SKI TRIP
What to Bring: Hand warmers, a fluorescent fleece hat (it'll keep you warm, plus you'll be easy to spot on the slopes), long johns (you might feel like an ass in a onesie, but you'll freeze your butt off without it).
What to do: Step outside the box - if you always ski, snowboard. If you've mastered the snowboard, check out snowblades, a retro way to speed on the snow.
What not to do: Ski when you're drunk. Seriously. You'll probably think it's a good idea. And then you'll probably crash into a tree/nearby skier/fall off the chairlift. If you insist on being this stupid, at least wear a helmet.
Inside Scoop: If you can't wait to hit the powder (and if you want to ditch your obnoxious crew, i.e. your siblings) sneak onto the singles lane, your fast track to the top.
DRUNKEN SOUTH OF THE BORDER ESCAPADE
What to Bring: Sunscreen, bathing suit, white t-shirt. Also, pack a disposable camera and leave your digital behind. You probably won't want those incriminating pics on Facebook, plus there's a high chance that you'll drop your camera in the ocean/a puddle of tequila.
What to Do: Besides the classic beach stuff - swim, parasail, sunbathe - and the standard party scene, practice your español. It might make up for that Spanish paper you'll be too hungover to write.
What not to do: Drink the water, sleep with prostitutes, adopt a stray dog, hook up in a dirty bathroom, start a drug dealing business (unless you're really ambitious).
Inside Scoop: Travel in a pack. Not just because you don't want to get hit on by some stranger in a sombrero, but you can also save a lot of money by getting group discounts at bars, clubs and hotels.
HOME SWEET HOME
What to Bring: Your inner slacker, appetite, laundry.
What to Do: Catch up with your old friends (stalking them online doesn't constitute "keeping in touch"), see the Oscar winning movies you missed since The Bridge sucks, eat good food, cut your hair.
What Not to Do: Leave your Facebook page open where your little sister/mom/grandparents can see it. They're blissful in their ignorance. Keep it that way.
Inside Scoop: You're already saving money by going home. Make a few extra bucks: See if anyone in your neighborhood needs an Ivy League brat to babysit (aka, get paid to watch their TiVo). The easiest $10 an hour you will ever make. We promise.
ALTERNATE SPRING BREAK
What to bring: A sunny disposition, overalls, a hammer.
What to do: Build stuff, clean stuff, smile. Then get really wasted and hook up with your co-workers in the wilderness.
What not to do: Don't cut corners... the house will fall down.
Inside Scoop: Wear a toolbelt. And a condom.
