If the stress of never-ending assignments, term papers and exams has not gotten to you yet, chances are that the Wisconsin weather is starting to. The good news: spring break is only one month away.

Students strapped for cash or those with an unlimited budget have plenty of options when it comes to planning a much-needed and much-deserved getaway. It’s not too late to plan one of your own, so here are some suggestions. Start packing!

Local destinations

Paradise Island Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Those of you who are stuck in Milwaukee during spring break can enjoy a mini tropical getaway at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center’s indoor water park. Amenities include a three-story water park, four water slides and a hydro-therapy spa. Grab some friends and escape for a few days. For more information, call (877) 543-7785 or visit the Web site at hiltonmilwaukee.com.

Chicago

Claimed by some to be one of the best shopping spots in the world, Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago — also known as “The Magnificent Mile” — offers more than 460 retail stores, including shopping malls, specialty and designer boutiques and fine department stores.

If retail therapy isn’t your leisure activity of choice, explore the breathtaking view from the Sears Tower Skydeck, visit the Shedd Aquarium — the world’s largest indoor aquarium — or check out a show at the legendary Chicago House of Blues. With world-class dining and nightlife, you will feel as if you are in a new world.

Check out enjoyillinois.com for more information.

Venture outside of the Midwest

Ocean Beach, Calif.

A relatively untapped part of San Diego, Ocean Beach is ideal for those looking for a relaxed vacation destination without high-volume tourists. It is the southernmost public beach on the Point Loma Peninsula and highly popular among locals. Ocean Beach is associated with its great surfing opportunities. Even though it’s relatively hidden from tourists, Ocean Beach is only seven miles from downtown San Diego.

The Ocean Beach community offers public fire pits along the beach, fishing piers, weekly farmers markets and numerous restaurants, bars, surf shops, antique stores and other commercial establishments.

Visit beachcalifornia.com for more information.

New Orleans

While for some the tragedy and disaster of Hurricane Katrina seems a world away, those directly affected are still struggling. Groups such as the Common Ground Collective and Katrina on the Ground Spring Break Initiative are welcoming students to come to New Orleans to participate in various service-learning trips during their spring breaks.

Students will have the opportunity to gain a fuller comprehension of this historical national tragedy while assisting the rebuilding of the area’s most devastated communities. Through these organizations, students have the opportunity to make this spring break one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of a lifetime.

Go to commongroundrelief.org or katrinaontheground.com to learn how you can get involved.

International fun

Canary Islands

Just off the coast of Spain, the Canary Islands are a gorgeous tropical getaway, extremely popular among European tourists. Comprised of seven islands, the Canary Islands are home to a wide variety of cultures, traditions, crafts and cuisines that will ensure a memorable experience.

Among the countless adventures awaiting visitors are the “Land of a Thousand Volcanoes” on the island of Lanzarote, aboriginal cultures and traditions on the Island of La Palma, more than 150 beaches on the Island of Fuerteventura, and Garajonay National Park on the Island of La Gomera.

Visit red2000.com/spain/canarias for more information.

Remember that spring break doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out hostels.com for affordable housing accommodations at your destination of choice. Web sites such as expedia.com and travelocity.com offer great deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, train tickets and vacation packages. No matter what direction this spring break takes you, unwind, relax and enjoy the break. You deserve it!

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