I don't know about you, but I've been over winter since January 2nd. I'm tired of seeing grey skies, weirdly-colored slush covering the grass and giant winter jackets bundling everyone up across campus. That may be why I was a little more than excited when my friends and I booked our spring break trip this past week to a place with palm trees, beaches, and, most importantly, the sun.

Of course, now this means that everyone is in full-blown spring break panic; what should we pack, where can we get cute bathing suits, which workouts should we do so we feel good in our bathing suits, etc. But, I have a bigger question: how do we make this spring break the best one yet? This may seem like I have lofty expectations (and I might), but I've started to come up with the ultimate spring break list of tips because this is obviously more important than my 3 papers coming up. In case you're impatiently waiting for your time on the beach, here are some tips you'll want to consider before getting on that plane.

1. (Try to) pack by planning outfits that go together

Personally, I've never under-packed anything in my life and I always regret it. This year, I'm going to try to go night-by-night and plan outfits that I know will go together, instead of throwing 6 shirts, 3 dresses, 5 pairs of pants and 4 wedges. Granted, I'm putting a lot of emphasis on try.

2. Look up restaurants/bars/clubs around you before your trip

Have some down time? Make yourself happy by looking at all of the cool places around you! Or, even better, if one of your friends is really skilled at making itineraries or loves making them, give them this project. TripIt or Yelp are also good apps that make this so much easier!

3. Use the buddy system

Don't be that friend that disappears during the night and makes everyone else freak out. Just don't. (That's right, I'm committing to not being that friend, either.)

4. In case the buddy system fails, share locations

If you don't do this already, I promise it's fun (and safe) to know where everyone is!!

5. Carry ca$h

Whether you're leaving the country or just going one town over, always carry cash on you! In case of emergencies, cash always speaks louder than credit card.

6. But, not all your ca$h

This is not a good game plan. You don't want to explain to your parents that all of your money got lost/stolen two days into your trip.

7. Use sunscreen!!!

For those who know me, this makes me seem like a total hypocrite. But after getting some weird sort of sun poisoning last year, I'm vowing to use sunscreen at least on the first day to get that golden tan I always talk about!!

8. If your whole squad is in one room, don't hog the shower/bathroom/blow dryer

Pro tip: plan when everyone's going to shower earlier in the day so no one has to miss dinner reservations to blowdry their hair later!!

9. Make a video of your trip

Don't just pose for selfies on the beach. Capture the little moments, including the candids, and then combine them all at the end for everyone to look back on when you're back in reality!

10. Leave room for naps

Whether they're in the hotel room or on the beach, naps are essential. If you don't nap and you're out every night until 2 a.m., it's about to be a loonggg week.

11. Don't think everything is going to go perfectly

No matter what, plans get messed up. Don't let this derail you from having an awesome spring break filled with laughs, pictures, and memories that'll last when you're back to your everyday life!