“Spring Broke” quickly is approaching. After one more day, we have an entire week of absolute freedom.

Freedom from school, homework and annoying 8 a.m. classes. But where to go?

How about a place where you’re sweating constantly, paying $4.50 for a mai tai with a fancy parasol and constantly questioning exactly what the locals were yelling to you as you passed by on your rented moped?

Why go anywhere? DeKalb can be the hottest destination on any Spring Break itinerary. The best reasons to stay put during “Spring Broke” are:

The weather. It’s taken a turn for the best, and we have prime frisbee-throwing weather on our hands.

The DeKalb winds. Coupled with the warm air, this is a prime kite-flying location.

Smaller crowds at the bars. There finally is one week where anyone can acquire a table at Starbusters on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.

Countless parks in the area. No matter where someone is in DeKalb, a great park is only blocks away and, with everyone picking up and leaving, there won’t be any wait for the swings.

Did we mention no classes? There’s a subtle beauty in sleeping late in your own bed and spending the entire week bedridden, getting up only for cereal and the occasional Saturday morning cartoon.

Golf. DeKalb has two great golf courses. With the weather prime for golfing, you can take advantage of a tee time that‘s not ungodly early.

Melodie Thomas, coordinator of contracts and assignments in NIU’s Administrative Housing Office, said, “Right now, we got 175 students signed up [to stay in the residence halls for Spring Break]; we’ll probably easily have about 50 students come in at the last minute.”

With so few students in DeKalb, it’s like that episode of “Pete and Pete” when little Pete and his friends get locked in the school — this whole place can be your personal playground.

Give Cancun a rest. After all, who needs all that sand in the shoes? Save your money, stay home, build a box fort and enjoy the week.