Fall break is almost here and two words should be on your mind: road trip. But the break is only four days long, which means you probably won’t make it to California. So why don’t you pick from one of these closer destinations and embark on this long-standing college tradition?

Austin, Texas (701 miles)

The home to the University of Texas’ Longhorns is a Lawrence on steroids. Just take a look at the city’s two slogans: “Live Music Capital of the World” and “Keep Austin Weird.”

If it’s music you’re looking for, Sixth Street is the place to go. It’s lined with music venues, bars and clubs. “It always gets crazy,” says Emily Franke, Austin, Texas sophomore.

Austin is also home to a different breed of night creatures. Tons of them. If you go to the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk, you can see hoards of bats emerge from underneath the bridge to go seek food. “It takes 30 minutes for all of them to come out. It’s kind of disgusting,” Franke says.

If the day is sunny, go swimming at the Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. As the name says, the pool is fed by spring water, and it’s a popular hangout spot. Then, grab a bite at the Alamo Drafthouse, a movie theater that also serves food and drinks. “Sometimes they’ll play something like The Karate Kid and have a couple of comedians make fun of it,” Franke says.

Recommended bar: The Dizzy Rooster, 306 E. 6th St. Sure, the dance floor may be small, but isn’t that what bar counters are for?

Boulder, Colo. (586 miles)

If you think Lawrence lacks hippies, this lively college town is your best bet. Pearl Street Mall is full of them, together with great shops, restaurants and a busy nightlife. But be careful if you’re underage; bouncers are very strict and cops are everywhere, says Nick Allen, Boulder, Colo., senior.

But Boulder offers something for everybody. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the town is also a mecca for outdoor sports. There are several trails nearby and Estes Park is only 45 minutes away. “If you can fit a bike, bring it,” Allen says. “You can bike anywhere and everywhere around Boulder.” Allen also recommends a walk and picnic beside Boulder Creek.

And if you need just one more reason to go to Boulder during fall break, here it is: Jayhawks vs. Buffaloes. The football game is that Saturday, and it’s sure to be worth the drive. Just don’t forget to book a place to stay ASAP.

Recommended bar: West End Tavern, 926 Pearl St. This roof-top chill spot is a great place to sip on some bourbon and enjoy a vista of the rising Rocky Mountains.

Chicago, Ill. (569 miles)

Sure, Kansas City can be fun and exciting, but if you want to get a true urban feel you should head up to Chicago.

“I love walking through the city. I still stare open-mouthed at all the beautiful buildings, even though I’ve lived here for a year,” says Barbara Alves, 2008 graduate.

You can do all the touristy things such as visit Navy Pier and the museums. But if you want something different you should walk through the Pilsen neighborhood, a largely Hispanic-American area where all the broke artists live, Alves says. “And I would definitely hit a comedy club.”

The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., has all the famous names, but The iO Theater, 3541 N. Clark St., is cheaper and in Wrigleyville, an entertainment neighborhood, so you can go party nearby after having some laughs.

If you go shopping, stay clear of Michigan Avenue. It’s where all the over-priced brand-name stores are, Alves says. “Go to State Street instead. It has half of the Michigan stores except they are cheaper.”

Recommended bar: Kincade’s, 950 W. Armitage Ave. Where all the expatriate Jayhawks hang out and a great place to catch the Kansas vs. Colorado football game.