Spring break is something that all guys and girls who are in school look forward to every year. After Christmas has come and gone and the spring semester has started, all we can think about is spring break. We start planning spring break the moment everyone is back together at school again. We start working on our beach bods and stop eating that fifth piece of pizza. But let’s be honest, we don’t want to go to Panama City Beach with 10,000 of our closest friends every spring break. And we don’t necessarily want to put $300 down on a beach condo that will be split between 12 people. So here are a few unique destinations to go visit during your spring break this year!

1. Chicago

Chicago is known for its food, shopping, and some really cool sites. Of course everyone knows that when you go to Chicago you have to try the deep-dish pizza. Because if you didn’t try a deep-dish pizza, did you even go to Chicago? You also need to try the classic Chicago dog. You need to walk down the Magnificent Mile, hotdog in hand, and go into every shop you see. You also need to stop by the Navy Pier for a little trip down memory lane on the boardwalk. We can’t forget The Bean, though. You have to make sure you go to Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, in Millennium Park to end your trip.

2. Portland

Portland is a city to get away to and have a good time. In Portland, when you are feeling one with nature, make sure you go to Forest Park or Willamette River. Both Forest Park and Willamette River are filled with hiking, running, and biking trails for anyone who is feeling adventurous. After you have spent all of your energy out on the trails, make sure you take a pit stop at Voodoo Doughnuts. Whether you want a Voodoo Doll Doughnut, Dirt Doughnut, or a Marshall Mathers Doughnut, your craving will be satisfied. Once you have eaten a doughnut, you need to quench your thirst at one of the many brewery’s that are spread throughout Portland.

3. Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Saying this, you need to see all of the historical sites such as visiting Paul Revere’s House, the Freedom Trail, and Fenway Park. One thing that many people don’t think about doing in Boston is visiting the town of Salem. In Salem, you can learn about everything having to do with witches, how to brew a potion and the spirits and ghosts that haunt Salem and Boston. Boston is one of those historical towns that are filled with rich history that will make you feel like you are back in the 1800s.

4. New Orleans

New Orleans is one of those cities that you have to go to one time in your life. The main thing you need to do in New Orleans is of course party it up on Bourbon Street. You guessed it! Bourbon Street is the mecca of all things New Orleans themed. There are so many bars and restaurants on this street that you will have your pick for days and days to come. But watch out, Bourbon Street can get very pricey with expensive drinks and foods that are thrust your way. Don’t worry though, you probably won’t remember most of your trip anyways!

5. Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Yes, Vegas is insanely crazy for all different reasons. The casinos are bigger than you have ever seen, the shows are more extravagant, and you can get married in a drive through. What more can you ask for? The Las Vegas strip has everything you could ever imagine on it. Caesar’s Palace, The Bellagio, and the MGM Grand are must-sees for any tourist. You absolutely have to see some type of show while in Vegas, too. Whether it is Mariah Carey or Celine Dion, you won’t be sorry that you spent $250 listening to “My Heart Goes On” while simultaneously crying and secretly wishing for the Jack to your Rose.

6. Austin

The saying for Austin is “Keep Austin Weird." This encompasses about everything you need to know when going to this city. While in Austin, you and your free-spirited self need to stop by Zilker Park for a great place to hang, tan, take your dog and play Frisbee. You also need to stop by Graffiti Park for some amazing picture opportunities up against wall murals. When you get hungry, you need to stop by Texas Honey Ham Company or Taco Deli for some out-of-this-world tacos that are to die for. To end your day off, you need to stop at the 360 overlook for a beautiful sunset and view of downtown Austin.

7. Washington, D.C.

There are literally so many things to do in D.C. The city is huge and is widely populated with politicians and businessmen and women alike. So what should you do in D.C. when you are there you ask? Well, go visit every historic sight you possibly can! The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House are just a few national monuments that should be on your list to visit. Honestly, just walking around the town on your own is a beautiful sight to see. I also recommend visiting Georgetown and eating a D.C. Cupcake (which was featured on Food Network) because it is totally worth it.

8. New York City

Visiting New York City is something that everyone needs to do once in their lifetime. Of course, you have to do all of the touristy things like go to the Statue of Liberty and go visit Time Square. But you also need to go enrich yourself in art and visit the Met. Visiting the Met will take you an entire day, so go on a rainy day when the weather is bad outside. You also need to eat an authentic ethnic meal in Chinatown or Little Italy. The food is outstanding and you won’t regret it. While you’re in New York City, you need to go to Central Park. Central Park is filled with walking trails and endless amounts of fun!