Winter break is fast approaching, with its bright holiday lights tempting us all at the end of the long dark tunnel that is finals week. Once in the company of family and friends, it’s all too easy to forget the dreary world of Cornell’s campus and unwind. However, the backlash of such a long break is nearly five weeks of likely unemployment and certain family obligations-overload.

In the face of imminent death by boredom or of being cornered by your Aunt Marge, take the initiative this winter to plan, execute and enjoy an expedition far away from school and home. International trips are all the rage this season, giving you a chance to brush up on your foreign language skills and explore new and exotic corners of the globe — not to mention the financial benefits of eating for less than a dollar a meal!

Here is just a smattering of cool expeditions some of your Cornell peers are undertaking this winter.

Costa Rica

Quite possibly the coolest P.E. course ever offered, this Cornell Outdoor Education class spends 10 days teaching students to ascend massive trees in the rainforests of southwestern Costa Rica. Perks of the trip include a night sleeping out nearly 100 feet off the deck, howler monkey sightings and cultural immersion amongst a small, friendly rural community. For those afraid of heights, skip the course and plan your own trip! Costa Rica boasts miles of incredible scenery, from pristine beaches to expansive wildlife preserves to a swinging urban dance scene. Not to be missed are twilight games of fútbol followed by a heaping plate of rice and beans and an ice cold Imperial beer.

Nepal

The grand-daddy of all expeditions, a trip to the highlands of Nepal affords a bird’s eye view of Mt. Everest, the highest point on Earth. While I daresay there are some Cornellians out there who are rich enough and crazy enough to try to climb it, I propose the slightly less-lofty goal of simply trekking through the country, as some of my good friends are preparing to do this January. Breath-taking mountain scenery combined with the cultural experience of the open-air market in Kathmandu make this otherworldly destination one of the top lifetime must-do expeditions.

Mexico

Birds fly south for the winter, and outdoor enthusiasts should follow their example. A secret mecca of rock climbing lies hidden 20 miles outside Monterrey in Central Mexico. Called El Potrero Chico, or “The Little Corral,” this area is home to two of the 50 Classic Climbs of North America, as well as tons of world-class sport climbing on amazing limestone features. Many climbs stretch for thousands of feet up toward spindly towers, yet are located right off the back bumper of your car. The climbing and camping is free, the food is cheap and the locals are beyond friendly. ¿Por qué está esperando?