Spring break is right around the corner, and it's time to start making some plans for your days away from classwork and studying. If you are like me, you want to go on a trip and have fun with friends, but you are also a college student that needs to stay within your budget. Airfare, hotels and eating out every night at a faraway destination are way too expensive, especially around spring break (one flight from Lubbock, Texas, to Dallas, Texas, is on average $300-$500 round trip). Why not explore our great state with some friends or family? Here are some spring break ideas that are inexpensive and in New Mexico:

1. Visit Carlsbad (Drive from ENMU: Two hours and 40 minutes): Carlsbad is a town known for their National Park Carlsbad Caverns. The Caverns includes over 119 underground caves that you can explore with friends or with a guide. Within their caves, you can explore various routes, but the most popular route is a 1.25 mile trail that is relatively flat. If you are looking for a shorter route, it has a shortcut which reduces the walking distance to about ¾ a mile.

• Airbnb in Carlsbad during spring break: $139-$226 per night for six or more guests
• Hotel prices in Carlsbad during spring break: $101-$161 per night for two to three guests

2. Visit Albuquerque (Drive from ENMU: Three hours and 36 minutes): Albuquerque is one of the most populous cities in New Mexico known for its diverse cultures, authentic art and dynamic traditions. Here you can go on a hot air balloon ride (the ballooning capital of the world), ride a tram up to Sandia Peak Tramway (world's largest aerial tram ride) or explore the Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque.

• Airbnb in Albuquerque during spring break: $74-$112 per night for four or more guests.
• Hotel prices in Albuquerque during spring break: $55-$119 per night for two to three guests

3. Visit Santa Fe (Drive from ENMU: Three hours and 34 minutes): Santa Fe is New Mexico's capital that is known for its Pueblo-style architecture and its creative arts hotbed. The most well-known sites are The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Santa Fe Opera House. Some art museums include Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return (a storytelling event that unfolds throughout the house), Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.

• Airbnb in Santa Fe during spring break: $50-$254 per night for four or more guests.
• Hotel prices in Taos during spring break: $42-$139 per night for two to three guests

4. Visit Taos (Drive from ENMU: Four hours and 33 minutes): Taos is a small town that is bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you are looking to go skiing, the Taos Ski Valley is open until April 1, 2018. About 10 miles north of Taos is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It is suggested to visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge around morning or late afternoon to reveal the gorge's dimensions and beauty. Other things to do in Taos include kayaking/canoeing/rafting, visiting the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa and rock climbing and hiking.

• Airbnb in Taos during spring break: $112-$200 per night for four or more guests.
• Hotel prices in Taos during spring break: $79-$109 per night for two to three guests

Have a great and relaxing spring break!