiny and adorable character-filled towns sit picturesquely along a hikers' trail. Walk all five, or take the train -- these towns offer some of the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean in existence, and food and lodging are easily found and cheaper than most.
Amsterdam
As Lonely Planet travel guide suggests, go to Amsterdam for "history, art, a head of beer and a roll-your-own."
For more information on traveling to Europe on a college-student budget visit http://www.LonelyPlanet.com, http://www.TravelPunk.com for cheap hotel and hostel info and http://www.concierge.com for info on where to splurge on your final and celebratory meal of the week.
