Have fun over spring break without going completely broke

Ah, spring break. A time for jetting off to Cancun or Key West for a week of tanning, partying and taking pictures you'll never show your parents.

For most students, though? Not so much.

While heading off to a sunny beach somewhere sounds like the ideal way to spend the much-coveted week away from school, most students just don't have the finances to make that dream break happen.

Just because you can't afford to fly off to some exotic vacation spot doesn't mean your spring break is lost. Affordable fun can come from surprising places.

• Pick up a book.

Honestly, when was the last time you lost yourself in the pages of a good book? Whether it's an old favorite or a new find, escape to someone else's world for a little while.

• Play catch-up.

Yes, it's your vacation, but do you really want to leave all of those papers, projects and take-home tests until the Sunday before classes start back up? Do yourself a favor and get it out of the way more than five hours before it's due.